Earn $2000 in 2 Weeks with Amazon Drop Shipping!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Drop Shipping?
- My Drop Shipping Journey
- Setting Up Your Facebook Marketplace Account
- Choosing the Right Products to Sell
- Uploading Your First Listing
- Customer Service and Handling Orders
- Shipping and Fulfillment
- Dealing with Sold Out Items
- Staying Organized with a Spreadsheet
- Buying from Amazon for Drop Shipping
- Handling Tracking Numbers
- Building Trust with Customers
- Other Platforms for Drop Shipping
- Conclusion
Introduction
Welcome to my channel, where I share videos about money-making, lifestyle, and college tips. In today's video, I want to introduce you to the world of drop shipping. As the queen of side hustles, I have found drop shipping to be a profitable and legal way to make money on the side. In this article, I will guide you through my drop shipping journey and provide you with the steps to get started in this business. So, let's dive in and explore the world of drop shipping together.
What is Drop Shipping?
Before we begin, let's understand what drop shipping is all about. Drop shipping is a business model where you act as a middleman between customers and suppliers. Instead of stocking inventory, you list products for sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and take orders from customers. Once an order is placed, you forward it to the supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. This means you don't have to handle the products or manage inventory. Your role is to market the products, make sales, and earn profit from the difference between the supplier's price and the price you charge the customer.
My Drop Shipping Journey
Let me share my personal experience with drop shipping and how it has been a lucrative side hustle for me. It all started when my mother introduced me to drop shipping after taking a course on it. She taught me everything I know about this business model, and I have since developed my own unique style of drop shipping. I primarily focus on home decor products, specifically pillowcases and other home decor items.
Setting Up Your Facebook Marketplace Account
To get started with drop shipping, you will need to set up a Facebook Marketplace account. This is where you will list your products for sale and interact with potential customers. Make sure your profile picture is friendly and clear, as it will impact how customers perceive your business. Remove any previous items you used to sell to start fresh with your drop shipping journey.
Choosing the Right Products to Sell
When it comes to drop shipping, choosing the right products to sell is key. As a beginner, I recommend starting with home goods. Look for pillowcase sets that are visually appealing but not overly popular. It's important to avoid products that are easily recognizable as coming from a large platform like Amazon, as it can raise suspicion among potential customers. Take screenshots of the product listing, crop the images, and save the title and description for later use.
Uploading Your First Listing
Now that you have your products ready, it's time to upload your first listing on Facebook Marketplace. Use the images you took earlier, paste the title, and select the appropriate category, such as "Throw Pillows." Paste the description, which you can extract from the Amazon listing, and include relevant tags that potential buyers might search for. Tags may include variations of pillowcases, throw pillows, pillow covers, colors, materials, and sizes. The more tags, the better your chances of attracting customers.
Customer Service and Handling Orders
Customer service plays a crucial role in drop shipping success. Make sure to respond to inquiries promptly and with kindness. When you receive an order, update your spreadsheet to keep track of the product, customer details, purchase price, and selling price. This spreadsheet will help you stay organized and mitigate any potential issues. It's essential to provide excellent customer service to build trust with your buyers, as positive ratings and reviews can lead to more sales.
Shipping and Fulfillment
Shipping is a critical aspect of drop shipping, and attention to detail is necessary. You can set the shipping price to zero if you offer free shipping. However, if you incur shipping costs, you can charge customers accordingly. Upload at least 10 new listings per day to increase your chances of making sales. Not all items will sell equally well, so diversify your product offerings to maximize your success.
Dealing with Sold Out Items
As a drop shipper, you rely on suppliers to fulfill orders. Unfortunately, items can sell out on platforms like Amazon, affecting your ability to fulfill orders. If an item sells out, you must mark it as sold out on Facebook Marketplace and inform customers about the unavailability of the product. It's important to manage expectations and avoid canceling orders, as excessive cancellations can harm your account's reputation.
Staying Organized with a Spreadsheet
To stay organized and keep track of your orders, it's essential to maintain a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet should include details such as the sold product, buyer's name, shipping date, purchase price, selling price, and profit. Regularly update the spreadsheet with new orders and ensure accuracy to prevent any discrepancies or issues with customers.
Buying from Amazon for Drop Shipping
When it comes to purchasing products for drop shipping, Amazon is a popular choice. To buy products for your customers, enter the customer's details and shipping address and select one-day shipping for speedy delivery. Avoid using Amazon Prime when drop shipping, as it may violate Amazon's policies if used excessively. Opt for standard shipping methods and be cautious of product availability to avoid disappointed customers.
Handling Tracking Numbers
After marking an item as shipped on Facebook Marketplace, you will be prompted to input the shipping carrier and tracking number. Instead of providing a specific tracking number immediately, you can use "TBA" (To Be Announced) until the order is fully processed and shipped by Amazon. Update the tracking number only when requested by a customer to avoid unnecessary complications.
Building Trust with Customers
Building trust with your customers is vital for the success of your drop shipping business. Send friendly messages to customers after marking their orders as shipped, thanking them for their purchase and assuring them of upcoming updates on tracking numbers. Respond promptly to any inquiries or concerns to provide excellent customer service and enhance their buying experience.
Other Platforms for Drop Shipping
While Facebook Marketplace is an excellent platform for drop shipping, there are other platforms you can explore. Consider expanding your business to platforms like Etsy, eBay, or your own website to reach a wider audience. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, so weigh your options and adapt your strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
Drop shipping can be a lucrative side hustle, allowing you to make money by leveraging your marketing skills and connecting customers with products they desire. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start your own drop shipping journey and potentially generate significant income. Remember to focus on customer service, stay organized, and continuously learn and adapt to succeed in this dynamic business model. Good luck on your drop shipping adventure!
