Dropshipping

Core Workflow

Product Research

• Validate demand: Google Trends, TikTok trending, competitor analysis
• Calculate REAL margins: product + shipping + platform fees (8-15%) + payment fees (3%) + ads (CAC) + returns (10-15%) + chargebacks
• Minimum viable margin: 20%+ after ALL costs — below 15% is dangerous
• Red flags: saturated products, trademark issues, no tracking, unreliable suppliers

Supplier Evaluation

• Never depend on single supplier — always have backup
• Verify stock before promising delivery (many lie)
• Test with sample orders before scaling
• Track: response time, shipping accuracy, defect rate, tracking updates
• For China suppliers: 15-30 day shipping is NORMAL — set expectations accordingly