One problem is that when you dropship you'll also probably want to sell on a marketplace like amazon or ebay. But the problem is, there are now many many other people doing the same thing on the same products. So it this has somewhat levelled the playing field. It's much less of a competitive advantage now to dropship. For example you might have as many as 30 to 50 people selling the same item. The chances of getting the buy box becomes far slimmer. I think that one of the ways around this, and this is almost like going full circle, is moving somewhat away from dropship and moving more towards some kind of white-label items or something that is exclusive to you that others can't get access to sell. Dropshipping works out really well for the manufacturers, who basically now has hired you as a website owner to be their sales and customer service department. They're the ones who really benefit from having 50 people trying to sell the same product. So now to play that "better game", it can be worthwhile becoming more of a manufacturer of something exclusive and valuable, or finding a way to create a product or sell a variation of a product that is exclusive to you and you can own the rights to in some way, so that other competitors can't just crowd you out. Then you're playing a different game of competing against manufacturers rather than against other retailers, but I've seen more sales arrive via exclusive products than by dropshipping on amazon. For your own website though it's always helpful to have a lot of selection otherwise people will drop off when they can't find something they like and a bigger site conveys more authority. Answer from whoialwayswas on reddit.com
Superloop
superloop.com › blog › online-shopping-avoid-traps-dropshipping-sites
Online Christmas shopping: How to avoid the traps of dropshipping sites
Didn't get quite what you ordered? It might've been dropshipped. The model isn't new but as online shopping heats up, here's how to avoid getting scammed.
Chargeflow
chargeflow.io › blog › spot-avoid-dropshipping-scams
Six Trending Dropshipping Scams and How to Avoid Them
The best way to avoid falling for unrealistic offer scams is not to be greedy. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the market value of the product you're interested in and compare prices from different reputable sellers. If a particular seller is offering a significantly ...
Videos
17:16
AVOID Dropshipping Courses, Do This Instead... - YouTube
Etsy bans: how to avoid (dropshipping)
you will fail dropshipping because of this (how to avoid it)
10:14
eBay Dropshipping - How To Avoid Suspension - YouTube
15:27
15 eBay Dropshipping Mistake You MUST Avoid! - YouTube
Rescue
rescue.com › latest-buzz › helpful-hints › shop-smart-avoid-drop-ship-scammers
Shop SMART: Avoid Drop-Ship Scammers
February 1, 2021 - With prices rising, it’s more important than ever to get the most out of every dollar. In this article, we’re going to help you hang on to more of your hard-earned cash by teaching you how to avoid a popular online shopping scam called drop-shipping.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/ecommerce › avoid dropshipping?
r/ecommerce on Reddit: Avoid dropshipping?
February 8, 2018 -
I just recently got a Reddit account and joined this sub, and I've been seeing a whole lot of hate towards the dropshipping model. I understand to some extent—it's a flashy trend that ecommerce platforms and business "coaches" use to get some folks hyped on a get rich quick scheme. Seems like a lot of people get tricked into thinking that dropshipping is the secret to easy passive income with little to no effort put in. But does that mean it's necessarily a bad idea to use it?
I've been interested in starting an online store that uses dropshipping. I would be entering into a pretty active, yet fast-growing market. My product is niche to an extent, but not groundbreaking or super unique, and I hope to use some decent targeted marketing to access some of the demand that has already been demonstrated to exist. Does anyone think I should avoid dropshipping altogether and look for a more sustainable business model, where I control more variables? Any positive stories from dropshippers?
Top answer 1 of 12
15
Dropping shipping isn't the problem. Building an ill thought out website and Drop shipping shitty chinese products using aliexpress is the problem. I drop ship from reputable manufacturers in the US.
2 of 12
12
I am running a dropshipping business successfully. In my opinion the key to success is Simply avoid these Chinese platform to source products. Use some trustworthy/established local partners to ship on your behalf. built a serious looking store front and look to establish your reput. Not just simply a over used shopify theme picking a specific segment of products instead of randomly selling everything. Rest of the things depends on your marketing plan.
