---
name: dropshipping-guide
description: |
  Complete guide to building a dropshipping business covering product research methodology, supplier vetting processes, store setup, advertising strategy, margin calculations, customer service operations, returns handling, and scaling techniques. Use when the user asks about dropshipping guide or needs help with related topics. Do NOT use for unrelated domains or when a more specialized skill exists.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "entrepreneurship strategy guide"
  category: "business-strategy"
  subcategory: "operations"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Dropshipping Guide

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- The user wants to start a dropshipping business and needs product research or supplier vetting guidance
- The user needs help with store setup, advertising strategy, or margin calculations for dropshipping
- The user wants guidance on customer service operations, returns handling, or scaling a dropshipping operation
- The user is evaluating dropshipping as a business model and wants to understand the economics

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- The user is building an e-commerce store with their own inventory (use ecommerce-advisor instead)
- The user wants to sell handmade or artisan products (use handmade-seller instead)
- The user needs general business planning beyond the dropshipping model (use business-planner instead)

## Process

1. **Gather requirements.** Ask the user clarifying questions about their specific context, goals, constraints, and experience level.

2. **Analyze the situation.** Review the information provided and identify key factors, challenges, and opportunities relevant to dropshipping guide.

3. **Develop the framework.** Create a structured approach tailored to the user's needs, incorporating best practices and domain-specific considerations.

4. **Deliver actionable output.** Present specific, implementable recommendations with clear rationale, timelines, and success criteria.

5. **Address edge cases.** Proactively identify potential issues, alternative approaches, and contingency plans.

**Use this skill when:**
- User needs guidance on dropshipping guide
- User asks about dropshipping guide best practices or techniques
- User wants a structured approach to dropshipping guide

**Do NOT use this skill when:**
- A more specialized skill exists for the specific subtopic
- The request is outside the scope of dropshipping guide
## Questions to Ask First

Before providing guidance, establish the operator's situation:

1. Have you run an e-commerce business before, or is this your first?
2. What is your starting budget? (Minimum $500-$2,000 recommended)
3. What niche or product category are you interested in?
4. What platform are you planning to use? (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
5. What is your marketing budget for the first 3 months?
6. Do you have any existing audience or social media following?
7. What country are you targeting for sales?
8. How many hours per week can you dedicate?
9. What is your revenue goal for the first 6 months?
10. Do you understand that dropshipping requires significant marketing investment and is not passive income?

## Product Research

### Product Selection Criteria
```
WINNING PRODUCT CHECKLIST:
  [ ] Solves a problem or fills a strong desire
  [ ] Not widely available in local retail stores
  [ ] Lightweight (under 2 lbs for affordable shipping)
  [ ] Not fragile (reduces damage claims)
  [ ] Selling price $20-$70 (sweet spot for impulse purchase + margin)
  [ ] Minimum 3x markup (sell for 3x your landed cost)
  [ ] Not seasonal (or you're timing it right)
  [ ] Not a trademarked/branded product (legal risk)
  [ ] Visual appeal (photographs and videos well for ads)
  [ ] Not easily found by searching Amazon (price comparison kills conversion)
  [ ] Has a "wow factor" or unique angle

AVOID:
  - Electronics with complex returns and warranty expectations
  - Clothing (sizing issues = high return rates)
  - Products with strict regulations (supplements, cosmetics, medical devices)
  - Items with extremely low margins (under $10 selling price)
  - Commoditized products available everywhere
  - Heavy or oversized items (shipping destroys margins)
```

