Dropshipping v Direct

Overdone · #1 03-21-2016

More specifically than the title, we sell in UK and do very well. About 35% of our sales goes outside of UK....... Europe mainland, US, Oz etc. We have started considering more sales abroad as a very viable option but how. Europe side is fine as I think delivery timescales are not to long so more listing on .de etc. US and further away timescales might be putting buyers off with shipping from UK and it is such a big market to miss out on. Customers do like to be buying from someone who is selling from the same country. Had considered setting up a location in US like we have in UK but might need quite a bit more work before we jump that route. So we are on duplicating our listings on .com .ca .au which might give a boost but still the longer delivery time shown or looking at dropshipping and partnering up. We have someone who has started buying off us in the US and dropshipping out there who is ticking along. They never got in touch with us, just buy one of our listings when they sell something. If we move further down this route we could possibly send a single shipment out each day by courier containing multiple orders which can then be sent through the countries internal mail once received. That should cut the postage time down and possibly cost once volumes are up.

Anyone tried this type of thing into other countries and if so, any major issues?

rsot · #2 03-21-2016

Might want to look into some trusted members here who might want to do some business with you...

Overdone · #3 03-21-2016

That is probably the biggest pitfall, picking the right people. This was why first instinct was to set-up ourselves but local knowledge is important.

phaz0rz · #4 03-21-2016

If you have profitable products, I would be interested in placing a sample order with you and selling your products on my own in USA. I never dropship though - way too much of a headache. I am trustworthy and always looking to diversify.

PM me if you're interested.

Overdone · #5 03-21-2016

It's a little more complicated than sending a range of stock. Items are made to order and it works out as a very large range, to large to consider a complete stock holding. It works more on small sales through listing many options rather than large sales through a handful of listings. Also, we use vero keywords for search etc and it is a balance to stay on the right side of the fence....... which is why I am on this forum having learnt the hard way initially.

Overdone · #6 03-21-2016

Can't send PM's yet or so it states...... although this message might tip me over the threshold (30)