Common misconception: you need a website to launch a dropshipping company.
Many successful dropshippers have online storefronts, but this is by no means the only way to move inventory. There are many additional options to try before settling on the one that works best for you.
This article will list the various alternatives to traditional dropshipping that exist. In addition, we will address some frequently asked concerns to assist you get a better grasp on dropshipping without using a service like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Keep reading to learn the ins and outs, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know about dropshipping without a website.
Now, let’s jump right into it.
Can You Dropship Without a Website?
Of course it is possible. It is not explicitly stated in the dropshipping business model that a website is required. But, we cannot argue against the merits of dropshipping via online stores.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that websites are not the only mediums available to you.
Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest may be more recognized as social networking sites, but they also provide powerful advertising options.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about stocking any products, so you may choose and choose the ideal platform for your company.
What Are the Benefits of Dropshipping Without a Website?
There are several situations where opting out of having a website could actually be preferable. Spend less money, get items to market faster, and quickly shift across platforms.
One advantage is less spending on developing and maintaining a website.
While there is no shortage of free websites, it normally costs money to set up a secure and functional online store. In addition, you may be required to sign up for a subscription plan that costs money every month to keep it functioning properly.
A further justification is that you won’t need to stress over the look of the website. You shouldn’t spend a ton of time building the shop’s front end; instead, you should prioritize getting your products up as quickly as possible.
Lastly, if you decide that a particular platform isn’t serving your needs, you may simply try something else. In case your earnings on one site are insufficient, you may easily go on to another without losing too much time or effort.
How to Dropship Without a Website?
You should now be certain that you don’t need a website to launch a dropshipping business.
This section will discuss the three approaches to dropshipping that do not require a website:
Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
We’ve included everything we could think of that would be relevant to your decision-making process.
Facebook ranks high on the list of the most widely used social networking sites. Even though it started out as a platform for simple online chats, it has subsequently expanded to become a major player in the e-commerce sector.
There is a wide variety of ways you may sell your wares on Facebook, and they all only demand a little bit of imagination.
Facebook Shops
Facebook Shops was created at the height of the epidemic to aid struggling small companies.
The idea behind Facebook Stores was to provide a convenient way for Facebook users to do their online purchases without ever leaving the platform.
Facebook Stores are available on both Facebook and Instagram at no cost to you as a store owner. The store may be set up in no time at all if you just select the items you wish to sell.
It’s analogous to a website, but without the need for extensive technical know-how. Also, these can be easily found through articles or even a company’s Facebook page.
But you’ll still need to do some serious marketing if you want to attract many customers to your store.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace was released that same year as an additional platform for users to exchange goods. Many dropshippers will be relieved to learn that it is also costless.
Before Facebook introduced Marketplace, users could only sell items in private Facebook groups to their friends and family. Now, thanks to Marketplace, anyone may gain access to previously inaccessible stores and goods.
In this section, users can upload images of their wares alongside descriptive text and pricing information. Customers who are curious about the goods can easily write a message requesting further information.
However, Marketplace is not without flaws. The first is that Facebook allows users to pick their own location. Selling a product in a sparsely populated area may result in a small consumer base.
It’s also possible that there will be a lot of other people trying to achieve the same goal as you.
Don’t fret; all you need to do is identify your market’s geographic sweet spot and ensure your product stands out from the competition.
Business Page
If you’re not interested in using Marketplace to sell your wares, you can set up your own company page and sell directly to customers.
Brand recognition is bolstered, and additional channels for promoting the product are opened up.
Promoted Facebook postings for business pages are also available via Facebook Ads, expanding your audience for a fee.
Making a page for a company is also a breeze. After making the necessary adjustments, you can simply create a new Facebook page and save your changes.
The fact that a company page maintains its attractiveness on both mobile and desktop devices is icing on the cake. There is, thus, no need to worry about developing two distinct variants.
However, there will be times when you can’t get through to your preferred clients. Getting more likes on your page is also important for expanding your customer base.
But if you use smart advertising techniques, you can reach your goals rapidly.
If you didn’t know, Facebook owns Instagram, which means the two services are very similar.
Some shops have taken to using their Instagram profiles, which they’ve set up as businesses, in place of traditional e-commerce platforms. They just display their wares and prices in an artful manner on their website.
These shops can take advantage of Instagram Shoutouts after they have a sizable following: a post or story in which they mention other Instagram accounts.
Instagram Stores is yet another channel for e-commerce.
