Are you currently trying to research as much as possible about dropshipping so you can start the right way? And do you feel like an information sucking sponge right now? If so, then this article will be awesome for you!
We will go over seven tips that you can implement, so you don't have to worry about feeling overwhelmed.
Just don't get me wrong, you can still get that feeling, but now you know why and what you can do against it.
Keep in mind that I will add a lot of information below for each tip, so don't get overwhelmed from this article; just go to the tip that will help you the most.
What is dropshipping?
Let’s start this article by understanding what starting a dropshipping business means.
If you already understand it, then you can click here to scroll down to the first tip!
If not, then I will explain it really simple to you:
- You got an online store where you sell products, but you don’t have any of these products in your storage, or in your house.
- When someone places an order on your dropshipping store, then you place that same order directly with your dropshipping supplier. Don’t worry. There are a lot of apps out there that help you with automating this. For example, DSers, or these 14 DSers alternatives.
- Then your dropshipping supplier will handle the rest. Think about preparing the package and sending the order straight to your customer.
- Now your customer will receive the package straight from your dropshipping supplier, and you never touched the product in between!
To make it even more clear, here is an infographic of ours that does a great job of explaining the concept of dropshipping:
The most common question people have now is, won’t my customer know that the package didn’t come from me?
For example, aren’t there any advertisements or recipes from the supplier in the package?
No.
You just need to make sure that your supplier accepts dropshipping and blind dropshipping.
You can learn more about blind dropshipping by reading this article here.
If you’re interested in learning more about dropshipping, then I suggest reading this article written by me:
Dropshipping for Beginners: What Is It & How to Start Today?
7 Tips to start dropshipping without feeling overwhelmed
So, are you ready now to find an answer to the main question of this article: 'What to do if you can't start dropshipping?'
If so, let's begin:
1. Make sure you understand what analysis paralysis means
Alright, you might be thinking, "Okay, why would I want to know that? This sounds boring.."
If that's you, don't worry. This is a real thing, and it could prevent you from starting with your dropshipping store, which is why I included it in this list.
Let's start by understanding what it means:
Analysis paralysis (or paralysis by analysis) describes an individual or group process when overanalyzing or overthinking a situation can cause forward motion or decision-making to become "paralyzed", meaning that no solution or course of action is decided upon.
Source: Wikipedia
A situation may be deemed as too complicated and a decision is never made, due to the fear that a potentially larger problem may arise.
This article will be too long if I'm going to cover here how to fight it, so I suggest reading this awesome article or watching the video below:
2. Make sure you have a checklist
Look, most of the time, when people can't start with their dropshipping store, and with can't start with, I mean can't start spending money, it's because they don't have a checklist.
You don't know what's left, and you're uncertain if you covered everything or if you forgot something.
You will probably have questions like 'What if I forgot something?', or 'What if my refund policy (for example) is not good enough?'
So, to make this better, we got a few awesome articles that you can go through, so you're certain that you do not forget anything.
You can find them below:
- Dropshipping Startup Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Starting
- Shopify Store Checklist: The Ultimate Launch Guide (I suggest reading this one as well if you're using Shopify)
And if you're using Shopify, then don't forget to follow our step by step dropshipping guide here.
If you're not using Shopify, or if you're not sure yet, then check out this article here.
3. Make sure you have enough money
Yes, you can start dropshipping for free, but sooner or later, you will have to spend money.
Dropshipping isn't a get-rich overnight kind of thing, it's a real ecommerce business that you're starting.
They sell you the idea of getting rich, so they can get rich with the money that you spend thinking that you can get rich.
So, if you're feeling like you can't start dropshipping yet, then I suggest you also take a look at your budget.
Do you have enough money to start/grow your business?
If you're not sure yet how much money you need for your store, then check out this article here.
Yes, you can start dropshipping with way less money than, for example, opening a retail store, but you will still need money.
If what you're spending now for your dropshipping store is the only money you have, then please realize that this isn't a "put in 100, get back 200" kind of scheme.
You may start earning money within a few weeks with dropshipping. However, this is an exception rather than a rule.
Most dropshippers actually take longer before they start being profitable with dropshipping.
