Dropshipping: What it is, Advantages and Disadvantages

Are you thinking about opening an e-commerce with a limited budget and without having to invest in buying stock? Then, your solution is  dropshipping .

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an innovative B2C e-commerce strategy that has revolutionized the way of doing business online. In this model, the retailer, that is, the owner of the online store, does not need to maintain its own inventory or take care of the shipping process. Instead, he works in collaboration with a wholesaler who handles these tasks.

When you think about dropshipping, think about efficiency and scalability. Instead of investing in large amounts of inventory and managing logistics, your primary role as a retailer is to attract customers, process orders, and provide support. This dynamic allows entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best: marketing, customer service, and brand building.

Although it is common to associate dropshipping with Asian suppliers, especially due to the popularity of platforms like AliExpress, it is not limited to a specific geography.

In fact, many successful dropshipping stores collaborate with local suppliers to offer faster delivery times and superior quality control. The advantage lies in the flexibility of the model: you can sell products from anywhere in the world, no matter where you are.

The core of dropshipping lies in transparency and trust between the retailer and the supplier. Although the end customer interacts only with the retailer, it is essential that all actors involved are synchronized to ensure a positive shopping experience.

Actors involved in a Dropshipping sale.

Within the dropshipping ecosystem, three main actors play distinct but interconnected roles:

• Buyer: This is the end customer, who makes the purchase in the retailer’s online store. Although he is not directly involved in the dropshipping process, his experience determines the success of the business.

• Seller (retailer): The intermediary between the buyer and the dropshipper. Their role is to attract customers, process orders and ensure a seamless shopping experience. Although he does not handle inventory or shipping, he is responsible for the customer relationship and any questions or issues that may arise.

• Dropshipper (wholesale or supplier): It is the logistics pillar. Responsible for maintaining inventory, preparing and shipping products to end customers. Its efficiency and reliability are crucial to the success of the model.

Despite the apparent simplicity of this scheme, it is vital to consider the management of the relationship between the seller and the dropshipper. Clear expectations, fluid communication and a commitment to quality are essential to ensure customer satisfaction.

We are going to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this business model.

Also Read: How to start an online store without inventory

Advantages of Dropshipping

There are three main advantages to this business model and they are all related to the stock and investment needed to get it up and running.

The dropshipping business model has gained popularity in recent years due to the many advantages it offers, especially compared to traditional online stores. Below we present the key advantages and how they can influence the success of your business.

1. Limited investment

• Lower risk: By not having to purchase inventory beforehand, the financial risk of starting a dropshipping business is considerably lower compared to a traditional online store.

• Reduced initial costs: The initial investment is mainly focused on the design and functionality of your online store, the marketing strategy and some tools that can boost your sales.

• Absence of storage and shipping costs: By not needing a physical space to store products, you avoid costs related to rent, security, and maintenance of a warehouse. You also get rid of worries such as product deterioration or possible accidents such as floods.

• Focus on sales: Your main and almost only objective will be to sell and provide excellent customer service.

There are no inventory, warehouse or shipping costs. There are also no outdated products, nor any type of storage risk (floods or various deteriorations).

You only have to worry about selling. That will be your only objective.

2. Unlimited stock

While investment is controlled and limited, stock is “infinite.”
Your supplier,  as long as it is reliable and of a moderately acceptable size,  should always be ready to respond to your shipments no matter how large the volume of orders.

In contrast, traditional stores usually deal with:

• Catalog flexibility: With a reliable supplier, you can have access to a wide and varied product catalog. This allows you to quickly adapt to market trends and demands.

• Avoid common problems: Unlike traditional stores, you won’t have to worry about being out of stock or having to offer discounts to get rid of obsolete products.

With dropshipping  you will be able to choose which products to offer regardless of stock and you will not have to “force” the release of certain products  that become obsolete in the warehouse.

3. Scalability

• Growth without limitations: The dropshipping structure allows your business to grow without having to worry about the ability to meet an increase in demand. Whether you sell 10 or 1,000 products, a good supplier should be prepared to handle any volume of orders.

• Quick response: A good supplier guarantees the delivery of products within the agreed times, which contributes to customer satisfaction and the reputation of your brand.

4. Diversification of the offer

• Multiple suppliers: You have the freedom to work with different suppliers, allowing you to offer a broader range of products and mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single supplier.

However, the success of dropshipping largely depends on the choice and relationship with suppliers. A bad choice can affect the reputation of your business. It is essential to conduct thorough research and maintain constant communication with your suppliers.

Of course, like any business model, dropshipping also has its challenges and it is essential to be informed of its disadvantages to make informed decisions.

Also Read: Essential things to keep in mind when starting your e-commerce business

Disadvantages of dropshipping

Although the dropshipping model may seem ideal for many entrepreneurs, it is not without its challenges. Here are the main disadvantages that you should take into account if you are considering adopting this business model.

1. Lower profit margin

• Dependence on third parties: By not controlling production and supply, you depend on the prices and margins that suppliers offer you. This can limit your ability to set a competitive price while still making a substantial profit margin.
• Negotiation is key: While you may be limited in terms of margin, having negotiation skills and a strong brand can help you obtain better terms with your suppliers.

2. Shortage of quality suppliers

• Complex search: For certain market niches or less common products, finding a reliable supplier can be a challenge. This can limit the diversity of your offering or the quality of the products you sell.
• Direct competition: The popularity of dropshipping has led to many online stores sharing the same suppliers. This can saturate the market and decrease your opportunities to stand out.

3. Lack of differentiation

• Homogeneous competition: The risk of selling products identical to those of other stores is high in dropshipping. This similarity in offering can make it difficult to create a unique value proposition for your business.
• Key strategies for differentiation: Uniqueness will be your best ally. Here are some aspects you can focus on:
• Positioning: Clearly define what makes you different and communicate that value effectively.
• Usability and user experience: An intuitive design and a good navigation experience can make visitors prefer your store.
• Content Marketing: Creating quality, relevant content can help you establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
• Flexibility in shipping and returns: Good after-sales service, shipping facilities and clear return options can be decisive factors for customers.
• Contact alternatives: Offer multiple customer service channels and ensure you provide exceptional service.
• Quality seals: Establish trust with seals and certifications that guarantee the quality of your store and products.

Although dropshipping offers significant advantages in terms of investment and operation, it also comes with challenges that require a solid strategy and careful execution to succeed in a competitive market.

Examples of wholesale companies specializing in Dropshipping

Once we have analyzed the pros and cons of starting to work under this business model, we will end by mentioning some examples of companies that have been leaders in this sector for many years.

1. BigBuy

It is a Spanish wholesale company, which has made a name for itself in this sector on its own merits.

Its distribution is mainly based on products related to original corporate gifts, among others.

2. MiniIntheBox

This is another great dropshipper. It sells electronic products, based on orders from online stores around the world.

3. AliExpress

We are talking about the great Asian giant.

From electronics, footwear, clothing, AliExpress has been at the top of this sector since 2012, when it began operating and selling wholesale products for online stores around the world.

4. Oberlo

It is one of the best-known platforms, specifically designed for Shopify. It allows sellers to find products from different suppliers and add them directly to their store.

5. SaleHoo

It offers an extensive directory of wholesale suppliers and manufacturers, especially focused on dropshipping. In addition, it provides tools to research products and market niches.

6. Doba

This platform connects retailers with suppliers and offers a wide variety of products. Doba is responsible for managing and organizing product listings for retailers.

7. Wholesale 2B

It provides access to over a million products and connects retailers with a variety of dropshipping suppliers. It also offers integrated solutions for various e-commerce platforms.