The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Drop Shipping Brokering: Selling Amazon Products on eBay
Hello, wanderlust souls! It’s Aleisha here, your favorite digital nomad currently sipping a coconut under a palm tree in Bali. Today, I’ll share one of the many ways you can make money online while trotting the globe: drop shipping brokering. Specifically, I’m talking about selling products listed on Amazon on eBay at a higher price. Sounds easy and promising, right? Let’s dive deep into the concept.
What is Drop Shipping Brokering?
Drop shipping brokering, as the name suggests, involves acting as a middleman. In this scenario, you post an item available on Amazon on eBay at a slightly marked-up price. When a buyer purchases the product through your eBay listing, you then order the product from Amazon and have it shipped directly to the customer’s address. The difference between the price the customer paid on eBay and the price of the product on Amazon is your profit.
The beauty of this business model? No need to worry about inventory, warehousing, delivery logistics, or even returns. Since the product comes from Amazon, any returns will typically be directed to Amazon and not to you. It’s an attractive proposition for digital nomads because all you need is a laptop and a good internet connection.
How to Start Your Drop Shipping Brokering Journey:
1. Market Research: Start by identifying profitable niches or products. Use tools like JungleScout or Helium10 to find out what’s selling well on Amazon. You’re looking for products with high demand but moderate competition.
2. Set Up Your eBay Account: If you don’t have an eBay seller account, it’s time to set one up. Make sure to have a complete profile, as trust is a significant factor for buyers.
3. Listing Products: Once you’ve identified potential products, list them on eBay. Remember to factor in eBay fees, PayPal fees, and other associated costs when deciding your mark-up. Also, always use original content for descriptions and images to avoid any copyright issues.
4. Order Fulfillment: Use efficient management tools to keep track of orders. When a product is sold on eBay, purchase it from Amazon and provide the customer’s shipping details.
5. Customer Service: Always be responsive. Answer queries, address concerns, and ensure you maintain a high feedback score on eBay.
6. Monitor and Optimize: This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it business. Keep an eye on your listings, adjust prices as needed, and always be on the lookout for new profitable products to list.
Advantages for Digital Nomads:
- Minimal Capital Requirement: You only purchase a product when you have a confirmed sale.
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere, be it a beach in Thailand, a café in Paris, or a mountain in Nepal.
- No Inventory Worries: No need to deal with stock or storage issues.
- Hands-Off Logistics: Amazon takes care of shipping and returns.
Points of Caution:
Now, while drop shipping brokering might sound like a dream, there are a few points to keep in mind:
Legality and Policy Adherence: Here’s where I need to sound a note of caution. I’m not entirely sure about the legal background of this workflow. Both Amazon and eBay have policies around drop shipping, and while many have operated in this space without issue, it’s always best to familiarize yourself with these policies. There may also be tax implications or business licenses you need depending on where you’re based or selling to.
Competition: This isn’t a secret strategy. Many are trying their hand at it, so it’s essential to differentiate yourself, be it through customer service, niche selection, or some other unique value proposition.
Dependence on Platforms: Your business relies on both Amazon and eBay. Any changes in their policies, fees, or algorithms can affect your operations.
Price Fluctuations: Prices on Amazon can change. Always monitor your listings and ensure you’re not selling at a loss.
In conclusion, while drop shipping brokering offers a flexible and relatively hassle-free way for digital nomads like us to earn, it’s essential to approach it with caution and diligence. Ensure you’re always updated with platform policies, deliver exceptional customer service, and remember, the world is your office — so enjoy the journey as much as the destination! Safe travels and happy brokering! 🌍🌴🛒
