A Day in the Life of a Dropshipper: Behind the Digital Storefront
Embark on a journey through the daily hustle of a dropshipper. Join us behind the scenes as we fulfil orders, optimize marketing campaigns, and explore avenues for business growth. Step into the shoes of a drop shipper and discover the highs, lows, and strategic maneuvers that shape the dynamic world of e-commerce.
Plunge headfirst into the daily hustle of a dropshipper as we unveil "A Day in the Life of a Dropshipper." It's not merely about executing orders and refining marketing strategies – get ready for a rollercoaster replete with energizing caffeine hits, and perhaps a sneaky catnap or two.
Here's a peek into my Monday-to-Friday 3 hours of work routine. Well, unless I'm off on an adventure overseas – then I might just casually skip a step or two, you know, life is about enjoying too!
1) Placing Orders with Suppliers:
My day typically kicks off with checking my Shopify order page and placing orders with my suppliers. You want to get this out of the way to not delay any dispatch. You may be using an automated system for placing orders, however, you should still check if all orders were fulfilled successfully.
2) Responding to Enquiries:
Customer service is paramount in the world of dropshipping. Throughout the day, I dedicate time to responding to customer inquiries promptly. This includes addressing questions about product specifications, shipping times, and any concerns they may have. Quick and informative responses contribute to a positive customer experience, fostering trust and loyalty.
3) Resolving Complaints:
Oops, someone's unhappy. Despite our best efforts, hiccups can occur. Whether it's a delayed shipment, a damaged product, or any other issue, resolving complaints is a crucial aspect of maintaining customer satisfaction. This may involve liaising with suppliers to rectify the problem, coordinating with shipping partners, or offering suitable solutions to customers. Follow-up communication is key to ensuring that the resolution process is transparent and satisfactory for all parties involved.
This part of the day can be stressful (hey, you've been working for nearly an hour! ) and requires a mandatory coffee break. I'll be back in 30 minutes (or 3 hours, as I may get distracted with my house chores or a social catch-up with my girlfriends).
4) Fulfilling Orders:
While some dropshippers opt for automated systems, I still use some supplies that involve manually fulfilling orders. This consists of checking my supplier platform (some of them still use an Excel spreadsheet!) and updating Shopify with tracking numbers. This step is important to keep customers informed and minimize inquiries regarding order status. It is also an important step for you to ensure the order was fulfilled by your supplier, otherwise, you may need to follow up. The sooner you do this, the better to avoid headaches!
5) Verifying/Optimizing Marketing Campaigns:
Let's talk marketing. The success of a dropshipping business heavily relies on effective marketing. Regularly assessing the performance of ongoing campaigns, tweaking ad copy, adjusting targeting parameters, and analyzing conversion rates are all part of the routine. Staying attuned to market trends and consumer behavior helps in making informed decisions to optimize marketing strategies for better reach and engagement.
I check my Google Ads daily, and you can look up my Google-Ads Performance checklist here.
Ok, time for a nap! Or maybe going to the gym to unleash some extra energy and boost creativity!
6) Creating New Products/Market Research for Growth:
Growth mode activated! To stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape, it's essential to consistently explore new growth opportunities. This involves market research to identify trending products, evaluate potential suppliers, and strategically expand the product catalogue. Creating and launching new products keeps the business dynamic and positions it for sustained success. You can check out my strategies for finding winning products on this page.
In all seriousness, being a dropshipper demands a multifaceted skill set and a commitment to continuous improvement. From maintaining strong relationships with suppliers to addressing customer concerns and adapting marketing strategies, each day is a dynamic blend of tasks that contribute to the success and growth of the business. In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, adaptability, and dedication are the driving forces to becoming a successful dropshipping entrepreneur.