The EcomCrew Ecommerce Podcast artwork

E286: Yes, A Successful Dropshipping Business is STILL Possible in 2019

The EcomCrew Ecommerce Podcast · with Dave Couillard · October 14, 2019 · 68 min

Summary

Dropshipping is still a viable ecommerce model in 2019, despite common misconceptions and the rise of Amazon. This episode debunks the "dropshipping is dead" myth by showcasing a successful, sustainable dropshipping business. Learn practical strategies for product sourcing, supplier management, and daily operations to build a profitable dropshipping store.

Key takeaways

Themes

supply chain & operationsfounder & leadershipamazon & marketplacesdtc strategy

Topics covered

dropshipping business modelproduct sourcingsupplier identificationrunning a dropshipping storeecommerce challengesecommerce success

Episode description

In the ecommerce realm, opinions on starting a dropshipping business really differ. Some people say it's dead, others insist that its the only way to go. Well, dropshipping is still very much around. But as Amazon moved into a position of dominance, its appeal has waned. The fact that some so-called "gurus" who sell dropshipping as an "easy" way to earn millions hasn't helped either. However, there are those who own sustainable dropshipping businesses. Dave Couillard, our resident design expert, is one of them. I've asked Dave to join me in this podcast episode to talk in detail about his website, HardCases.ca. This will also serve as his formal introduction as a business partner on EcomCrew. Here are some highlights from our discussion: Dave's ecommerce journey: from web design to dropshipping (12:59) What a typical day for him is like (19:13) Sourcing products and finding suppliers (23:10) Running a dropshipping store (44:40) Pros & cons of dropshipping (59:37) I hope our discussion didn't only prove informative but encourag

Related episodes

Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Dropshipping success hinges on strategic product sourcing and diligent supplier relationship management to ensure quality and reliability, contradicting the 'easy money' guru narrative.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Building a sustainable dropshipping business requires understanding and mitigating the impact of major marketplaces like Amazon by focusing on niche products and strong customer service.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
A typical day for a successful dropshipper involves continuous optimization of store operations, customer support, and meticulous inventory oversight, even without holding physical stock.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Leverage design expertise and a well-optimized online store to differentiate your dropshipping business from competitors and enhance the customer experience.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Carefully weigh the pros and cons of dropshipping, acknowledging its challenges while focusing on long-term strategies rather than get-rich-quick schemes.

Listen