I have had some great success with drop shipping – but you have to do your homework first.

I did 4 months of research to find the right suppliers – and some are not available to just anyone – and some you need to be licensed as well.

I continue to get product samples on a regular basis – to check quality and to increase what I have. Even though I have been working with these same companies for many years – I still do this routine.

With my jewellery – it is only made at the time or ordering – so it takes time to make before it is send – but customers to date – have been very happy with their purchases. It is made by hand – not machine made – so regular stock cannot be kept on hand

I have other customised items that I do it for as well – for the same reason – the item is not made up until ordering – and a lot of these are not available in regular stores.

Jules

I make most of my stuff so I do not have an inventory problem. If something sells pretty good I make more of it. However most of my stuff is a little bit on the far side. :)

Really would be hard to say on jewelry. There is already so much of it on Bonanzle. Like Jules said, do some homework before deciding.

Im not sure as far as jewelry goes. But I do know alot of people that use drop shippers, and it works well for them. I think it depends on the reputation of the company. I have purchased quite a few products from those who use a drop shipper, and the items have always come in a timely manner, and I’ve been happy with them. I would definately choose a drop shipper after doing alot of research on them.

I for one cannot stand to purchase from DS. It has been negative experiences on the 4 times I have purchased from those sellers. The item either took over 3 weeks or simply never arrived. The first time, I was told was a mistake made on the address when it was entered. The other times…horrible service.

I pay immediately and expect to receive my items in a timely manner. This has not happened so for now…I simply refuse to purchase anything that is not in stock in “front of you”.

It is just my opinion.

Great question asked!

I have been looking & thinking about this question. I am afraid I have another question for you..

Why are you worried about inventory?

Space?, organization?, or is it the cost of storing it?

I like to know what I am selling is on-hand, I like to know if it needs to be shipped a.s.a.p. I have it, and I do not have to worry about a middle man sending it to me, or even shipping it to the person.

Just a thought

I don’t drop ship because I want to see each product that I’m shipping…my reputation depends on it. If storage is a problem try having fewer items. If cost is the issue build it up slowly as you sell. By all means though if you drop ship order or get a sample of everything. I personally do not buy drop shipped items I can get those at cost by signing up…something to think about. Good Luck to you in your new venture!

If storage is a problem, try smaller items. An additional benefit is the savings on shipping.

I’m not impressed with drop shippers. A problem with your supplier kills your business. Remember the supplier is looking for other distributors.. so you’ll be competing with the same products… on their shipping terms. How do you make your business stand out?

I would suggest if possible to find a good company with great prices, order a few items to have on hand and sell the ones you have on hand. or to use as a back up. I always feel safer when you don’t know the company to order it and you do the shipping. That way you always know you have the item and the item wont be on back order.
If you get a good enough price then you paying the shipping ( to be shipped to your house ) wont be that much per item.
Buying in bulk is a good idea also. ( small items wont take that much space ) and that way you are able to take your own pictures and wont run into problems with the company.

When I first opened my booth I used a drop shipper for all my items. Here is the problem I had..
1. First everyone is selling the same thing all at a different price.
2. Even though I only sold 2 items I worried about the customer not receiving it.
3. Everyday you have to spend time checking their inventory to make sure that they have not sold out or discontinued something. I didn’t have that kind of time..

So my solution to my problem is I went back to what I love. Collectibles… I purchased 3 of each of the items(my bears) so I would have them on hand and then I used the product description on the site and added some of my own words to it.

Just food for thought.

I would like to thank all of you for providing the valuable input.