Get prepared to embark on an exciting journey into the world of e-commerce as we explore how to dropship on Amazon.
Amazon has gained prominence as a leading dropshipping platform with a large customer base.
Get ready to unveil the strategies and techniques in today’s article that will enable you to source products, fulfill orders seamlessly, and build a loyal customer base.
Embrace the power of knowledge and tools to navigate this thrilling adventure, where every transaction unlocks many possibilities.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a current business owner who wants to venture into the realm of e-commerce, this guide will provide you with everything about how to dropship on Amazon.
Key Takeaways:
- Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where online sellers don’t maintain inventory of their products by themselves. Instead, they purchase the desired item from a third-party supplier and instruct the supplier to ship it directly to the customer.
- Amazon dropshipping can be a low-risk way to start an online business.
- Adhere to all other terms outlined in your seller agreement and comply with applicable policies set by Amazon.
- You need to consistently maintain the position of the primary seller for the products.
- Make sure that the invoices, external packaging, & packaging slips do not include any details revealing the supplier’s name or contact information.
- You can dropship on Amazon by following certain steps, which include creating an Amazon Seller account, doing product research, choosing a product category, finding a supplier and doing negotiations, creating product listings, inventory management, order fulfillment, packing, and shipping.
- Establish a brand and build a presence to stand out from competitors. Customize your Amazon store with your brand colors, images, and descriptions to create a unique shopping experience for your customers.
- You can utilze Amazon’s advertising tools, such as Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Displays, to promote your products to relevant customers & increase visibility.
- One way to increase your profit margins is to source products at wholesale prices. This allows you to buy in bulk and get a better cost per unit.
- Consider expanding your reach by selling on other platforms like eBay or Etsy. This can help you reach new customers and increase your overall sales.
- Jungle Scout, Sellery, Spocket, Helium 10, and Sell The Trend are some popular software for Amazon dropshipping.
What Is The Amazon Dropshipping Policy?
If you’re dropshipping on Amazon, it’s essential to understand Amazon’s dropshipping policy. You need to follow certain rules:
- Make sure that you consistently maintain the position of the primary seller for the products.
- Build your identity as a seller on packaging slips, invoices, and any other relevant documentation associated with the products.
- Be responsible for accepting & handling customer returns for your products.
- Also, adhere to all other terms outlined in your seller agreement and comply with applicable policies set by Amazon.
You should know that Amazon prohibits dropshipping from another online retailer or marketplace, such as Walmart or eBay. It is also not allowed to acquire products from another online retailer and arrange for their direct shipment to customers on Amazon.
When you follow Amazon’s dropshipping policy, make sure that your business stays in good standing with Amazon and that you’re providing a high-quality experience for your customers.
Is Amazon’s Dropshipping Model Legal?
Amazon dropshipping is completely legal and allowed on the platform when done correctly.
If you want to engage in dropshipping on Amazon, you must adhere to several rules:
- Make sure that your identity as the seller is clearly indicated on all invoices, external packaging, packing slips, and any accompanying product information. You need to avoid any references to your supplier or manufacturer.
- Take responsibility for handling returns & processing them efficiently.
- Before shipping the order, remove any packing slips, invoices, external packaging, or details that might identify a third-party dropshipper.
- You must strictly abide by Amazon’s Terms of Service as outlined in the seller agreement.
- Adhere to all the remaining conditions outlined in your seller agreement and relevant Amazon policies.
Now, let us look at the differences between different business models in the next section.
