How can I automate dropshipping?

GB@Contender · 08-07-2007, 07:16 PM

How can I automate dropshipping? I want to be able to place an order directly to my dropshippers with my customers address, order and shipping instructions without having to manually send them on. Is there any way I could do this?

**Anthony** · 08-07-2007, 07:23 PM

Moved to Dropshipping Discussion

**LewisSellers** · 08-07-2007, 08:35 PM

Hi,

This would require a lot of coding, but I'm relatively sure it could be done.

Basicially, you would hire a coder, who would setup a system that connects to where ever you buy your products from and updates your products (so they get a specific code) and then it would order them using the details your customers enter in and pay them.....

There are people out there that can help you, sites like getafreelancer, and rentacoder will have many people who can do this, but It depends how much money you are bringing in. A system like this could cost you $1000+ (Not sure definately, but I'd say that as a guess)....

Does this help you?

**Pete** · 08-07-2007, 08:47 PM

How deep are your pockets? And how are you now collecting your orders? Most shopping carts email the approved orders to the site owner, but also have a file on the server with the order info. If you are using a shopping cart, the type of cart might make a difference, as well.

Definitely possible, but not cheap. If you are using a cart, you might check on the cart's user forum, as it might be available there. And you could certainly find someone on the forum who could do it for you.

There is also a security issue with your supplier. You would first have to see if they are willing to allow it.

There is such software available. It is called EDI, Electronic Data Interface, but is used mainly by large corporations and government. There are some subscription type services, as well. None of this is "mom and pop".

**LewisSellers** · 08-07-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete

How deep are your pockets? And how are you now collecting your orders? Most shopping carts email the approved orders to the site owner, but also have a file on the server with the order info. If you are using a shopping cart, the type of cart might make a difference, as well.

Definitely possible, but not cheap. If you are using a cart, you might check on the cart's user forum, as it might be available there. And you could certainly find someone on the forum who could do it for you.

There is also a security issue with your supplier. You would first have to see if they are willing to allow it.

Yes, Pete is right (probably summed it up better than me

!

I'll expand on what I meant... Basically, your script would connect to your Mysql database and retreive the order details once the payment has been made, It would then either automatically fill in the order form on your suppliers website or forward it to them (in which case you wouldn't need permission), or It would connect to their database and add it to their orders.

It would be easier if both you and your supplier used the same shopping cart (like cubecart etc), though I know this is unlikely....

You could just go for the traditional route of ordering it once they've paid

As far as I know, no shopping carts have this feature, and I've never seen any mods for it..... though there are some clever people out there, I do PHP coding, and I could have a stab at doing it, but It would take me much longer than a guru, and probably wouldn't look as good in the admin section

...

**Pete** · 08-07-2007, 11:13 PM

The main considerations have to be those old standbys, time and money.

If you are selling a couple of orders a day, and you just want to automate the process because you either don't want to be bothered, or won't be at your computer for long periods, it will be a costly deal.

If, on the other hand, orders are coming in as quick, or quicker than you can book and process them, then the volume would justify the cost.

And if like with most dropshippers, you must pay by credit card for each order as it's placed the security of your payment information might be questionable.

It would be interesting to know if you can work something out.

**LewisSellers** · 08-07-2007, 11:20 PM

Also, just thought about this.

You have a couple of issues, for example, if your suppliers site went offline, your automation process wouldn't work, and you probably wouldn't realise, also, if your server became slow, it would get a back log of orders and possibly crash.... Its just one of those things that may be more hassle than its worth.

Regarding the payment issue, Pete is right, though an idea may be to get 30 day credit with your supplier, or pay him so much and just keep topping it up when it gets low..

GB@Contender · 13-07-2007, 08:33 PM

Yeah, I suppose it may be worth just doing it manually, do you think my customers will mind waiting 1 or 2 days for their order to be processed?

**BillyA** · 13-07-2007, 08:46 PM

How do you know when you've got an order?

GB@Contender · 14-07-2007, 08:54 AM

I expect I can configure my Shopping Cart / Payment System to send me an e-mail, or I can just check the "orders" section in my shopping cart admin centre.