What is dropshipping and how does it work?

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products without holding inventory. When customers order from your store, you purchase from a supplier who ships directly to the customer. BSA GROUP provides complete dropshipping services including product sourcing, inventory storage, order processing, quality inspection, custom packaging, and direct fulfillment to your customers worldwide.

Is dropshipping from China still profitable?

Yes, dropshipping from China remains profitable with proper strategy. Keys to success include choosing the right niche, working with reliable suppliers, managing shipping expectations, providing excellent customer service, and optimizing marketing. BSA GROUP helps you source quality products at competitive prices with faster shipping options than typical Chinese dropshipping platforms.

What are the main challenges of dropshipping from China?

Main challenges include long shipping times (15-45 days by standard shipping), product quality consistency, communication barriers, returns management, customer expectations, and profit margins after shipping costs. BSA GROUP addresses these through quality pre-shipment inspection, faster shipping options, local inventory stocking, and dedicated customer support.

How long does shipping take for dropshipping from China?

Shipping times: Express courier (DHL, FedEx) 3-7 days, air freight 7-15 days, ePacket 10-20 days, standard shipping 15-30 days, and economy shipping 30-60 days. BSA GROUP offers multiple shipping options and can stock popular items for same-day/next-day dispatch, significantly improving delivery times.

Can I use custom branding for dropshipped products?

Yes, BSA GROUP provides comprehensive branding services including custom packaging design, logo printing on products and packaging, branded inserts and thank-you cards, private labeling, custom poly bags, branded tape, and product photography. We make dropshipped products appear as your brand.

Do I need to inform customers products ship from China?

Yes, transparency is crucial. Set clear shipping expectations on your website, mention processing and shipping times, explain possible customs delays, and consider it in your marketing. BSA GROUP can provide domestic shipping options from warehouses in key markets for faster delivery and better customer experience.

Who pays customs duties for dropshipping?

For shipments over $800 to the US (or equivalent thresholds in other countries), the recipient (your customer) pays customs duties and taxes. Values under threshold are usually duty-free. Inform customers upfront about potential duties to avoid surprises. BSA GROUP handles all customs documentation to minimize clearance issues.

How do I handle returns and refunds for dropshipped products?

Establish clear return policies, communicate with your dropshipping agent about defective items, consider offering refunds without return for low-value items to save costs, and maintain good supplier relationships for replacement products. BSA GROUP manages return logistics, inspects returned items, negotiates with suppliers, and provides replacement products.

Can BSA GROUP integrate with my Shopify/WooCommerce store?

Yes, BSA GROUP offers integration services including automated order syncing, real-time inventory updates, tracking number automation, product feed management, pricing updates, and API connections where available. We also provide CSV files or manual processing for platforms without direct integration capabilities.

What’s better: dropshipping from AliExpress or using a dropshipping agent?

Dropshipping agents like BSA GROUP offer better unit pricing (20-40% cheaper), quality control inspection, faster shipping options, custom branding, inventory management, dedicated support, and scalability. AliExpress is suitable for testing but agents are better for serious businesses. We eliminate inconsistencies and provide professional service.