3 Common E-Commerce to Avoid
Let's take a look at some of the more common issues with drop-shipping that can arise and how you can mitigate the chances of encountering them.
1. Products Are Not Currently Available
Inventory running low or having items out of stock is the most common complaint you may hear about drop-shipping. This frequently happens if the product is either in-demand or challenging to locate. This can happen to any retailer, including monolithic retailers such as Amazon. And it certainly taints relationships with customers.
This is why it is essential to keep track of stocks with your suppliers. Buyers will not appreciate it if they are led to believe that the product is in stock and discovering that it is not available after placing an order.
One workaround for this is to use a plugin that will automatically update the site when items become unavailable.
Another chapter from this guide will provide extensions you can use to keep track of stock while also making it easier to find and add stocks of products.
2. Returns of Products
Every company that exists has to deal with product returns at least once. Even with the implementation of a strict no-return policy, you cannot be immune to customers asking for refunds. And saying no would exacerbate the situation.
I know someone who purchased many items from a common discount shopping app and discovered that the quality was poor, and the sizing was incorrect. Due to the company's no-return policy, the furious customer opted to leave negative feedback about the company on every platform she can. And this person was far from the only one who expressed dissatisfaction with the policy.
As a result, having a no-return policy on physical goods is not a smart move and will only result in consequences such as having your PayPal, or other billing company account canceled. It is not worth the risk.
Additionally, customers who are dissatisfied with their purchase and unable to return it can easily share negative feedback to various platforms, which can have a long-term adverse effect on your sales.
To avoid this, always ensure that the product descriptions are as realistic as possible. Providing sizing charts and photographs can help reduce return rates.
If the product is less than $20, you can simply send the consumer another without asking them to return the original. If the product sells for over $20, have the customer return it to you, and upon receipt, immediately ship a replacement. Send the item back to the supplier if the product turned out to be damaged or faulty. If it is still in good shape, you can opt to ship it to the next customer.
3. Delayed Shipping
Depending on the supplier, you can encounter dissatisfied customers not used to waiting long for their orders. With the prominence of free two-day delivery offered by Amazon Prime and retailers such as Walmart, consumers have become accustomed to receiving their orders sooner.
Because drop shippers lack relationships with shipping companies, and some even ship directly from China, shipping can often take days, weeks, or even months or two. Many consumers would be dissatisfied with such a lengthy wait.
If you consider partnering with drop shippers based in your home country, you will likely experience quicker shipping but at a higher price, resulting in lower profit margins.
Start E-Commerce For Beginners:
- E-Commerce - How Does It Work?
- Best E-Commerce Platforms
- Choosing A Suitable Niche
- Setting Up Your Shop and Generating Traffic
- Searching A Dropshippers and Wholesalers
- Conclusion