Category: articles

There’s no doubt automated dropshipping is a brilliant idea, and that’s why it is a priority for all successful entrepreneurs. But how to automate your dropshipping store is the elephant in the room. But worry not; this is the one-stop resource with everything you need to know about dropshipping automation. You will learn;

What Is Automated Dropshipping?

To understand dropshipping automation, it is first essential to comprehend what automation is. In simple terms, automation is the technique of making systems run automatically with no or minimal human intervention. Perhaps a clearer definition is, using technology to replace human intervention in repetitive tasks.

Automation is increasingly becoming a standard, with more and more companies opting to automate tasks. According to a report by McKinsey, today, 50% of work can be automated. Interestingly, automation in eCommerce is growing exponentially, with the latest data showing that by 2025, automation will be handling 95% of customer and retailer interactions.

Now, automated dropshipping is the use of automation tools to perform the mundane tasks involved in dropshipping. As you may be aware, dropshipping involves several activities, most of which are repetitive. In as much as the supplier may handle fulfillment, you still have to constantly find winning products and update the supplier list, manage your store, offer customer support, and market your business.

All the above activities take time and require dedication. But then, you don’t have all day. Assuming you sleep 8 hours, you have just 16 hours to go about your daily business, maybe school or your 9-5 job. This is where automation comes in. For your information, automation can handle 50% of work.

Benefits of Automated Dropshipping

Dropshipping is one of the industries where automation has been a game changer. More and more dropshipping entrepreneurs are investing in automation because of the advantages that come with this technology. Some of the benefits of dropshipping automation include;

The biggest advantage of automation is the fact that it saves a lot of time. You don’t have to waste many hours managing product stocks, adjusting prices, or posting on social media. With automation, you can set everything on autopilot and save many hours that you can allocate to other important tasks.

‘’Employees spend 80% of their time on tasks of little to no importance and just 20% on tasks that matter.’’

They say time is money, and considering automation saves time, it also saves you money in the long run. While investing in automation tools may be expensive, you save a lot of money that you could have otherwise spent on virtual assistants or employees.

Third, automation enhances efficiency as you no longer depend on the manual execution of tasks. At almost every stage, everything falls in place according to the automation rules set. In the long run, you have a systematic workflow free from lags.

You can also entrust automation on matters accuracy. To err is human…but not automation tools. Automation tools are accurate and eliminate the chances of human errors that may lead to losses.

Last, automation helps prevent burnout that results from performing mundane tasks now and then. Manually placing orders and making price adjustments can quickly lead to burnout.

Challenges to expect in dropshipping automation

While automated dropshipping is the way to go, there’s a catch. Yes, there are advantages, but at the same time, you will encounter challenges in dropshipping automation. The major ones are;

Let’s face it; investing in automation tools can be expensive. For example, Easync.io subscription costs start from $50 a month, which can be a lot, especially if your business has not started making money. Remember, you need several tools to fully automate your business, not just Easync.

You also require some technical expertise to implement dropshipping automation. First, you need to know which tool is best for you and how to use the tool to your full advantage. This might be a problem when starting, but after a few days or weeks, you will master the art.

Is Automated Dropshipping For Me?

Before embarking on your mission to automate your dropshipping store, you should ask yourself, is dropshipping automation for you? Dropshipping automation might be working for some, but it is not the best option for others. 

So, who is automation dropshipping for?

Automation can come in handy for dropshipping entrepreneurs who have little or no time to manage their businesses and don’t want to hire virtual assistants for employees. You could have a 9-5 job, so you don’t have the time to handle everything. Automation is also suitable for entrepreneurs with more than one dropshipping store.

However, we don’t recommend automation if you are a beginner. It is best first to handle operations manually to know the ins and outs of dropshipping. Once you know everything, you can now consider automation.

How to Automate Your Dropshipping Business

Now that you know what dropshipping automation is, the benefits, and the challenges to expect, let’s get into the details. How can you automate your dropshipping business? 

There are many ways to automate the main tasks in the dropshipping business model. The activities that can be automated include sales, marketing, and customer service. 

In this main segment of this automated dropshipping guide, check out 10 ways to automate your dropshipping business and take it to the next level.

1. Automate Product Research

Product research is vital whether you are launching your store or already have a running store. You need to ensure that the products you sell are the hottest-selling items and have good profit margins. But how do you find winning products? 

Product research is the answer.

There are many methods for product research, but one stands out – product research tools. As the name suggests, these software solutions enable sellers to find the best dropshipping products in just a few clicks instead of manually looking for products to sell. Product research tools are data-driven, so you can never go wrong with them.

The good thing about product research tools, for example, Easync, is that they can automate the product research process. As you may be aware, in dropshipping, the seller constantly searches for trending products. Considering product research is time-consuming, automation is the answer. Once you have set the rules, you will have an endless list of the best products to sell, when, and at what price.

2. Automate Product Imports and Listings Creation

Finding a winning product is one thing, but having it in your store is another affair. You need to transfer the product details from the supplier’s website to yours. Besides, there is a need to optimize the product description for visibility. All these tasks require time. To make it worse, they are repetitive. 

For example, if you want your store to start with 100 products, creating 100 listings can be tedious. You need to add product titles, product descriptions, specifications, images, etc. For those who have already established stores, you will also be constantly adding new products as time passes. Clearly, you need a backup plan to save valuable time that you could have otherwise spent creating and optimizing listings manually.

Here again, Easync will be a good shot as it can automate listing creation. Just show Easync the products you wish to add to your store, and it will do the heavy lifting. 

3. Automate Inventory Management

Inventory management is an important task in dropshipping. You should always align your inventory with the suppliers. Many businesses fail because of out-of-stock (OOS) inconveniences. You will find that a dropshipping store has listed a particular drone. However, unknown to the seller, the supplier no longer has that particular drone in stock. This is very bad for business, so you should always ensure that whatever product you have listed is available.

But how do you stay on top of inventory, considering things move very fast? What could be available today might be out of stock tomorrow. You can manually monitor and adjust inventory, but this will be time-consuming. Imagine having a session to update stocks daily. Furthermore, this is one boring and mundane task.

The good thing is that dropshipping automation tools like Easync can help you put inventory management on autopilot. Sync your store with the suppliers’ backend and let the system do the job. It updates inventory in real time, so you are sure that whatever is active in your store is available in the supplier’s warehouse. 

4. Automate Pricing and Repricing

Pricing and repricing are essential when running your business. You need to factor in the supplier’s price and add any other costs plus your margin to get the final selling price. It’s important to note that the seller’s price hugely determines the final selling price. Now, as much as you have set the final price, you should be aware that there may be fluctuations in the seller’s price, so you should always reprice items to prevent losses.

Unfortunately, setting and adjusting prices can be hectic, especially if you have many products. The fact that you need to update prices frequently makes matters worse. So, what’s the solution? Well…automation.

A tool like Easync will come in handy here. It can help you calculate and adjust prices in real time, ensuring you sell products at the right price. Besides simplifying pricing and repricing, Easync eliminates human errors.

5. Automate Order Processing

In the dropshipping fulfillment model, the supplier sends the product to the customer. As the seller on record, you have no business shipping the order. However, you are responsible for informing the supplier by ordering the item that has been bought.

You can manually take care of the order processing when starting, as you don’t have much. But think of when you start receiving more than a dozen orders daily, or even hundreds. Manual ordering will be hectic, and you can make errors. Besides the tedious process of ordering products manually, you need to be prompt to shorten delivery turnaround. Remember, the earlier the order is shipped, the better for your business.

For efficiency, you’d rather automate the ordering process. We have tools such as Easync that will automatically order the product from the supplier immediately after an order is placed. This way, the supplier will dispatch the order faster, and moreso, you will have ample time to focus on other aspects of the business as the ordering process is on autopilot.

6. Automate Order Tracking Updates

According to statistics, 78% of customers say they will not buy from brands that don’t give regular updates on order status. Interestingly, 29% want to know the real-time location of their order, while 49% are much more concerned about the expected arrival time. This means you should always send updates on order status.

If you are handling just a handful of orders, you can manually manage sending customer updates. But what if your store is already established and processes thousands of orders monthly? You definitely have to think of a way to simplify things.

Your best shot will be automating order tracking updates. Instead of sending updates manually, automate the process. This will save you a lot of time, which you can allocate to marketing and customer support. Besides, automation is prompt and will eliminate human errors like sending the wrong tracking information.

7. Automate Customer Service

There’s no doubt customer support is fundamental to the success of businesses. Dropshipping is not an exception. According to statistics, 64% of businesses acknowledge that customer service translates to growth in sales. Having said that, you must have a robust customer service infrastructure to ensure no customer message or inquiry falls through the cracks.

But then, you may not be available full-time to offer customer support, and at times, you may have many customers waiting for your help. In this case, you are overwhelmed, and hiring a virtual customer support agent is probably out of the question. So, what do you do?

Automation is the answer. Yes. You can automate customer support in several ways. First, you can create a digital self-service library. This can be a help center with all the frequently asked questions and their answers, user guides, tutorials, and other resources. This way, customers can find solutions to their issues without contacting you. There’s also the option of chatbots. These are scripts that help customers perform the basics, for example, choosing a product, making a purchase, redeeming coupons, and so on.

8. Automate Email Marketing

Email marketing is one of the best marketing strategies to promote your dropshipping business. It is a data-driven, measurable, and effective marketing channel that allows you to target specific market segments and customer bases. With email marketing, you are guaranteed growth in sales, increased traffic, repeat sales, and loyal customers.

But then, it is not easy to implement email marketing. First, you need to collect and build a healthy email list. Next, you need to personalize and send out emails, be it order delivery emails, cross-selling emails, etc. All this requires time and is tedious work, considering there are many emails to be sent, from transactional to promotional.

Instead of finding emails manually, a tool like MailChimp will help you automate email collection. You can even leverage it to build an email list and do list cleanups to ensure a healthy list. With MailChimp, you can also automate email personalization and send emails in bulk, thus saving you a lot of time.

9. Automate Social Media Management

Social media is one of the best marketing channels that can scale dropshipping businesses from zero orders to thousands of orders in no time. Considering half of the world’s population is on social media, this is an avenue you don’t want to miss. 

To reap the benefits of social media, your store needs a solid online social media presence. Find which platforms work best for you, depending on your niche. Then, curate content that resonates with your brand and products. For effective results, you need to post regularly to earn the trust of your audience and, importantly, to increase engagement. But do you have time to post on all your social media? No.

The good news, however, is you can automate social media posting. Instead of always rushing to find something to post, find time to schedule posts and free up time to focus on other aspects of the business. Some tools to automate social media posting include Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social. Another idea is installing Facebook Pixel to run automated retargeting ads

10. Automate Reviews

Social proof can go a long way in ensuring your dropshipping store succeeds, and your brand grows. This is because consumers trust reviews. According to statistics, over 84% of buyers trust reviews just like they trust personal recommendations.

But then, getting these reviews is a problem now that you have dozens of products. You may also have thousands of buyers, so manually asking them to leave a review can be hectic.

But with automation, you can set the system such that a notification is sent automatically to the buyer, asking them to leave a product review after a purchase. You can also program the tool to show the positive reviews first and maybe hide negative reviews.

Can Dropshipping Be Fully Automated?

Indeed, there are many ways to automate your business. But the big question is, can you fully automate dropshipping?

Yes, you can automate your dropshipping business fully. Every operation, from product research to order fulfillment, can be automated. But then, as a savvy entrepreneur, you need to be aware of the hiccups. 

Technology sometimes fails, so you must monitor everything closely. In some cases, for example, customer support, automation doesn’t always work as AI can’t have all the solutions. Technology will also, from time to time, require your input, for example, setting and adjusting automation rules.

All said and done, you can fully automate your dropshipping, but you should be in the loop of everything happening to stay in charge of the business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is AliExpress dropshipping automated?

By default, AliExpress dropshipping is not automated. However, there are many tools out there that can help you automate AliExpress dropshipping. These tools sync your store with AliExpress and manage the ordering process autonomously.

2. Is dropshipping automation worth it?

Yes. Automated dropshipping is worth the effort. With automation, you save time, enhance efficiency, and eliminate human errors and burnout resulting from mundane tasks.

3. How does dropshipping automation work?

In dropshipping automation, software handles all the mundane and repetitive tasks. For example, there are software that enables sellers to find winning products automatically and import them to your store. We also have systems that create listings, align inventories and pricing, and even transfer orders to the supplier for fulfillment.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks: a guide on how to automate your dropshipping business in 10 ways. As you have seen, you can automate several sales tasks, including product research, creating listings, inventory management, and the ordering process. Marketing, too, can be automated using automated emails and social media automation tools. Chatbots can also come in handy, offering support on basic issues. 

Regarding automation, the tools you use can be the deal-maker or breaker. Always go for robust tools with a good reputation, for example, Easync.io, an all-in-one dropshipping tool. It boasts excellent features to streamline operations for efficiency. Get your Easync 7-day free trial and get a feel of how easy it is to run an automated dropshipping business.

Do you want to start Amazon UK dropshipping in 2023 but don’t know where to start now that you are a beginner? Well, heave a sigh of relief as you are at the right place – a one-stop resource where you will learn everything you need to know as a beginner. At the end of the article, you will learn;

Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Amazon UK dropshipping is dropshipping on Amazon’s UK marketplace. Amazon has marketplaces in several countries, each with its own platform. In the Amazon UK dropshipping model, you list your products on the amazon.co.uk website.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Amazon UK Dropshipping

Amazon UK dropshipping has both advantages and disadvantages, as listed below.

Pros

You don’t need inventory or incur any warehousing and logistics costs to start selling with dropshipping fulfillment successfully. Dropshipping is also a low-risk investment, considering you are not buying any merchandise. Amazon dropshipping also gives you flexibility, as you can sell any product anywhere from the comfort of your home. You can also start selling immediately and scale the business as the supplier handles fulfillment. Besides, there are many opportunities in automation.

Cons

On the downside, dropshipping is very competitive as one of the fastest-rising online markets. The margins are also lower compared to the wholesale model. The other shortcoming is a lack of control over inventory and product quality, as you don’t have inventory and can’t vet product quality before it’s sent to the customer. Shipping turnaround is slower, and you will always be in constant pursuit of winning products. Last, the registration process is long as you are required to take a video of yourself holding your government-issued card.

Is Amazon UK Dropshipping Still Profitable?

In recent years, after the surge of dropshipping and competition, many have claimed that dropshipping is dead, but it isn’t. The truth of the matter is that dropshipping, especially Amazon UK dropshipping, is still a viable business despite its paltry 10% to 20% success rate. Yes, dropshipping is competitive, but there are opportunities for success. The average dropshipper makes $2,000 monthly, while expert-level dropshippers with established stores average $10,000 monthly.

Why Amazon UK Dropshipping

Amazon, the biggest eCommerce website, is undoubtedly one of the best places to start your dropshipping business. While you may have to spend on marketing to stand tall, you already have a customer base.

Amazon itself is one of the biggest online marketplaces in the UK, with 86% of UK consumers buying on the platform. Interestingly, Amazon UK web traffic was 579.5 million in November 2020 and has grown exponentially. So you made a good choice to sell on Amazon UK. Now, the big question is, why Amazon UK and not any other Amazon platforms? 

Well, the answer is low competition. Amazon UK has less competition compared to Amazon US. According to statistics, there were less than 300,000 sellers on Amazon UK in 2019, compared to Amazon US’s 1.1 million. The lower the competition, the higher the opportunities for success. Besides, the 3.6% desktop conversion for the UK market is something worth smiling about as an entrepreneur.

Is Amazon UK Dropshipping Legal? 

Amazon dropshipping in the UK is allowed, but as with any other business, you should be conversant with both Amazon and UK laws. Amazon has set policies to ensure consistent customer experience.

