According to many eCommerce tycoons on the internet, dropshipping on eBay is a big NO! eBay’s policy is strictly against dropshipping on the platform, with threats of removing or lowering the listing on search. If you have been a long term seller, they might even drop your rating. Over the years, dropshippers are seeking for alternatives or a loop behind eBay’s harsh policy. Have they found it? Maybe yes. You will find out in this article. Before you delve into this detailed guide, take a look at what dropshipping is.
What Is DropshippingDropshipping is a business model where you don’t have to own an inventory or a warehouse. You process an order and allow your manufacturer to handle the shipping or delivering process. In other words, you make money by selling a virtual product. Your supplier or manufacturer is in charge of the whole process, and thus, you don’t need to worry about yourself. In this business, all you do is diverse ways to market and promote your online store. The more you develop the store, the more chances you have of making sales.
Benefits Of Dropshipping
Dropshipping comes with numerous benefits. It has been one of the most accessible routes to make money through the eCommerce industry. The fact is, you make money doing little to nothing at all. Here are some benefits you should be aware of to make the right decision.
Low RiskIn dropshipping, you don’t need to worry about owning an inventory. You also don’t have to worry about not selling your products. That way, you deal with a low-risk environment that allows you to focus on more important things. All you have to do all day is promoting the heck out of your products.
Highly AutomatedWith dropshipping, you don’t need to worry about processing orders. With one click, you can list any products for sale. When a request comes, the system automatically processes the order. That way, you focus on what matters most, which is marketing and promotion.
Lower CostStarting a dropshipping business doesn’t need to cost you a hand and a leg. Also, most manufacturers often pay wholesale pricing. That way, you save costs, which will be beneficial to you and your customers.
Saves TimeIn dropshipping, the big job lies on the shoulder of the manufacturer. All you need to do is focus on administrative tasks like marketing and customer services. With that in place, you’re good to go. You can even run this business like a side hustle while you keep your day job.
Millions Of ProductsYou can sell anything you want as long as it’s not illegal. There are millions of products to choose from – tons of products to market. All you have to do is pick a niche, and you’re good to go. With dropshipping, you can sell the products you love without issues.
What is eBay?
eBay is an auction site where users can sell their products online. Years after its establishment, the platform now has over 135 million users all around the world. It has made eBay a very lucrative goldmine for a dropshipping business. However, their policy has been a roadblock that many are looking for ways to overcome.
How eBay WorksThe way the platform works is easy to grasp. First, users can sell their products and make the most from it in the form of bids. When you list a product for sale, customers bid on it for a specific number of days. In the end, the highest bidder goes with the product. Another option a user use to sell a product is the “Buy it now” button. With that, customers don’t need to bid. That way, the seller gets paid for the fixed price of the product.
Can You Dropship Using eBay?Whether eBay permits dropshipping on their platform has been up for debate. It is a delicate issue, and to be on the right track, and you must take a look at their policies. A look at their company policy, it is glaring that it isn’t banned but rather, restricted. Technically, dropshipping is allowed, provided you fulfill your orders from a wholesale supplier. However, you can’t resell a product you bought from a wholesaler on eBay. In other words, you cannot buy a product on sites like Amazon, then ship to your eBay customers. When you default, eBay will no doubt knack you the hammer. They either remove your listing, lower its performance on a search result, or even reduce your rating if you’ve been a long-time seller.
Dropshipping from Amazon to eBayThe new eBay policy was triggered when lots of customers were complaining of receiving an Amazon package. Even after paying a premium for purchasing on eBay. These numerous complaints led to the new eBay policy, banning such activities. Lots of Amazon sellers suffered from this new development. Even sellers who use special software such as Easync and PriceYak suffered greatly. However, is all hope lost? Can someone still dropship on eBay? Well, you will find out from the preceding section of this article. Read on!
Dropshipping via eBay: step by step guide
Find A SupplierThe success of every dropshipping business lies in your supplier. When you get one that is not reliable, you begin to fail without even starting. There are numerous ways you source for a reputable supplier. The first thing to consider is the supplier’s shipping method; how long it takes for a product to get delivered, product quality, etc. After you’ve got one that meets your needs, let them known you would like to be their retailer.
Choose Your ProductsThere are millions of market in the marketplace. To ensure you’re on the right side, you can do your research about best-selling products, or stick to a niche you already have in mind. Here is some best performing business on eBay.
Printed socks
Bluetooth headphones
Organic tea
Vaporizers and E-Cigarettes
Sports Bra
Baby carrier, etc.
Set Up Your AccountAfter you have determined the product to sell, the next line of action is to sign up for a seller account. It takes only a few minutes. Here are a few things to be conscious of, to avoid making mistakes.
Pay attention to eBay’s seller information center
Choose an account name wisely
eBay might require a tax id
Set up your payment method
Set up your profile page with information about your shop
Create Your ListingsAfter you’re through with your shop’s set up, the next step is creating your listing to start selling. With the information you have provided, you can create a listing for each product. Before you determine the product pricing, timing, whether to auction it or use the buy it now button, a little research on eBay would be the wisest decision.
Manage And MaintainAfter you’ve successfully created a listing, now is the moment of making money. Here is where you start building your reputation by making sure your customers receive their goods on time. Checking in on the supplier to ensure that things are moving well is also imperative. Every element has to be working as smoothly as possible.
How To Dropship On eBayTo dropship on eBay, you need to move away from the main context of dropshipping. In this case, you will need to purchase an inventory from the manufacturer and have it shipped to your customers. However, there is no guarantee that you might sell that inventory, thereby making the business risky.
To make this feasible, you will need to work directly with a manufacturer or supplier who is ready to ship out to your customers on your behalf. Although most of them will turn down the offer, you might find one who might agree. Most prospective dropshipper often ask if dropshipping on eBay is worth it. The answer is NO! There are numerous reasons why dropshipping on eBay is a terrible idea. First of all, it warrants you to buy a big inventory, pay listing fees, and at the end of the day, they are still not your customers. It’s unlikely you will find a manufacturer or supplier who would allow you to buy products individually. When you buy a buck inventory, it will add to cost and further increases your risk. Another downside to dropshipping via eBay is that you don’t own your customers. In other words, you’re helping eBay build their business instead of yours. You can’t create a customer base using an email list. It isn’t possible. When customers are about to refer a friend, they say “eBay” without mentioning the name of your shop. By these, it is evident that eBay is not a wise choice when it comes to dropshipping. It comes with more risks and cons, with little to no advantage. The idea of dropshipping through eBay sounds excellent; the policy has been a barrier that has kept many at bay for years.
eBay Dropshipping AlternativesSince dropshipping on eBay is not worth the headaches, what can you do? Well, what if you start your own Shopify store and dropship through the platform? Below are a few reasons why dropshipping on Shopify is a great choice.
You only get to pay for the price of goods upon sales
Millions of products to choose from
Easy entry. No special requirement
You own your customers, email list and website
You also own your marketing task. you market the way you deem fitUnlike eBay, dropshipping on Shopify gives you ownership. This time, you are helping your business grow, not the other way round. With your store, you can decide the route your brand plies, how much you charge, the means to market, and how much you own. You also have the flexibility to create targeted ads. Targeted ads are known to perform exceptionally well for many store owners. Not just that, you also can utilize or build an email list. On this side of the business model, everything is under your control.
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