subject: The Popularity Problem With Drop Shipping And What To Do About It [print this page] Popular Drop shippers are popular because they make life easy, and give top notch support to those who sell their products. They usually give an ample supply of pictures of the product, as well as in depth thought out descriptions you can use.
They will even supply in your name, and keep their stocks up to date. The problem arises when potential clients can compare items easily and quickly. You could find yourself out priced on an item when compared to major stores who buy the same product in bulk.
So, what can be done about this? Is the drop shipper effectively putting himself (and you) out of business by being too popular and selling to too many retail outlets?
This situation can actually be looked upon as a good thing, it you take the time and trouble to make the products you sell look unique, and make it harder for your potential buyer to compare.
There are several things you can do:
If your drop shipper gives you more than one batch of pictures you can use, pick the less popular pictures. If it's at all possible, take a picture of the items yourself (as long as they are decent quality) so that your site doesn't look like it came from the same mold as the others.
If your drop shipper has a unique SKU (Product Code) do not publish this in your store, or include it in any of the product descriptions. This will make it harder for your potential buyers to find the product on the internet and maybe find a better price.
Change your product descriptions: Most descriptions are loaded with features. Try loading it up with benefits and other reasons to buy the product. This will make you stand out from the crowd, and rank higher in search engines.
Keep your stock information up to date. Almost all the drop shippers out there will update regularly, usually in a downloadable form.
You should make it a habit to download it regularly and keep your product information up to date. There is nothing worse than going to an outdated site. At the very least change the date on the page!
In some cases however, there is just nothing you can do. Because they can buy in bulk, some stores will always be able to sell the products for less than you are able to. You can still make sales in this situation, however you need to add some value in order to do so.
Now, this doesn't mean that you have to offer something which will cost you an arm and a leg, but offer something which will set you apart from the rest.
Some examples of things you can offer are:
free shipping
fast shipping
courier same day delivery
international delivery
high quality gift wrapping
a free, downloadable guide on how to use the product
a free 'recipe' book as appropriate
instructional videos to download from YouTube or on DVD
Offering ways they could personalize the product
If you do a bit of research on the product you want to sell, why people buy it, who they buy it for, and how much they will likely pay for it, it will give you an idea on just how you can add value, or something that no one else has.
by: Kirsty Hale
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