One of the crucial policies is regarding information that can be printed on the packing slip or any other communication to the customer. All package slip invoices and other materials must bear your name as the seller on record. The shipment should not contain the supplier’s details or any other seller apart from you. It is also your responsibility to handle returns. Basically, selling on Amazon is allowed if you adhere to the seller agreement and all applicable Amazon policies.

Regarding the laws of the UK, know that a dropshipping business is the same as any other online trade, so you have legal responsibilities. You are supposed to have a license and register for tax as an individual or sole trader. Similarly, you will need to register and report Corporation Tax. Your business will also be subject to the Consumer Rights Acts, Consumer Protection Laws, Truth In Advertising Laws, etc.

How To Start Amazon UK Dropshipping: Step-By-Step Guide

To the main agenda, how do you start Amazon UK dropshipping? What do you need to get started? Here is a step-by-step on how to start a dropshipping business on the Amazon UK platform.

Step 1: Niche, Product, and Supplier Research

Research is vital to the success of your dropshipping business. You need to do proper research to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, many sellers fail because they are in the wrong niche, are selling the wrong product, or are dealing with the wrong supplier. The three, niche, product, and supplier, can be the deal maker or breaker. You need to do proper research before starting.

How to Find a Dropshipping Niche

A niche enables you to build a focused audience that will form the basis of your marketing campaign. A niche will also help you find the best products that meet the needs of your audience and make their life simple.

You can focus on many niches, including fashion, jewelry, automotive, hair & beauty, sports & fitness, pet supplies, home & gardening, kids & toys, electronics, and so on. So, what’s the best niche for UK Amazon dropshipping?

Well, it is hard to say which is the best niche, but from the recent trends, hair & beauty, fashion, and automotive do very well. When finding a niche, it is recommended that you go for one you have passion for to succeed. You also have to choose between trendy and steady niches. Trendy niches are seasonal, while steady niches are in demand all year round – the latter is the best.

How to Find a Winning Product

Finding a winning product is perhaps the most critical stage in launching your business. The big question is, what is the best Amazon UK dropshipping product? Many businesses fail because they sell what their audiences don’t want. Thus, product research is fundamental.

Take your time and find that product that meets the criteria of a winning product. As you know, a winning product should;

Now, there are many ways of finding a winning product. You can check trending products, audit Amazon UK sellers, research product videos, etc. But the best bet is using product research tools. A good example is Easync, which comes with a tool called Amazon Product Finder to help you find the best products to sell on your Amazon store.

NOTE: Amazon UK restricts sellers from listing some products. There are also category restrictions, so make sure to go through the restricted items and categories page on Amazon UK.

How to Find an Amazon UK Dropshipping Supplier

Once you have a product in mind, the next step is finding a reliable supplier. The supplier is an essential player in the dropshipping business model as they affect key dynamics, including;

The best supplier should guarantee excellent product quality and should, have enough inventory and communicate any changes on time. The supplier should also have a reliable logistics infrastructure to ensure fast shipping.

Below is a checklist of the best suppliers for Amazon dropshipping.

When dropshipping on Amazon UK, you can work with suppliers in the UK or internationally suppliers. The former is the best if you want fast shipping, while the latter gives you a wide range of product options and low prices. Some of the best UK suppliers to work with include TB Trade, Manchester Wholesale, Go Drop Ship, and Clothes to Order (C2O), just to mention a few.

84% of eCommerce retailers say securing a good supplier is the biggest obstacle to starting a dropshipping business. (Fundera)

There are several ways of finding dropshipping suppliers for your Amazon UK dropshipping store. You can contact suppliers directly, go through supplier directories, or order from your competition. But here again, a dropshipping tool is the best. For example, Easync links you with some of the best suppliers, including AliExpress, one of the best dropshipping suppliers. 

Step 2: Creating an Amazon UK Seller Account

To sell on Amazon UK, you need an Amazon UK seller account, popularly known as Seller Central. So, how do you get Amazon Seller Central? Is Amazon Seller Central free? Let’s find out.

How to Get an Amazon Seller Central Account

To get an Amazon Seller Central account, you need the following;

Go to the Seller Central registration page here – https://sellercentral.amazon.com./ Feed all the required information, abide by the terms, and complete the account setup. The last step is confirming the email address, and you are good to go.

How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Amazon?

Getting an Amazon seller account is free, but you don’t sell for free. There are 2 plans: Individual and Professional. As a beginner, we recommend going for an Individual account and upgrading as more sales start tricking in.

The Individual Plan is free, but you are charged £0.75 / item sold, excluding VAT + additional selling fee. This account is ideal if you sell less than 35 items monthly and don’t want to advertise products, qualify for top rankings, use advanced tools, or sell in restricted categories.

On the other hand, the Professional Plan is not free as you have to pay £25 per month as subscription fees, excluding VAT + additional selling fees. The Professional Plan is suitable if you want to sell more than 35 items and advertise products, qualify for top placements, use advanced tools such as API, or sell products in restricted categories.

Step 3: Creating Product Listings

Now you have an Amazon store. The next thing is to create product listings. Before getting started, look around the product description creation page and find out how it works. The goal here is to create proper product listings that rank and convince customers that this is the product they want. 

But the elephant in the room is, what makes a good Amazon product listing?

Amazon Rules On Creating Listings

To start, Amazon has rules and regulations that dictate how product descriptions should look like. You should write clearly and concisely, and the description should include product-related information only. Don’t promote any other product. Promotional messages and testimonials/quotes should not be included.

When it comes to the product title, it should describe the product, its use, and whom it is for. The product description, on the other hand, should be as short as possible and as long as necessary, highlighting the benefits and value of the product without being too salesy. A list with bullets would make the description even better and easy to scheme through. Nothing should be left to chance. All the information, including sizes, size charts, color, book editions, delivery timelines, shipping charges, etc., should be made available.

Another talking point is the images. Make sure to have HD images of the product from different angles. The more the images, the better. Perhaps you can add a video for a better shopping experience.

75% of online shoppers decide whether or not to buy an item based on product images.

Step 4: Calculating Prices

This is a crucial stage as it involves the main cogs of the business – finances. There are a few things you need to know here.

First, decide on the products you want to sell. Remember that high-ticket items move slowly but have high margins, while low-ticket items move faster but have very low margins, so you need high-volume sales to make it even.

Next, decide on the margins you want. Here, we recommend starting with low margins to get a competitive edge. After you start getting traction, you can increase your profits. It will be essential to check what other competitors are doing. Just make sure you are selling your products at a slightly cheaper price.

Last, factor in all the costs when calculating your selling price. Many Amazon dropshippers fail here as they focus on the buying price, forgetting costs such as store and per-item fees, taxes, and shipping costs where applicable.

Step 5: Marketing

How do you bring in sales? Marketing…marketing…marketing. Amazon is an established brand that boasts high traffic volume, so you are a step ahead compared to a dropshipper who has established his store. But still, You need to stay on top of the game, considering you are facing stiff competition from other sellers. So, what are your marketing options?

Ads

Now that you are selling on Amazon, you don’t need to focus much on SEO. Your best marketing channel will be ads. Ads have impressive conversion rates and are easily scalable. As far as ads are concerned, you have two options;

• Amazon Ads
• External PPC Ads

Amazon Ads, also known as Sponsored Ads, is basically Amazon’s version of CPC as we know it. You can leverage this tool to increase product visibility, get more leads, and sell efficiently. There are 3 Ad types: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display Ads. You can choose what works for you. The good thing is there’s no start-up fee, and you can start with a small budget.

External Ads can also come in handy. You can choose Google Ads, an affordable platform with a 2.85% conversion rate. Facebook Ads remains the best channel, with a 9.21% conversion rate. Other options include Instagram Ads and TikTok Ads. 

Email Marketing

An email marketing plan will be vital to your marketing artillery. Email marketing is affordable, easy to implement, and has a higher ROI. Start by collecting emails, and after building a healthy email list, launch a campaign. You can use a tool like MailChimp for this.

Free Shipping and Discounts

According to recent statistics, free shipping is among the things that can trigger instant purchases. According to statistics, 73% of consumers are more likely to purchase online items with free shipping(Statista), while 90% of consumers would shop more often online if free shipping is available (Marketing Land).

Discounts entice customers. Set a budget for discounts, as small as they may be. They will ultimately enable you to increase sales and boost your reputation and loyalty.

How To Scale Your Amazon UK Dropshipping Business

To stay on top of market demands, enhance efficiency, and increase profit margins, you need to think of how to scale your business. One of the best ways of scaling is automating your dropshipping business.

You see, in as much as the supplier is responsible for fulfillment, you have a lot in hand. You will need to find winning products, research suppliers, create listings, manage inventory, reprice items, and order products from suppliers. To improve efficiency and eliminate human errors, we recommend automating your business. With tools such as Easync, you can save a lot of time that you can allocate to marketing and customer service.

Customer service will also be vital for your business. Understand that the customer is king, and that message you are neglecting could be a sale and a potential loyal customer. Customers believe good customer service is the beginning of a smooth shopping experience. Great service yields loyal customers and positive ratings and reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Amazon dropshipping legal in the UK? 

Amazon dropshipping is legal in the UK. But you will have to adhere to all the licensing and tax requirements. Amazon UK also allows dropshipping, but make sure to follow the Amazon UK seller’s policies lest you get your account banned.

2. Is Amazon dropshipping profitable UK?

Yes. Amazon dropshipping UK is profitable, considering the UK has higher conversion rates, and suppliers offer fantastic margins. With proper strategy, you should be able to create a passive income with Amazon dropshipping UK.

3. What sells best on dropshipping in the UK?

It’s hard to say what sells best in the UK as times are moving fast, and as is the norm, what sells today may not sell tomorrow. You can, however, check the best sellers tab on the Amazon UK website to see what is being bought most. Another option is using product research tools.

4. How many hours do Amazon dropshippers in the UK work?

Well, it all depends on the stage at which the business is and the level of automation. But on average, to make £2,000, you will be working around 10 to 15 hours weekly.

5. Do you need a license to dropship to the UK?

If you want to dropship to Amazon UK, and you live in the UK, you will definitely need a license to avoid rubbing shoulders with the authorities., Also, pay taxes accordingly.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this guide on how to start Amazon UK dropshipping in 2023. As you have seen, Amazon UK dropshipping is a worthy venture that can turn your fortunes. However, you need to lay down a robust strategy to succeed. The first step is identifying a niche, a product, and reliable suppliers. Then, create a store, list products, calculate pricing, and start marketing. Orders will start flowing in. 

But don’t rest just yet. You will also need to offer excellent customer service and automate the business. Easync is the go-to dropshipping automation tool that will help you automate all mundane tasks, including product research, listing creation, inventory management, repricing, and ordering. Start your 7-day free trial today and scale your business to greater heights!

Dropshipping vs. Wholesale – This is among the hottest debates but tell you what, none is better than the other. It all comes down to the kind of business you want to model. The simplicity of starting dropshipping will favor some, while others will find it better to go all the way with wholesale.

If you are not sure which is the best model for you, keep it right here. In the end, you will learn;

What Is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a pretty new distribution model where the seller who is the dropshipper doesn’t own the inventory they are selling. Instead, they buy the product once an order is made and transfer it to the supplier, who sends it to the customer.

Just to clear the air, there is a new variant of dropshipping dubbed bulk dropshipping. Here, dropshippers buy products in bulk, list them, and handle fulfillment themselves or through tools such as Easync or 3rd party logistics companies.

Bulk dropshipping is a new trend that dropshipping businesses are using. Say you find an item at 50% off the normal price on a sale. You can grab a few pieces or a dozen and sell them at the normal price after the sale ends. But do this on products you can sell fast, so your money doesn’t lie just there.

The dropshipping business model has witnessed exponential growth in the last few years, particularly after the pandemic, when consumers went online shopping full throttle. 

According to statistics, the global dropshipping market was valued at USD 162.44 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.3%, blossoming USD 591.77 billion industry by 2027. Interestingly, more and more retailers favor dropshipping as the preferred fulfillment method.

How Does Dropshipping Work?

From the earlier definition, dropshipping sounds pretty easy, but a lot is involved. You will need to do product research, supplier research, create an online store, create listings, manage inventory and pricing, and offer customer service. 

But is dropshipping profitable?

Well, in dropshipping, the dropshipper adds markup on the supplier’s price, and when the order is fulfilled, they keep the profit. Even though many claim that dropshipping is dead because of the paltry 10% to 20% success rate, it is still a worthy venture considering the margins fall between 20% and 40%. As for earnings, the average dropshipper makes $2,000 monthly, while top earners make an average of $10,000 or even more.

Pros of Dropshipping

Dropshipping is among the most lucrative online ventures. Below are some of the benefits of this model and why it is a favorite for many entrepreneurs.

1. Low-Capital Venture

The main advantage of dropshipping is that it is a low-cost venture you can start without money as you don’t need to own inventory and foot warehousing costs. You can start dropshipping immediately after you have identified a winning product and have a store. While it is hard to say how much you need to start dropshipping, many have succeeded with as little as $100. 

2. Low-Risk Investment

Second, dropshipping is a low-risk investment. Now that you don’t own inventory, you have no worries about getting stuck with dead stock. If a product in your shop is trendy today but goes out of fashion tomorrow, that’s the problem of the supplier who remains with their dead stock. As a dropshipper, you move on by delisting products that are not moving and finding new winning products in demand.

3. Great Flexibility

You also get great flexibility with dropshipping. Unlike other businesses, you don’t have to spend all your working hours on your store. As suggested by Shopify, one of the big guns in the dropshipping industry, you need just 10 to 15 hours per week to make $2000 monthly. Besides, you can work from anywhere and even automate some processes. Dropshipping tools, such as Easync, can automate processes such as;

4. Broad Reach and Product Selection

With dropshipping, you are not limited when it comes to your market reach. Besides the flexibility of working from home, you can source products from all corners of the world and sell them anywhere globally. In addition, you can sell anything. You can try jewelry today and switch to a health & beauty or sports & fitness product that is trending anytime. 

5. Easily Scalable

Last, dropshipping is a simple business to scale now that the supplier handles fulfillment (product sourcing, packaging, shipping, etc. You remain with a lot of time to focus on the important stuff, particularly marketing and customer service. Automation is also possible so you can, in the long run, put your business on autopilot.

Cons of Dropshipping

On the contrary, you will encounter some dropshipping challenges, especially as a beginner. Below are the 3 main disadvantages of dropshipping

1. Stiff Competition

Dropshipping is the talk of the town, attracting many entrepreneurs. In fact, Shopify estimates that there are over a million dropshippers. What that means is dropshipping is a flooded space with stiff competition. But with the right strategy, you can still stand tall and make a kill. Besides having many entrepreneurs, dropshipping margins are lower, translating to low profits.

2. No Total Control Over the Business

In dropshipping, you have no full control of the business. To start, maybe you are relying on a marketplace that can ban you anytime. You also have no control of inventory and are likely to run out of stock or sell substandard products that may hurt your brand unless you are into Print-on-Demand dropshipping. Considering you are not involved in fulfillment, you also have no control over shipping times, packaging, and the final customer experience.

What is Wholesale Distribution?

The wholesale model differs from dropshipping from many angles, including capital, control of inventory, and so much more. The wholesale model has been here for a while and remains a dominant distribution method. In this model, you, as a business owner, need to have inventory. That means you need to have enough money to buy and store merchandise in bulk and sell as you go.

Even though dropshipping is quickly gaining traction, wholesale distribution is still here to stay. There are several advantages of wholesale distribution, including lower prices, control of the business, and so on. The wholesale model is best for markets with high demand for bulk orders.

How Wholesale Distribution Works

Now, how does the wholesale model work? First, you need the capital to buy the merchandise in bulk. Besides, you need to have plans for a warehouse and inventory management system. Once an order is placed, it’s your responsibility to package the product and have it shipped to the customer.

Pros of the Wholesale Model

The wholesale model sounds riskier and more time-consuming but has many advantages. Below are the benefits of wholesale distribution.

