What is Dropshipping

Dropshipping is an order fulfillment setup where the seller doesn’t store or ship products themselves. Instead, orders go straight to a supplier who takes care of delivery.

A brief history

The concept of dropshipping goes back to catalog sales, where companies would take customer orders and have suppliers handle delivery. With the rise of digital storefronts and marketplaces, it became a go-to method for sellers who wanted flexibility and fast setup. Today, it’s widely used by ecommerce brands around the world.

Good to know

Dropshipping can be a low-overhead way to run a store, but it also comes with tradeoffs. You’re not managing inventory or shipping, but you’re still the one your customers turn to if something goes wrong. Delays, stockouts, or damaged items from suppliers all reflect on your brand. That’s why it’s important to choose your suppliers carefully, stay on top of their performance, and set clear expectations with your customers from the start.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does dropshipping actually work?
When someone places an order through your store, you pass that order along to a third-party supplier. They handle the packaging and shipping directly to the customer. You never touch the product yourself, but you're still responsible for the customer experience.
Do I need to work with a specific kind of supplier?
Not necessarily, but it helps to choose suppliers with reliable inventory, decent shipping times, and clear communication. Some people go straight to manufacturers, while others use marketplaces or dropshipping platforms that aggregate products from multiple sources.
What are the biggest risks of dropshipping?
You have less control over fulfillment and product quality. That can lead to delayed shipping, out-of-stock items, or inconsistent packaging. Since your customer only interacts with your store, it’s on you to make sure their experience is smooth even if something goes wrong on the supplier’s end.