Can I Have More Than One Dropship Shipping on Shopify?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Use Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers?
3. Setting Up Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers on Shopify
4. Best Practices for Managing Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers
5. FAQ
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Picture this: you’re running a thriving online store on Shopify, and your products are flying off the virtual shelves. You're eager to diversify and scale your inventory, but the logistics of managing multiple suppliers and shipping strategies loom over your head. Can you sync more than one dropship shipping company seamlessly on Shopify to create a cohesive customer experience? The short answer is yes, you can!

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the nuances of using multiple dropshipping suppliers on Shopify. We'll cover the technical setup, strategic considerations, and best practices to ensure your business runs smoothly, regardless of how varied your product sourcing might be. By the end of this post, you will be well-equipped to manage diversified dropshipping operations on Shopify.

Why Use Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers?

Business Expansion and Product Variety

Using multiple dropshipping suppliers is a savvy move to expand your product range and cater to different customer needs. Each supplier may offer unique products that can help you diversify your catalog, staying ahead of competitors and meeting growing market demands.

Risk Management

Reliance on a single supplier can be risky. Stock issues, shipping delays, or changes in supplier policies can severely impact your business. By diversifying suppliers, you mitigate these risks and ensure a more resilient supply chain.

Competitive Pricing

Multiple suppliers mean multiple options for sourcing the same products. This allows you to shop around for the best prices, improving your profit margins. Additionally, it enables you to maintain competitive pricing for your customers.

Setting Up Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers on Shopify

Step 1: Adding Products and Assigning Suppliers

To manage products from different suppliers, you need to ensure each product is correctly assigned to its respective supplier. Here’s how:

1. Add the Product: In your Shopify admin, go to Products > Add product. Enter all relevant details for your product.

2. Assign Inventory Managed By: Scroll to the Inventory section and use the Inventory managed by dropdown to select the supplier for the product. This ensures the product’s inventory is updated correctly by the drop shipper.

3. Set Up Shipping Profiles: Navigate to Settings > Shipping and Delivery > Manage Rates. Create a shipping profile for each supplier by grouping products managed by the same supplier.

Step 2: Configuring Shipping Rates

Shipping rates can vary between suppliers, and it’s crucial to configure these correctly to avoid any surprises for your customers:

1. Flat Rate Shipping: If suppliers provide different shipping rates, consider incorporating these into the selling price of the products or setting up region-specific shipping rates.

2. Real-Time Carrier Rates: Integrate carrier-calculated shipping rates if the supplier supports this. It's managed within the Shopify shipping settings by adding carriers and fulfillment service settings.

Step 3: Handling Orders

When customers place orders containing products from multiple suppliers, Shopify can handle these seamlessly through the below strategies:

1. Automatic Fulfillment Routing: Shopify routes the orders to the appropriate suppliers based on the inventory setup.

2. Notifications: Suppliers can receive notifications to fulfill their part of the order independently. Customers receive tracking information for each shipment part, ensuring transparency.

Best Practices for Managing Multiple Dropshipping Suppliers

Streamline Communication

Effective communication with your suppliers is vital. Establish clear protocols for order management, returns, and customer service expectations. Use automated tools within Shopify to keep communications consistent.

Centralize Data Management

Use integrated apps such as DSers, Oberlo, or Spocket to streamline your dropshipping operations. These apps help you source products, manage orders, and keep track of inventory seamlessly across various suppliers.

Regularly Review Supplier Performance

Periodically assess the performance of each supplier based on delivery times, product quality, and customer feedback. This ensures you maintain high standards across your product range and can act quickly if a supplier's performance declines.

Customer Experience Considerations

Ensure that your customers are aware that items might arrive separately if they order products from different suppliers. Transparency in your shipping policies and customer communication is key to maintaining satisfaction and trust.

Return and Refund Policies

Coordinate your return and refund policies with each supplier. Some suppliers may offer direct returns while others might not. Clearly define and communicate your policies to customers, ensuring practicality and compliance with each supplier's terms.

FAQ

Can I use Shopify for in-house inventory and dropshipping simultaneously?

Yes, you can mix in-house products with dropshipping items. Set up different fulfillment locations within Shopify and assign products accordingly. Ensure clear categorization for proper order management.

How do I handle varying shipping times from multiple suppliers?

Communicate clearly with customers that products may arrive separately and at different times. Offer tracking information for each shipment and update your shipping policies to reflect potential variables.

Is it possible to automatically sync inventory levels with multiple suppliers?

Absolutely! Use Shopify apps like Oberlo, DSers, or Spocket, which automatically sync inventory levels with suppliers, ensuring that your stock levels are always accurate.

Conclusion

Using more than one dropshipping supplier on Shopify is not just possible—it’s a strategic advantage. By diversifying your suppliers, you can offer a broader product range, enjoy competitive pricing, and create a more resilient business model. With the right setup and best practices, managing multiple suppliers can be seamless and highly beneficial for your Shopify store. Now, you are ready to expand your product offerings and cater to a larger audience while mitigating risks associated with relying on a single supplier.

Happy selling!