1. Higher Margins

In the wholesale model, you could be spending a huge sum to purchase bulk merchandise, but there are advantages that come along with the huge investment. Now that you are buying the products in bulk, you get wholesale pricing, which means better margins than in the dropshipping model, where you buy a single piece at a higher price. 

2. Fixed Margins

You can also be sure of fixed margins, as price fluctuations do not sanction the wholesale model. Once you have identified a product and calculated how much it will give you, you can be sure of getting the exact margin you anticipated. This is unlike in dropshipping, where suppliers fluctuate prices.

3. Control Over Inventory

Another advantage of the wholesale method is the control over inventory. Now that you have the merchandise in your warehouse, you don’t have to be wary of suppliers’ out-of-stock (OOS) emails and notifications, yet you have an order. You will also be able to take good care of the product so that it remains in its new condition even after months.

4. Control Over Quality

With the wholesale model, you have the products in hand, so you can quickly grab a single piece and check its quality. Better still, your supplier should have sent you a sample before making the final purchase in bulk. This way, you will not hurt your brand by sending your customer a wrong, defective, or low-quality product.

5. Control Over Fulfillment

Another huge advantage is the full control of fulfillment. As mentioned earlier, you are responsible for fulfillment in the wholesale model. That means you are responsible for packaging the products and sending them to the customer. This gives you the power to brand packaging and even streamline logistics to guarantee fast shipping. Proper communication with the customer on order status is also more efficient.

Did You Know!

On average, online businesses that pay attention to packaging register a 30% increase in consumer interest.

Cons Of Wholesale

The wholesale method has several advantages, but at the same time, there are disadvantages. In this section, check out challenges that you may encounter.

1. High Investment Costs

The biggest challenge with the wholesale model is the high investment cost. As you may be aware, you need to buy products in bulk, and that could set you back quite a lot, especially when buying from manufacturers and suppliers with high MOQs. And remember, you will still have to get warehousing premises and warehouse management software. Besides, packaging is all on you, and so is shipping logistics.

2. Slow Sales

Another major challenge with the wholesale model is slow sales. Definitely, you can’t start selling immediately as you will have to wait for the shipment to arrive, and considering it is a bulk purchase, the arrival may take longer. You will probably have to handle warehousing, packaging, and marketing. To make matters worse, you may be burdened to sell stocks in a limited time to cover other expenses.

Dropshipping vs. Wholesale: What’s The Best Choice For You?

Now that you know a thing or two about how dropshipping and wholesale models work, it’s time to go into the finer details. In this segment, we have compared the two models based on the essential factors that should inform your decision. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

Some of the critical questions to ask yourself include;

• How much money do you have
• How fast do you want to start selling 
• How much control do you want? 

	Dropshipping	Wholesale
Capital	Low capital investment	High capital investment
Getting Started	Start selling immediately	Takes time
Quality Assurance	No control over the quality	Control over quality
Fulfillment	Dropshipping Supplier	Process own orders

1. Capital

How much money do you have for investment? This is a key determinant of the business model you will go for. If you want to go for dropshipping, you don’t need as much money, but if you want to go with wholesale, you will need a lot of money.

You don’t need much money with dropshipping, mainly because you don’t need to buy inventory. The model allows you to sell products you don’t have in hand. Considering you don’t need inventory, you also don’t have any warehousing and storage costs. So, how much money do you need to start dropshipping? Well, it’s hard to say a figure but to start a good dropshipping business, you need $100 – $200. These funds will cover store creation, marketplace fees, dropshipping tools subscription, and marketing costs.

On the other hand, with the wholesale model, you need money to purchase the products. The amount of money depends on whether you are selling low-ticket or high-ticket items. Regardless of the value of the items, the bottomline is, you need money to buy inventory. Once your goods arrive, you will need a place to store them, maybe a warehouse if there are many products, or even a spare bedroom at home if you sell small items. You will also need a sales channel, probably an online store or marketplace, and cater to marketing costs.

2. Getting Started 

How fast do you want to get started? Maybe you want to prepare early for the Christmas season, or it is already Christmas, so you need to start selling Christmas products immediately before the season ends. Your immediacy should also influence the model you go for. Dropshipping is best if you want to start selling immediately, but you can consider wholesale if there is no hurry.

With dropshipping, you can start selling in minutes. If you have just discovered a trendy niche and have a product in mind, go for dropshipping. Little is required once you have found a niche, a winning product, and a supplier. The next step will be creating a store, be it a website or marketplace seller account, listing the product, and promoting it. You will be ready to start selling. All this can be done in hours or a day if you want.

In the case of wholesale, it is suitable for steady niches only and if you are not in a hurry to start selling. Many processes are involved, including finding a product and a supplier with enough stock. You might also want a sample before paying for the bulk order. Other time-intensive activities include waiting for the shipment, finding a warehouse, paperwork with 3PL companies, packaging options, and maybe licensing and taxes. 

3. Quality Assurance

To succeed in business, quality is fundamental. Many businesses fail because of selling substandard, defective, or wrong items, often triggering returns. If you want to stay on top of product quality, you need to choose your fulfillment method wisely.

With dropshipping, you don’t have control over product quality as you don’t handle the product at any stage of the fulfillment process. Instead, the supplier sends the product directly to the customer. That said, you have no way of knowing about the quality of products unless you order a product yourself to assess quality. But this is not a good idea, especially if you are on a budget.

Wholesale is the best option for those who want to be sure of the product quality, as you can order a sample. What’s more? You have the inventory, and importantly, you are responsible for shipping the product, so you can make sure every item sent to the customer is of high quality, has no defects, and is the correct item per the product’s description on your store.

4. Fulfillment

Who is responsible for fulfilling the orders? Do you have the resources to fulfill the orders? This is an important question, as fulfillment is a crucial stage in the cycle as it impacts stress levels in operations and customer satisfaction. If you have too much at hand, dropshipping will be the best option, but if you think you have all the time and resources and want total control of the business, go for the wholesale model.

In the dropshipping model, the supplier handles all the operations, so it is the best model if you are a beginner and have too much to handle. Your only role will be transferring the order to the supplier, handling communication with the customer, and ensuring returns are handled as per your store’s policy and the supplier’s.

For those who want to stay on top of their business from A to Z, wholesale is a great idea, as you are responsible for fulfillment. To start, you control inventory, so you won’t have any out-of-stock upsets. Packaging, too, is your responsibility, so you remain in charge of your branding. Lastly, you can streamline operations and ensure the product reaches the customer faster than in dropshipping, where most suppliers take long to deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is dropshipping still a good business model?

Yes. Dropshipping is a good business model for online entrepreneurs who want to start an online business with low capital. The fact that you don’t need inventory makes it a low-cost investment, as you can start with less than $100.

2. Is dropshipping better than wholesale?

Dropshipping is better than wholesale if you want a venture that is not capital-intensive. However, profitwise, wholesale is the best model as you get wholesale prices now that you are buying in bulk.

3. Can dropshipping replace wholesale?

Even though dropshipping is growing at a speedy rate, it cannot outshine wholesale in the long run. The two distribution methods are here to stay and are, in fact, interdependent and in a single ecosystem.

4. What are the disadvantages of dropshipping?

Among the disadvantages of dropshipping is the stiff competition considering there are over a million dropshippers. But with the right strategy, you can succeed.

Dropshipping vs. Wholesale: The Verdict

That’s the end of this dropshipping vs. wholesale comparison review. So, what’s the best option? Well, if you have huge capital, wholesale is the best because it is more profitable at the end of the day. But dropshipping sounds like the best idea as it is a low-risk investment. It doesn’t require huge capital, and you can start selling immediately. 

But to succeed in dropshipping, you need a proper strategy and a dropshipping tool like Easync.io. Trusted by over 30,000 successful stores, Easync dropshipping tool will help you in product research, supplier research, automation, and even fulfillment. If you want to start dropshipping, start your Easync 7-day free trial today!

How much do you need to start a dropshipping business? Can you start a successful dropshipping business with no money? If the above are among the questions lingering on your mind, keep reading. 

In the end, you will learn the following;

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment model where a seller lists products on their online store without keeping inventory. When the seller gets an order, the order is transferred to a manufacturer or supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. 

So, how does the seller make money?

Well, it’s pretty straightforward. Say the manufacturer or supplier sells a dress for $15; the dropshipper will list the product on their website for $25. The difference, which is $10, is what the dropshipper keeps as their profit after all expenses have been paid for, including shipping costs if there is no free shipping.

Is Dropshipping Still Profitable?

Before going deeper, let’s find out whether dropshipping is still profitable. Many entrepreneurs believe that dropshipping is dead, but it is not. 

Dropshipping is growing exponentially. It’s projected to blossom into a $500 billion industry by 2027. More interestingly, data from Forrest Research shows that over 23% of global online orders in 2017 were fulfilled through dropshipping, and the trend is witnessing a steady rise as there is more profit in dropshipping versus having own inventory

Advantages of Dropshipping

Dropshipping has several advantages over other fulfillment methods. That’s why the interest in dropshipping is skyrocketing. 

Below are the main reasons to consider dropshipping.

Dropshipping is a low-risk investment as you can launch your business and sell without owning inventory. It’s also flexible because you can run your business from anywhere and make passive income. 

Dropshipping is also a clever investment as it allows you to sell anything you can think of as long as it is a winning product, be it the latest waist trainers in the sports and fitness niche or even a car alarm in the automotive niche. 

You can also sell globally, giving you better reach. Notably, it is also easily scalable as you have more time to take care of the core aspects, such as marketing, and customer service, now that the suppliers handle fulfillment.

The Challenges to Expect

Dropshipping is among the most lucrative ventures, but there are challenges. These challenges keep the dropshipping success rate at around 10-20%, which can be quite discouraging. But as long as you fill all the bases and find ways to mitigate some of these challenges, you can succeed. 

So, what are some of the dropshipping challenges to expect?

The biggest challenge dropshippers face is competition. As an emerging online market, many entrepreneurs are heavily involved in dropshipping. The result is low-profit margins, especially in a crowded niche.

The fact that the supplier handles the fulfillment means your business entirely relies on them. Sadly, many beginner dropshippers fail to do proper supplier and product research and end up selling the wrong product and working with unreliable suppliers, ultimately leading to unnecessary returns and order cancellation. Remember, shipping turnaround is a critical dynamic in the success of your business.

How Much Money Can Be Made From Dropshipping?

As a visionary entrepreneur, the most critical question to ask yourself is, how much money can you make from dropshipping? Well, it is hard to answer this question as the success of your business will be decided by your input. 

One thing you should know is that dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Most YouTube streamers will tell you they make $100k monthly, but it’s all lies, though there are successful businesses that make that much. 

So, what are the numbers saying?

To start, the margins are between 20% and 40% for most dropshippers. Regarding monthly profits, it depends on how well-established the business is. On average, a well-established store will make around $2,000 a month, while stores run by experts can fetch up to $10,000 a month or even more. 

A good example is eBay dropshipping, where an average eBay dropshipper processes around 1,000 orders making an average monthly profit of $2,587. The established eBay dropshipping stores can process around 4,759 orders a month, raking in an average of $12,706 monthly.

Even though the success rate of dropshipping is low, these numbers should give you the psyche to give dropshipping a try.

NB: Dropshipping has made many rich, including millionaires such as Tze Hing Chan, Cole Turner, and the duo of Andreas Koenig and Alexander Peckajust, to mention a few.

Can You Start a Dropshipping Business Without Money?

One of the most common questions regarding dropshipping is whether one can start a dropshipping store with no money. This is a controversial question. Many claim it is possible, while others assert it is impossible. We will separate the wheat from the chaff in this segment.

Technically, you can start a dropshipping store with $0 now that you don’t need to have the inventory you sell. There are also free options for building a store. But remember, there is a difference between launching just any other dropshipping store and a successful dropshipping store.

In this article, we want to focus more on launching a successful store that can bring you an extra source of income, not just an average store that brings in no sales. To ensure you get the most out of this guide, we will discuss what you need and the costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Successful Dropshipping Business?

To start a successful dropshipping business, you will need to find find the right niche and a winning product. Next, you will have to find a supplier, create listings, and scale the business. It is also essential to have reliable customer support. Some of these costs may not necessarily require money, but others will.

1. Finding a Niche

One of the reasons many dropshipping businesses fail is because of selling anything and everything. To succeed, you must find a good niche with products that are in demand, with good margins, and are less competitive.

Finding a niche is a fundamental step but shouldn’t be a bother, as you can find profitable niches by checking out what expert dropshippers are saying and what other successful dropshipping stores are selling. There are also many dropshipping blogs and courses out there that can give you key insights. You should also keep up with the trends to know what are the upcoming niches.

Just to mention, there are two types of dropshipping niches; steady and trendy. The former are evergreen throughout the year, while the latter are seasonal niches. Steady niches are the best.

Some of the best dropshipping niches in 2023 include health & beauty care, women’s fashion, jewelry and watches, toys and baby products, home improvement tools, phone cases, and pet supplies.

As far as finding a niche is concerned, you can do without a single cent.

2. Product Research

Now that you have a perfect niche, the next stage is finding a winning product. This is another critical step that can, in the long run, be a deal-maker or breaker. Make sure you do proper product research to be successful in dropshipping. Proper product research ensures that you settle on products that qualify as winning products.

A winning product has the wow factor, solves a problem, makes life easier, has good margins, and is the perfect size for shipping. But think of it, how many dog collar categories will you comb through on AliExpress if you want to sell dog collars? 

Well, it can be a tedious exercise to get a winning product by doing manual product research. Besides, manual search doesn’t give you enough accurate data to determine the product’s potential and profitability. This is where product research tools come in.

For starters, product research tools are software solutions that enable dropshippers to find the best dropshipping products faster and with more accuracy. Product research tools, for example, Easync.io, have been engineered to scrape eCommerce sites and extract data on the best-selling products and other insights. 

How Much Do Product Research Tools Cost?

There are free and paid product research tools. For example, if you are dropshipping from AliExpress, there is a great tool called AliExpress Dropshipping Center that you can use to make product research easier. For those into eBay dropshipping, there is also a free product research tool called Terapeak Product Research.

Now, just how good are free product research tools? Well, they are not as good as paid solutions which come with all the tools you need to conduct proper product research. For that reason, we recommend investing in a robust product research tool in as much as you can do manual product research with the likes of ADS, Terapeak, and Google Trends. 

If you are just starting and have no money for a premium tool, you can opt for a free trial to get started. The Easync.io free trial is a fantastic option as it gives you access to the service for 7 days which is enough to do thorough product research. The paid plan will cost you around $50 a month but it is worth the effort.

3. Supplier Research

Once you have that winning product, you need to find a supplier. Finding the right supplier is crucial as the supplier affects vital dynamics, including; product quality, profit, shipping turnaround, and customer satisfaction. 

A good supplier should have high-quality products, agreeable per-piece prices, fast shipping infrastructure, and excellent packaging for that remarkable customer experience. 

But finding a supplier is not an easy task. There are several ways to find suppliers, including search engines and supplier directories. But to be successful, you will need a supplier research tool. Supplier research tools, for example, Easync, link you up with the best suppliers worldwide.  

As far as costs are concerned, you can save a lot by using online directories and Google to find the best suppliers. But it all depends on your platform. Some eCommerce sites, such as AliExpress, have supplier research tools you don’t have to pay for, but a good supplier research tool should set you back anything between $20 and $40 a month.

4. Creating an Online Store

Creating an online store is what you need to do next, and here, there are several options. You can choose to sell on marketplaces or create your website. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Selling On Marketplaces

Selling on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay is a fantastic idea as they are already well-established sites with a ready customer base. You also don’t have to spend much on setting up the store, but there may be some applicable costs.