### Product Research Methods
```
METHOD 1: AD SPY TOOLS
  Tools: Minea, AdSpy, PiPiADS (TikTok), Facebook Ad Library
  Process:
  1. Search for ads with high engagement (likes, comments, shares)
  2. Filter by recent launch date (last 30 days)
  3. Look for products being advertised by multiple stores
  4. Check if the product has a compelling video demonstration
  5. Verify you can source it from suppliers
METHOD 2: MARKETPLACE RESEARCH
  Amazon Movers & Shakers, Best Sellers, New Releases
  AliExpress: Sort by orders, look at trending products
  Etsy trending: Identify products that could be manufactured
  Temu/Wish: See what's being promoted aggressively
METHOD 3: SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS
  TikTok: Search #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, #AmazonFinds
  Instagram: Follow product discovery accounts
  Pinterest: Trending searches and pins
  Reddit: r/shutupandtakemymoney, r/BuyItForLife
METHOD 4: GOOGLE TRENDS
  Search product keywords on Google Trends
  Look for: Rising interest (not peaked and declining)
  Compare related products to find best opportunity
  Check seasonality patterns over 5 years
PRODUCT RESEARCH TEMPLATE:
  Product name: ________
  Supplier cost (incl. shipping): $________
  Target selling price: $________
  Margin: $________ (________%)
  Shipping time: ________ days
  Competition level: Low / Medium / High
  Video/demo potential: Low / Medium / High
  Problem it solves: ________
  Target audience: ________
  Score: ___/10
```

## Supplier Vetting

### Supplier Sources
```
ALIEXPRESS:
  Pros: Huge selection, buyer protection, easy to start
  Cons: Slow shipping (15-30 days from China), inconsistent quality

CJ DROPSHIPPING:
  Pros: Faster shipping (US warehouse options), product sourcing service
  Cons: Less selection than AliExpress, requires approval for some products

ZENDROP:
  Pros: Branded packaging, US-based support, auto-fulfillment
  Cons: Higher per-unit cost, limited product range

SPOCKET:
  Pros: US/EU suppliers, faster shipping, curated products
  Cons: Higher product costs, smaller catalog

DSers (AliExpress tool):
  Pros: Bulk order processing, supplier optimization
  Cons: Tied to AliExpress

PRIVATE SOURCING AGENTS:
  Pros: Custom packaging, negotiated prices, quality control
  Cons: Requires higher volume (100+ units/month), upfront investment
  Find on: Alibaba, LinkedIn, sourcing agent directories
```

### Supplier Vetting Process
```
STEP 1: INITIAL SCREENING
  [ ] Seller rating: 4.7+ stars
  [ ] Store open: 2+ years
  [ ] Total orders: 1,000+ for the specific product
  [ ] Communication: Responds within 24 hours
  [ ] Product reviews: Read carefully for quality complaints
STEP 2: SAMPLE ORDER (Critical - Never Skip)
  [ ] Order the product yourself
  [ ] Evaluate: Quality, packaging, accuracy, shipping time
  [ ] Check: Does it match the listing photos?
  [ ] Test: Would you personally be satisfied receiving this?
  [ ] Time: Record actual shipping time to your target market
STEP 3: COMMUNICATION TEST
  [ ] Ask detailed questions about product specs
  [ ] Request custom packaging options
  [ ] Ask about shipping methods and times
  [ ] Inquire about handling returns/defective items
  [ ] Response quality: Professional, clear, helpful?
STEP 4: BACKUP SUPPLIER
  [ ] Identify 2nd supplier for every winning product
  [ ] Compare pricing, shipping, and quality
  [ ] Having backup prevents stockouts and leverage in negotiation
SUPPLIER SCORECARD:
  Product quality:        ___/10
  Shipping speed:         ___/10
  Communication:          ___/10
  Packaging quality:      ___/10
  Price competitiveness:  ___/10
  Consistency:            ___/10
  TOTAL:                  ___/60 (aim for 45+)
```

## Store Setup

### Platform Selection
```
SHOPIFY (Recommended for Most):
  Cost: $39-$399/month + transaction fees
  Pros: Easy setup, huge app ecosystem, reliable, great for dropshipping
  Cons: Monthly cost adds up, app costs can stack

WOOCOMMERCE:
  Cost: Hosting ($10-$30/month) + free WooCommerce plugin
  Pros: Full control, lower ongoing costs, flexible
  Cons: Requires WordPress knowledge, maintenance responsibility

BIGCOMMERCE:
  Cost: $39-$399/month
  Pros: Built-in features, good SEO, no transaction fees
  Cons: Smaller app ecosystem for dropshipping
```

