Overcoming Challenges in Facebook Drop Shipping Business
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Challenges of Running a Facebook Drop Shipping Business
- The Blessing in Disguise: Rethinking the Strategy
- The Shift to a More Hands-off Business Model
- Hiring Skilled Virtual Assistants at a Lower Cost
- Listing Products on Multiple Platforms
- Taking a Volume Approach with Well-Researched Products
- Handling Order Processing and Contacting Wholesale Suppliers
- Using Software for Product Research and Identifying Profitable Products
- Focus on Amazon and Etsy for E-commerce
- Reducing Expenses and Time with Efficient Management
- Packaging and Shipping Products from Different Platforms
- Conclusion
Running a Drop Shipping Business: Challenges and Strategies for Success
Introduction:
Running a drop shipping business can be both rewarding and challenging. In this article, we will explore the challenges faced while managing a Facebook drop shipping business and discuss strategies to overcome them. We will also delve into the concept of a more hands-off business model and how it can lead to reduced expenses and improved profitability. So, let's dive in and explore the world of dropshipping.
The Challenges of Running a Facebook Drop Shipping Business:
Managing a Facebook drop shipping business comes with its fair share of challenges. The author shares their personal experience of relying heavily on virtual assistants to list products on various platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Mercari, and more. However, the setback of losing their main Facebook account ultimately forced them to rethink their approach. While the financial success was undeniable, the stress and constant grind made them question the true worth of running this business at such a level.
The Blessing in Disguise: Rethinking the Strategy:
Losing the main Facebook account turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It prompted the author to reevaluate their approach and seek a more hands-off business model. Instead of relying on high-cost virtual assistants, they started hiring directly from onlinejobs.ph, where skilled virtual assistants could be hired at a fraction of the cost. This change in the hiring process provided more flexibility and allowed testing of various strategies without an immediate positive return on investment.
The Shift to a More Hands-off Business Model:
With the new hiring process in place, the author made significant changes in their daily routine. Computers were set up for the virtual assistants to list products from a range of websites, including Facebook Marketplace, but also platforms like Bonanza, Etsy, Mercari, and Amazon. This shift to a more hands-off approach allowed the author to explore a volume-based strategy, aiming to hit every platform with a mix of well-researched products.
Taking a Volume Approach with Well-Researched Products:
The volume approach has proven to be successful for the author. Although the revenue numbers are not as high as during the Facebook heyday, the profitability remains similar due to the significant cost reduction in hiring virtual assistants. Instead of paying higher wages to a limited number of assistants, the author now distributes the workload among more assistants at a lower cost per hour.
Handling Order Processing and Contacting Wholesale Suppliers:
In addition to listing products, the author has a virtual assistant dedicated to order processing and contacting wholesale suppliers for drop shipping. This slow and consistent approach to scaling ensures quick and effective setups with suppliers while maintaining good relationships. Suppliers that provide order fulfillment services on their websites are selected, primarily those without a minimum order quantity.
Using Software for Product Research and Identifying Profitable Products:
To identify profitable products, the author relies on a software called Scan Unlimited. This software compares wholesale supplier prices on websites to Amazon's catalog of millions of products. This comparison helps determine which products are worth listing and which ones are profitable. While automated monitoring is not available for suppliers with stocked products, a virtual assistant checks for out-of-stock or price changes once a week.
Focus on Amazon and Etsy for E-commerce:
The author has shifted their focus to platforms like Amazon and Etsy because they require less hands-on management once listings are set up. These platforms can be efficiently handled with software, reducing expenses and management time compared to Facebook shops and Facebook Marketplace. The author has also been able to profitably hire virtual assistants to manage other websites, making their e-commerce business more efficient.
Reducing Expenses and Time with Efficient Management:
The shift in focus to platforms like Amazon and Etsy has significantly reduced expenses and time spent on managing the business. By utilizing virtual assistants efficiently and automating tasks wherever possible, the author has created a more streamlined and less stressful workflow. With reduced expenses, profitability remains intact even with lower revenue numbers.
Packaging and Shipping Products from Different Platforms:
After dinner, the author spends time packaging and labeling sales from platforms like Poshmark, OfferUp, and Mercari. These platforms require the shipping of products using their labels. While this adds an extra step to the process, it provides the opportunity to sell on multiple platforms and diversify income sources.
Conclusion:
Running a drop shipping business is an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation. This article has explored the challenges faced while managing a Facebook drop shipping business and the strategies that can lead to a more hands-off and efficient business model. By rethinking the hiring process, focusing on multiple platforms, and utilizing software, it is possible to reduce expenses, increase profitability, and create a more balanced work-life schedule. Remember, what works for one may not work for all, so find what works for you and constantly adapt to changing circumstances.