For example, selling on Amazon is free with the Individual Plan, but there is a $0.99/item fee. The other plan is Professional, which charges a monthly fee of $39.99 but no per-item fee. When starting, you are better of with the Individual plan. As for eBay, there are several costs you need to be aware of, including store subscription costs, insertion fees, and optional promotional fees.

eBay Store Type	Cost Per Month When Billed Monthly	Cost Per Month When Billed Annually
Starter	$7.95	$4.95
Basic	$27.95	$21.95
Premium	$74.95	$59.95
Anchor	$349.95	$299.95
Enterprise	N/A	$2,999.95

Creating Your Store

The other option is to create your store, a fantastic idea if you want to take charge of your business and eliminate competition. But then, there are costs, so it is slowly becoming clear it is impossible to start a successful dropshipping business with no money.

If you are not a techie or want to spend less, getting a hosted platform is the best choice, as much of the technical work is already done. You just need customization and a subscription fee or a free trial. For example, Shopify, one of the best eCommerce platforms, has a 3 months free trial for $1/month on select plans. That means you need $3 to get started. But a basic monthly subscription for individuals and small businesses costs $32.

The other option is creating a self-hosted website, which requires some technical skills but gives you the power to do more. Here, you will need a domain and a hosting plan. A domain averages $15 annually. As for hosting, you can go for a free hosting plan, but it is not recommended for security and reliability issues or a basic paid hosting plan starting from $2 a month. You can then use platforms such as WordPress, Magento, Prestashop, etc.

5. Creating Listings

Next, it is time to start creating listings (uploading products). Here, you need to ensure you write optimized product descriptions and have enough high-quality images.

When starting, you can create the listings manually as you don’t have many products. But later on, as your store expands, a dropshipping tool such as Easync.io will be useful as it can automatically import products. 

You can also hire a product description writer from sites such as Upwork to create listings for you. For 20 products, you might have to part ways with $50 to $100 for this. But it would be best if you create listings yourself manually when starting.

6. Automation

Managing your dropshipping can be time-consuming, and you may have other errands. That said, you should think of automation to get those mundane tasks off your back so you can have more time to focus on aspects such as marketing and customer service. 

Even though all these tasks can be handled manually, you are better of with dropshipping tools like Easync. Dropshipping tools can automate product search, creating listings, inventory management, repricing, etc. Automation doesn’t just save time. It also eliminates human errors.

Now, what is the cost of dropshipping automation? There is no exact figure, as it depends on the tool and its offerings. However, on average, the subscription costs start from $10. If you want to automate your business, you will have to get a subscription, as most free trials last for just a few days, and your business falls back to manual mode. Importantly, go for an all-in-one dropshipping tool to handle product and supplier research, inventory management, and ordering.

7. Marketing

Now that you have a running store, the next fundamental is marketing. You need to ask yourself, how will you bring in those sales? Marketing is what will make you start raking in sales or remain with a non-performing store. 

But what marketing methods should you use, and how much does it cost? 

Running ads is among the best ways to market your eCommerce dropshipping store. Ads have excellent Return On Investment (ROI). For example, the ROI for Google Ads is 8:1, meaning for every $1 spent, you can rake in up to $8 in profits. But this is if you run the ads the right way. Facebook and Instagram Ads also work, especially when selling fashion and jewelry. On average, you will need like $100 to run ads monthly, but you are better of with a bigger budget.

The other option is Search Engine Optimization (SEO), intended to generate organic traffic. SEO can be expensive, but it is worth every coin, considering the long-term results. If you are skilled, you can start doing SEO and may later hire a link-building agency. The average SEO agency costs start from $100 monthly.

Other marketing options include email marketing which is quite effective in the retail sector but also expensive and tedious now that you need email marketing tools such as MailChimp. One thing we like about MailChimp is its effectiveness and the fact that you can start with the free plan and step up your budget as sales start trickling in. 

Besides Ads, SEO, and email marketing, think of smart ways, such as offering free shipping. According to statistics, 24% of buyers are likely to spend more if offered free shipping, while 73% are more likely to buy items with free shipping.

Can You Lose Money With Dropshipping?

As you have seen above, starting a successful dropshipping business with no money is…um…impossible. You will need at least $100 or more for the basic requirements such as platform, whether marketplace or you have your store. You also need to take care of automation and marketing. But does it mean if you have money, you will definitely succeed?

No. Like any other business, there are risks. As much as you may have money, budget for it wisely. Many dropshippers have used huge budgets to set up dropshipping stores but failed in the long run because of unprofitable advertising campaigns, high return rates, and high-risk products. But with proper planning and marketing, you will be on your way to financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to start making money dropshipping?

Dropshipping requires patience, so don’t expect to make money instantly. The time it takes for a dropshipping business to make money varies depending on the input. For some, it takes a few weeks or months, while for others, it may take a whole year.

2. Can you start a dropshipping business with 0 capital?

Yes. You can start the business with no capital, but you will need a budget to take it to the next level, as the free options have shortcomings in one way or another.

3. Can anyone start dropshipping?

Yes. Anyone can start dropshipping if they have the required basic skills, including sales and business strategy, bookkeeping, excellent customer service, data analysis, adaptability and dynamism, and time. Those with huge budgets and no skills or time can hire dropshipping experts who handle all the heavy lifting.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, a detailed guide on how much it costs to start a successful dropshipping business. As you have seen, you will need money to start a thriving dropshipping business despite the fact that you don’t need inventory. 

You may not necessarily require money for product and supplier research, but you will, in the long run, need automation tools such as Easync for proper product research and putting the business on autopilot. To stay ahead of the competition, you also need finances for marketing. So, if you are thinking of a low-cost investment, think dropshipping. 

You can start your business with anything between $100 and $200 and turn it into a steady income stream. If you have a higher budget, well and good but spend wisely. So, what are you waiting for? Start your dropshipping today and automate it with Easync so you can have more time to focus on marketing and customer service.

Shein dropshipping is one of the most lucrative ways to make that extra coin. But, what does it take to start dropshipping from Shein? Is it even legal? If you think Shein is your next move, this is the place to be. 

At the end of the article, you will have learned;

What is Shein Dropshipping?

To understand Shein dropshipping, it is first paramount to understand the dropshipping business model. 

Dropshipping is a model where the dropshipper (seller) sells items they have no inventory of. Instead, they partner with suppliers who deliver an ordered item to the buyer. The dropshipper lists the products at a higher price and keeps the profits after paying the supplier.

In the above explanation, Shein is the supplier. That said, Shein dropshipping is where dropshipper gets products from the Shein platform.

About SHEIN

Formerly SheInside, Shein is a Chinese company started in 2008. Initially, the main product was women’s fashion. Later, the company expanded to other categories, including men’s fashion, kids’ fashion, home and living, and even electronics. Today, Shein is among the big boys in Chinese eCommerce. The venture has over 43 million users and a $100 billion valuation.

Is Shein Legit?

Yes. Shein is a legit eCommerce site with an excellent reputation among dropshippers and consumers in general. Even though there have been a few cases with the quality of products, Shein is still a trusted site. Interestingly, it has better reviews on Trustpilot than AliExpress.

Does SHEIN Allow Dropshipping?

Knowing whether Shein allows dropshipping is essential before going any further with your plan. As you may be aware, some eCommerce sites don’t allow dropshipping. Besides, most have strict rules and regulations.

To set the record straight, Shein dropshipping is allowed, so you can definitely start your business without any worries. But there are some strict rules and regulations you have to adhere to. To avoid copyright infringement, you can’t use the photos on Shein. That means you will have to source for your own photos, probably by ordering the item and taking photos.

Is Shein a Good Platform for Dropshipping?

As said earlier, Shein is among the best dropshipping suppliers, rivaling the likes of AliExpress and Alibaba. The Chinese conglomerate is known for its wide selection of products from over 3,000 manufacturers. Unlike most dropshipping suppliers in China, Shein delivers in 220 countries and locations.

(i) Acceptable Product Quality

Many Chinese products are substandard. Even on the big online stores such as Alibaba, and AliExpress, you won’t miss that one supplier with low-quality products. However, this is not the case with Shein. The company is known for high-quality products. 

However, note that the company has been criticized a little here and there for low-quality items. Some buyers have also complained about sizing problems. As a dropshipper, you will want to rely on verified purchase reviews to decide whether a product is a hit or a miss. 

(ii) Competitive Prices, Higher Margins

As a dropshipper, pricing is critical. You definitely want to work with a supplier with the best prices for higher margins and competitiveness. We are glad Shein is known for its inexpensive products popular among Gen Z consumers. With the low prices, you can rake in up to 70% profit on some items.  

Besides the low prices, Shein has regular promotions, including discounts, sales, and loyalty programs.

(iii) Fast Shipping, Bad Packaging

One of the attributes of a good dropshipping supplier is the efficiency of fulfillment. You have to ensure the supplier can deliver the product within the specified timeframe on the listing. Packaging, too, should be a consideration.

Shein has several shipping options and delivers relatively fast. For example, Express Shipping takes an average of 10 days, and fees start from $12.9. This is pretty fast compared to other suppliers. However, things are not always rosy, as some orders take longer for one reason or another. All in all, Shein is a reliable supplier. Interestingly, many products are eligible for free shipping, so you can use free shipping to reduce cart abandonment.

“53% of customers have canceled or abandoned their purchase because the delivery was too slow” (Marketing Profs, 2022)

“88% of consumers are more willing to purchase from an e-commerce store that offers free shipping’’ (Inc, 2022)

Unfortunately, Shein is not suitable for your branding. The company labels the product, so your customer might be tempted to order directly from Shein next time. This is a big hindrance if you want to grow your brand and create a long-term business.

How to Dropship From SHEIN: Step-By-Step Guide

If you think you are ready to start Shein dropshipping, this will be the most crucial segment of this guide. Find out how to start your business and launch it successfully in 8 easy steps.

Step 1: Find a Niche and Winning Product

Finding a niche is the most fundamental aspect of starting a dropshipping business. This is where many entrepreneurs go wrong and ultimately fail. So, what is the best niche? Besides finding a niche, you should also find that winning product. Again many dropshippers, especially beginners, fail by selling the wrong product. So, what’s the best product to sell?

Probably you want to go with fashion, the most dominant category on Shein. But remember, Shein has also spread its wings to other categories, including home & living, electronics, and home appliances. As a beginner, don’t just list anything and everything. Narrow down to a niche, for example, dresses only, intimates & loungewear, beauty and health, and so on. Focusing on a niche allows you to identify your core customers and prioritize their needs.

You should also be keen on a winning product. Just because you sell dresses doesn’t mean you list any dress you see on Shein. Make sure it meets the needs of your buyers. The best way to go about this is to do product research using a reliable product research tool, for example, Easync, which has two features specifically for this; Finder and Hot Items.

Step 2: Find a Reliable Supplier

SHEIN is a fantastic platform with thousands of suppliers. But not all of them are reliable, so you need to be careful who you work with. Remember, the supplier can be the deal maker or breaker as they impact;

So, what makes a good supplier?

A good supplier should have enough stock so you don’t get inconvenienced once you get an order. They should also be effective at communication and importantly, fulfillment.

Step 3: Sign Up for a Shein Dropshipping Account

You now know the niche you want to focus on and have found a winning product(s). The next thing is to create a Shein dropshipping account. Below is a step-by-step guide.

• Step 1: Go to the Shein website 

You now have an account and can access your dashboard, which will have all your buyer history. 

Step 4: Create Your Store

Where will you be selling? Will you create your own store or sell on marketplaces? This is an important consideration and can be the deal maker or breaker.

Creating your own store is a great idea now that you will be in total control of your business. You will also have eliminated competition for other sellers. However, it is an intensive process. You will need money to hire programmers and web designers. Besides, you will need money to market your store. For the record, you can create a website from scratch or leverage apps such as Shopify and WooCommerce, among others.

The other option is selling on marketplaces. The advantage of selling on marketplaces is that they have ready traffic, so you can start making sales sooner. On the downside, you are not in control of the business. Besides, there is stiff competition from other sellers. Some of the marketplaces you can sell on include Amazon and eBay.

Step 5: Create Proper Listings 

The fourth step is creating listings now that you have a niche, a winning product, and a sales channel (store). The listings must be created professionally for visibility. Besides, you should adhere to SHEIN’s policies. So, what should you know about creating listings?

The title and product description should be detailed and compelling. They should also incorporate various keywords related to the product. Notably, the description should not be salesy but show buyers the product’s value. All the necessary details, including, SKU, color, options, variants, and sizes, should be clear and straightforward.

The images should also be up to the mark. Just to remind you, Shein doesn’t allow dropshippers to use their images, so you will have to source yours. A good product listing should have high-quality images that show the products from different angles. It would also be best if you incorporate videos.

Step 6: Calculate Pricing and Set Margins

Pricing is another vital aspect when launching your store. You want to make a profit, so you must be keen here.

When finding products to sell, go for affordable products. Remember, one of the attributes of a winning product is affordability. However, don’t go too low to avoid compromising quality as most cheap items are of low quality. You need to be very careful of all the associated costs, from initial product costs, platform costs, marketing, and, importantly, shipping. Make sure to factor in all costs when finding out how much an item is worth.

When setting the margin, don’t go too high as a beginner. Settle for lower margins to be competitive in terms of pricing until you get traction. Check how much other dropshippers are retailing the item for and set a lower price. 

Step 7: Market Your Store

Whether you have a personal store or are selling on a marketplace, you should consider how to promote and market your store. Remember, stiff competition exists, so your store and products should stand out. There are different marketing methods you can employ.

(i) Social Media – You can leverage Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media to reach potential clients.

(ii) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – If you have a personal site, you will need to invest in SEO to improve rankings and bring in organic traffic and, ultimately, sales.

(iii) Ads – Social media and search engine ads can also be helpful if you want to reach a wider audience faster.

(iv) Email Marketing – Create an email list and regularly send newsletters and other promotional materials.

(v) Promotions – Leverage coupons and other discounts on Shein alongside free shipping to bring down cart value.

Step 8: Fulfill Orders

The last step to launching your site will be taking care of orders. Luckily, there is not much needed of you here as SHEIN takes care of fulfillment. However, you are responsible for ensuring the customer receives the order and is satisfied with the service.

Your only role in fulfillment is ensuring the order from your end is submitted to the Shein supplier on time. You should also be in constant communication with the supplier and the customer regarding their order. For more regarding fulfillment, check out our detailed guide on dropshipping fulfillment and everything in between.

How to Scale Your SHEIN Dropshipping Business

Your Shein dropshipping store is now up and running, and you have probably started to get some orders. So, what next? Do you just sit and relax? 

No…

There is stiff competition in dropshipping. More and more entrepreneurs are discovering that dropshipping is not dead, as many say. In fact, it is witnessing exponential growth. That said, you need to be dynamic and find ways to scale your business. 

Below are the top 5 ways to take your business to the next level.

You have a reliable supplier in SHEIN but what about the product? To succeed in dropshipping, you must have a winning product. But finding the best products to sell can be a challenge. Luckily, we now have product research tools that can enable you to find the winning product that meets the threshold of the best dropshipping product. 

Second, consider automation. In the past, dropshippers had to do all the tasks manually. They had to find winning products manually, create listings, manage inventory and pricing, and order products. These tasks took much time that could have been otherwise allocated to other important aspects of the business. Luckily, dropshipping tools such as Easync have simplified all these. You also get to eliminate human errors.

They say the customer is king. Many dropshippers fail because they fail to offer reliable customer support. Make sure to have a robust customer support infrastructure, preferably 24/7. The message you missed could be a sale.

‘’90% of American shoppers report using customer service as a deciding factor in whether to do business with a company’’ (Microsoft)

You can also scale your Shein dropshipping business through bulk buying. Well, this might be the opposite of dropshipping, but it is worth the struggle, considering Shein offers lucrative discounts for bulk buyers. For example, you get a 25% discount for orders above $200 and a 40% discount on orders above $3,000. This works best if you are selling small items that won’t take a toll on your finances in terms of storage.

