Becoming a drop shipper.....

Encantador

Sorry to raise this again, some of you will remember my discussion entitled "How to get started" a couple of weeks ago.

I am on holiday at the moment so have not relisted. If you remember the story so far, my main competitor was selling approx 40 items a week. They have 800+ feedback and I have virtually non as a seller.

Surprisingly they increased their prices after my first listing by a wacking 3 quid per item and still sold as many.

I could start selling any old tat to increase my feedback, but this could take months, or I could become a drop shipper for someone with the right sort of feedback.

yes, I can see the downsidefor both parties, but wondered if anyone thought it was worth persuing and how.

Basically, they would list and effectively be the seller, they would forward me the address of each buyer and I would post the item (within 2 working days).
They would deduct all fees, plus an agreed comission and send me the rest say once a fortnight.

I deally we would need to meet and discuss the options so someone in the midlands would be ideal.

Anyone think this is a crazy idea, a brilliant idea ????

If I decide to go ahead, how do I find someone ????

RACHIE77

I started selling my items with a feedback of about 20, have you tried to implement the changes that you suggested as I reckon your website looked good and putting the item in another category might be worth a go.... I'm decorating my little boy in a 'space' theme and even though I didnt actually buy any off ebay in the end I checked out the duvet covers to see what types there were -

IMO I think if I saw your listing in this section I would be tempted to buy it (still need to place my order as I definatley want one - can you PM me the details!) as the duvet cover and curtains are the centre of the design for most kids room, whether the cover is bob the builder or cinderalla, most parents decorate the room around some sort of theme and would consider looking on ebay for a duvet cover when decorating a kids bedroom....? Its just a thought but hope its helpful...

I personally would try and launch this thing yourself, seems to me a bit like when you first learn to drive and have to get your own car insurance, the proce is high to start with but you got to shoulder it to lower the costs in the long run or you'll never get started on your own insurance... unless you did it as an interim arrangement and sold other stuff on your ID to get the feedback up? I dont know??

Anyway, IMO I think with the right words in your listing (the other guy was really boasting about past clients and his skills etc) and the right placing on ebay you should definatley be able to get the ball rolling so it - i'd say stick with it but then thats just me!

Hope this helps at all & hasn't confused you further!

Rachie

VH

Encantador wrote:

Basically, they would list and effectively be the seller, they would forward me the address of each buyer and I would post the item (within 2 working days).

If you did it this way you'd always be relying on other people, you'd be doing the hard work and getting little in return except commission. This would be far lass satisfying then doing it yourself.

I would still go it alone, you can build up a healthy feedback of 25+ in a very short time and this should be enough to get the confidence of buyers.

Go for it - don't wait around as you will regret every minute you don't give it a try!

culpepper

If it was me I dont think id want someone else creaming my profits.It's your hard work going into it.

I found your competitors listing and one thing that really stands out is...He has it listed about 20 times with different headings.He has subheadings which are very descriptive ..(mentions posters etc)
One thing that would make me buy his is that he has a website with numerous pictures showing his artwork when applied to walls and ceilings and his prices for that kind of artwork which seem huge,then going back to his listing..they are £9.99 so it suddenly seems a deal instead of expensive for a poster.
Your picture doesnt really show your artwork so nobody can see the quality of your work (which im sure is just as good as his).
Hope that is helpful ( not trying to pick holes in things:( )

robnye

decent pictures make a lot of difference

poor pictures lead to people thinking they are possibly getting something are not

feedback will build up.... try buying a few cheap items to get feedback..... easily done....

Iffy_Wallet

i didn't see your original post Encantador,

I could start selling any old tat to increase my feedback,

but have you considered selling at 10 percent cheaper for a couple of weeks, and treating each order as if it was gold. I'm sure I'd be more keen to buy from someone who was cheap, had customer service as a number one priority and had a good product. Somebody who wanted to sell acres of tatt would make me want to avoid them like the plague.

(Personal opinion only)

biblejohn

Iffy_Wallet wrote:

i didn't see your original post Encantador,



but have you considered selling at 10 percent cheaper for a couple of weeks, and treating each order as if it was gold. I'm sure I'd be more keen to buy from someone who was cheap, had customer service as a number one priority and had a good product. Somebody who wanted to sell acres of tatt would make me want to avoid them like the plague.

(Personal opinion only)

I agree with that. Ive sold stuff when i had hardly any feedback and its amazing how quickly it builds up. If the items are not expensive items then people will tend to go for the cheaper seller as long as they look okay, regardless of what feedback they have. If you are talking of an expensive item then people might steer more towards the feedback as re-assurance that they are a reliable seller.

If i was you, id make sure you are cheaper than other sellers and really promote your website. Use your website to make you look very professional and show as much about your product as possible.

Good luck!

dougk_2

I think any positive feedback is good... being a good buyer is as important as being a good seller - the two go hand in hand. My advice would be to buy lots of cheap but useful things that will build up your feedback and prove you are honest and good with money.

Yes also sell lots of cheap items ,but make sure that you sell stuff that the buyer will be happy with or you will get negatives and neutrals back. Don't sell rubbish basically!

cafenervosa_2

biblejohn wrote:

I agree with that. Ive sold stuff when i had hardly any feedback and its amazing how quickly it builds up. If the items are not expensive items then people will tend to go for the cheaper seller as long as they look okay, regardless of what feedback they have. If you are talking of an expensive item then people might steer more towards the feedback as re-assurance that they are a reliable seller.

If i was you, id make sure you are cheaper than other sellers and really promote your website. Use your website to make you look very professional and show as much about your product as possible.

Good luck!

I have built up a feedback of 43 (100%) in the space of just over a month. On Jan 19th I sold my first item for someone else. Since then i've never looked back and now sell stuff for myself. Go for it!