Before you use a Drop Shipper
Before You Use a Drop Shipper
We often get new sellers asking about using dropshippers to sell on eBay. The following is my personal opinion and I hope to give you a few things to think about before you even consider this.
Lens created on August 6, 2007
Last updated on October 4, 2011

Benefits of Dropshipping?
- you don't have to outlay a lot of cash, time or effort; and
- you don't need to physically stock the product.
Easier? Sure, but remember these companies usually sell overpriced product which usually saturate the market. Just do a completed listings search on eBay to see if that product is actually selling and what prices they are getting.
Don't Forget .....
You will only get out of your business venture what you put into it.
Who's Making the Money?
Most importantly, you are now at the mercy of this company. Since you have absolutely no control over when or how they send the product to your buyer, if they screw up delivery (i.e. product not in stock or slow shipping), or the product sent is damaged to due poor care, handling or shipping, it becomes your headache and it's your reputation that is ruined, not theirs.
Bottom Line .....
You are doing all the work, you are taking all the risk, and they are collecting the benefits.
eBay Search on Amazon
Research, Research, Research
And no don't ask, I rather doubt a seller is going to tell you who they use, think about it, why would they? Trying to find a reputable drop shipper will take a lot of effort and hard work on your part and can only say "good luck".
And why anyone would pay (sometimes big money) to get a look at a price or product list just doesn't make sense. I would absolutely stay clear of these ones.
My own personal opinion, as well as many experienced eBay sellers, is to stay away from drop shipping, especially if you are a new seller.
If you are determined to use a drop shipper, at least go into it with your eyes wide open and armed with a little background information.
There are many drop shipping companies out there, may I suggest doing a google search on their business name (i.e. ABC company complaints, ABC company scams, etc) to see what kind of complaints are out there.
Search and Browse the Discussion Boards for "drop shipping" or "drop shipper" etc., you will get your eyes opened. You can start here.
Tip: If you ask around, you will find that many educated buyers will not purchase from a seller who uses a drop shipper.
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Please do not leave comments that include a link to a drop shipper. To reduce spamming by drop shipping companies, I do not approve these comments.
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Sylvestermouse
Oct 18, 2011 @ 9:23 pm | delete
- I really appreciate your advice and opinion. I have never used drop shippers myself, but I do know that an individuals business reputation can be ruined by drop shippers. I have seen people offer a product, only to have to say it is no longer available after the buyer has paid. Then the buyer has to wait for a refund and be disappointed that they did not get the merchandise they wanted. It can also keep a buyer from wanting to buy from Ebay again because they fear the experience will be repeated.
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Tipi
May 12, 2011 @ 6:55 pm | delete
- Kathy, this tutorial could save folks so much heartache, cussing,irritation, swear words, loss of sleep, swearing, loss of reputation, cuss words, loss of money and colorful language to the point of inventing new words. Drop shipping sounds like a good thing to not do and I know you back this up with expertise and experience.
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JaguarJulie
Sep 10, 2010 @ 4:00 pm | delete
- Oh my goodness -- yes, good advice to research, research, research. What to do if YOU are selling something as brand new and your dropshipper ships remanufactured merchandise? It's happened to me as the customer!
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Czarque
Feb 3, 2009 @ 6:12 am | delete
- Good information.
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TheGreenerMe
Jan 27, 2009 @ 7:45 am | delete
- I agree, drop shipping isn't a good idea. Most dropshippers offer the same product as everyone else. They're those sellers that have 20 auctions ending at the same time of the same item. What sense does that make?
Plus, there's a lot of competition with these items. You're not the only one selling these drop shipped items!
Great points.
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