Last, you can invest in 3rd party fulfillment services, for example, Easync. This way, you can do away with Shein’s branding and take charge of your branding.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SHEIN

Shein has advantages and disadvantages. As a recap of the guide, below is the good, the bad, and the ugly of dropshipping with SHEIN.

Pros

Cons

Shein Alternatives

Shein is a great platform for sourcing dropshipping products. However, there are shortcomings. 

As listed above, you cannot use Shein’s product images. Instead, you have to find your own photos to avoid copyright infringement. The fact that Shein sticks its labels on the orders means you are not in control of your brand. 

So, what is the best Shein alternative to turn to?

AliExpress

One of the biggest dropshipping product suppliers is AliExpress, part of the larger Alibaba Group. Established in 2010, it boasts over 200,000 suppliers and 200 million high-quality products in various categories.

If you are into dropshipping fashion items, there are women’s fashion, men’s fashion, kids’ fashion, jewelry, and so on. AliExpress also has products in several categories, including electronics, home & living, toys, beauty & healthcare, mobile phones & accessories, automotive, etc.

Why AliExpress?

One advantage of AliExpress is that it is a dropshipping-friendly platform with no restrictions on the images, so you can freely use them. Besides, they don’t label the orders, so you can grow your brand without fear of losing the customer. 

Another reason to love AliExpress is that it has its free tool called AliExpress Dropshipping Center, which consists of two main tools; Product Research and Product Analysis for researching hottest selling items and analyzing the viability of products on the market, respectively. Check out our full guide on how to use AliExpress Dropshipping Center and where to find it.

Other SHEIN alternatives include; Temu, Alibaba, CJDropshipping, CHNGE, Afends, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Temu suing Shein?

Shein and Temu are two big names in stiff competition for the American market. Temu has sued Shein for engaging in anticompetitive behavior by getting into unjust agreements with suppliers.

2. Does SHEIN have free return?

Shein is a trusted site that honors its return policy as long as the return is triggered within a certain period of purchase and all terms and conditions are met. Regarding the shipping fee, only the first return is free. Additional items attract a $7.99 return fee.

3. Should you use Shein.com for dropshipping?

Yes. Dropshipping with Shein is allowed. However, you will have to find your own photos, as using Shein’s photos amounts to copyright infringement. This is the only reason you should think of a Shein alternative. However, it has reliable suppliers.

4. Where does Shein ship from, and how is it so cheap? 

Shein has a vast network of designers and cloth manufacturers that manufacture clothes majorly in Guangzhou. The prices are low now that manufacturing is cheaper in China, and besides, the clothes are generic.

5. Should I trust Shein?

Yes. Shein is a trusted eCommerce site where dropshippers can find reliable suppliers of a whole load of apparel. The company has also ventured into other categories, including home & living, beauty & health, jewelry & watches, and electronics, among others.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this SHEIN dropshipping guide for beginners. Indeed, dropshipping with Shein is a worthy venture. 

The platform has plenty of products, and besides, the margins are high, considering most items are inexpensive. Shein is also a reliable supplier with high-quality products and a robust fulfillment infrastructure. It is easy to start dropshipping in 8 simple steps. Scaling the business is also pretty straightforward. 

So what are you waiting for? Start your Shein dropshipping business today and create that extra source of income!

How to find top-selling items on eBay. This is the most challenging part for many eBay dropshippers. Finding the best-selling dropshipping products is fundamental and can be the deal maker or breaker. If you struggle to find the best products to add to your store, worry not. In this article, you will learn everything there’s to know, including;

Is Dropshipping Profitable

Dropshipping is a business model where sellers list products they don’t own. Instead, when they get an order, they forward it to their suppliers. The supplier then delivers the order to the customer. The dropshipper pays the supplier and remains with a cut. 

So, the big question is, does dropshipping still work? Is it still profitable?

Well, many believe that dropshipping is dead, but the truth of the matter is it is still profitable and has a bright future. Below are some of the statistics that prove dropshipping is not dead.

“The dropshipping market size was worth USD 225.99 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.4% from 2023 to 2030.” (Grand View Research)

“About 27% of online retailers today primarily use dropshipping to fulfill customers’ orders.” (Statista)

A simple search on Google Trends also shows that the interest in dropshipping is still growing.

From the above, it is clear that dropshipping is still a worthy venture.

Why Dropship on eBay?

Now, why eBay? You can dropship on many platforms, for example, Amazon, AliExpress, and the rest. But why eBay?

Established in 1995, eBay is one of the leading eCommerce companies globally. The platform boasts over 135 million customers and is witnessing exponential growth. On eBay, you have ready customers. You don’t need to incur marketing costs to make that sale if you get everything right, from finding a winning product to creating listings and ensuring orders are fulfilled.

Another reason to start eBay dropshipping is that eBay is a dropshipping-friendly platform. The company allows dropshipping as long as you abide by the dropshipping policy.

Regarding profits, eBay dropshippers process an average of 1,000 orders translating to monthly profits of around $2,587. On the other hand, the established and experienced dropshippers process around 4,759 orders raking in an average of $12,706 monthly.

Indeed, eBay dropshipping is a great idea. However, to succeed, you need to sell what is in demand. Remember, the average dropshipping success rate is between 10% and 20%. 

One of the reasons many dropshipping businesses fail is selling the wrong product and working with unreliable suppliers. But thanks to this guide, you will learn how to find that winning product.

How To Find Top-Selling Items On eBay

Now, to the day’s main business, how do you find top-selling items on eBay? There are several ways of finding that winning product that will catapult your eBay dropshipping business. In this section, we will be covering them in detail. Below are the methods of finding eBay dropshipping winning products.

1. eBay Terapeak

As mentioned earlier, eBay is a dropshipping-friendly eCommerce site. Besides allowing dropshipping and offering dropshippers other perks such as cashback, it offers dropshippers a resourceful product research tool called Terapeak that can be accessed from the eBay Seller Hub.

For starters, Terapeak is a market analysis tool designed to facilitate data-driven product research. With Terapeak, eBay dropshippers can decide what to sell, at what price, and when. According to statistics from eBay, over 32% of successful eBay dropshippers rely on Terapeak.

So, how does Terapeak work? 

Terapeak is a search engine that offers users key insights on niches and products. You can find any product by its name or other attributes, such as the eBay Product ID (EPID) or Universal Product Code (UPC).

Terapeak has the following features;

Category Selector lets you narrow down to a category or subcategory, while the Typeahead Component offers keyword-based suggestions and popular searches related to your keyword. On the other hand, Relevant Active Listings Analysis is for comparison with other top-performing sellers, while Data Visualization offers an all-round view of key metrics.

To mention, Terapeak has two main products; Terapeak Product Research and Terapeak Sourcing Insights. 

Terapeak Product Research offers vital metrics, including;

On the other hand, Terapeak Sourcing Insights offers key data points, including; 

Terapeak may not be as robust as other product research tools, but it is a solid base to start your research for winning products. You can check out our detailed guide on how to use Terapeak to find the best-selling products on eBay.

2. eBay Best-Selling Items and Trending Deals

Using Terapeak can be complicated, especially if you are starting. In this case, we recommend you take your search for the hottest-selling items to the eBay Best Selling Items tab. Here, you can discover product categories and products that are hotcakes on eBay. 

For example, at the time of writing, the best-selling category is eBay Motors, followed by Home & Garden, Business & Industrial, Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Collectibles, Health & Beauty, and Jewelry & Watches. Once you know the best-selling categories, you can go to a subcategory and narrow down on products with high sales volumes that are well-priced and with good margins. 

Your other option is to go to the Trending Deals page. Here, eBay lists all the trending products. These products are in demand and have been recently purchased, so you can make a kill. Remember, you can always use the filter to find trending products in any category.

3. Manual Research

Even though it might be time-consuming, researching best-selling items manually is also an option. So, how do you go about manual product research?

Well, it is pretty straightforward. Go to any category and find a product you think customers will love. Then, check the number of products sold in total and how many were sold in the last 24 hours. 

Your target should definitely be products with high sales volume in total, as well as the last 24 hours. But don’t focus on just products with high sales volume. Also, check the potential of products with just a few sales, as they probably don’t attract huge competition from other dropshippers. Remember, most dropshippers are also looking for products with high sales volume.

You can also consider analyzing the stores of successful dropshippers. Check through their product catalog thoroughly. You might spot that winning product that will be the deal maker for your eBay store.

4. Google Trends 

You can also turn to Google Trends to find the best products to sell on eBay. Google Trends is a tool designed to analyze the popularity of top search queries on the Google search engine. 

But you should know that Google Trends is not a product research tool per se. However, you can rely on it to find out whether the product in mind is in demand. For example, if you are considering selling dog collars, you can confirm with Google Trends whether buyers are searching for dog collars. 

The tool also gives you historical interest in a particular product so you can know when something is in demand and when it is not.

5. Easync.io

One of the most reliable methods of finding the best products to sell on eBay is using 3rd party product research tools, for example, Easync. As the name suggests, this tool is designed to simplify product research. 

Easync has a tool called Finder that finds hot dropshipping products you can sell on eBay. Besides Finder, there’s the Hot Items feature that lists dropshipping products in demand. Interestingly, Easync furnishes you with all the information you need, from the item’s price and profit to the competition.

One great thing about Easync is that it is an all-in-one dropshipping tool you can leverage to find the best products to sell, create listings, and reprice.

Top Products & Categories on eBay: Best Sellers for 2023

Now you know how to find the best-selling products to list on your eBay dropshipping store. But we understand that finding the right products can still be frustrating, even with Terapeak or any other product research tool. For this reason, we decided to share some of the best categories and products you can focus on in 2023. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Clothing and Accessories

Clothing and accessories is one of the best categories to tap into and rake in profits. The below snapshot shows the interest in dresses on Google Trends.

According to statistics, the apparel market only was worth over $1.53 trillion in 2022 and is expected to hit $1.7 trillion in 2023. That said, you should consider selling apparel. But not just any apparel, trendy apparel that will attract customers’ eyes. Dresses and coats do very well. For men, you can try T-shirts. Notably, the apparel should be sourced from trusted suppliers who guarantee quality.

You can also focus on shoes, from those trendy custom sneakers to heels. Again, ensure not to compromise quality to avoid returns and damage to your store’s reputation.

Lastly, on accessories, you can consider selling belts, caps, scarves, hats, and wallets. They do really well and have good margins.

2. Jewelry and Watches 

Another top category you can focus on as an eBay dropshipper is jewelry and watches. The jewelry market is projected to shoot to over 330 billion by 2026, and interestingly, there’s always demand for anything and everything jewelry. Below is a snapshot reiterating the interest in jewelry and watches on Google Trends.

In the watches subcategory, go for watches and watch bands. They have a high demand for almost the entire year. Consider modern, vintage, and custom watches. Mechanical watches, quartz watches, and hybrid watches will also be a kill considering they are classy, always in demand, and have high margins.

eBay also has a huge demand for rings, so it is also a market you can capitalize on, and even offer free shipping as they are small and light. Have all types of rings, from wedding and engagement rings to antique and contemporary variants. Besides, have them in different materials, gold, silver, diamond, you name it.

Necklaces, pendants, and earrings should also be listed in your store if you are going with watches and jewelry. They, too, do well on eBay and have demand all year long. 

3. Cell Phones and Accessories

The global smartphone market industry was valued at $457.18 billion in 2021 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% between 2022 and 2029, growing into a $792.51 billion industry by 2029.

The mobile accessories market is another industry that is witnessing exponential growth. According to Globe News Wire, the industry was worth over 278.17 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% between 2022 and 2030, blossoming into a 413.22 billion industry. From the above statistics, it is a great category to focus on, considering we are buying mobile accessories daily.

You can start a cell phone dropshipping store listing both the big and lesser-known brands. Profits trickle in as long as you find the right supplier and price them well.

Phone cases, covers, and screen protectors also do well and have a huge demand now that everyone wants to protect their phone. In-car phone holders are also becoming the trend, so having them can boost sales exponentially. Also, consider having headphones, earphones, Bluetooth accessories, and even replacement parts such as batteries and chargers.

4. Beauty & Personal Care

According to Statista, the Beauty and Personal Care industry is also one of the fastest-rising markets, with a valuation of $579.20bn in 2023. Interestingly, more and more consumers are moving from local stores to shopping for beauty and personal care products online, so focusing on this category as an eBay dropshipper is a wise idea.

The beauty segment has great potential, so you can focus on skincare products such as sunscreens, body lotion, night creams, acne creams, etc. Haircare products such as conditioners, oils, styling gels, and custom-made shampoos also do well. Perfumes and fragrances, alongside makeup such as lipstick and mascaras, also have demand.

Another segment to watch is the lifestyle supplements which includes minerals, vitamins, and other dietary supplements. They are also popular on eBay, so having a store that deals with these products is worthwhile.

5. Fitness Products

With more awareness of the essence of fitness, the fitness industry is also experiencing exponential growth, making it a good choice for rBay dropshippers. You can consider selling sports apparel and equipment.

Athletic wear and shoes are not just ideal for sports and fitness activities but are also considered fashionable. There’s growing demand for these products on eBay, so consider selling leggings, sports bras, sneakers, etc. 

Equipment and accessories are also hotcakes on eBay and attract some good margins. Start selling adjustable dumbbells, suspension trainers, rollout wheels, pull-up bars, water bottles, gym bags, etc.

The above are some of the best categories and products to focus on in eBay dropshipping. Other worthy mentions include;

How to Scale Your eBay Dropshipping Business

Now you know how to find the best-selling products on eBay. So, the next step is moving the business to the next stage. To ensure you succeed, we have shared some simple tips that will help you scale your business.

1. Be Keen On Supplier Search

You may have found a winning product(s), but that’s not the end. You also need to find a reliable supplier. So, what makes a reliable supplier?

First, a good supplier should have quality products. For example, if you have identified Bluetooth headsets, ensure you work with a supplier with authentic and high-quality ones. Next, the supplier should have proper packaging that appeals to the customer. Last, make sure the supplier, whose responsibility is to fulfill the order, has the right resources to ensure the order is delivered within the specified timeframe.

2. Automation is Key

Another pro tip is to embrace automation. Yes, you have a winning product and a reliable supplier, but so many other operations are awaiting you.

To be on the safe side and to have ample time to focus on the core aspects of the business, embrace automation. Software solutions such as Easync will eliminate mundane tasks such as product research, creating listings, and creating listings. 

3. Leverage eBay Promotions Manager

eBay may already be an established eCommerce site, but there’s stiff competition. So what are your options?

Well, here’s the deal. Leverage eBay Promotions Manager, a marketing extra that gives you better visibility. Basically, you promote your products on the site. According to eBay, 44% of listed transactions leverage at least one of the Promotions Manager tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the eBay product research tool?

As the name suggests, an eBay product research tool is a software solution that helps you find winning products with high accuracy and speed. eBay has its proprietary product research tool known as Terapeak. There are also 3rd party tools, for example, Easync.

2. Which category is best for eBay?

It’s hard to say which is the best category as times change. However, as of 2023, eBay Motors, Home & Garden, Business & Industrial, and Clothing, Shoes & Accessories are the best categories for dropshipping.

3. Which supplier is best for eBay dropshipping? 

It all depends on the niche you are focusing on. However, AliExpress, Alibaba, Shein, and Amazon are the most preferred suppliers by eBay dropshippers.

4. What are the advantages of eBay dropshipping? 

eBay dropshipping has several benefits. It is a low-risk investment as you don’t need to have inventory, and besides, eBay is an already established eCommerce site with millions of users, so you have a ready market.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this guide on how to find top-selling items on eBay, plus all the best-selling eBay dropshipping products in 2023. As you have seen, there are several methods of finding winning products including using tools such as Terapeak and Easync as well as combing through best selling product tabs and the trending products section. 

So, what are you waiting for? Find your niche and winning products, and start your eBay dropshipping business today. You can also check out our ultimate guide to eBay dropshipping and everything you need to know to get started.