### Store Setup Checklist
```
FOUNDATION:
  [ ] Domain name purchased ($10-$15/year)
  [ ] Professional logo (Canva, Looka, or hire designer)
  [ ] Color scheme and branding elements defined
  [ ] Clean, fast theme selected (Dawn, Refresh, or premium theme)
PAGES TO CREATE:
  [ ] Homepage (hero image, featured products, trust signals)
  [ ] Product pages (compelling descriptions, multiple images, reviews)
  [ ] About Us (brand story, mission, team)
  [ ] Contact Us (email, form, response time promise)
  [ ] Shipping Policy (honest about timelines)
  [ ] Return/Refund Policy (clear, reasonable)
  [ ] Privacy Policy (legally required)
  [ ] Terms of Service (legally required)
  [ ] FAQ page (address common concerns)
  [ ] Track Your Order page (reduces support tickets by 30-50%)
TRUST SIGNALS:
  [ ] Customer reviews on product pages (Loox, Judge.me)
  [ ] Security badges (SSL, payment processor logos)
  [ ] Contact information visible
  [ ] Professional design (no amateur look)
  [ ] Social proof (testimonials, user-generated content)
  [ ] Money-back guarantee badge
  [ ] Estimated delivery dates on product page
PRODUCT PAGE OPTIMIZATION:
  Title: Clear, benefit-driven
  Images: 5-8 high-quality images + lifestyle photos
  Description: Problem → Solution → Features → Benefits → CTA
  Price: Show crossed-out "compare at" price (if legitimate)
  Urgency: "Limited stock" or "selling fast" (only if true)
  Reviews: Import or collect genuine reviews
  Shipping: Clear estimated delivery timeline
  FAQ: Product-specific questions below description
```

## Advertising Strategy

### Facebook/Meta Ads Framework
```
TESTING PHASE (Budget: $20-$50/day):
  Campaign type: CBO (Campaign Budget Optimization)
  Objective: Purchases (not traffic or engagement)
  Structure:
  Each Ad Set: Different audience targeting
    - Interest-based: Related hobbies, brands, behaviors
    - Lookalike: 1% lookalike of purchasers (once you have data)
    - Broad: Age + gender + country only (let algorithm find buyers)
  Each Ad: Different creative angle
    - Problem/solution angle
    - Testimonial/review angle
    - Demonstration/how-it-works angle
EVALUATION (After $50-$100 spent per ad set):
  Kill ad sets with:
    - No purchases after $50-$100 spend
    - CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) above your break-even
    - CTR below 1% (ad creative not compelling)
  Scale ad sets with:
    - Profitable CPA
    - CTR above 2%
    - Consistent results over 3+ days
SCALING PHASE:
  Increase budget by 20-30% every 2-3 days on winning ad sets
  Do NOT double budget overnight (resets algorithm learning)
  Duplicate winning ad sets with slight variations
  Test new audiences with winning creative
  Launch new creative regularly (ad fatigue sets in after 7-14 days)
```

### TikTok Ads Strategy
```
TikTok ads can outperform Facebook for products with strong video potential.

CREATIVE REQUIREMENTS:
  - Vertical video (9:16 ratio)
  - 15-30 seconds (shorter performs better)
  - Hook in first 3 seconds (or viewers scroll past)
  - Native TikTok feel (not polished commercial)
  - User-generated content style outperforms studio content
  - Include clear CTA at the end

AD STRUCTURE:
  Campaign: Purchase objective
  Ad Group: Broad targeting (TikTok algorithm is strong)
  Budget: $30-$50/day minimum for testing
  Optimization: Complete Payment event

CONTENT TYPES THAT WORK:
  1. Product demonstration (showing the product in action)
  2. "Watch me try this" unboxing/reaction style
  3. Before/after transformation
  4. Problem/agitation/solution format
  5. "Things you didn't know you needed" format
```

### Organic Marketing
```
FREE TRAFFIC STRATEGIES:
  TikTok organic:
    Post product demo videos 1-3x daily
    Use trending sounds and formats
    Engage in comments aggressively
    Link in bio to store

  Instagram Reels:
    Repurpose TikTok content
    Use product-specific hashtags
    Collaborate with micro-influencers (free product for post)

  Pinterest:
    Create pins for every product (multiple angles)
    Keyword-optimize pin descriptions
    Long-tail traffic builds over 3-6 months

  SEO/Blog:
    Write product-related content
    Target long-tail keywords
    Very slow but sustainable traffic
```

