6 answers
Rukovich
Student
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
1052 views
I am 16 years old, and I want to get into dropshipping/ecommerce. Where do i start? any tips?
I am a 16 year old junior, i am trying to get into dropshipping/ecommerce as early as possible so i can figure my life out early/get business experience.
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6 answers
Thomas Grau
Product Manager
2
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
eCommerce is one of the best places to launch a new business. I would echo many of the suggestions to start small and also start with something you're passionate about, because you'll be spending a lot of your time and energy into your business.
Some things to consider:
Have you found something that your circles of friends like to acquire? Video game related merch or add-ons? Something that you've observed your friends like to spend money to buy, and want the convenience of having it shipped to them?
Your circle of friends can be your test market...and if your product is providing value...eCommerce lets your amplify your reach to similar folks throughout the world!
16 year old males do spend lots of time online, but you have to break through the clutter and noise, so your product/service stands out (what we call differentiation in marketing).
Software distributed through the web is a great business if you have demand, and if you own the software. There's great business fundamentals, because the costs to distribute are extremely low, and the ability to scale for volume is great with eCommerce.
Drop-shipping is where Amazon shines (and any research on Amazon is sure to spark some ideas). If you have physical goods, the notion is to warehouse the goods (so you can purchase them in bulk to drive down the unit cost), then drop-ship to your customers. Venmo or some other digital payment system will improve your target market reach, but you'll need to handle accounting of the payments your collecting, so you match them to your drop-shipped goods; you're looking for the goods that are good sellers and you make a good profit on each unit sold.
Good luck!
Some things to consider:
Have you found something that your circles of friends like to acquire? Video game related merch or add-ons? Something that you've observed your friends like to spend money to buy, and want the convenience of having it shipped to them?
Your circle of friends can be your test market...and if your product is providing value...eCommerce lets your amplify your reach to similar folks throughout the world!
16 year old males do spend lots of time online, but you have to break through the clutter and noise, so your product/service stands out (what we call differentiation in marketing).
Software distributed through the web is a great business if you have demand, and if you own the software. There's great business fundamentals, because the costs to distribute are extremely low, and the ability to scale for volume is great with eCommerce.
Drop-shipping is where Amazon shines (and any research on Amazon is sure to spark some ideas). If you have physical goods, the notion is to warehouse the goods (so you can purchase them in bulk to drive down the unit cost), then drop-ship to your customers. Venmo or some other digital payment system will improve your target market reach, but you'll need to handle accounting of the payments your collecting, so you match them to your drop-shipped goods; you're looking for the goods that are good sellers and you make a good profit on each unit sold.
Good luck!
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
40
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
That's awesome! Starting young gives you a great advantage. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started with dropshipping and e-commerce:
1. **Understand the Basics**
- **Research Dropshipping**: Learn what dropshipping is and how it works. There are plenty of online resources, including blogs, YouTube channels, and courses.
- **E-commerce Platforms**: Familiarize yourself with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. These platforms make it easy to set up an online store.
2. **Choose a Niche**
- **Find Your Passion**: Choose a niche that interests you. It’s easier to stay motivated if you’re passionate about what you’re selling.
- **Market Research**: Use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and social media to see what products are trending and have demand.
3. **Set Up Your Store**
- **Create a Website**: Use an e-commerce platform to build your store. Shopify is a popular choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface.
- **Design and Branding**: Make your store visually appealing. Invest time in creating a logo and a consistent brand identity.
4. **Find Suppliers**
- **Reliable Suppliers**: Use platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo to find reliable suppliers. Ensure they have good reviews and can deliver products on time.
- **Order Samples**: Before listing products, order samples to check the quality.
5. **Marketing Your Store**
- **Social Media**: Create accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote your products.
- **SEO**: Optimize your website for search engines to attract organic traffic.
- **Paid Advertising**: Consider using Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or influencer marketing to reach a larger audience.
6. **Customer Service**
- **Responsive Communication**: Be prompt in responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues.
- **Build Trust**: Provide clear information about shipping times, return policies, and product details.
7. **Learn and Adapt**
- **Analytics**: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website’s performance and understand customer behavior.
- **Continuous Learning**: Stay updated with the latest trends and strategies in e-commerce and dropshipping.
8. **Legal Considerations**
- **Business License**: Check if you need a business license in your area.