What is AliExpress Dropshipping Center? If you are venturing into AliExpress dropshipping but do not know about this tool, you are at the right place, so keep reading. In this article, you will learn several important things about the AliExpress Dropshipping Center, including;

AliExpress Dropshipping: Is It Worth It?

Let’s face it; dropshipping is not dying as many claim. In fact, it is witnessing steady growth, with more and more businesses opting for dropshipping as the preferred fulfillment method.

About 27% of online retailers today primarily use dropshipping to fulfill customers’ orders. (Statista)

So, as an entrepreneur, you have made a good decision to start dropshipping, especially with AliExpress. 

The Chinese eCommerce giant is among the best suppliers, commanding over 2 million merchants and over 100 million products. According to China Internet Watch, the platform boasts over 20 million visitors- astounding!

AliExpress is a dropshipping-friendly platform and endeavors to grow the dropshipping business model. As part of the company’s efforts to uplift dropshipping, it unveiled a resourceful tool to enable dropshippers to scale their business. This is AliExpress Dropshipping Center.

What is AliExpress Dropshipping Center?

AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a platform designed to help AliExpress dropshippers scale their business easily with free-to-use tools. The most notable tools are;

At the core of AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a tool that enables you to find winning products and analyze their potential before listing them in your store. Remember, finding the best products for dropshipping is key to the business’s success. 

Besides product research, the platform can also help you to sieve through the millions of sellers and find the best suppliers…the hidden gems you could be missing. The supplier research tool can be the deal maker or breaker, considering that over 84% of businesses say finding a reliable supplier is the biggest challenge.

Other AliExpress Dropshipping Center Features

In a nutshell, ADC is a tool that can help you find winning products for your store faster, connect with more reliable suppliers, and evaluate the potential of products before listing them. But besides product research and product analysis, AliExpress Dropshipping Center has several other services, including;

The dashboard is a complete view of the overall performance of the AliExpress dropshipping account. With the AliExpress Dropshipping Center dashboard, you can easily monitor all operations, optimize processes, and improve business performance as data is readily available.

The levels program is an exclusive discount scheme that rewards dropshippers with lucrative discounts depending on the money spent on orders. The loyalty program has 4 levels; Normal, C, B, and A. Sellers start from Normal and advance as they continue raking in sales. The table below elaborates on the program.

Rules to Upgrade

Level	Discount	Rules to Upgrade
Normal	0% Off	< $1,000
C Level	2% Off	>=$1,000
B Level	4% Off	>=$2,000
A Level	6% Off	>=$5,000

If you want to leverage a reliable and transparent logistics handler, AliExpress Dropshipping Center has a dropshipping service. You can enjoy excellent services and rake in more profits from wholesale prices.

Last is the established Facebook community. Here, you can interact with other dropshippers on AliExpress and gain key insights to run your business successfully.

Why Use AliExpress Dropshipping Center? 

AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a must-have tool to succeed in dropshipping. Many dropshipping businesses fail because they make hasty, uninformed decisions. But with dropshipping tools like AliExpress DS Center, you can stay on top of the game, courtesy of its data-driven solutions. If it is about product research, you have the data to determine whether a product is worth selling. As for the supplier, you get insights into whether the supplier is reliable or not. 

Remember, the product you decide to sell and where you are sourcing it from are two crucial aspects that determine the success of your business.

How to Access AliExpress Dropshipping Center

Now that you know a thing or two about AliExpress Dropshipping Center and why it is a handy tool every dropshipper must use, let’s get into the finer details. In this segment, find out who can use this tool, the costs, how to get AliExpress DS Center, the pros and cons, and alternatives.

Who Can Use the AliExpress Dropshipping Center?

AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a tool designed by AliExpress to help dropshippers scale their business. It is available for use by anyone and everyone. There are no limitations. You can access the tool if you are doing business on AliExpress. Whether in China, Europe, America, or Australia, you can use this tool.

AliExpress Dropshipping Center Cost

Now, the next big question is, how much does it cost to use AliExpress Dropshipping Center? As you may be aware, most dropshipping tools are not free. You have to part with some money, and that’s among the reasons it is impossible to start a dropshipping business without money.

But luckily, AliExpress is a dropshipping-first eCommerce company that endeavors to empower dropshippers. The company developed the AliExpress DS Center and made it available for free. You don’t have to spend a penny to find the best-selling products, grow your supplier list, or enjoy the tool’s other perks. 

How to Activate AliExpress Dropshipping Center: Step-By-Step Guide

Now, how do you get AliExpress Dropshipping Center? If you just created an account, you will realize the DS option is unavailable. You must activate it before the option becomes available on your dashboard. 

There are two ways to activate DS Center on AliExpress; 

Manual Activation

You must activate this tool manually if you have a new account and haven’t made any orders. Below is the step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Log in to your AliExpress account. 

Step 2: Once logged in, click this link – https://home.aliexpress.com/dropshipper/ds_center.htm. 

Step 3: Accept the General Agreement and Data Service Authorization terms and conditions.

Step 4: Enter your full name.

Step 5: You will get the Submitted prompt, meaning DS Center is now activated.

Automatic Activation (By Orders)

AliExpress is always on the lookout for dropshippers. If you have been making orders, AliExpress must have noticed you and activated the Dropshipping Center. In such cases, a notification is normally sent to you.

Besides the above two methods, you can access AliExpress Dropshipping Center by integrating AliExpress with any of its partner apps.

How to Access AliExpress DS Center

Now that you have the AliExpress Dropshipping Center tool on your account, where do you find it? To access DS Center, log in to your account, go to My Account, and then Orders. DS Center is on the menu dropdown somewhere at the bottom. Click it and bookmark it for easy access later on.

How to Use AliExpress Dropshipping Center

Now, to the main agenda of the day, how can you use AliExpress Dropshipping Center to find the best products to sell? As mentioned earlier, AliExpress has two main tools; Product Search and AliExpress Product Analysis. We are going to explain how you can use the two tools.

How To Use AliExpress Product Search Tool

The AliExpress Product Search tool has 3 product search methods. You can search products by; 

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use the 3 features.

Search Hot Selling Products

The Hot Selling tab on DS Center has all the hottest selling products, columns with crucial information about the product, and detailed filtering options. 

Below are the data sets in the columns and what they mean.

You can apply these filters to find the best products to sell in your dropshipping store.

Besides the above data sets, it is important to understand the rest of the filter sections. These are;

Indeed, AliExpress DS Center is an invaluable tool for dropshippers. You can comb through millions of products in minutes and remain with your desired products. 

Two filters worth mentioning are Delivery Time & ePacket and Free Shipping. Make use of the Delivery Time & ePacket filter to find products that can be shipped on time. On the other hand, Free Shipping products bring down the cart value, something many customers are always on the lookout for. Below are some interesting statistics that reiterate the importance of the two filters.

“88% of consumers are more willing to purchase from an eCommerce store that offers free shipping (Inc, 2022).”

“62% of online customers in the US believe fast delivery is the most important aspect of a positive customer experience (Insider Intelligence, 2019).”

Search By Image 

The Search By Image filter allows you to search for a product by uploading an image from your PC. Once uploaded, DS Center will return results with products that have images resembling the uploaded image.

Sponsored Products

You can also spy on your competition by finding products that have been sponsored. Definitely, these are products that are in demand and feth high margins.

How To Use AliExpress Product Analysis

The Product Analysis tool can help you do two things; check sales volume and supplier reliability.

Check Sales Volume

The Sales Volume is a rating from 0 to 100, denoting the marketing a manufacturer generates from a product. The higher the Sales Volume, the better the product. With raw data on Sales Volume, you can make data-based decisions on whether a product is popular or not.

Check the Supplier’s Reliability

A supplier’s logistical reliability is key to your business’s success. You can use the Product Analysis tool to determine whether a supplier is reliable. The tool gives you detailed ratings based on the consistency of delivering products as described, communication, and shipping speed.

AliExpress DS Center Pros and Cons

Indeed, AliExpress DS Center is a great tool. However, like the two sides of a coin, it has advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

Cons

AliExpress Dropshipping Center Tips

The AliExpress DS Center is a fantastic tool that enables dropshippers to find winning products and reliable suppliers. You can also leverage it to enjoy discounts. However, there are a few things you need to know when using it. 

This section shares crucial tips to help you make the most out of the AliExpress Dropshipping Center.

1. Don’t fall for the cheapest products – The price filter is a great feature, allowing you to find cheap products. But don’t always go for cheap products without due diligence, as most are of poor quality, which can hurt your brand.

2. Insist on ratings – A product might look good from the pictures and videos, but this is not enough reason to classify it as a winning product. Check what the reviews are saying, both the product and seller reviews.

3. Use the shipping filters to your advantage – To grow your brand and increase sales, ensure the products you sell can be delivered fast. You can also consider listing products with free shipping to reduce cart abandonment. 

“Free shipping can reduce cart abandonment on eCommerce stores by 18%.” (Nosto, 2022)

4. Use a complementary tool – AliExpress Dropshipping Center is resourceful. But you can streamline everything by using complementary dropshipping, for example, Easync, which automates dropshipping.

AliExpress Dropshipping Center Alternatives

AliExpress DS Center is an excellent dropshipping tool. However, it is not sufficient enough to stay on top of the competition. For that reason, we suggest you get alternative tools or other solutions to complement DS Center. 

In this segment, we have shared several alternatives for finding the best product on AliExpress and, importantly, how to find reliable suppliers.

Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends 

You can use Google’s free tools, Keyword Planner and Trends, to ensure that the product you want to list has potential. Google Keyword Planner will give you data on monthly searches of a particular product on Google. You can further use filters to get the search data in a specific geolocation. On the other hand, Google Trends gives you insights into how a product performed in the past and whether the demand is increasing or declining.

Easync

Google Keyword Planner and Trends are great complementary tools for AliExpress DS Center but are not direct replacements. If you want a tool that does the same thing as DS Center plus a lot more, we recommend Easync. 

You can leverage this AliExpress dropshipping tool to find the best dropshipping products on AliExpress. Besides finding products, you can find reliable suppliers to scale your business. Easync also has features for creating listings, managing inventory, repricing, and automatic product ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why can’t I find the AliExpress dropshipping center?

AliExpress DS Center is not available on your dashboard because you have not activated it. Sign up or have enough orders for AliExpress to notice your dropshipping activity.

2. What is the Dropshipping Center AliExpress link?

To access AliExpress Dropshipping Center, you need to click on the DS link, which is https://home.aliexpress.com/dropshipper/ds_center.htm. Make sure DS is activated first by signing up or making multiple orders.

3. Can you get sued for dropshipping from AliExpress? 

No. AliExpress is among the eCommerce platforms that champion dropshipping. This is why the company developed AliExpress DS Center to enable entrepreneurs to scale their businesses without spending money on dropshipping tools.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this AliExpress Dropshipping Center guide. As you have seen, AliExpress DS Center is a resourceful tool you should use to dropship with AliExpress successfully. It has features that enable you to find winning products and reliable suppliers. You can also enjoy discounts and other perks. So, what are you waiting for? Activate DS Center today and make data-driven decisions.

Do you want to start dropshipping books but don’t know where to begin? Whether you are a seasoned dropshipper or a beginner, this guide will be handy. At the end of the article, you will learn the following;

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell goods you do not have in stock. Instead, you partner with a supplier(s) who has the stock and list the item with your markup. Once you get an order, you forward it to the supplier, who delivers it to the buyer, and you get to keep your profit.

How a Books Dropshipping Business Works?

Say you want to dropship books in a specific niche, you first find the best supplier and the best platform to sell the books. If the supplier’s price is $50, you sell the book for $65. Once you get the order, the next step is to forward the customer’s details to the supplier, who will, in turn, deliver the book to the customer. In the end, you remain with $15 as your profit.

Why Dropship Books?

You can dropship many goods, including clothing, electronics, automotive parts, beauty products, home improvement products, etc. But why books? 

Growing Demand for Books

First, there is a demand for books. If you are not an avid book reader, schools demand that learners have educational books. Now, picture this, how many learners are there worldwide, from preschool all the way to postgraduate? 

Besides educational books, there are many other genres that are not losing their place despite the thriving internet age. You will still find avid lovers of books who are attached to the library smell of their favorite novels or history book. Indeed there is demand for books, right?

Less Competitive Niche

The other reason to consider dropshipping books is that there is less competition compared to other niches. As a beginner, the book dropshipping niche should be a priority niche as there is little competition meaning you have better chances of success with less effort.

Challenges in Dropshipping Books

Nothing comes easy. While dropshipping sounds as easy as ABCD, there are challenges to expect. 

First, dropshipping in itself is challenging as many activities are involved. According to statistics, only 10% and 20% of dropshipping businesses succeed. But it’s up to you to define your success. Moreso, we are with you on this journey. 

Second, there is competition from the digital world. Today, many books are in digital formats, for example, eBooks and PDFs. This means there is a slight drop in demand for hard copies. Besides, even if you sell digital formats, the margins will be lower.

All said and done, dropshipping books is still a worthy venture worth trying as a beginner or if you want to turn your passion for books into a revenue stream.

How to Dropship Books: A Step-By-Step Guide

As mentioned above, starting a dropshipping business may not be as easy as it sounds. But thanks to this guide, you can start a dropshipping business right away in 6 steps. 

Step 1: Find Books To Dropship Online

Finding a niche in dropshipping is key. We are glad you chose books, and as explained above, you can’t go wrong with selling books online despite the challenges with digitization. 

But here’s the catch; you can’t start selling just any book. You need a winning product; books that will sell. So, how do you know which books are on demand? 

Well, there are many ways you can find the best books to sell, including;

The simplest way to find the best books for your dropshipping is to search on Google which are the best dropshipping books. However, this may not give you raw data to work on. You can also check out trending books on Google Trends and research social media hashtags related to books. Spying on what the best book dropshipping sites are selling and asking dropshipping community members are also worthy options. 

However, the best and most accurate method is using product research tools.

What is a Product Research Tool?

Product research tools are dropshipping software solutions that collect, collate, review, and analyze key product metrics to enable dropshippers to find high-revenue and low-competition products to sell. They also offer key insights and historical sales data necessary for the prediction of the profitability of products.

A good example is Easync which can help you find the best-selling and hot books in just a few clicks. The insights it offers will enable you to make data-driven decisions.

Best Books Categories for Dropshipping

As a beginner, we understand that finding the best books to sell may be hard. But we have done the heavy lifting for you. Below are some of the best categories you can focus on. 

Focusing on a specific category when starting will be key. It helps you fine-tune your audience and marketing efforts. Besides, you will be able to create a better product lineup.

IMPORTANT:You can also curve a profitable niche selling books about dropshipping. Today, many online entrepreneurs want to learn the ins and out of dropshipping, so they turn to dropshipping books and other guides.

Step 2: Finding Dropshipping Books Suppliers

After finding the right books to sell, the next step is finding the best suppliers. But like product research, supplier research is not a walk in the park. According to statistics, 84% of online businesses say finding the right supplier is the biggest challenge in running their business. As a beginner, you definitely fall into this category.

Finding the right supplier can be the deal maker or breaker. This is because the supplier you work with has a great impact on key aspects of the business, including,

How To Find the Best Books Dropshipping Suppliers

So, how do you find the best dropshipping book suppliers? Well, there are several methods of finding suppliers, including;

Searching for the best suppliers on Google can yield some results, but you have to be careful as there are many unreliable suppliers that will pop up on the SERPs. 

Supplier directories are also promising, but finding updated supplier directories can be a challenge. 

Buying from competitors is another idea, but how many books will you buy before finding that perfect supplier? 

All the above are worthy options, but the best way to find dropshipping suppliers is to use dropshipping tools. A good example is Easync, which gives you access to dozens of dropshipping book suppliers, including Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress.

When finding a supplier, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Check the;

Step 3: Choosing a Dropshipping Platform: Own Store or Marketplace

Where do you plan to sell your books? The channel you choose will have a big impact on the success of your business. Although dropshipping platforms can be classified based on several factors, the main categorization is based on ownership. Who owns the store?