Difference Between Dropshipping, Retail Arbitrage & Private Labeling
Here are the differences between dropshipping, retail arbitrage, and private labeling:
Dropshipping | Retail Arbitrage | Private Labeling |
Dropshipping involves selling products without holding inventory. You can partner with suppliers who ship products directly to your customers when they place orders. | Retail arbitrage involves purchasing products from retail stores or online marketplaces at a lower price & then reselling them at a higher price, often on platforms like Amazon or eBay. | Private labeling involves finding generic or unbranded products and rebranding them as your own by adding your label, logo, and packaging and then selling them. |
Profit margins can be lower due to the competition and fees associated with the dropshipping model. | You physically acquire and hold inventory, which allows for more control over product quality and branding. | You maintain your inventory, which gives you full control over product quality and branding. |
You have minimal control over branding and packaging, as the products come directly from the supplier. | You have some control over branding and can differentiate your products by repackaging or creating bundles. | You have complete control over branding and can build a unique brand identity. |
It can be pursued from anywhere worldwide as long as you have an internet connection. | Profit margins can be higher than dropshipping, but it requires more initial capital and effort in sourcing. | Profit margins can be the highest among these models, but they require more significant upfront investment and effort in marketing and building a brand. |
You have the flexibility to present a diverse range of products with minimal initial capital investment. | Your choices are constrained to the items readily accessible for purchase in physical retail outlets or on digital marketplaces. | You can craft exclusive products or establish distinctive brands with a unique character. |
Low-profit margins due to higher expenses related to product costs and shipping fees. | Needs proximity to physical retail stores or access to online market platforms. | Needs to identify a manufacturer and engage in negotiations regarding production costs. |
It can be pursued from anywhere worldwide if you have an internet connection. | Superior profit margins by procuring products at a discounted rate. | Superior profit margins by possessing both the product and its associated brand. |
Participants Of The Dropshipping Model
Engaging in the dropshipping model involves several key participants. Here are the main players in this business model:
Dropshippers Or Suppliers
Dropshipping participants can be categorized into two main groups: manufacturers and wholesalers.
When a manufacturer also serves as a dropshipper, it shortens the product supply chain, and the seller acts as a mediator between the manufacturer & the consumer. However, it’s common for many manufacturers to sell in bulk, which can pose a challenge for your business.
On the other hand, if a dropshipper is a wholesaler, the product supply chain becomes longer as it involves multiple intermediaries. In this case, the seller acquires products from a wholesaler at a marked-up price, which naturally affects the final product cost.
Sellers
Sellers are the owners of Amazon stores that represent a legal entity responsible for selling products to end customers.
Sellers play a crucial role from the perspective of a dropshipping business. Their responsibilities include setting the final product price, handling the payment of sales taxes for specific sales, & recording the purchase as revenue. Sellers of record who opt to engage in dropshipping must adhere to Amazon’s dropshipping policy.
Customers
Customers are the end-users who buy products from your online store. They place orders, make payments, and expect to receive their products in a timely manner.
E-commerce Platform
An e-commerce platform is an online marketplace or website where you list and sell products. Popular platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. These platforms provide the infrastructure for your online store.
Payment Processors
Payment processors handle transactions between you and your customers. They ensure secure payment processing by including accepting credit cards and other forms of payment.
Shipping and Fulfillment Services
Sometimes, you might use third-party logistics (3PL) or fulfillment centers to manage product storage, packing, and shipping. This is particularly relevant if your suppliers are located overseas.
Marketplace
Some dropshippers choose to sell their products on online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay in addition to their own e-commerce stores. This expands their customer reach and can provide additional sales channels.
Each participant has a specific role in the dropshipping process, and successful coordination among them is crucial for a smooth and profitable operation.
Let us have a look at how Amazon dropshipping works in the next section.
How Does Amazon Dropshipping Work?
Before you engage in Amazon dropshipping, you need to familiarize yourself with the platform’s dropshipping policies to prevent any potential suspension. You are responsible for handling the acceptance and processing of returns. You also need to follow Amazon’s Terms of Service.
When a customer orders a product from your Amazon store, you can buy the item directly from your supplier. Then, share the customer’s details with the supplier, who then takes care of shipping the products to the customer.
Make sure that the invoices, external packaging, & packaging slips do not include any details revealing the supplier’s name or contact information. Customers should not be aware that the items have been sourced from a separate company.
Expenses To Dropship On Amazon
To participate in Amazon dropshipping, you must register as a seller on the platform.
There are two subscription options: The Individual plan, which incurs a charge of 99 cents per unit sold, and the Professional plan, which has a fixed cost of $39.99, regardless of the number of items you intend to sell.
Amazon’s dropshipping fees differ depending on the category of the product but typically fall within the range of 8% to 15%.
