You’re the Boss! Dropshipping Responsibilities
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m talking about dropshipping responsibilities. Responsibilities are the jobs you’re in charge of.
In dropshipping, you never touch the product. But you’re responsible for the WHOLE sale! Lots of beginners are surprised by that.
You need your own website
Of the three kinds of homes (big mall, social shop, website), dropshipping has only one choice: your own website.
Only a website you set up can connect to your helpers behind the scenes. Big malls usually don’t allow dropshipping, and social shops can’t do it.
Some print-on-demand malls take the seller job for you. Dropshipping never does!
You’re the seller
Grown-ups say you’re the “seller of record.” That means:
- You’re responsible for the sale, by law.
- The customer makes the deal with you.
- You follow the customer protection rules in the customer’s country. Especially since your ads reach people there.
- You’re responsible for delivery and refunds.
The helper stays hidden in the back. For your customer, the helper doesn’t even exist! Every promise on your website is YOUR promise.
Be tidy and see-through
That’s why dropshipping needs good order, clear rules pages, and lots of honesty. Customers should know who they’re buying from, how long it takes, and how returns work. Hiding things leads to complaints, refunds and a bad name.
Get ready first
Before your first ad, write down the countries you want. Check their basic customer rules, like how many days people have to change their mind. Then check your helper’s delivery times and returns for each country.
Write your rules pages with these real facts, not a copy from somewhere else. Our dropshipping setup article explains which pages you need. And it’s smart to have a law expert check them.
And before you launch, test the product and the whole delivery yourself!
Honest, not pretending
Being the seller doesn’t mean pretending you made it. You can say you pick, test and show products from helpers you trust. Lots of customers like that honesty!
When something goes wrong
Even when you’re super prepared, oopsies happen. A late package, the wrong size, something broken. Answer fast, say sorry, and offer a clear fix, like a replacement or a refund. Then sort it out with your helper behind the scenes.
If one helper keeps causing trouble, find a new one!
Three oopsies
- Thinking the helper is responsible because they ship. Your customer will always come to you!
- Ads in lots of countries at once, without knowing their rules.
- Refund promises you can’t keep, because your helper doesn’t take returns. Agree first, then write your rules!
A story
A shop owner sells a foldable laptop stand as a posture helper for people working on the sofa. A customer in another country gets a broken one. The customer writes to the shop owner, not the helper.
She says sorry, sends a new one in time, following the customer’s local rules, and then gets the money back from her helper, like their agreement says. The customer writes a happy review, because it was fixed so fast!
What’s next?
The next article shows the setup dropshipping needs: all five setup jobs, always! The whole module is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you get ready? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Can I blame the helper for problems?
Not with your customer. Between you and the helper, your agreement decides.
Do I need to register a business?
In lots of countries, yes. Ask someone local.
Which home do I need?
Your own shop website.
Can I dropship in a big mall?
Malls usually don’t allow it. Lynnaider doesn’t teach that road.
Can I use a social shop?
No. It can’t connect to helpers.
What does seller of record mean?
You’re officially the seller, by law.
Why be so see-through?
Because you’re responsible for everything. Honesty protects everybody.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Where can I get help on a small budget?
Lynnaider shows you ways to start that cost nothing, or very little. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
