Today we are going to look at what dropshipping software is and what you should consider before signing up to a monthly service provider.
To get straight to the point we will assume you know what drop shipping is (head here if you don’t) and are looking into starting an eCommerce dropship store (or streamline an existing one), using software to help automate the process.
So if you are ready, let’s jump to it…
What is dropshipping software?
Essentially, you can use dropping shipping software to connect your eCommerce website or webstore (on Amazon or eBay for example), to dropship suppliers.
The software is normally provided on a monthly subscription basis and will offer integration features so that you can easily connect it to platforms such as Shopify, WordPress, Amazon, eBay (and many others).
Once connected, you have access to relevant suppliers and can easily list your webstore/website with their products without purchasing the actual stock.
The software will also semi-automate the process of displaying product images and descriptions.
If a customer makes an order, the same software will automate the process of sending the details of that order to your supplier.
You save time on dealing with customer orders as they are dealt with directly by the supplier.
- Provides access to thousands of products and suppliers all within an easy to use database
- Bulk import hundreds of products items into your website or web store with just a few clicks
- Ensures that product descriptions, items, and availability remain up-to-date
- The software will automatically place customer orders directly with your supplier
- Integrates with eCommerce platforms to ensure seamless operation
- Provides shipment tracking that can be made available to your customers
- Provides in-depth tracking data on what products are selling, to whom, and to where
- Manual and/or automatic product price updates
As you can see, dropshipping software automates many of the processes that go behind running a successful eCommerce business.
The software allows you to scale in terms of shipment volume while keeping track of orders that are happening.
Taking away the need to manually send your customers’ information to your supplier is probably the biggest benefit of dropship software.
- Related Content: Pros & Cons of Using a Dropshipping Hub
What to look for when choosing dropshipping software
The box above will have given you an idea of the features available when using drop ship software.
However, to help you choose the right software provider for you, let’s look at some of the features in more detail.
1. eCommerce Platform Integration
This is one of the most important factors in choosing dropship software. It needs to be able to seamlessly connect with your eCommerce platform of choice.
For example, if you plan to connect suppliers with your Amazon store, you will need software that is able to directly integrate with Amazon (which many do).
However, if your store uses WooCommerce or ewCid for instance, you might have to shop around. Not all software provides such integration.
(NOTE: Check out Wholesale2B for good eCommerce platform integration levels. It was also our number one dropship software provider for 2021).
Ultimately the software has to be able to connect to your eCommerce platform to work properly. If you have not decided on the latter, you should hold off purchasing the former.
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2. Customer service management
For your business to succeed you will need happy customers. However, orders will not always go precisely as planned.
Software that provides good customer management tools will help keep the business/customer relationship positive should problems with the order arise.
These tools will provide an easy connection to the customer and/or your supplier so that order status and other details can be communicated more efficiently.
3. Product Data Management
Good software will make the task of uploading product information to your eCommerce store easy.
One-click installations are common, however, you will also want to be able to directly edit your product listings’ information when required.
Bulk upload is also important. Essentially, product data management needs to incorporate both autonomous features and individual control so that what is displayed within your store meets your needs.
4. Price Control
Although part of product management, price control deserves its own paragraph. The software you use needs to offer pricing control in order for you to make more sales.
Some software will automatically set prices via algorithms that track current market conditions and trends. This dynamic approach to pricing can be very beneficial.
However, you might want to control the range of these price fluctuations and also switch them to manual should it be preferred. Software that enables all of this is better than providers that don’t.
- Related Content: Dropified Review – The Dropship App to Use in 2021?
5. Supplier Management
If you source products from multiple suppliers (which dropship software will enable you to do), you will want a software interface that makes it easy to keep track of these different suppliers as well as the products you are selling via them.
Some software will allow you to create supplier profiles. Within these, you keep track of products and delivery practices as well as important contact details and other information.
- Related Content: Dropshipping in Europe – The Ultimate Guide
6. Data Reporting and Analytics
We live in a world of big data. Businesses big and small can all benefit from in-depth analytics on what’s taking place in terms of sales, trends, customer habits, acquisition, and more.
The business of dropshipping is no different.
A good software provider will include tools for reporting and analyzing data relevant to your enterprise that is easy to understand and present.
Through understanding the data, you will be able to pull the levers of your business in the direction of greater success.