Linnworks
linnworks.com › home › blog › 15 ecommerce dropshipping beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
15 ecommerce dropshipping beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
September 6, 2024 - It simply means you need to cut your losses and try a new niche. You can potentially avoid this headache by doing your market research upfront. You will benefit from researching your niche in the same way you researched your products.
Quora
quora.com › How-do-dropshippers-avoid-having-clients-find-out-their-suppliers
How do dropshippers avoid having clients find out their suppliers? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): That is easy! Two ways: First, if you cooperate with aliexpress/ebay sellers, before cooperation, you should contact with aliexpress sellers officially, better add their wechat/skype, and tell them that you are dropshipper, and ask them do not put any contact card, or don’t put ...
EBay
community.ebay.com › t5 › Selling › Is-There-a-Way-to-Filter-Out-Sellers-That-Drop-Ship-on-EBay › td-p › 29565656
Is There a Way to Filter Out Sellers That Drop Shi... - The eBay Community
March 6, 2019 - ... Best way I found to avoid drop shippers is to avoid the sellers using stock photos in gallery and buy from a seller that takes their own photos then at least you know they have the items in their hands.
Dropshipping
dropshipping.com › article › dropshipping-risks
Top 13 Dropshipping Risks & How to Avoid Them [2025 ...
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Inventory Source
inventorysource.com › home › dropshipping ultimate guide › dropship scams
Ultimate Dropshipping Guide: How to Avoid Dropship Scams
August 3, 2024 - Find a “wholesale supplier” first, and not a supplier where dropship is their sole program focus or even a large focus for their program. Middleman programs tend to rank higher in dropship searches above the top suppliers.
Do Dropshipping
dodropshipping.com › home › 13 products you should avoid dropshipping | be careful!
13 Products You Should Avoid Dropshipping | Be Careful!
September 3, 2024 - For example, your customer could end up with allergies (like an allergic reaction) or skin irritation after using your product because their skin might be allergic to an ingredient that you didn't even know was inside the product. The last product you should avoid with dropshipping is waterproof products.
Usfca
usfblogs.usfca.edu › edunews › 2024 › 08 › 02 › top-15-reasons-why-dropshippers-fail-and-how-to-avoid-them
Top 15 Reasons why dropshippers fail and how to avoid them
Many dropshippers end up failing because they misinterpret the whole demand for the market. This can result in picking very competitive products or simply those that aren’t popular. Thus, one would experience poor sales. It’s hard to spot trends or know exactly what customers want or need without good market research. To avoid these problems, ensure that you conduct the right market research, and let it provide products that fit consumer needs.
Dropship Academy
blog.dsmtool.com › dropship academy › dropshipping › the most common dropshipping scams and how to avoid them
The Most Common Dropshipping Scams And How To Avoid Them
September 21, 2023 - By adhering to the following tips and principles, we significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to dropshipping scams: Thorough Supplier Research: Look for well-established suppliers with a proven reliability and quality track record.
Dropship
dropship.io › blog › dropshipping-scams
Dropshipping Scams & How to Avoid Them as a Beginner
Influencer Promotions Without Transparency: Influencers receive payment to endorse dropshipping stores without revealing the sponsorship. Dodgy Websites Linked in Profiles: Gurus promote low-quality websites with counterfeit goods or non-existent order fulfillment. Let’s get into these scams. How to Detect: Be wary of anyone showcasing extravagant lifestyles and guaranteeing unrealistic income levels. How to Avoid: Look for reviews from sources outside of the guru's immediate sphere (their website, social media, etc.).
Zopi Help Desk
help.zopi.io › home › 10 common dropshipping mistakes and how to avoid them
10 Common Dropshipping Mistakes And How to Avoid Them - Zopi Help Desk
April 25, 2025 - To avoid mistakes in dropshipping, conduct thorough market research, select reliable suppliers, and continuously analyze your store's performance.