If you’re dealing with relatively low-profit margins, these fees may pose challenges and might not be economically viable.
Now, let us look at the factors you need to consider while choosing the best dropshipping supplier.
Factors To Consider While Selecting The Dropshipping Supplier For Amazon
There are many factors to consider while selecting the dropshipping supplier. Here are they:
Authorization Proof
You need to ensure the integrity of your supply chain by verifying its reliability. Contact and confirm with the dropshipping supplier about the product’s origin.
Check if they have letters of authorization from relevant brands or manufacturers. Also, thoroughly examine the authorization to confirm its direct issuance from the original product source.
If a supplier cannot provide invoices or letters of authorization, you can avoid taking risks.
Account Control
Once you have established the role of the seller of record, create your Amazon account. Remember that you are solely accountable for the account & should not grant access to any third party.
If a dropshipping company requests access to your account, you can seek an alternative vendor.
Deals Record
Inquire with the supplier about their past collaborations with Amazon sellers. If they have worked with Amazon sellers, then request shipment histories as evidence.
Customer Support
Verify if the dropshipping supplier can receive & process returns in compliance with Amazon’s returns policies.
If the supplier is responsible for managing returns, then make sure they can document the return process accurately. You can capture images, identify damages, and record the reason for the return.
Now, let us know how to dropship on Amazon in the next section.
Step-By-Step Process On How To Dropship On Amazon
If you’re interested in starting an Amazon dropshipping business, there are key steps. Here are the steps on how to dropship on Amazon:
Setting Up An Amazon Seller Account
The first step in starting with Amazon dropshipping is setting up an Amazon seller account. This lists products for sale on Amazon and begins accepting orders from customers.
To set up your seller account, you must provide basic information about yourself and your business, including your contact information and tax identification number.
Researching And Choosing A Product Category
Once you’ve set up your Amazon seller account, the next step is to research and choose a product category to focus on. This is an important step, as the products you decide to sell will have a big impact on the success of your dropshipping business.
Research different product categories to find one with high demand and low competition.
Finding A Supplier
After selecting a product category, the subsequent task involves locating a supplier capable of providing you with the necessary products to sell on Amazon.
Several methods exist to find suppliers, such as utilizing online marketplaces like Alibaba or contacting manufacturers.
Contacting And Negotiating With Suppliers
Once you’ve found a supplier, the next step is to contact them and start negotiating the terms of your dropshipping agreement. This will involve discussing pricing, shipping times, and minimum order quantities. Negotiate these terms carefully to ensure you get the best possible deal.
Creating Product Listings
Once you’ve established a relationship with a supplier, the final step is creating product listings for the products you sell on Amazon.
This will involve writing product descriptions, taking photos, and setting prices. Make sure to optimize your listings for search engines to maximize your visibility on Amazon.
Following these steps, you can begin with Amazon dropshipping and build a successful online business.
Now comes the time to manage the inventory & fulfillment.
Inventory Management
Inventory management tracks your inventory levels and ensures you have enough stock to fulfill orders. When you’re dropshipping on Amazon, keep track of your inventory levels to avoid overselling or running out of stock.
You can use inventory management tools like Spark Shipping or Skubana to manage your inventory effectively. These tools can help you track inventory levels, set up low inventory alerts, and automate inventory management.
Order Fulfillment
Order fulfillment is receiving & processing orders, picking and packing products, and shipping to customers. When dropshipping on Amazon, you’re responsible for fulfilling your orders and ensuring they’re delivered to your customers on time.
If you want to handle order fulfillment, you have two options: use Amazon’s Multi-Channel Fulfillment service or fulfill orders manually. With MCF, Amazon takes care of the entire process, including picking, packing, & shipping your products directly to your customers.
On the other hand, if you choose manual fulfillment, you will personally select and package your products before shipping them to your customers.
Packing And Shipping Products
When packing and shipping your products, you must ensure they’re packaged securely and arrive at your customers’ doorsteps in good condition.
You can use Amazon’s guidelines for packing and shipping products to ensure that your products are packaged and shipped correctly.
