cappirx
New Contributor
Hi guys,
a lot of people start out with the Shopify + AliExpress / Oberlo model, but is it possible to build a successful long-term business with this model?
My main concerns are:
1) Long Shipping Times
- By default, it takes 7-10 days for items to arrive in US (longer for the rest of the world). Why would someone buy from your store if they can get the same item from Amazon in 1 day with zero shipping cost?
- It's a common issue, even among best rated sellers, that they don't use ePacket but China Post, even if you specifically instruct them to use ePacket. That can create some serious customer support issues.
2) Customs Duty
- If I as a customer would buy something and then get a form to fill out and customs duty to pay that would be a very unwelcome surprise. I would go through the trouble, probably, but I would never again order at from that seller.
3) Building a Relationship
- Nowadays you often don't buy directly from the manufacturer but from a re-seller. If you're stuck with a reseller, it's impossible to build a good relationship for the long-term (packaging, lower prices, etc.).
4) Quality Issues
- A lot of cheap products are made for Chinese market only and they don't comply with EU/US safety standards. That could cause a lot of troubles in the long-term.
What do you guys think? Is it worth doing the Shopify + AliExpress model, if you plan things for the long-trem, or is it better to skip the whole thing and find quality dropshippers in US/EU?
Thanks.
a lot of people start out with the Shopify + AliExpress / Oberlo model, but is it possible to build a successful long-term business with this model?
My main concerns are:
1) Long Shipping Times
- By default, it takes 7-10 days for items to arrive in US (longer for the rest of the world). Why would someone buy from your store if they can get the same item from Amazon in 1 day with zero shipping cost?
- It's a common issue, even among best rated sellers, that they don't use ePacket but China Post, even if you specifically instruct them to use ePacket. That can create some serious customer support issues.
2) Customs Duty
- If I as a customer would buy something and then get a form to fill out and customs duty to pay that would be a very unwelcome surprise. I would go through the trouble, probably, but I would never again order at from that seller.
3) Building a Relationship
- Nowadays you often don't buy directly from the manufacturer but from a re-seller. If you're stuck with a reseller, it's impossible to build a good relationship for the long-term (packaging, lower prices, etc.).
4) Quality Issues
- A lot of cheap products are made for Chinese market only and they don't comply with EU/US safety standards. That could cause a lot of troubles in the long-term.
What do you guys think? Is it worth doing the Shopify + AliExpress model, if you plan things for the long-trem, or is it better to skip the whole thing and find quality dropshippers in US/EU?
Thanks.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
