Dropshipping: The No-Stock E-Commerce Model
Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where the seller makes sales without stocking products. When a customer orders, the seller forwards it to the supplier who ships directly to the customer.
How It Works
- Supplier agreement with XML or API catalog sharing
- Products listed on your store with markup pricing
- Customer places order and pays you
- Order automatically forwarded to supplier
- Supplier packages and ships to customer
Methods in Turkey
- Own e-commerce site: Shopify, WooCommerce, or Turkish platforms with supplier XML
- Marketplace dropshipping: Trendyol, Hepsiburada, N11 with shipping deadline awareness
- Amazon dropshipping: Amazon.com.tr and international with policy compliance
XML Integration
Supplier XML contains product details, barcode, price, and stock. Automatic sync eliminates overselling risk.
Advantages
- Low startup cost, no inventory investment
- Wide product range with multiple suppliers
- Location independence and scalability
Disadvantages
- Low profit margins (10-25%)
- Supplier dependency
- Shipping time and return management complexity
- E-invoice obligation on the seller
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Related service: Company Formation