You can use tools like ShipStation or ShipWorks to save your time & streamline packing and shipping process. These tools can help you print shipping labels, track shipments, and automate your shipping process.
Amazon Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
Amazon provides a service known as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), which enables you to store your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When you receive an order, Amazon takes care of the entire process by handling the picking, packing, and shipping of your products directly to your customers.
FBA can be an excellent option for dropshippers who want to outsource their fulfillment process and focus on other aspects of their business. However, it’s important to note that FBA comes with fulfillment and storage fees.
Now, you are aware of how to dropship on amazon. Let us know the marketing and selling strategies for Amazon dropshipping.
Marketing And Selling On Amazon For Dropshipping
Selling and marketing on Amazon presents a profitable chance for individuals and businesses. It helps to access a vast customer base & offers a potential source of significant income.
Here is the step-by-step process to do marketing and selling for Amazon dropshipping:
Creating A Brand And Building A Presence
When dropshipping on Amazon, it’s essential to establish a brand and build a presence to stand out from competitors. You can make a brand name & logo representing your business and products.
You can also customize your Amazon store with your brand colors, images, and descriptions to create a unique shopping experience for your customers.
A solid presence on social media platforms enhances your brand visibility and draws potential customers to your Amazon store.
By leveraging social media, you can share enticing product images, promotions, and customer reviews to actively engage with your audience and cultivate a dedicated and loyal following.
Marketing Your Products
Marketing your products is important to drive traffic and sales on Amazon.
You can utilize Amazon’s advertising tools, such as Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Displays, to promote your products to relevant customers & increase visibility.
You can also optimize product listings with high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords to improve your search ranking and attract more customers. Encouraging customer reviews and ratings can boost your credibility and attract new customers.
Selling On Amazon
Selling on Amazon comes with its own set of policies and guidelines that you need to follow to avoid suspension.
You need to ensure that your products are eligible for Amazon’s marketplace, and you need to comply with Amazon’s product listing policies and guidelines.
You must also choose the proper fulfillment method for your business, whether Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). FBA streamlines your fulfillment process and improves your customer experience, while FBM gives you more control over your inventory and shipping.
Customer Service And Policies
Exceptional customer service is vital for upholding a positive reputation and encouraging customer loyalty on the Amazon platform. You must respond to customer inquiries & issues promptly and professionally to ensure your products meet customer expectations.
You must also comply with Amazon’s policies and guidelines, such as its anti-counterfeiting, customer product reviews, and product return policies. Violating these policies results in account suspension, so you need to stay informed and compliant.
Returns And Refunds
Handling returns and refunds can be challenging, but providing a hassle-free experience for your customers is essential. You need to communicate your return & refund policies on your product listings and Amazon store.
You must also ensure that your products are in good condition and meet Amazon’s return policy requirements. Providing excellent customer service & handling returns and refunds can improve your customer satisfaction & reputation on Amazon.
Now, you are aware of how to dropship on Amazon with marketing and selling strategies. So, let us look at how to maximize profit and scale your Amazon dropshipping business.
Maximizing Profit And Scaling Your Amazon Dropshipping Business
As you see success in your Amazon dropshipping business, start thinking about maximizing your profits & scaling your business. Here are some strategies to consider:
Wholesale And Quality Control
One way to increase your profit margins is to source products at wholesale prices. This allows you to buy in bulk and get a better cost per unit. However, ensure you get high-quality products that meet your customers’ expectations.
You also need to consider doing quality control checks on your products before shipping them to customers.
Profit Margins And Overhead Costs
Keep an eye on your profit margins and overhead costs to maximize your profits. Ensure you’re pricing your products competitively while leaving room for a healthy profit margin.
Make sure your overhead costs are low by outsourcing tasks like customer service or using tools to automate your business processes.
Multi-Channel Selling
While Amazon is an excellent platform for dropshipping, it’s not the only one out there. Consider expanding your reach by selling on other platforms like eBay or Etsy. This can help you reach new customers and increase your overall sales.