- **Taxes**: Understand the tax implications of running an online business.
Starting a dropshipping business at 16 is a fantastic way to gain entrepreneurial experience.
1. **Understand the Basics**
- **Research Dropshipping**: Learn what dropshipping is and how it works. There are plenty of online resources, including blogs, YouTube channels, and courses.
- **E-commerce Platforms**: Familiarize yourself with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. These platforms make it easy to set up an online store.
2. **Choose a Niche**
- **Find Your Passion**: Choose a niche that interests you. It’s easier to stay motivated if you’re passionate about what you’re selling.
- **Market Research**: Use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and social media to see what products are trending and have demand.
3. **Set Up Your Store**
- **Create a Website**: Use an e-commerce platform to build your store. Shopify is a popular choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface.
- **Design and Branding**: Make your store visually appealing. Invest time in creating a logo and a consistent brand identity.
4. **Find Suppliers**
- **Reliable Suppliers**: Use platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or SaleHoo to find reliable suppliers. Ensure they have good reviews and can deliver products on time.
- **Order Samples**: Before listing products, order samples to check the quality.
5. **Marketing Your Store**
- **Social Media**: Create accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote your products.
- **SEO**: Optimize your website for search engines to attract organic traffic.
- **Paid Advertising**: Consider using Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or influencer marketing to reach a larger audience.
6. **Customer Service**
- **Responsive Communication**: Be prompt in responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues.
- **Build Trust**: Provide clear information about shipping times, return policies, and product details.
7. **Learn and Adapt**
- **Analytics**: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your website’s performance and understand customer behavior.
- **Continuous Learning**: Stay updated with the latest trends and strategies in e-commerce and dropshipping.
8. **Legal Considerations**
- **Business License**: Check if you need a business license in your area.
- **Taxes**: Understand the tax implications of running an online business.
Starting a dropshipping business at 16 is a fantastic way to gain entrepreneurial experience.
Collins Lucky
Data Entryspecialist, Cost analysis, Repairing of all kinds of smartphones, Apple, & Samsung mobile.
48
Answers
Bonny, RV
Updated
Collins’s Answer
Hello Rukovich,
Embarking on a dropshipping and e-commerce journey at a tender age is a brilliant way to acquire practical business skills. Here's a friendly guide to help you kickstart your journey:
### Your Roadmap to Initiate Dropshipping/E-commerce:
1. **Master the Basics**: Get to know dropshipping and e-commerce platforms like Shopify inside-out.
2. **Discover Your Niche**: Opt for products that are in demand and not overly crowded in the market.
3. **Create Your Online Store**: Utilize Shopify, add a personal touch to your store design, and showcase your products.
4. **Procure Products**: Hunt for trustworthy suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo.
5. **Promote Your Store**: Leverage social media, paid advertisements, and email marketing to reach your audience.
6. **Operate and Grow**: Prioritize excellent customer service, monitor your store's performance, and plow back profits for growth.
### Handy Hints:
- **Maintain Consistency**: Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint.
- **Never Stop Learning**: Stay updated with the latest trends.
- **Build Connections**: Become part of e-commerce communities.
Following this strategy will allow you to start early and gather priceless business knowledge.
Embarking on a dropshipping and e-commerce journey at a tender age is a brilliant way to acquire practical business skills. Here's a friendly guide to help you kickstart your journey:
### Your Roadmap to Initiate Dropshipping/E-commerce:
1. **Master the Basics**: Get to know dropshipping and e-commerce platforms like Shopify inside-out.
2. **Discover Your Niche**: Opt for products that are in demand and not overly crowded in the market.
3. **Create Your Online Store**: Utilize Shopify, add a personal touch to your store design, and showcase your products.
4. **Procure Products**: Hunt for trustworthy suppliers on platforms like AliExpress or Oberlo.
5. **Promote Your Store**: Leverage social media, paid advertisements, and email marketing to reach your audience.
6. **Operate and Grow**: Prioritize excellent customer service, monitor your store's performance, and plow back profits for growth.
### Handy Hints:
- **Maintain Consistency**: Remember, success is a marathon, not a sprint.
- **Never Stop Learning**: Stay updated with the latest trends.
- **Build Connections**: Become part of e-commerce communities.
Following this strategy will allow you to start early and gather priceless business knowledge.