## Margin Calculation

### Profit Calculation Framework
```
LANDED COST CALCULATION:
  Product cost from supplier:    $________
  Shipping from supplier:        $________
  Packaging/branding:            $________
  TOTAL LANDED COST:             $________

SELLING PRICE:                   $________

VARIABLE COSTS PER ORDER:
  Landed cost:                   $________
  Transaction fee (Shopify):     $________
  Payment processing (2.9%+$0.30): $________
  Advertising cost per order:    $________
  TOTAL VARIABLE COSTS:          $________

PROFIT PER ORDER:                $________
PROFIT MARGIN:                   ________%

TARGET METRICS:
  Minimum markup: 3x landed cost (300%)
  Target profit margin: 20-30% after all costs
  Advertising cost should be: Under 30% of selling price
  Break-even ROAS: Selling Price / (Selling Price - Landed Cost - Fees)
```

### Break-Even Analysis
```
MONTHLY FIXED COSTS:
  Shopify subscription:          $________
  Apps and tools:                $________
  Email marketing:               $________
  Domain:                        $________
  Virtual assistant (if any):    $________
  TOTAL FIXED COSTS:             $________/month

BREAK-EVEN ORDERS:
  Fixed Costs / Average Profit Per Order = Break-Even Orders
```

## Customer Service

### Communication Standards
```
RESPONSE TIMES:
  Email: Within 12 hours (24 hours maximum)
  Live chat: Within 2 minutes during business hours
  Social media DMs: Within 4 hours
EMAIL TEMPLATES:
Order Confirmation:
"Hi [Name], thank you for your order! Your [product] is being
prepared and will ship within [X] business days. You'll receive
a tracking number via email once it ships. If you have any
questions, don't hesitate to reach out!"
Shipping Update:
"Great news, [Name]! Your order has shipped. Here's your
tracking number: [number]. You can track your package here:
[link]. Estimated delivery: [date range]. Thank you for
your patience!"
Delayed Shipping:
"Hi [Name], I wanted to update you on your order. Due to
[reason], your delivery may take [X] additional days.
for the delay. [Offer: 10% off next order or small gift]."
WHERE IS MY ORDER:
"Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out! Let me check on that
for you. Your tracking shows [status]. Based on this,
your estimated delivery is [date]. If it hasn't arrived
by [date + 3 days], please let me know and I'll make it
right immediately."
```

### Common Issues and Resolutions
```
ISSUE: Product hasn't arrived (past estimated date)
  Action 1: Check tracking, provide update
  Action 2: If truly lost, reship or refund
  Prevention: Set realistic delivery expectations on product page

ISSUE: Product quality doesn't match expectations
  Action: Offer partial refund (50-100%) WITHOUT requiring return
  Prevention: Better product photos, accurate descriptions

ISSUE: Wrong item received
  Action: Ship correct item immediately, don't ask for return
  Prevention: Clear order processing, supplier communication

ISSUE: Customer wants to cancel after ordering
  Action: If not shipped, cancel and refund. If shipped, handle as return.
  Prevention: Fast order processing so cancellation window is short

REFUND POLICY STRATEGY:
  Offer 30-day money-back guarantee (builds trust, increases conversion)
  Actual return rate: 3-8% for most products
  Many customers accept partial refund and keep the product
  Cost of generous refund policy < cost of lost sales from no guarantee
```

## Returns Handling

### Return Process
```
RETURN WORKFLOW:
  1. Customer contacts you requesting return
  2. Ask for reason and photo (for quality issues)
  3. Determine resolution:
     - Full refund (no return needed): For defective/wrong items
     - Partial refund: For minor quality issues customer is willing to keep
     - Replacement: Ship a new one (if product and supplier are reliable)
     - Return and refund: Only for high-value items where return is worthwhile
  4. Process refund within 3-5 business days
  5. Log the issue for supplier accountability tracking

DISPUTE PREVENTION:
  - Accurate product descriptions and images
  - Realistic shipping time estimates
  - Proactive shipping updates
  - Easy-to-find contact information
  - Respond before customer files chargeback
  - Resolve issues generously (a $15 refund saves a $25 chargeback fee)

CHARGEBACK MANAGEMENT:
  Chargeback rate MUST stay under 1% (payment processor will shut you down)
  Track chargebacks weekly
  Always provide tracking numbers (proof of delivery defends chargebacks)
```