The time it takes before you start making money with dropshipping depends on your previous experience, product, marketing skills, and much more!
If you're interested in learning more about how fast you can earn money with dropshipping, then I suggest reading this article here.
4. Make sure you know what to sell
This is another big one, "What to sell on my dropshipping store?", or "Should I go for a general or a niche store?"
Let's go over them below:
First of all, I suggest you read this article here, which covers the pros and cons of having a general store and a niche store.
As you will read in that article, for most people, a niche store will be the best choice.
So, before you're wondering now how to pick a niche, check out this article here that covers seven methods for finding the best dropshipping niche possible.
One of these methods even contains 25 dropshipping niche ideas!
Secondly, if you didn't start with dropshipping yet because you're not sure what to sell, then check out these articles:
- What Is a Winning Dropshipping Product?
- How to Find Dropshipping Products? (Product Research Methods)
5. Make sure you know how to get your first sale
Some of you reading this article might be stuck because they have no idea how to get their first sale.
If that's you, then don't worry!
We got another great article that you can check out where we cover 14 tips to get your first sale.
You can find it below:
14 Awesome Tips To Get Your First Dropshipping Sale
6. Make sure you know your marketing plan
This one is important as well; some people might be stuck because they are not sure about their marketing plan.
For example, you might have questions like, 'How am I going to advertise these products?', or 'Who is my target audience?'
If this is you, then follow me below:
First of all, if you're wondering what kind of paid advertising methods you can use, then you can check out this article here.
Secondly, if you're not sure yet if you have enough money to do paid advertisements, then check out this article here, which goes over eight ways that you can get free traffic to your dropshipping store.
And you can check out this part of this article here, which explains more about having a marketing plan for your dropshipping store.
Lastly, you can read this article here if you're interested in learning how to find your target audience.
7. Just take action
If you went through all the steps above and you're still uncertain if you can start or not, then just start.
Yes, that might seem easy to write, but it's true.
Just do something to get your "feet wet", and the rest will follow.
If that doesn't inspire you yet, then take a look at these quotes:
You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.
Zig Ziglar
If you're waiting until you feel talented enough to make it, you'll never make it.
Criss Jami
Dream big, start small, but most of all, start.
Simon Sinek
Are you motivated now to start?
If so, start with something small. For example, advertise one product with an Instagram shoutout.
Or do one PPE campaign on Facebook to get a feeling of how Facebook works.
Side note: If you're new to Facebook, then don't forget to check out our complete beginner's guide here.
Conclusion
There you have it! 7 awesome tips if you're currently feeling overwhelmed or just can't start with advertising your products.
I hope these tips helped you to start your dropshipping journey.
If you're still not certain yet if you can start, then don't forget to check out the beginner stories from Amer here for some great motivation!
Lastly, if you did start already with dropshipping, but you have no luck yet with getting sales, then check out these 14 things that you should double-check.
If you have any other tips for this article or if you have any questions, then let me know by commenting below or contacting me directly by pressing the “Contact Us” button at the top.
Good luck if you're going to start dropshipping after reading this article!
Getting Started with Dropshipping in 2024
So, are you ready to get started with dropshipping? Or maybe you have already started, but you’re looking to get some inspiration?
If so, then I suggest reading this complete Shopify dropshipping guide.
It’s a huge article, but it contains everything that you need to know to create your own Shopify dropshipping store in 2024. It’s like a dropshipping course, but then for free!
Reading this article will surely help you to get started and to stay motivated while beginning and continuing your dropshipping journey.
Just don’t forget that success takes time. Keep improving each and every day!
Shopify Dropshipping: A 20-Step Guide to Starting Your Store
And here are the articles I suggest you read next:
- The 25 Best Dropshipping Niche Ideas for Your Store
- 15 Best & Worst Countries to Target as a Dropshipper
- How Many Products Should You Have to Start Dropshipping?
- The 25 Best Dropshipping Websites & Companies for Your Store
And also, if you didn’t create a Shopify account yet (to get your dropshipping store online), then you can click here to get a free 3-day trial + pay $1/month for the first 3 months!
