eCommerce Know-How

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Closer Look

May 18, 2010

Looking Under the Hood

Drop shippers vary. Don't assume that what you get from one, you will get from the other. Here are 10 questions to ask when doing your research.

  1. Can they combine drop shipping products with your own inventory when fulfilling a mixed order?
  2. Are you able to private label (blind ship) products - your logo, your address, your brand on all materials?
  3. Do they provide expedited shipping? Gift wrapping capabilities?
  4. How do they handle cancellations, item changes, shipping address changes, etc. while the order is with them?
  5. How do they handle returns and repairs? Backorders?
  6. How automated are they? How well can they integrate with your systems? How much visibility can you have into the whole process?
  7. Can they provide high-quality product images and consumer-friendly descriptions and specifications?
  8. Is your drop shipper "over saturated", providing products to too many retailers? Do they offer "exclusives"?
  9. Can they ship internationally? What does that entail?
  10. How do they value you as a client? How committed are they to your success?



Bottom Line: You're only as good as your drop shippers. Research their capabilities, reliability and responsiveness. Check their references. To your customer, your drop shipper IS YOU.




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