You can create your own eCommerce store or sell on marketplaces. Either option has advantages and disadvantages.

Create Your Own eCommerce Store

Creating your own eCommerce store is great if you want to grow your brand. Here, there are two options;

• Use Hosted Platforms (Website)
• Use Self Hosted Platforms (Shopify, BigCommerce)

Creating your own store from scratch is a great idea as you completely control the business and, importantly, your branding. Whatever marketing efforts you put in, or investment, doesn’t go down the drain. Besides, you no longer have to be wary of bans, and competition, as is the case with marketplaces. 

The only problem is that creating your website and the entire infrastructure is intensive, both financially and from a human resource perspective. You will also have to spend a lot in marketing to get organic (SEO) or inorganic (Ads) traffic.

Selling on Marketplaces

For a beginner, the best option is selling on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and the rest. For example, you may start selling products on eBay and source them from AliExpress in what is known as AliExpress to eBay dropshipping model. You can also consider Amazon to eBay or AliExpress to Amazon dropshipping. 

The advantage of selling on marketplaces is ease. First, you don’t need a huge budget, as is the case with creating your own store, and besides, the infrastructure is already there. Notably, marketplaces are already established eCommerce stores with millions of active customers. So, making a sale is easier and faster. 

However, there’s a catch. You have no control of the brand and platform and face stiff competition from the rest of the merchants.

Step 4: Creating Product Listings

Now you have a working store. The next step is creating listings. This is an important stage as it directly impacts SEO and visibility. You definitely want to write optimized titles and product descriptions that sell. Having enough product images, accurate book editions, and language is also important to avoid returns.

Creating listings can be hectic if you have many products. But we have dropshipping tools such as Easync.io that can help you import products in one click. 

Step 5: Marketing

Now we have a working store: with products live. But there’s one big question. How do you make sales?

Getting traffic…

Whether you have your personal store or you are selling on a marketplace, marketing is key. What’s your marketing plan?

As a beginner, we always recommend starting with marketplaces, especially if you are on a budget.

Setting up a store will definitely cost you money and time. Besides, you need to spend on marketing to get traffic. But with marketplaces, say, dropshipping from AliExpress to eBay, you have a store ready; no back-and-forth hassles with your programmer, web designer, or hosting company about downtime and stuff.

So as far as marketing is concerned, you are better off with dropshipping on marketplaces than building your store.

But on second thought…

You can also consider going the long way…building your brand and taking charge of your entire store.

Step 6: Fulfilling Orders (Packaging, Shipping, Delivery, and Returns)

Now, the business is up and running. You have a running online bookstore and a marketing strategy firing on all cylinders. Orders are about to start trickling. What’s expected of you?

Fulfillment is an operation purely handled by your supplier. But it remains your sole responsibility. You should be keen on fulfillment even after signing that agreement with your supplier. In short, you should be on top of the fulfillment lifecycle even after signing that SOP agreement with the supplier.

For example…

If you are into eBay dropshipping, the company says clearly, the dropshipper is responsible for ensuring fulfillment is done right…proper packaging, shipping, and timely delivery.

How does Dropshipping Fulfillment Work?

In dropshipping fulfillment, there are several stages involved.

In the first step, you have to submit the order from your store to the supplier. Remember, it’s the supplier who has inventory of the book ordered. You have done your part once you have submitted the order and the customers’ details. Now the ball is on the supplier’s side.

The supplier then sources the book and packages it. Here, make sure to discuss the quality of packaging prior, as it’s part of your brand. The packaging should be on point and blend with your branding efforts. You don’t want poor packaging as it triggers returns…think of a sketchbook delivered tattered or wet.

Once the book is packaged, the next step is shipping. Still, it’s the responsibility of the supplier. Your task here should be to ensure the supplier deals with reputable courier services or at least have an efficient logistics infrastructure. The idea is to ensure the customer receives the book on time. 

Interesting statistics here…

84% of consumers will not come back to shop from you after just one poor delivery experience (Convery, 2022)

72% of customers satisfied with the delivery service will increase their purchase levels with the brand by 12% (Capgemini, 2022)

The order is now in transit…

By now, there are things you ought to have taken care of. 

First, the order should be shipped with your company’s details. The customer should also be in receipt of communication that the order delivery has been attempted. It’s better if the notification is sent from both ends: you and your supplier.

Guessing things are good at this end. The customer has received the order. Do some follow-up and keep the customer in your loop with newsletters and promotional communication.

You also need to mind about returns. This is part of the dropshipping fulfillment lifecycle. You should be actively involved to ensure everything runs smoothly, obviously according to the returns policy of your store and the supplier.

A Running Books Dropshipping Business

By now, I’m sure you know what it takes to start dropshipping books on Amazon, eBay, your branded online bookshop, or any other dropshipping platform.

The next step is planning how to scale your business. Below are some clever ways to scale your business to greater heights.

(i) Automation

Let’s face it. There are many operations you need to take care of. Make sure you have accurate listings, inventory, and pricing. You need to automate these mundane tasks to save time and eliminate human errors. Consider getting dropshipping software. Here, Easync.io fits the bill. It has all the features needed to put your book dropshipping business on autopilot.

(ii) Customer is King

Next, make sure you have a reliable customer support system. Customers will enquire about product availability, delivery, additional fees, or other issues. That said, make sure to respond to all customers on time.  

75% of online customers believe that efficient communication during delivery is part of the customer experience (EFT Last Mile Retail Study, 2018)                           

(iii) Widen Selling Channels

Let’s say you are dropshipping from AliExpress to Amazon, and the business is already running, finding other sales channels will be important. For instance, you can start dropshipping from AliExpress to eBay or any other platform to increase your reach and sales.

The above are some of the ways to scale your dropshipping business. You should also consider extending your book supplier research and bringing on board more suppliers. Another tip is to start selling book accessories and complementary products such as pen pouches, page holders, book lights, reading journals, book marks, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is dropshipping books profitable?

Yes. Dropshipping books is profitable if you get everything right, from settling on specific books to sell and finding a reliable supplier to marketing.

2. What type of books sells best online?

The most profitable books to sell are fiction books, followed by non-fiction and children’s books.

3. How long does it take to succeed with dropshipping books?

It all depends on your operations and the resources you put into the business. On average, you can start making money after 6 to 8 months, but in some cases, it might take longer.

4. What is a good dropshipping supplier for books?

A good supplier should have competitive pricing and be reliable when it comes to fulfilling orders. Importantly, they should have quality books.

5. Can you sell books with dropshipping?

Yes. You can start dropshipping books, just like any other product. 

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, a dropshipping books guide with everything you need to know if you want to start dropshipping books. As you have seen, finding a book category to focus on and the right suppliers are key. The platform you choose, the listings you create, marketing, and order fulfillment are also critical. While the whole process sounds like a rollercoaster, it’s pretty easy to get started. So, what are you waiting for? Start dropshipping books today, your online bookstore journey, and turn your passion into income!

eBay dropshipping is one of the best online businesses you can start today. But as a beginner, you probably don’t know where to start or if dropshipping is still profitable. If you are in this boat, this is the right place to be. We have shared everything that you should know before starting. 

In the end, you will learn;

Advantages and Disadvantages of eBay Dropshipping

Like any other business, eBay dropshipping has advantages and disadvantages. Before diving deeper into this eBay dropshipping guide, check out the benefits of dropshipping on eBay and the challenges you will encounter.

Pros of eBay Dropshipping

Cons of eBay Dropshipping

What is eBay Dropshipping?

eBay dropshipping is a business model where sellers can list and sell items they don’t have. It still works on the dropshipping principle, where you sell items that you don’t own the inventory. Instead, you partner with wholesalers who fulfill the order without you handling the product. 

Is eBay Dropshipping Profitable?

But should you get into eBay dropshipping, or is it a dead venture? Well, dropshipping on eBay remains a lucrative venture today as long as you get your math right, from end to end.

But before analyzing whether or not eBay dropshipping is profitable, here are statistics proving it is not dead; in fact, it is the next big thing.

” Over 33% of online stores believe dropshipping is a reliable fulfillment model. (Fundera)“

” Approximately 23% of global online sales are fulfilled by dropshipping. (Fundera)“

As you may be aware, many online retail platforms allow dropshipping. 

But why choose eBay?

First, eBay is a leader in the eCommerce scene. Started in 1995, the company boasts a solid customer base. Recent statistics show eBay had over 135 million users worldwide as of Q3 2022.

eBay is also a dropshipping-friendly platform. In 2020, for example, over 36% of the sellers were into dropshipping. Obviously, the number has soared now that dropshipping has grown exponentially in popularity. 

Regarding profits, the average eBay dropshipper processes 1,000 orders raking in around $2,587 per month. The biggest dropshippers, on the other hand, fulfill around 4,759 orders earning approximately $12,706 monthly.

From the above, it is clear that dropshipping on eBay is a worthwhile venture. 

eBay Dropshipping Policy(Does eBay Allow Dropshipping?)

Does eBay allow dropshipping? This is an essential question if you want to dropship on eBay without getting your account banned.

Dropshipping is allowed on eBay as long as you play by the rules. eBay allows dropshipping only if you own the items before listing them or if you have an agreement with wholesale suppliers to list and sell their items. 

Listing and purchasing an item from another retailer or marketplace is prohibited and is the sole reason many eBay dropshippers get banned.

Whether you own the items prior or are working with a wholesale supplier, it is your responsibility to ensure the safe delivery of the items within the time specified on the listing. You are also responsible for the general buyer’s satisfaction failure to which you may be banned.

eBay Dropshipping Fees

Besides the eBay policy, you should also be acquainted with eBay dropshipping fees. The big question is, how much does it cost to dropship on eBay? Can you sell for free as a dropshipper? Well, the answer is no. You will need to pay some fees including;

(a) Store Subscription Fees

You will have to get a subscription to get an eBay business account. The cost of a subscription depends on the store type. There are beginner stores and stores for large businesses. 

Below is a breakdown of different stores and the subscription fees.

Store Type	Cost Per Month When Billed Monthly	Cost Per Month When Billed Annually
Starter	$7.95	$4.95
Basic	$27.95	$21.95
Premium	$74.95	$59.95
Anchor	$349.95	$299.95
Enterprise	N/A	$2,999.95

From the above fee schedule, it is clear that going for a yearly plan is much cheaper. But now that you are a beginner, we recommend starting with a monthly plan and switching to the yearly plan after learning the ropes of eBay dropshipping.

(b) Insertion Fees

Insertion fees, otherwise referred to as listing fees is, fees that eBay charges a seller to list an item on the platform. This fee is charged upfront. The different eBay stores are allocated free insertion fee listings depending on the store type. As a dropshipper, you need to understand what each package gets you. 

The above table is meant to give you an idea of how insertion fees work. To avoid inconveniences, read in detail how eBay zero insertion fee listings work, especially the exclusions and terms and conditions.

As you have seen, the higher the store package you subscribe to, the less you will pay for each additional listing. But again, as a beginner, don’t fall for this trap. Stick to the lower-level store.

(c) Final Value Fees

The other crucial fee you need to be aware of is the final value fee. This fee is calculated as a percentage of the total sale amount plus an additional $0.30 per order. For the record, the total sale amount includes the item’s price, handling charges, shipping charges, sales tax, and applicable fees.

(d) Promotion Fees

As mentioned earlier, competition is very stiff on eBay. That is why the platform offers merchants extra perks to ensure they succeed. This is where promotional fees come in. With promotional fees, you can leverage eBay’s tools that enhance product visibility. There are two tools; Promoted Listing Standard and Promoted Listings Advanced.

The above are the main fees you need to know when starting your eBay dropshipping business. Also worth mentioning is the optional listing upgrade fees that let you further optimize your listings with features such as extra images, zoom, enlarge function, bold fonts, etc.

How To Dropship On eBay: Step By Step Guide

Now that you know what eBay dropshipping is, how it works, its pros and cons, its policies, and the involved fees, let’s get things started. Below is the step-by-step guide for dropshipping on eBay.

Step 1: Product Research 

What do you plan to sell? Is the product trendy? Does it solve the day-to-day problems? Is the product affordable? Product research is the most critical stage in starting a dropshipping business. Unfortunately, many beginners fail to conduct proper product research and end up selling what nobody wants.

When starting your eBay dropshipping business, prioritize product research to find the winning product(s). The product can be the deal maker or breaker. 

So, how do you go about finding the right product to sell?

eBay Product Research Tools

There are many methods of finding the best product for dropshipping. You can opt for Google and platforms such as Tik Tok. However, the process is time-consuming, and you won’t get accurate data and insights on whether the product will indeed be a success or will be the reason for your business’s downfall.

For the case of eBay dropshipping, we strongly recommend getting a product research tool. As the name suggests, product research tools are software solutions that collect and collate crucial data on a wide variety of metrics crucial in deciding products that have the potential to sell and yield good margins. 

So, which is the best product research tool for finding dropshipping products to sell on eBay? 

One is Terapeak. This tool, developed by eBay, offers key insights that enable sellers to make data-driven decisions. It has two main products; Product Research and Sourcing Insights. You can check out our detailed guide on how to use Terapeak for eBay to research hot items to sell and where to source them.

Another option is Easync, an all-in-one eBay dropshipping tool designed to help eBay dropshippers find products with high demand on eBay. Easync analyzes hard data, including sales, trends, and competitor performance, to enable you to make sound decisions on which products to sell, when, and at what price.

Best Dropshipping Products to Sell on eBay

There are many niches and products you can focus on as a beginner. Some of the best products to sell on eBay include;

Step 2: Find Suppliers

The supplier is an essential player in the success of the business because they affect several dynamics that are crucial to the success of the business, including;

A good supplier should have quality products with affordable prices that will give you returns. They should also be reliable enough when it comes to ensuring the order is packaged and delivered on time. Notably, a good supplier should handle communication promptly to avoid inconveniences.

How To Find Suppliers For eBay Dropshipping

As mentioned earlier, eBay dropshipping is allowed only when you partner with a wholesale supplier, not a retailer. So how do you find a supplier? Well, there are several methods, including;

Google can help you find eBay dropshipping suppliers with just a few clicks, while supplier directories have listings of hundreds of manufacturers, wholesale suppliers, and their contacts. The other option is spying and ordering particular products from your competitors to know where they are sourcing them. You can also attend trade shows, though this is hectic and expensive. 

The best option, however, is to use dropshipping tools. A sure bet could be Terapeak for eBay. Its product, dubbed Sourcing Insights, has been designed for this. 

However, Sourcing Insights is not as effective and accurate as Easync.io, which connects you to top marketplaces with renowned suppliers such as AliExpress, Amazon, BestBuy, Costco, etc.

But as much as you have spotted some suppliers, make sure to vet each one of them and conduct due diligence just to ensure you are working with the right team and not frauds and manufacturers with low-quality products.

Step 3: Open An eBay Account

Now that you have a niche, a winning product, and a supplier, setting up your eBay seller account is the next step. This is a pretty straightforward process that should take you minutes.

First, head to the registration page, where you can register a Personal account or a Business account. While both accounts serve the same purpose, you want to go for a Business account.

Fill in your business name and the other required details, and verify your email. Make sure to choose the correct country where you live and that of your target audience.

Step 4: Set Up eBay Managed Payments Account

Once you have set up your account, the next important thing is taking care of how you will receive payments. 

As a dropshipper, you must work with eBay’s new payment system, which is called eBay Managed Payments. This is eBay’s own managed payment system that came in place to streamline all payments for buyers and sellers under one roof. 

“Managing payments is a big step towards making eBay a simpler, more modern managed marketplace, and over 1 million sellers have already registered globally, and 38% of eBay’s on-platform volume globally is already processed using managed payments with more joining every day. eBay Seller Updates for Spring 2021.

How Does eBay Managed Payments Accounts Work?

