If you are starting out or looking to start an online business selling products on eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce or even Amazon, then you know the most important thing is finding the right product, at the right cost and from the right manufacturer. But where to start and how to start?
You can sell on reseller websites such as eBay, Amazon or several other reseller websites. You can even create your own website and use WooCommerce or Shopify. If you want to save a little to start, your own website and woocommerce might be the best alternative. You can create your own website for about $4 a month (Bluehost affiliate link), vs shopify which is about $30 a month or more.
My goal in this blog is to share information while we all learn along the way and have an interactive update of dropshipper information as it is added through your comments below. Did you find a good dropshipping company, had a bad experience with one, or can elaborate on how to find dropshippers for your online business? Please comments below for all to share. We’ll also add some web links we found valuable and any added in the comments.
There are some youtube videos that provide some good beginner information on finding dropshippers, but I haven’t found a good full walkthrough.
How to get Started with your Dropship Reselling business
So you have no idea how to get started but you know you want to sell items and make some money online.
eBay is probably one of the easiest ways to get started. If you still don’t have your niche or products, then sell some of your old stuff around the house. But first learn about fees and shipping costs. There are several videos on youtube that can give you a good idea about eBay fees and shipping. Most people will tell you that USPS is most likely the best, most cost effective and easiest way to ship most products. You can even get free shipping supplies from USPS.
Once you have a good idea of shipping costs and eBay fees, just get your feet wet. Most eBay sellers ill tell you that you want to have at least 100 positive reviews (don’t cheat) before you really get going as an eBay reseller. So work on that. Not just do you get some selling experience, positive reviews, but also extra cashflow and clean out old stuff…
By the time you have sold and gained 100 positive reviews, you will have learned enough experience to know your way around, maybe even found a niche you want to start with and find a dropshipper. Or you might have found that goign around and sourcing items and arbitrage is your thing…
If you do decide to arbitrage, here is a website that makes it a little quicker and easier to find deals before you head out… https://brickseek.com/deals/. Personally I have not yet created an account with them, but they do seem to have some great clearance items and products that can be resold for a profit.
Beware of Fraud and Scammers
As with any business, there are people who will do fraud and try to scam you. Most online platforms (unless it’s your website) will have certain return policies that generally benefit buyers. The buyer is important, and there is an old saying, “the buyer is always right”.
You will need to ensure you protect yourself and your business from fraud and scammers, specially when selling on eBay or Amazon. Watch the youtube video below and see how this seller got scammed on a sale. It happens, and it happens more often than you think.
In this situation, it appears as the buyer made the purchase with full intent to defraud the seller. Unfortunately in many cases eBay and Amazon will side with the buyer if you don’t have overwhelming evidence. Many resellers suggest having videos of the products being shipped and even if returned, opening the package. SamsonTV has a couple videos showing how he has been scammed on eBay, it’s good to know what happens so you can protect yourself and your business. Also make sure you have enough profit margins to cushion returns, fraud, and scammers…
What’s Next
Hopefully by this stage you already earned some learned some experience selling online, whether that is on your website, eBay, Amazon or other resell platform.
How to Find a Dropshipper?
Yes, Google is a good asset when looking for a dropshipper. More important is to evaluate what products you want to sell before looking for a dropshipping company. Once you know what niche you want to be in, and what products you want to sell then you can start looking for who sells those items.
If you don’t know what items you want to sell, you jut know that you want to start selling online, then you might want to consider doing some research on items before you get stated. Some products will sell better on eBay than others.