how does drop ship work?

[lookinf11]

Started out selling expensive coins but I can't get close to what I paid!   I would like to expand  into all types of merchandise, but being a beginner I don't know  how drop shipping works or other methods for that matter. Best advice I've

gotten so far is to go to you-tube!  Anyone have any sugesstions for me? I'm 70 years old retired with lots of time on my hands. However I'm smart enough to know I need help with this project! 

[heckofagame]

Start by reviewing the policies related to drop-shipping. 

Drop shipping and product sourcing | eBay

[12345jamesstamps]

I wouldn't do drop-shopping....only sell what you have yourself.

How would a buyer return something? 

To many problems with it.

Never tell anyone your age when emailing them by the way.

And you are shipping from Florida...I suggest you read up on 'freight forward' a little bit.

So, other countries can buy from you still doing 'freight forward' where address is in Florida and then it goes to  buyer's country. You been lucky so far. Always check eBay buyer ID to see what country buyer is from...hoping to see USA and not another country.

I have had no problems with 'freight forward'...I usually take a photo of package with postage on it and send it as a friendly email to buyer in the other country and let them know I know it is going 'freight forward' and it might take longer to get to buyer in that country. And I don't leave feedback first to that particular buyer.

Good luck.

[richard1rst]

how does drop ship work?

Poorly.

[chapeau-noir]

Most of what I see drop shipped is stuff anyone can get anywhere and it's a problematic way to sell because one is not only in an extremely competitive situation, but is depending upon some other entity to do the actual fulfillment. The alternative I would take is buying skids and pallets and handling everything myself. 

BTW, a lot of stuff on YouTube is drek, self-advertisement and ego. Tread carefully there.

[luckythewinner]

Anyone have any sugesstions for me?

My suggestion is that you steer clear of drop-shipping. It could ruin you financially.

[chapeau-noir]

If you have lots of time and are presumably in good health, I'd encourage you to continue your researches and start dipping your toe into other markets. They can be numismatic-related since you already deal with coins, or you can start expanding your researches. 

[robbie31415]

Dropshipping is a legitimate form of selling for people who don't want to ship or maintain inventory.

Please know I'm not talking about amazon "dropshipping" or other retail arbitrage that's being flooded online.

However the problem is eBay like other online marketplaces have strict standards and metrics you have to live up to.

You risk them operating poorly or slowly and it reflects on your account. So you are allowing them to dictate your account health.

I do have some drop shipping accounts, but I don't do them on eBay.

I have made a few blogs and sold directly on them via Paypal. No worry about the drop shipping company shipping poorly and causes my INAD metrics to rise. Or them shipping slow that I'm missing my handling time with late shipments.

They will destroy your account.

[fbusoni]

---

@lookinf11 wrote:

Started out selling expensive coins but I can't get close to what I paid!   I would like to expand  into all types of merchandise, but being a beginner I don't know  how drop shipping works or other methods for that matter. Best advice I've gotten so far is to go to you-tube!  Anyone have any sugesstions for me? I'm 70 years old retired with lots of time on my hands. However I'm smart enough to know I need help with this project! 

---

Worst advice I've gotten so far is to go to you-tube! 

Fixed your sentence.

I'm 64 and retired and spend some of my time visiting thrift shops and book stores.  I recommend the same for you so that you can be on control of your own inventory and take responsibility for shipping so that it is done on time.   Relying on someone else to ship in a timely manner is a fool's errand.  regards

[ckimodog]

@lookinf11 

How does drop shipping work?  In most cases very poorly and the result much of the time is a restricted/suspended outcome as most don't know what they're doing.  I would avoid drop shipping at all costs or in the end it will wind up costing you.

Good luck

[tobaccocardyahoo]

Dropshipping is only as good a strategy as the supplier you used to drop ship from.

There are many wholesale suppliers who will drop ship for their customers, using your name as the seller on the packing lists and shipping labels. They do not usually identify themselves on the outer cartons.

If they have the merchandise in stock, they will usually ship in a timely and predictable manner.

They will usually require you meet certain qualifications to buy from them, including a credit check.

If you never buy any merchandise for inventory, you are unlikely to get their best prices. If product is in short supply, their customers who buy for inventory might get the product and your order might be cancelled.

If you have no skin in the game, you are expendable.

Dropshipping often results in the loss of your selling account on Ebay or other internet marketplaces if you sell enough.

It seems attractive because you invest nothing other than your time, but often you find your time has been wasted, and your profit is inadequate, and you cannot compete with other sellers.

[gloryglorygifts]

"Dropshipping often results in the loss of your selling account on Ebay or other internet marketplaces if you sell enough."

That's  just not true. 

[kensgiftshop]

@lookinf11 

To be honest, if you have to ask, you're not ready to try dropshipping.

It can get you a lot of trouble quick.

[kensgiftshop · Accepted solution]

---

@gloryglorygifts wrote:

"Dropshipping often results in the loss of your selling account on Ebay or other internet marketplaces if you sell enough."

That's  just not true. 

---

It is if you don't know what your doing.