In this new plan, eBay has partnered with Payoneer to connect sellers’ accounts with their banks. In a nutshell, eBay processes the buyer’s payments on your behalf and deducts all the costs before transferring the remaining amount to your bank directly.

To register for Managed Payments, you will first need a Payoneer account. Then, sync your Payoneer and eBay profiles before adding a credit or debit card to facilitate seller charges and related costs in case you have insufficient funds. The last step is to submit the request.

Important Tip: Considering eBay might take some time to approve your request, set up your Managed Payments Account early enough. This is because you must have an eBay Managed Payments Account to start selling on the platform.

For the record, PayPal has been replaced by Managed Payments platform as eBay’s payment processor, but buyers can still pay with PayPal.

Step 5: Create and Optimize Listings

You can start listing products once you have the eBay Managed Payments Account. The process of creating listings is pretty straightforward. Just makes sure to fill in accurate data. 

The essential details you will need are;

Remember to optimize your listings for proper visibility. Here, consider having detailed descriptions, keywords, and high-quality images.

Important Tip: As a beginner, we highly recommend adding product listings manually. Also, add just a few listings, probably 3-5 on the first week, and maybe start importing products in bulk after 2 weeks or so.

Step 6: Calculate Pricing and Profit

How much are you selling your product for? Calculating pricing and profit is a very sensitive undertaking you should be keen on. Here, there are several factors you need to consider. These include;

Ensure all the associated fees are factored in before settling on the final product fees. Many dropshippers end up making losses by forgetting to account for all the fees. 

Calculating Profit Margins

It’s also essential to be keen on calculating profit margin. Definitely, you are in this to make money but don’t overprice your products, as you could end up losing sales to other sellers selling the items at lower prices. When beginning, just add a small margin to get started and adjust accordingly.

Step 7: Streamline Operations

Now that your store is running, you must stay on top of operations. Several activities will require your input.

Inventory and Price Monitoring

First, ensure you monitor inventory with the supplier and pricing. What might be in stock today might be out of stock tomorrow when you land an order. Similarly, a watch that costs $25 today might be going for $30 tomorrow. That said, inventory management and price monitoring are crucial. When starting, we recommend listing just a few products so you don’t get overwhelmed with inventory and price monitoring.

Customer Service

They say the customer is king. You will need to invest in proper customer service. Ensure that none of your customer’s messages or inquiries fall through the cracks. And it’s not just the customer. You should also stay in communication with the supplier and watch out for any communication from eBay.

Marketing

Even though eBay is already a big brand with huge organic traffic, there is huge competition from other merchants. You need to find ways to ensure your store stands out. For example, you can use eBay Promotions Manager, spend on Promoted Listings, advertise on social media, or send marketing emails and newsletters.

Step 8: Fulfill Orders

The last step is fulfilling orders. Even though the supplier does the actual order fulfillment, you, the dropshipper, is the one responsible for the order’s fulfillment, not eBay. So, make sure to transfer the order to the supplier on time and follow up to ensure the customer received the correct item per the stipulated delivery window. You will also be responsible for handling returns.

How to Scale Your eBay Dropshipping Business? 

Hoping you start receiving a few orders and, of course, raking in a few bucks, don’t sit back and relax. It’s time to scale your business.

The first thing to consider is automation. When starting, we discourage using automation tools, but now, it is the time to invest in one. A good choice is Easync.io, an all-in-one dropshipping automation tool that makes running the business much easier. Easync.io can search and create listings automatically, reprice listings, and automatically make orders for you. These are mundane tasks that the tool offloads from your back so you can have more time to focus on the core aspects of your business.

Also, consider updating your stock lists with new products that may be trendy or hot in the coming season. Finding more suppliers is also worthwhile.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this beginner’s guide to eBay dropshipping. Now, you know what eBay dropshipping is, the benefits and possible challenges, the policies and fees involved, and how to start and scale your eBay dropshipping business. So, what are you waiting for? Start your dropshipping business today and create an extra income stream.

Do you want to learn how to use Tearpeak for eBay dropshipping? If yes, you might want to stick around. In this beginner’s guide, find everything you need to know about Terapeak. In the end, you will learn the following;

Undoubtedly, eBay is a lucrative marketplace to launch your dropshipping business. While many claim that dropshipping is dead, the truth is that dropshipping, especially eBay dropshipping, is still profitable. 

Below are some of the statistics that affirm that dropshipping is not dead.

Product Research; The Deal Maker or Breaker

Succeeding in eBay dropshipping is not an easy path. There are critical stages in the process, with product research at the core of the strategy. Finding and selling winning products is what will fuel your journey to success. Unfortunately, many dropshippers fail to do proper product research and sell what nobody wants.

While there are several methods of finding products to list on eBay, product research tools have proven to be invaluable. They enable dropshippers to find the best-selling products on eBay and offer in-depth insights so you can make data-driven decisions. There are over a dozen eBay product research tools, but one stands out; Terapeak. 

What is Terapeak?

Terapeak is an innovative market analysis tool that leverages eBay supply, demand, and pricing data to help you make data-driven decisions on what to sell, when, and at what price. It is the go-to product research tool for many eBay dropshippers. According to eBay, over 32% of successful sellers use Terapeak often.

How Does Terapeak Work?

Terapeak is just like a search engine that enables eBay dropshippers to find crucial market data on niches and products. You simply find a product by its name or other unique product identifiers, such as the Universal Product Code (UPC) or eBay Product ID (EPID).

Terapeak has several features, including;

Terapeak Product Research vs. Sourcing Insights

Terapeak has two main products; Product Research and Sourcing Insights. Both are eBay tools, but they have different functionalities.

Terapeak Product Research

This platform enables dropshippers to gauge how different eBay products and categories perform on eBay platforms. The tool has features that enable users to customize and target insights in interested markets. 

Product Research gives you access to crucial data such as;

Terapeak Sourcing Insights 

As the name suggests, Terapeak Sourcing Insights enables sellers to access real-time eBay sales data that is requisite in formulating a sourcing strategy. With Sourcing Insights, you can seize opportunities such as selling products with less stock. Sourcing Insights can also give insights into low-inventory and high-demand categories. 

Some of the metrics Sourcing Insights generates include;

How to Access Terapeak on eBay

Terapeak, where is it? Right now, Terapeak is not a standalone platform as it used to be before the eBay acquisition in 2017. Instead, it has been incorporated within the eBay platform and can be accessed from the eBay Seller Hub under the “Research” tab.

Is Terapeak Free?

Terapeak is indeed a must-have for any savvy eBay dropshipper. But the big question is, how much is Terapeak? 

Terapeak Product Research is free for all eBay sellers’ store levels, including Starter. However, Terapeak Sourcing Insights is not free. You must have a Basic, Premium, Anchor, or Enterprise eBay store to get access. 

If you don’t have any of the above stores, consider getting a Basic store. The table below shows the cost for each store subscription.

Store Type	Subscription Cost (Monthly, Billed Monthly)	Subscription Cost (Monthly, Billed Once Yearly)
Starter	$7.95	$4.95
Basic	$27.95	$21.95
Premium	$74.95	$59.95
Anchor	$349.95	$299.95
Enterprise	N/A	$2,999.95

Terapeak Use Cases

How To Use Terapeak eBay Research For Dropshipping

Now, to the main business of the day, how do you use Terapeak? What can you do with it? To ensure you get the most out of this guide, we have discussed in detail how to use Terapeak in; 

Terapeak Metrics Explained

But before going into the details on how to use Terapeak, it is essential to understand the key Terapeak insights, otherwise known as metrics. This is data that gives an all-round picture of the product at hand. 

Below is a list of the key Terapeak metrics. We will discuss each metric in detail and its significance in the quest to find the best products for eBay dropshipping.

1. Sourcing Insights

Sourcing insights is an important metric that gives users exclusive access to real-time sales data on any eBay platform’s category. With sourcing insights, dropshippers can develop a working data-driven sourcing strategy. 

Sourcing insights is vital when making decisions based on inventory and stock. For example, it can help you zero down on single-stock listings. These are products that can rake in sales when you list them, as there is no stiff competition. Sourcing insights can also help you identify products with high demand and low inventory. Such products attract less competition and are highly profitable.

2. Number Of Listings & Items Sold

The next important metric is the number of listings and, importantly, the number of sold items from the listing. The number of listings tells you how the competition is, while the number of items sold from the listings indicates whether or not the product is profitable. 

With these two insights, dropshippers can then build a profitable catalog. 

3. Average Sales Prices

As the name suggests, this is all about the average price of a product. The average sales price lets users understand how much other sellers sell the same product. Consequently, you can make the right decision on how much to list your product for. 

You don’t want to sell way below the average. In the same token, you don’t want to overprice it. This balance is critical to the success of your business; pricing strategy.

4. Sell-Through Rates 

The sell-through rate is one of the critical insights you should consider as a dropshipper. Sell-through rates refer to the rate at which a product is sold compared to the amount of available stock. It is calculated by dividing the number of units sold by number of units received.

The sell-through rate is crucial as it informs dropshippers whether or not a product is worth selling. Together with the Number Of Listings & Items Sold, it helps you create that healthy and profitable catalog.

5. Average Shipping Costs

Understanding the average shipping costs is also an important metric that Terapeak offers. The shipping cost is a key determinant in setting the final selling price. Considering many buyers make purchase decisions based on shipping costs, users need data on the average shipping costs.

With the average shipping cost, you can go shipping options with favorable shipping costs to bring down the final product cost. With a lower final cost, you have the edge over your competition. You won’t lose a customer because of higher shipping charges that are lower with another seller.

6. Seller & Buyer Locations 

To make informed decisions, you will need to know where most of the sellers are and where the buyers are concentrated. Terapeak gives users detailed ad accurate information on the geolocation of sellers and buyers.

Seller and buyer location data is critical as it enables dropshippers to create targeted audiences.

7. Sales Trends

Sales trends refer to the historical data on the revenue and sales of a particular product. With sales trends, you can predict a pattern that will come in handy when setting up your winning strategy. 

With sales trends data, dropshippers can decide what to sell and the best or worst time to sell that product. 

8. Unsold Inventory

As the name suggests, this filter gives you raw data on products that have been listed but have not been sold. 

Unsold inventory data is crucial as it explicitly advises what you shouldn’t consider selling. Anything in the Unsold Inventory list should be avoided!

9. Listing Formats Of Other Sellers

Listing format is important data that should be at your fingertips if you are an eBay dropshipper. As you may be aware, there are 3 listing formats: Auction, Best Offer Accepted, and Fixed Pricing.

Terapeak gives you data on the listing formats of other sellers who you are competing with. With this data, you know which listing format works best so you can adjust your listings accordingly.

Using Terapeak for eBay: Step By Step Guide

Terapeak for eBay is a solid product research tool that can be used in 3 easy steps, as listed below.

1. Product Research: How to Find Winning Products on eBay Using Terapeak

Product Research is a tool that enables dropshippers to find winning products on eBay. You can search for a product using different attributes, including;

The product name is the best option as it’s the easiest way to get accurate insights; besides, you can have better control of your search quality. However, searching for a product with the name is not as precise as the other options. 

2. Filtering Search: How to Use Terapeak Filters to Narrow Down Your Search

If you use the keyword search option, you will definitely get more than a dozen products. Most of the products that will pop up are products you have no interest in, so you need to refine the search. 

Terapeak has several filters, with each separating the wheat from the chaff. With refined filters, you can easily pinpoint the exact product you want, thus saving you a lot of time. 

Below are some of the filters you will encounter during the product search.

(i) Time range – This filter is handy when you only want to get data from a certain period. For example, 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, or custom range.

(ii) Listing site – As you may be are, there are over a dozen eBay marketplaces. We have ebay.com, ebay.co.uk, ebay.de, ebay.it, and so on. The listing site filter will take the search to the specific eBay marketplace.

(iii) Category selected – In which category do you want to search for a product? You can choose to search from all categories or a specific category. The latter is the better option.

(iv) Condition filter – You want to select the item’s condition. The available options include New, New (other), New with defects, Seller refurbished, Use, and For parts not working.

(v) Format filter – eBay has 3 format filters: Auction, Best offer accepted, and Fixed price. Select the most appropriate format.

(vi) Price filter – As the name suggests, this filter allows you to search products within a specified price range. 

(vii) Top rated – Do you want the search to exclude top-rated products or include top-rated listings only?

(viii) Buyer and seller locations – Under the ‘More Filters,’ choose the location of the buyer or seller.

3. Data Analysis: How to Analyze Terapeak Results 

The last step is analyzing the results you have gotten from the filters to find the best products to sell on eBay. This critical stage needs to be addressed carefully, lest all your efforts end up in vain.

You will realize that Terapeak results are grouped into two; Sold and Active. You will definitely be interested in data on the Sold tab and not Active.

Under the Sold tab, there are several metrics as listed below; 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Terapeak 

Terapeak is a reliable eBay product research tool. But just like any other dropshipping software, it has advantages and disadvantages.

The first advantage of Terapeak is that it is free, so you don’t have to spend more money as long as you have an eBay seller account. Terapeak is also a robust tool that enables eBay dropshippers to find best-selling products, optimize listings, refresh underperforming listings, and match the competition through competitor analysis. The tool also provides sellers with data for product sourcing by identifying categories with high demand and low supply.

The main shortcoming of Terapeak is skewed data. Data such as sell-through rates may be inaccurate for one reason or another. For example, an item might end up as unsold because the seller might have made a mistake, such as poor listings, high shipping fees, no returns, etc. A seller may also have high sell-through rates because they sold an item at a very cheap price. Terapeak doesn’t account for these factors. 

Scaling Your Business: Terapeak Complementary Tools

Terapeak is a great tool for dropshipping on eBay, but it is not enough to scale your business to greater heights. You may need other tools to complement it.

One of the best tools that complement Terapeak is Easync.io, an automated dropshipping solution. While Easync has several features, the best tool you can leverage is Fulfillment by Easync. If you are dropshipping from eBay, you can take advantage of Fulfillment by Easync to fulfill Amazon orders, not with your Amazon account, but with Easync’s.

Another tool is AutoDS which is designed to automate and optimize your eBay store. AutoDS can help you find and import products, monitor and adjust pricing and inventorycomp0lete order fulfillment, and so on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Terapeak worth it?

Yes. Terapeak is a resourceful eBay dropshipping product search tool that enables dropshippers to find the best products to sell. 

2. Is Terapeak Sourcing Insights free?

No. Terapeak Sourcing Insights is not free. To access this tool, you need to have a Basic store subscription or higher. Terapeak Product Search is, however, free for all store levels, including Starter.

3. What is a good Terapeak sell-through rate on eBay?

It’s hard to put a number as there are a lot of dynamics. But generally, a 40% sell-through rate is acceptable. But now that you are in it for money aim at 80%, which is very achievable.

4. Where do I find Terapeak on eBay?

Terapeak can be accessed from the Seller Hub under the Research tab. It is no longer a standalone platform.

5. Is there a better product research tool for eBay than Terapeak?

Terapeak is a great deal as it offers accurate data considering it is a product developed by eBay itself. But there are several other Terapeak alternatives, including ShelfTrend, SellerChamp, and so on. 

6. Does Terapeak work with Amazon?

No. Terapeak doesn’t work with Amazon. It is solely designed for eBay. However, note that before its acquisition, it used to work with eBay, Amazon, and Shopify.

7. Who owns Terapeak?

eBay owns Terapeak after it acquired the analytics platform in December 2017.

Wrapping Up

That’s the end of this guide on how to use Terapeak for eBay dropshipping. Indeed, Terapeak is an essential tool that can be the deal maker or breaker. With Terapeak, you can gauge how products and categories are performing, get detailed visual reports, search and filter products, get a glimpse of popular categories and products, and implement successful strategies for the success of your business. 

If you are an eBay seller or want to venture into eBay dropshipping, take advantage of Terapeak Product Research and Sourcing Insights.