How to Drop Ship Handmade Crafts

Drop shipping is used when a retail store receives an order for an item that you currently hold in your inventory or items you will create once the order is placed.

Drop shipping is used when a retail store receives an order for an item that you currently hold in your inventory or items you will create once the order is placed. Once the store receives the order, it sends the order to you and you are responsible for shipping the item to the buyer. This process requires more time on your part than it would if you were shipping a complete wholesale order to a store, but it allows flexibility in ordering for the store without the risk associated with placing a large order.

Things You'll Need

• Handmade crafts
• Packaging materials

Instructions

1. Establish a relationship with a retail store that does drop shipping. Often this is an online store because the items only require an image. If it is a physical store, the store often has a sample or two of the items you are drop shipping. Determine the sales price with the store; it is typical to earn more than your wholesale price for the items being drop shipped due to the extra time in gathering and shipping the orders. If your orders are made after they are placed, be sure to include a shipping time frame within this agreement. Discuss packaging requirements. Often retail stores will provide you with their own packing materials or guidelines, so the items shipped look similar to the other packages coming from the retail store.

2. Receive orders from the retail store selling your items. The orders and money associated with the orders should include the cost of shipping. Keep in mind that shipping costs generally include handling as well; this will help to compensate you for some of the time spent shipping the items.

3. Package the orders. Double check the order once it is packed to make sure all the items ordered are in the box. If packaging fragile items make sure the packaging protects the items in the box.

4. Ship the orders. Use a certified shipper, agreed upon by both you and the retail store. The retail store might have a shipping account to use when shipping the order. Be sure to include insurance on any packages and tracking information. Give the shipment details to the retail store so they can provide their customers with the tracking information and their delivery status. Make sure the return address on the shipment is to either you or the store, depending on what you have decided in your drop shipping agreement.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm the shipping address before shipping. Make sure to have arrangements in a written contract with the retail store.