## Scaling

### Growth Phases
```
PHASE 1: PRODUCT TESTING ($0-$1K/month profit)
  Timeline: 1-3 months
  Focus: Find 1-2 winning products
  Ad spend: $20-$50/day testing
  Operations: Solo, manual order fulfillment
PHASE 2: OPTIMIZING WINNERS ($1K-$5K/month profit)
  Timeline: 3-6 months
  Focus: Scale winning products, optimize funnel
  Ad spend: $50-$200/day on proven products
  Operations: Auto-fulfillment apps, email marketing automation
PHASE 3: SCALING ($5K-$20K/month profit)
  Timeline: 6-12 months
  Focus: Multiple winning products, multiple traffic sources
  Ad spend: $200-$1,000+/day
  Operations: VA for customer service, advanced tracking
  Actions:
  - Add upsells and cross-sells
  - Build email flows (abandoned cart, post-purchase, win-back)
  - Test new traffic sources (TikTok if only on Facebook, or vice versa)
  - Negotiate better supplier pricing (volume discounts)
PHASE 4: BRAND BUILDING ($20K+/month profit)
  Focus: Transition from generic store to branded product
  Actions:
  - Custom packaging with your brand
  - Bulk inventory in US/EU warehouse (3-5 day shipping)
  - Build brand identity and repeat customers
  - Consider private labeling winning products
  - Develop complementary products
  - Build a real brand, not just a dropshipping store
```

### Key Scaling Metrics
```
TRACK DAILY:
  Revenue:                       $________
  Ad spend:                      $________
  ROAS (Return on Ad Spend):     ________x (target: 2x-4x)
  Orders:                        ________
  Average order value:           $________
  Cost per acquisition (CPA):    $________
  Conversion rate:               ________% (target: 2-4%)

TRACK WEEKLY:
  Net profit:                    $________
  Refund rate:                   ________% (target: under 5%)
  Chargeback rate:               ________% (MUST stay under 1%)
  Customer complaints:           ________
  Ad creative fatigue:           Rotating? Yes / No
  Supplier reliability:          Issues? Yes / No

TRACK MONTHLY:
  Total revenue:                 $________
  Total expenses:                $________
  Net profit margin:             ________%
  Cash flow:                     $________ (positive / negative)
  New products tested:           ________
  Products killed:               ________
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Spending on ads before your store is optimized (fix conversion first)
2. Not ordering product samples before selling (quality surprises kill businesses)
3. Promising fast shipping when supplier ships from China (honesty builds trust)
4. Ignoring customer service (chargebacks and bad reviews compound fast)
5. Testing too many products at once instead of giving each adequate ad budget
6. Not calculating true profit margins (skipping fees, returns, and refunds)
7. Copying competitors exactly instead of finding a unique angle
8. Scaling ad spend too fast (increase 20-30% at a time, not 200%)
9. Not building an email list from day one (cheapest repeat customer channel)
10. Treating dropshipping as a get-rich-quick scheme instead of a real business
11. Selling trademarked or copyrighted products (legal risk)
12. Not having a backup supplier for your winning product


## Output Format

Deliver the response as a structured document with clear headings and actionable content. Use tables for comparisons, numbered lists for sequential steps, and bullet points for options. Include specific examples where applicable.

```
[Dropshipping Guide deliverable]
1. Context and objectives
2. Analysis or framework
3. Specific recommendations with rationale
4. Action items with timeline
```


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with dropshipping guide for a mid-size project."

**Output:** A complete dropshipping guide framework tailored to the specific context, with actionable steps, relevant considerations, and measurable outcomes.


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding rather than making assumptions
- **Conflicting requirements:** Identify trade-offs explicitly and present options with pros and cons
- **Scale mismatch:** Adapt recommendations to match the user's context (individual vs. team vs. organization)
- **Domain crossover:** When the request overlaps with other skill domains, address what falls within scope and reference specialized skills for the rest
