Start a Profitable Dropshipping Business on Amazon

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Drop Shipping?
3. Benefits of Drop Shipping
4. Different Methods of Drop Shipping
   • Online Arbitrage
   • Private Label
   • Wholesale
   • Print-on-Demand
5. Setting up an Amazon Seller Account
6. Finding a High Demand, Low Competition Product
7. Sourcing Products for Drop Shipping
   • Using Alibaba
   • Using Aliexpress
8. Creating an Amazon Listing
9. Promoting Your Listing
10. Tips for Success in Drop Shipping
    • Focus on Customer Service
    • Build Your Brand
    • Get Samples and Inspect Them
    • Cast a Wide Net
11. Conclusion

How to Find Products to Dropship on Amazon

Drop shipping has become a popular business model for those who want to start an online business without investing a significant amount of money upfront. In today's article, we will explore how to find products to dropship on Amazon, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let's first understand what drop shipping is and how it works. Drop shipping is a business model wherein you sell products on your online store, but you don't have the physical inventory. Instead, when a customer places an order, you purchase the product from a third-party supplier who then ships it directly to the customer. This means you don't have to worry about inventory management, fulfillment, or shipping logistics.

What is Drop Shipping?

Drop shipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without the need to hold or fulfill inventory. When you dropship on Amazon, you list products for sale that you don't actually have in stock. Instead, you rely on a supplier to fulfill the orders and ship the products directly to your customers. This model offers several advantages, such as low upfront costs and reduced inventory risk.

Benefits of Drop Shipping

Drop shipping offers a range of benefits for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start an online business. Here are some key advantages of drop shipping:

1. Low Start-up Costs: Unlike traditional retail models, drop shipping allows you to start an online business with minimal upfront investment. You don't need to purchase inventory or manage a warehouse.

2. Reduced Inventory Risk: With drop shipping, you don't have to worry about stock sitting unsold or becoming obsolete. You only purchase products when you have confirmed orders from customers.

3. Wide Product Selection: Since you don't need to hold physical inventory, you can offer a wide range of products to your customers without any constraints on storage or inventory management.

4. Location Independence: As a drop shipper, you can operate your business from anywhere with an internet connection. You can run your business from the comfort of your own home or even while traveling.

Different Methods of Drop Shipping

There are several methods you can utilize when dropshipping on Amazon. Here are four popular methods:

1. Online Arbitrage

Online arbitrage involves finding products with a price discrepancy between different online marketplaces. You purchase products on platforms like Walmart at a lower price and then sell them on Amazon for a higher price. This method allows you to take advantage of price differences and earn a profit.

Pros:

• Quick and easy to get started.
• No need to create your own products.
• Can make use of cashback programs to increase profit margins.

Cons:

• Against Amazon's terms of service (TOS).
• Requires careful monitoring of product prices and availability.

2. Private Label

Private label is a method wherein you find a manufacturer or supplier who can create a product according to your specifications. You can then sell the product under your own brand name on Amazon. This method allows you to differentiate your products and build a brand.

Pros:

• Complete control over product branding and design.
• Ability to create unique and exclusive products.
• Greater potential for long-term success and profitability.

Cons:

• Requires finding reliable manufacturers or suppliers.
• Involves higher upfront costs for product development and branding.

3. Wholesale

Wholesale drop shipping involves partnering with wholesale suppliers who provide products at a discounted rate. You then list these products on Amazon and sell them for a profit. This method allows you to leverage the existing popularity and demand for well-known brands.

Pros:

• Access to a wide range of well-known products.
• Possibility of negotiating better pricing with suppliers.
• Established brands may attract more customers and drive sales.

Cons:

• More competition as other sellers may also offer the same products.
• Less control over product pricing and brand image.

4. Print-on-Demand

Print-on-demand allows you to create and sell customized products such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, and books without needing to hold inventory. When a customer places an order, the supplier creates the product and ships it directly to the customer. This method offers a unique opportunity for personalized merchandise.

Pros:

• Ability to create unique and customized products.
• Minimal upfront investment as products are made-to-order.
• Wide range of product options available.

Cons:

• Limited control over production and shipping timelines.
• Quality control can be a challenge when using different suppliers.

Setting up an Amazon Seller Account

Before you start drop shipping on Amazon, you need to set up an Amazon Seller account. There are two types of accounts you can choose from: individual and professional. The individual account is suitable for beginners or those who plan to sell only a small number of products. The professional account is designed for businesses that intend to sell a large volume of products and offers additional features.