Those with Instagram accounts for their businesses can now set up stores to sell their wares. These stores are so expertly made to resemble websites that you might almost think you’re on one.
Setting up an Instagram store is a breeze. These have a full-screen shop window, perfect for making an impression on potential consumers.
Clients have the option of merely perusing the products on offer or making a purchase on the spot. Customers may complete their purchases without leaving Instagram Shops, as there is a built-in checkout function that takes care of collecting payment information and directing buyers to the appropriate place.
Since every business is conducted through Instagram, transaction fees are inevitable. Thus, this is not the best platform to use if you are trying to cut expenditures.
But the fees may become little after a certain number of product sales have been made. To avoid having to maintain a website, this is a reasonable cost.
Remember the old adage: Pinterest is more powerful than you think. A large percentage of dropshippers have attained their clientele and made sales purely through the number of people who have visited their websites.
Paid Advertisements
The simplest method is to use Promoted Pins, which are paid adverts. Your pins will start appearing in feeds and search results once you’ve won the auction/bid mechanism for the ads.
Establishing a Pinterest for Business account is free and necessary before making a Promoted Pin. To begin making an ad, go to the “ads” section.
Location-specific, demographic, device-specific, and customer-behavior-specific campaigns can then be implemented. It is now up to you to decide which pins you want to promote.
If you want to appear genuine, only promote pins that are actually useful to your audience.
Organic Placements
If you’re on a tighter budget, organic impressions may be the way to go. If you want to succeed, you need to maintain your diligence and consistency.
Initially, you will need to make some boards that are centered on your product. Don’t be shy about repinning useful pins from other users in your area. Make sure it isn’t the same ones your rivals are using.
Pins highlighting your product should be consistently posted, which brings us to our second point. Make it obvious that you are selling the product by including descriptions and links.
With perseverance, you’ll gradually gain followers and pinners.
How to Process Dropshipping Orders Without a Website?
It’s only fair that you know taking orders online simplifies inventory management and shipping logistics. A website can also be used to automate the process of placing orders with vendors.
But you can still process dropshipping orders manually, either through a spreadsheet or a different system.
The orders you get need to be encoded by hand and checked against the orders your clients have placed. Avoid accidents by always doing a double check.
You’ll need the item number, quantity, email, name, and phone number/address to complete the transaction. Additional information can be provided, however this covers the basics of dropshipping.
When you’ve got everything coded and sorted, send it off to your vendors and let them handle it from there.
Maintain an updated order tally and inform buyers of any changes. Because honesty is of paramount importance, please also inform them of the expected delivery date.
Do You Need a Business License to Dropship Without a Website?
In a nutshell, not really. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Instagram and Facebook don’t require any sort of permit to conduct business. Having a license, however, opens doors to potential vendors and demonstrates your business’s validity.
To do business with them, several vendors require that their prospective clients hold a valid license. This is one of the measures they’ve taken to ward off potential fraudsters and difficult clients.
A valid license demonstrates the legitimacy of your company and inspires consumer confidence. You’ll also be in good shape moving forward when it comes to dealing with things the government is responsible for, like paying your taxes.
FAQs
How to Scale a Dropshipping Business?
A drop-shipping company might expand in a few distinct ways. Among these include the use of automated and outsourced procedures, increased spending on customer service, and decreased overhead.
Dropshipping businesses can grow through the use of automation and outsourcing because these methods often speed up previously time-consuming operations. Products can be sent out to buyers sooner if less time is spent on these steps.
Putting money on customer service is another smart move for expanding operations. Providing outstanding service to clients is one of the best ways to keep them as loyal customers. This is due to the fact that 70% of customers will happily recommend a company with excellent customer service.
Last but not least, as you cut expenditures, you have more money to invest in expanding your firm in other ways.
Saving money in one area can be redirected to fund growth in another, such as customer service, website upkeep, or product packaging.
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Dropshipping Business?
The answer is highly dependent on the amount of work invested into expanding the firm. But the time frame is often between 6 and 12 months.
Numerous variables interact at this moment. The quality of the product and its packaging, the strength of the competition, the direction of the market, and the worth of the company as a whole are all factors.
Your company could expand if you work hard to make it better while keeping an eye on both your finances and your clientele.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to have your own website just because most dropshippers do. You can launch your dropshipping business on other, equally efficient platforms.
Each of these options has its own set of benefits and drawbacks; determining which one is ideal for you is ultimately up to you.