Amazon Fees And Profitability
Amazon charges fees for using their platform. These fees can affect your profit margins, so factoring them into your pricing strategy is vital. You need to use Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service to reduce shipping costs and streamline your business operations.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the fees you can expect to pay on Amazon:
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Referral Fee | 6-45% of the item price |
| Variable Closing Fee | $0.45-$1.35 per item |
| FBA Fees | Varies by item size and weight |
By keeping these fees in mind and adjusting your pricing strategy accordingly, you can ensure that your dropshipping business on Amazon remains profitable.
Best Software For Dropshipping On Amazon
There is a lot of software for Amazon dropshipping. Here are they:
Jungle Scout
Jungle Scout is an extensive software tool and market research platform for Amazon sellers. Its primary purpose is to offer sellers valuable insights and data-driven analysis.
The software empowers them to make well-informed decisions & enhance their product sourcing, marketing, and sales strategies on Amazon’s marketplace.
Jungle Scout provides diverse features and functionalities that cater to sellers throughout their entire Amazon journey. It includes tasks such as product research and validation, competitor analysis, and tracking sales performance.
Sellery
Sellery is a software solution crafted for Amazon sellers that enables them to control their pricing strategies & enhance profitability efficiently. As a repricing tool, Sellery utilizes real-time data and advanced algorithms to adapt product prices on Amazon automatically.
Its core objective is to assist sellers in maintaining competitiveness within the marketplace by dynamically repricing their products based on multiple factors, including competitor prices, sales velocity, and buy box ownership.
Spocket
Spocket is a platform and dropshipping marketplace that facilitates the connection between entrepreneurs & online store owners with reputable suppliers. It offers premium products from Europe and the United States.
Spocket provides a curated selection of products seamlessly integrating with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce.
Helium 10
Helium 10 is an extensive toolkit for Amazon sellers who amplify their product research, keyword optimization, listing optimization, & overall business management on the platform.
This comprehensive suite of tools offers diverse features and functionalities to empower sellers to optimize their sales and profitability within Amazon’s marketplace.
FeedCheck
FeedCheck consolidates all your product reviews into a single and convenient platform. This tool is particularly valuable for store owners with a wide range of products on Amazon. Starting at just $19 per month, it’s an affordable solution.
MerchantWords
MerchantWords empowers you to access search volume and keyword data. The pro plan is available for $30 per month.
FeedbackExpress
FeedbackExpress is your partner in garnering additional reviews for your Amazon store while also assisting in removing negative feedback to maintain a stellar product and store rating. Plans begin at $20 per month.
Sell the Trend
Sell the Trend is a software platform built to support e-commerce entrepreneurs & dropshippers to locate lucrative products and optimize their online businesses.
It empowers users to perform thorough product research, analyze market trends, and uncover highly successful products for selling purposes.
Shopify
Shopify is a top e-commerce platforms that empowers businesses to establish and oversee online stores quickly.
It offers a user-friendly interface and extensive features to assist entrepreneurs in constructing their digital storefronts, presenting products, facilitating secure payment processing, and efficiently managing inventory.
Now, let us know the tips to success in the Amazon dropshipping business.
Tips For A Successful Amazon Dropshipping Business
There are a few tips for successful Amazon dropshipping. Here are they:
- You must conduct thorough market research to identify lucrative and high-demand products. Evaluate competition levels, pricing dynamics, and customer demand to select items with significant potential for success.
- Forge partnerships with reputable suppliers renowned for delivering quality products, competitive prices, and dependable shipping services. You need to establish effective communication channels & encourage strong working relationships to ensure smooth order fulfillment.
- Craft enticing and informative product listings that captivate prospective customers. Use top-notch product images, detailed descriptions, and relevant keywords to enhance visibility and drive conversions.
- Acquaint yourself with Amazon’s dropshipping policies and guidelines. Adhere diligently to the platform’s regulations regarding product listings, shipping timelines, customer service, and other pertinent aspects to prevent any potential issues or account suspension.
- To dropship on Amazon without repercussions, assume the role of the seller of record. The seller of record is the registered entity responsible for selling the product to the end customer.
