Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Dropshipping in 2024

When I first started dropshipping, I thought I had everything figured out. My store was up and running, traffic was growing, and sales were coming in steadily. Everything seemed perfect—until I hit a major roadblock.

Initially, I allowed orders from all over the world since my supplier offered global shipping. My first few international orders arrived without issues, so I felt confident. However, as my business scaled, problems started piling up. Customers complained about long shipping times, incorrect orders, and even poor product quality. Strangely, all these complaints came from international buyers.

I soon realized that shipping times vary by country. While local customers received their orders within 10–20 days, international buyers often had to wait 20–40 days—or even longer. Worse, I didn’t have ePacket tracking, leaving customers frustrated and impatient. By the 15th day, I was swamped with emails, phone calls, and live chat messages from worried buyers.

But that wasn’t the only issue that almost made me shut down. Keep reading to discover the key lessons I wish I knew before starting dropshipping.

Lessons Learned from Dropshipping Mistakes

1. Learn from Experienced Dropshippers

Many new drop shippers, especially those selling on Amazon, eBay, or Shopify, get overly excited and rush into the business. However, international trade is complex and has a learning curve. It takes at least three shipments before you fully understand the process. Even then, there’s always something new to learn.

To avoid costly mistakes, research the dropshipping model thoroughly. Learn from seasoned drop shippers and their experiences so you can navigate challenges effectively.

2. Don't Overestimate Your Profit Margin

One of my early mistakes was miscalculating profit margins. Many beginners assume their profit equals the product price minus the shipping cost. However, several hidden expenses can eat into your earnings, such as:

• Marketplace fees (e.g., Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy charges)
• Dropshipping account subscriptions
• Sampling and product testing costs
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ) deposits
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Professional product photography
• Website hosting and maintenance fees

Always factor in these additional costs. Also, plan for unexpected expenses, such as return shipping costs.

3. Vet Your Supplier Thoroughly

Your supplier plays a crucial role in your business. If they provide low-quality products or make frequent mistakes, your reputation will suffer. Many new dropshippers fail to screen suppliers properly, leading to issues like:

• Poor product quality
• Incorrect or delayed shipments
• Inconsistent inventory levels

Before partnering with a supplier, conduct in-depth research. Read reviews, request samples, and verify their credibility. A reliable supplier ensures smoother order fulfillment and fewer customer complaints.

4. Ask the Right Questions Before Partnering with a Supplier

When reaching out to suppliers, most beginners focus only on pricing. However, dropshipping involves more than just paying for a product. Ask strategic questions to understand their services, policies, and reliability. Some key questions include:

• Do you offer dropshipping services?
• What are your pricing structures and discounts for bulk orders?
• What are your payment terms?
• What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
• How do you handle returns and refunds?
• Do you offer product tracking and estimated delivery times?
• Can you provide product customization?
• What are your quality control measures?

A trustworthy supplier will also have questions for you, such as expected order volume, target markets, and past sales records. Be prepared to provide relevant business details.

5. Always Request Product Samples

One of my biggest concerns was ensuring product quality. Since many suppliers require payments via wire transfer, returning defective products can be difficult. Some unethical suppliers even ship substandard items. I’ve heard horror stories of people receiving synthetic wigs labeled as 100% human hair!

Ordering product samples helps assess quality, reliability, and shipping efficiency. This process also allows you to test:

• Customer service responsiveness
• Actual delivery times
• Product packaging and handling

For bulk orders, consider hiring a third-party inspection company to verify product quality before shipping.

6. Negotiate the Best Deals

Many beginners accept the first price suppliers offer, not realizing that negotiation is key. Suppliers aim to maximize profits, just like you do. Instead of blindly accepting their rates, negotiate for:

• Lower product costs
• Better shipping rates
• Additional after-sales support
• Exclusive deals for long-term partnerships

Present yourself as a credible business partner and compare multiple suppliers before committing to one.

7. Consider Using a Sourcing Agent

If your supplier is overseas, working with a local sourcing agent can be beneficial. These professionals have industry expertise and can:

• Verify supplier legitimacy
• Inspect product quality before shipping
• Ensure compliance with your market’s safety standards
• Negotiate better deals on your behalf

Sourcing agents help streamline the supplier vetting process and reduce the risk of unreliable partnerships.

Final Thoughts

Dropshipping can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. You’re trusting suppliers to fulfill orders correctly, hoping that products arrive in good condition and on time. The challenge intensifies when dealing with overseas suppliers who speak a different language and follow different business practices.

Despite the hurdles, dropshipping remains a profitable business model if approached correctly. By learning from past mistakes and applying best practices, you can avoid common pitfalls and build a successful dropshipping business.

Are you new to dropshipping? What challenges have you faced? Share your experiences in the comments below so other entrepreneurs can learn from them!