NicheDropshipping
nichedropshipping.com › home › other › avoid dropshipping scams: stay safe with these tips
Avoid Dropshipping Scams: Stay Safe with These Tips - Dropshipping From China | NicheDropshipping
December 29, 2023 - Look for: Unsubstantiated Claims: If you encounter promises of excessive profits with little effort, be cautious. Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pushing you to act quickly.
Blog
intelligencenode.com › blog › marketing strategy › 8 common dropshipping mistakes to avoid
8 Common Dropshipping Mistakes to Avoid
August 10, 2020 - They may also need instructions explaining how and where to return the item. Organizing a system for this will save both you and the customer a lot of confusion and irritation. In conclusion, the customer’s experience is your main concern. Though inventory control and shipping are not your job, you should still be making sure everything is carried out well. With enough planning and proper management, all of these dropshipping mistakes can be avoided and your business will function more smoothly.
Medium
medium.com › mr-plan-publication › why-most-dropshippers-fail-and-how-to-avoid-it-73e5a5ed4abe
Why Most Dropshippers Fail (And How to Avoid It) | by The Human Project | Mr. Plan ₿ Publication | Medium
November 23, 2024 - Rookie mistake? Sure. But these expensive lessons happen to many new drop shippers. Finding winning products feels like finding a needle in a haystack. Many dropshippers pick items based on gut feeling instead of proper research.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
10 Mistakes Every Beginner Dropshipper Makes (How to Avoid Them) - YouTube
⮕✅ I just launched an AI that will build you a Shopify store for FREE! Click here to try it: https://buildyourstore.ai/logan-ski/ ⮕30 Day FREE Trial of AutoD...
Published July 5, 2023
Reddit
reddit.com › r/youshouldknow › ysk how to avoid dropshippers on etsy
r/YouShouldKnow on Reddit: Ysk how to avoid dropshippers on Etsy
September 19, 2024 -
Why Ysk: dropshippers have been taking over the site, scamming people and overcharging.
This list is by no means complete nor foolproof! But I've been buying from Etsy for years now & it has worked like a charm. So it might be helpful for you too:)
Something to always keep in mind when buying from small shops is: is it possible that a small team of 1-4 people can do all this handmade crafting?
Other things that make me wary are:
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The shop has over 50 items so sell, at all times, and you can buy multiple from the same item. (Of course excluded are items that they make to order aka don't have it in stock but create it on demand)
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They sell over 40+ products a week seemingly without issue. (Again excluding things like products made with the help of lasercutter, printers etc.)
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It's cheap. If you want actual handmade jewelery, it most likely won't be under 200$. In fact even that is dirt cheap and should make you wary. Actual handmade jewelry will cost you up to 2.000$. (We are talking about silver / gold that require a smith. Items made from wood/polymer clay will of course be cheaper)
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REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH!!!
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Check the reviews that have pictures of the products. If it's actually handmade there should be slight variables.
Hope that helps! If anyone has other tips & tricks please do tell!
Top answer 1 of 5
1977
I'm finding most sites moved this direction. Be careful on Etsy, eBay, Amazon etc. Most of what you see is being drop shipped or resold crap from Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Internet retail is a cesspool of cheap junk. Good tips though.
2 of 5
979
All of my favorite Etsy sellers have been verified on IG as actual artisans. I have made the mistake of buying from drop shippers and it sucks. Most reputable artisans post their work, behind the scenes, etc on their socials.
Supdropshipping
supdropshipping.com › home › blog › 9 products you should avoid dropshipping
9 Products You Should Avoid Dropshipping
January 5, 2024 - If you’re not sure if it’s legal and safe to dropship a certain product to your customer’s country of residence, ask them to confirm with their local chamber of commerce. And if you’re still doubting, just leave it out. ... This is another tricky category of products that you should avoid dropshipping.