To create an Amazon Seller account, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Amazon Seller Central website.
2. Click on "Register Now" to begin the registration process.
3. Choose the type of account you want to create.
4. Provide the requested information, including your business name, contact details, and payment information.
5. Verify your identity and complete any additional steps required.

Once your account is set up, you can start selling on Amazon.

Finding a High Demand, Low Competition Product

One of the key factors for success in drop shipping is finding the right product to sell. You want to choose products that have high demand but low competition. This ensures that there is sufficient customer interest while reducing the risk of getting lost among numerous competitors.

There are various tools available, such as Jungle Scout's Opportunity Finder, that can help you identify high demand, low competition product opportunities on Amazon. These tools provide data on factors like monthly units sold, average price, competition level, and niche score.

When using such tools, it is essential to set your filters to match your criteria, including monthly units sold, price range, and competition level. By filtering the results, you can get a list of potential product opportunities that meet your requirements.

Sourcing Products for Drop Shipping

Once you have identified a product opportunity, the next step is to source the products for drop shipping. There are two popular platforms for sourcing products: Alibaba and Aliexpress.

Alibaba is a global wholesale marketplace where you can find a wide range of suppliers, manufacturers, and products. It provides options for bulk purchases and offers the possibility of private labeling.

Aliexpress, on the other hand, is a business-to-consumer platform that connects entrepreneurs with suppliers who are willing to drop ship their products. It offers a wider variety of products in smaller quantities, making it suitable for beginners and those looking to test the market.

When sourcing products, it is recommended to order samples before making any bulk purchases. This allows you to inspect the quality, packaging, and delivery time. It also gives you an opportunity to ensure that the products meet your expectations and match the product description provided by the supplier.

Creating an Amazon Listing

Once you have sourced your products, the next step is to create an Amazon listing. A well-optimized listing is crucial for attracting customers and increasing sales. When creating a listing, consider the following factors:

1. Quality Product Images: Use high-quality product images that showcase your product from different angles. Images play a vital role in influencing purchase decisions.

2. Compelling Product Description: Write a clear and persuasive product description that highlights the key features, benefits, and uses of your product. Use bullet points and concise language to make it easy for customers to scan through the information.

3. Competitive Pricing: Set your product prices competitively to attract customers. Consider factors such as manufacturing costs, shipping fees, and desired profit margins.

4. Keyword Optimization: Conduct keyword research to identify relevant and high-traffic keywords for your product. Incorporate these keywords in your product title, bullet points, and product description to improve visibility in Amazon search results.

5. Product Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews for your products. Positive reviews can significantly impact the buying decision of other potential customers.

Promoting Your Listing

In order to maximize sales and visibility, it is essential to promote your Amazon listing. Here are some effective methods:

1. Amazon Advertising: Utilize Amazon's advertising platform, also known as PPC (Pay-Per-Click), to create targeted advertising campaigns for your products. This can help increase visibility and drive traffic to your listing.

2. Social Media Marketing: Leverage social media platforms to promote your products and engage with potential customers. Create compelling content, run targeted ads, and build a community around your brand.

3. Email Marketing: Build an email list of interested customers and send them regular updates, promotions, and discounts. This can help drive repeat sales and encourage customer loyalty.

4. Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with social media influencers or bloggers in your niche to promote your products. Their endorsement can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers.

Remember, effective promotion requires a combination of both online and offline marketing strategies to reach your target audience and drive sales.

Tips for Success in Drop Shipping

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in drop shipping on Amazon:

1. Focus on Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building trust and loyalty. Promptly respond to customer inquiries, address concerns, and resolve issues efficiently.

2. Build Your Brand: Differentiate yourself from competitors by building a strong brand identity. Develop a unique value proposition, create a compelling brand story, and consistently brand your products and packaging.

3. Get Samples and Inspect Them: Before listing a product, order samples from your suppliers to ensure the quality, packaging, and overall customer experience meet your standards. This way, you can avoid negative reviews and returns.

4. Cast a Wide Net: Don't limit yourself to selling just one product. Test different products and niches to find what works best for your business. Cast a wide net and be open to exploring new opportunities.

Remember, success in drop shipping requires continuous learning, adaptation, and optimization. Stay updated with market trends, customer preferences, and industry best practices to stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Drop shipping on Amazon can be a lucrative business opportunity for those looking to start an online business with minimal upfront investment. By following the steps mentioned in this article and implementing effective strategies, you can build a successful drop shipping business on Amazon. Remember to conduct thorough research, source high-quality products, optimize your listings, and provide excellent customer service. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve long-term success and profitability in the drop shipping industry.