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The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

ecommerce.shopify.com

31–40 of 58 posts

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#32
post #2

Out of curiosity, if drop shipping enabled you to quit your job in finance a few years back ( http://ecommerce.shopify.com/guides/dropshipping/about-the-a... ) , why are you now 'giving away your secret sauce' by running a website dedicated to teach people how to setup "copycat" businesses? Is it that the drop shipping business has gotten so competitive that there is more money in teaching people about it than the bu…

Co-author here, and a totally valid question! I started my blog about eCommerce / drop shipping for a number of reasons: 1) To expand my professional network and opportunities I just finished co-writing a book with Shopify on drop shipping, which is something I never would have had the opportunity to do without the blog. It's allowed me to build credibility and expand my network. Additionally, the blog allows me to r…

I appreciate you taking the time to write out such a thoughtful answer - thanks!

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#34
post #2

Out of curiosity, if drop shipping enabled you to quit your job in finance a few years back ( http://ecommerce.shopify.com/guides/dropshipping/about-the-a... ) , why are you now 'giving away your secret sauce' by running a website dedicated to teach people how to setup "copycat" businesses? Is it that the drop shipping business has gotten so competitive that there is more money in teaching people about it than the bu…

Andrew Youderian's the real deal. I've been reading his blog for a while, here's his story:

http://www.ecommercefuel.com/my-corporate-escape-story/

http://www.pocketchanged.com/2012/08/14/online-business-secr...

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#35
post #32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Co-author here, and a totally valid question! I started my blog about eCommerce / drop shipping for a number of reasons: 1) To expand my professional network and opportunities I just finished co-writing a book with Shopify on drop shipping, which is something I never would have had the opportunity to do without the blog. It's allowed me to build credibility and expand my network. Additionally, the blog allows me to r…

I appreciate you taking the time to write out such a thoughtful answer - thanks!

You're very welcome! I'd be wondering the the same kind of thing if I were you. :-)

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Co-author here, and a totally valid question! I started my blog about eCommerce / drop shipping for a number of reasons: 1) To expand my professional network and opportunities I just finished co-writing a book with Shopify on drop shipping, which is something I never would have had the opportunity to do without the blog. It's allowed me to build credibility and expand my network. Additionally, the blog allows me to r…

This is a great answer. I think it is important to note that all of the information you have provided is already available on the web, so you aren't really revealing super secret information. You have provided a very well written and properly structured guide for information which could have been gathered anyways. I went down the dropshipping information wormhole recently it was a super annoying process. You're guide…

Thanks! You're right - most of the information is publicly available, and we just consolidated it into one spot. Some aspects are a bit harder to find publicly - like some of the tricker aspects of managing the logistics of operating a drop shipping business - but still not impossible to find. You just have to dig a bit deeper, or talk to someone with experience.

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Co-author here, and a totally valid question! I started my blog about eCommerce / drop shipping for a number of reasons: 1) To expand my professional network and opportunities I just finished co-writing a book with Shopify on drop shipping, which is something I never would have had the opportunity to do without the blog. It's allowed me to build credibility and expand my network. Additionally, the blog allows me to r…

Hey Andrew, I didn't know you were on HN. I've been following your blog for a while now and I can vouch for you (for as much as that counts) to the community that you a) are very successful at what you do and b) are very helpful to others in the community. This guy loves to share and I think it helps him succeed by knowing that he has to share what he's doing. It's a confidence-success loop. And you're right about 'c…

Wow, thanks watershawl - really appreciate the vote of confidence. And thanks for reading as well!

The more you share what you're doing, the more it will ultimately end up coming back to help you out. Just look at Nathan Barry: his transparency has undoubtedly helped - not hurt - his blog, sales and reputation. I think it's a great model, and am trying to do something similar.

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#38
post #34
post #2

Out of curiosity, if drop shipping enabled you to quit your job in finance a few years back ( http://ecommerce.shopify.com/guides/dropshipping/about-the-a... ) , why are you now 'giving away your secret sauce' by running a website dedicated to teach people how to setup "copycat" businesses? Is it that the drop shipping business has gotten so competitive that there is more money in teaching people about it than the bu…

Andrew Youderian's the real deal. I've been reading his blog for a while, here's his story: http://www.ecommercefuel.com/my-corporate-escape-story/ http://www.pocketchanged.com/2012/08/14/online-business-secr...

Thanks sayemm!

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#39
post #29

I just read the section of your guide about finding suppliers. So you recommend supplier marketplaces like Doba? I've heard alot of strong opinions either way on them. Is the pricing you can get there really competitive? Most of their clients appear to be really small mom-and-pop online stores.

DOBA's interface can be convenient because they integrate seamlessly with big suppliers, but they have a limited number of end-suppliers and the service is more expensive. So while I'm sure some people have used them successfully, I think starting from scratch there are more compelling options. I've never used them, however, so I can't speak from personal experience.

If you can find and work directly with your suppliers, that's preferable. Next best is going with a directory like World Wide Brands if you're struggling to find suppliers or need a solid brainstorming tool. Instead of serving as the go-between, they simply connect you directly to suppliers via their listings. Additionally, they'll have a larger selection of smaller niche suppliers which is where I see people have the most success with drop shipping. I've used WWB for years and they're a good source for legitimate wholesaler suppliers.

Full disclosure: I've been interviewed / posted on the DOBA-affiliated blog to promote eCommerceFuel.com as they have a well-known blog in the drop shipping space.

Re: The Ultimate Guide to Dropshipping

#40

Very awesome. Might be worth adding ecommhub.com in there somewhere - makes life a hell of a lot easier for a drop-shipper :)

Agreed! I love eCommHub, and use them for one of my sites. Kurt and the team over there are great and have built a solid service. Hopefully we can get them included.
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