The world looks very different now from what it did just a few months ago. With the coronavirus pandemic causing disruptions just about everywhere, you might be nervous about your dropshipping store – especially given the delays and uncertain shipping times. Dropshipping and Coronavirus: how are they related?
If you happen to follow any social media accounts related to online shopping, you’ve most likely stumbled across the term “drop shipping” – which alternatively is spelt without space, “dropshipping.” Regardless of how you choose to spell it, it’s picked up some hefty search traffic since March 11, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
Online stores and businesses that have relied on doing so across the United States and around the world are feeling anxious as the steps to successfully carrying out the method are affected with the most basic element running low: products and goods.
5 easy step for dropshipping in COVID 19
1. Find a winner
This means you should find a product that your customers deem necessary. So, get out there and get searching. What’s trending?
2. Advertise and clean up your website
Make sure to highlight a new product you’re selling and make it look visually appealing on your website to get customers excited about it. If you need help with the ads you’re running, learn more about the ecommerce platforms where you can find Clever eCommerce integrations.
3. Direct traffic
You should find your online “niche” and find a way to get those users coming to your website and making purchases.
4. Stay organized
Keep track of orders in a neat and orderly fashion, whether that’s a clean, colorful spreadsheet or a marked-up handwritten notepad. Getting behind on orders is no fun and is something you don’t want to mess with.
5. Be honest
If a problem arises with an order or product, your customer needs to be the first to know. If not, you are doing something wrong.
China is the origin of many products distributed via dropshipping, so it is crucial that all online stores take into account not only the restrictions put in place in their geographical area but also the constantly changing laws and regulations where the products are coming from. If you are continuing your dropshipping practices or are just starting out online and digitalizing your brand, keep in mind that your products may not be exempt from highly restrictive laws prohibiting the movement of goods, exports, or imports that could take effect with little to no notice.
Restrictions and Protocol
These restricting laws and protocol may affect your dropshipping business, especially if you work with customers located in different countries on platforms such as AliDropship or Shopify.
But there is good news, if there are no restrictions between China and the country where your goods will be delivered, you have the green light to keep selling. Just make sure to double-check your logistic setup, and you should be good to go.
If you are a complete dropshipping beginner or even if you happen to be getting comfortable with the business model, remember that this a global pandemic. Even though there is plenty of opportunities to grow your business amid COVID-19, it is a time to practice precautionary measures and business ethics.
Transparency
At an international level, consumers have been advised to avoid any online activity that seems suspicious. Avoid scams to protect both your business and your customers. According to the Federal Trade Commission in the United States, do your online research on a company before investing more time and money into any further collaborations with third party suppliers. You should update your website, social media, or any other online presence that you may have to be as transparent as you possibly can. Trustworthiness and transparency are key traits your business should portray in order to increase sales and keep customers happy. Cybersecurity is a rising concern as the world faces an uncertain and financially daunting time. With any concerns, you may have regarding phishing or other internet-related concerns, refer to the WHO’s official guidelines.
Final Thoughts
It might seem redundant, but it should be noted that there is a great deal of responsibility on your business’s behalf in order to protect potential customers, delivery workers distributing your products, and yourself at this time. Please, always rely on trustworthy sources of information such as the WHO and your region’s governing body to make the most informed decisions not only for you, but most importantly, your customers who are behind mobile and desktop screens around the globe.
For further information that we’ve found related to marketing and COVID-19, continue reading on our blog about Coronavirus & Marketing: will it affect the ecommerce industry?
Lastly, we would like to show our support for ecommerce coronavirus impacted businesses by offering our Premium Plan 50% off, making it even more affordable for those affected.