Qurrat UL ain Tanveer
Digital marketer
1
Answer
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Qurrat UL ain’s Answer
Tips for a 16-year-old entrepreneur:
1. *Start small*: Begin with a limited budget and scale up as you grow.
2. *Be patient*: Success in ecommerce takes time, so don't get discouraged by initial setbacks.
3. *Learn continuously*: Stay updated with industry trends, new tools, and best practices.
4. *Seek mentorship*: Find experienced entrepreneurs or mentors who can guide you.
5. *Focus on customer service*: Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation.
6. *Stay organized*: Manage your time and tasks efficiently to balance school and business.
7. *Comply with laws and regulations*: Ensure you understand and comply with laws related to ecommerce and dropshipping.
Remember, starting a successful ecommerce business requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. Stay focused, and you'll be on your way to building a thriving online business!
1. *Start small*: Begin with a limited budget and scale up as you grow.
2. *Be patient*: Success in ecommerce takes time, so don't get discouraged by initial setbacks.
3. *Learn continuously*: Stay updated with industry trends, new tools, and best practices.
4. *Seek mentorship*: Find experienced entrepreneurs or mentors who can guide you.
5. *Focus on customer service*: Provide excellent customer service to build a positive reputation.
6. *Stay organized*: Manage your time and tasks efficiently to balance school and business.
7. *Comply with laws and regulations*: Ensure you understand and comply with laws related to ecommerce and dropshipping.
Remember, starting a successful ecommerce business requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. Stay focused, and you'll be on your way to building a thriving online business!
Marco Ripon
Freelance - Wordpress Developer and Web designer
1
Answer
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Marco’s Answer
Kickstart your journey into dropshipping/ecommerce at 16 by following these steps:
🔍 Discover: Dive into the basics of dropshipping and ecommerce.
🎯 Identify Your Passion: Select a market that sparks your interest.
🛠️ Build Your Platform: Utilize tools like WordPress or WooCommerce to create your store.
🤝 Establish Partnerships: Seek out dependable suppliers to collaborate with.
📈 Promote Your Store: Leverage social media and SEO to draw in customers.
Wishing you all the best! 🍀
🔍 Discover: Dive into the basics of dropshipping and ecommerce.
🎯 Identify Your Passion: Select a market that sparks your interest.
🛠️ Build Your Platform: Utilize tools like WordPress or WooCommerce to create your store.
🤝 Establish Partnerships: Seek out dependable suppliers to collaborate with.
📈 Promote Your Store: Leverage social media and SEO to draw in customers.
Wishing you all the best! 🍀
Dana Triplin
Content Manager
7
Answers
West Orange, New Jersey
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Get ready to unleash your creativity and jot down all your brilliant ideas before you dive in. Crafting a detailed business plan is your first step towards success, and don't hesitate to refine it as you gather more insights and knowledge.
Consider what truly sparks your passion. What products or services would you love to offer? Identify items with high demand and lucrative profit margins to ensure your business thrives.
Embark on your journey with a humble beginning. Avoid splurging on products and supplies until you've ironed out all the kinks.
Invest time in studying your competitors. Pay attention to the type of visuals they use and how comprehensive their product descriptions are.
Don't stress over building a website from scratch. Utilizing a template to construct your own online store is a straightforward and efficient solution.
Think about your packaging and delivery process. How will you box, label, and ship your products to ensure customer satisfaction?
Familiarize yourself with SEO optimization for your organic content. Understand the popular terms associated with the products you're selling and cleverly incorporate them into your product descriptions. This way, you'll boost your visibility and reach a wider audience.
Consider what truly sparks your passion. What products or services would you love to offer? Identify items with high demand and lucrative profit margins to ensure your business thrives.
Embark on your journey with a humble beginning. Avoid splurging on products and supplies until you've ironed out all the kinks.
Invest time in studying your competitors. Pay attention to the type of visuals they use and how comprehensive their product descriptions are.
Don't stress over building a website from scratch. Utilizing a template to construct your own online store is a straightforward and efficient solution.
Think about your packaging and delivery process. How will you box, label, and ship your products to ensure customer satisfaction?
Familiarize yourself with SEO optimization for your organic content. Understand the popular terms associated with the products you're selling and cleverly incorporate them into your product descriptions. This way, you'll boost your visibility and reach a wider audience.