The difference between
drop-shipping and wholesale is that while one does business without
having any physical stock, the other first stocks up and then starts
doing business. Given below are some more differentiating
factors.
The key word in both types of business is 'Control'.
If you are a wholesaler, then you have control over your product
pricing, your sales price and the time and mode of dispatch. You
essentially can decide the price of the product. If you buy in a
large quantity, you can get a substantial discount from the
manufacturer. Depending on the market conditions you can then either
reduce the price of the product or keep the additional profit margin
for yourself. Wholesalers however, have to invest a lot of money for
purchasing and storing of their products and also need manpower to
take care of all the logistics involved in ensuring that the product
reaches the customer at the right time and in the right condition.
There could be a lot of stress involved in managing such a big
operation. However, the margins in stocking and distributing are
definitely higher and some special deals could take care of any
setbacks, which you might have received in other deals. However, you
will have to be on the alert all the time so that you do not
accumulate dead stock, and even if you have it, are able to sell it
off using innovative marketing ideas. You can thus be flexible in
changing your products prices according to the market
situation.
If you have limited capital then drop shipping is
the only option. All you need is a computer with an Internet
connection, a good knowledge of what can sell on the online market
and a good drop-shipping house to back you up. Again here, the key
word 'Control' is important since you will not be having any. You
will not be able to control the purchase price, since it will be the
shipper's price on which you will have to add your profit margin.
Upon getting the order, you will have no control over the dispatch
time taken by the shipper. You will have to take his word that he
will ship the product on time to your customer. You will also have
no control over the condition or quality of the product when it
reaches the customer. So, it is of utmost importance that you catch
hold of an honest and efficient drop-shipping house. However, you
will also not have to worry about stocking, packing or dispatching
the products. All you have to do is to display the product and its
specifications and forward the order, which you receive from the
customer to your drop-shipping house. They might also allow you to
stick your stickers on their products at the time of delivery. So
the stress level and the capital required are definitely lower in
this type of an arrangement. However, the margin too is quite low.
You should therefore look out for innovative products from other
locations to keep your sales and profits on a high
level.
Drop shipping and wholesaling both have their pros and
cons, but depending on your financial situation, you can take a
decision on which one will lead you on the path of success faster.
Happy selling!
An easy step-by-step guide on how a 25 year old college
dropout became a successful drop shipper and ebay powerseller
...
... and how you can do it too!
Step By Step, How to start a real home drop ship business
with no money!