- You need to establish competitive product pricing, balancing attracting customers and maintaining a healthy profit margin. Continuously monitor market prices and adjust your pricing strategy to remain competitive.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate key performance indicators such as sales, conversion rates, and customer feedback. You can use Amazon’s analytical tools and third-party software to gain insights and make data-driven decisions to optimize your business.
How To Dropship On Amazon: Pros And Cons
Here are the pros and cons of Amazon dropshipping:
| PROS | CONS |
| + Offers more than 30 product categories + Boasts a substantial customer base + Provides a wide range of dropshipping niches + Enables revenue generation without the need to purchase inventory upfront or physically handle products + Effortlessly integrates Shopify and Amazon for streamlined order management across both platforms + Simple & straightforward to set up | – Highly-competitive business |
Is Dropshipping On Amazon Profitable?
Dropshipping on Amazon can be profitable, but it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Amazon is a highly competitive marketplace, and many sellers, including other dropshippers, may offer similar products. So, standing out can be difficult.
- In the dropshipping business, you need to choose the right products to dropship. You should focus on items with strong demand and good profit potential. Conduct thorough market research to identify profitable niches.
- Amazon charges various fees, including referral fees and fulfillment fees. These can eat into your profit margins, so it’s important to factor them into your pricing strategy.
- Building good relationships with your suppliers is essential. Reliable suppliers who can provide quality products and on-time shipping are key to your success.
- As a dropshipper, you may have less control over the shipping and fulfillment process, so it’s important to provide excellent customer service and address any issues promptly.
- Make sure that you understand and comply with all legal and tax requirements related to your dropshipping business.
- Some product niches on Amazon may already be saturated with sellers, making it challenging to break in and make a profit.
- Building a brand and a positive reputation on Amazon can take time. Positive reviews and customer trust are crucial for long-term success.
Amazon dropshipping success requires careful planning, thorough research, and a strong commitment to customer service and business management.
Generally, a dropshipper operates with profit margins ranging from 10% to 30%. When you’re using Amazon as your dropshipping platform, approx. The platform will deduct 15% of your total revenue.
For instance, if your initial margin is 25%, your final net margin after selling a product on Amazon would be 10%. This remains a favorable margin, particularly when you take into account the extensive customer base you’ll gain access to.
Real-life Examples On How To Dropship On Amazon
Here are the real-life examples on how to dropship on Amazon:
Here is one of the top-rated furniture products to dropship in 2023. You can ship this foldable and portable laptop desk worldwide.
Mobile phone repair toolkit is one of the highly-rated phone, cases & accessories products to dropship in 2023. You can ship it worldwide.
These are dropship products for different categories:
Now, let us know at some FAQs on how to dropship on Amazon.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) On How To Dropship On Amazon
1. Can you dropship from Amazon?
Yes, you can dropship on Amazon. You need to adhere to the applicable guidelines, including the specific dropshipping policy. For instance, you must assume the role of the seller of record and ensure that your information and branding are prominently featured on the packaging and shipping materials rather than relying on Amazon’s or the dropshipping supplier’s details.
2. How much does it cost to dropship on Amazon?
Under the Individual plan, each unit sold costs $0.99, while the Professional plan charges a flat monthly rate of $39.99, regardless of the number of units sold.
3. Is it worth it to dropship on Amazon?
Dropshipping on Amazon presents a promising solution for aspiring entrepreneurs who seek to start their businesses with minimal investment & risk. This approach eliminates the need for upfront costs as there is no requirement to maintain a stock of products.
Final Thoughts On How To Dropship On Amazon
If you’re an entrepreneur who is looking for a low-risk online business venture with minimal investment, then you can easily be drawn to the concept of Amazon dropshipping.
For dropshipping on Amazon, you need to adhere to Amazon’s dropshipping policy and assume the role of the seller of record. You can also use personalized branding and take advantage of Amazon’s large customer base and extensive marketplace presence.
Amazon dropshipping presents a viable opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the realm of e-commerce. It removes the risks tied to inventory management. In addition, it also removes the requirement for upfront expenses and the need for inventory maintenance.
Dropshipping on Amazon can be a lucrative venture if approached with careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to providing customer value.
I hope today’s article on how to dropship on Amazon sounds helpful!
