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I Tried Online Business For 60 Days
Introduction
For the last couple of years, I've been asking myself the same question: Is Drop Shipping finally dead? What's up guys, it's Sebastian. All the people that are telling me to go to college right now, I'm going to shut them all up. So just you know, we're going to do this together. I'm so excited.
So I decided to challenge myself and go back to my roots and start a Drop Shipping business from scratch with no idea what I'm going to sell or how I'm going to sell it. Being a 24-year-old Finance YouTuber and self-made multi-millionaire, I decided to team up with my friends Sebastian and Tim and we documented the entire process: doing product research, building the store, and launching the ads.
Finding the Right Product
After searching for potential products for about two hours, we stumbled across one that we think could be a winner. It was an inkless printer that had a lot of positive reactions and engagement. We narrowed it down to about ten products to choose from. One of our friends Tim, who has done over $ 10 million in revenue just with Drop Shipping, joined us to help with this challenge.
We ultimately picked a two-piece set to sell due to its new and trendy appeal. People were responding positively to the videos we saw. We started researching competitors and used our software that can build out a Drop Shipping store in seconds. In a few clicks, we had the store name "Fashionista Finds" and everything ready to go.
Building the Store and Setting Ads
Sebastian and I have been working on a software (SaaS) that builds a Drop Shipping store quickly. This software is not ready yet but should be available in a few weeks. Creating the store took mere minutes instead of hours. We designed a logo using Canva Pro and made the store look professional. We decided to launch with TikTok ads, setting our ad budget and choosing creatives for the campaign.
Initial Success and Scaling
Within the first five hours of launching the ads, we got our first order. By employing different strategies like isolating each creative, monitoring CPA (cost per acquisition), and using software for automating tasks, we progressively scaled our operations. This step-by-step scaling led us to consistent profits.
We faced multiple real-world challenges, including supplier issues. For instance, we had to halt the store for a few days when pricing changed unexpectedly. We leveraged collaborations with suppliers like Zendrop and integrated systems like PayPal to handle tracking numbers and ensure customer service was intact. All these factors helped us iron out inefficiencies and continue scaling.
Community and Networking
We also took time to engage with our community. We hosted a free event in Arizona for DTD (Drop The Drop) members to meet and talk. Networking is always key in scaling any business.
Overcoming Challenges and Consistent Scaling
Throughout the journey, we struggled with various unforeseen issues like ad account bans. Despite these setbacks, we always pivoted and adapted. For example, when we encountered problems with the initial two-piece set product, we quickly tested new products and offers. A bodysuit was introduced as another product, and we adjusted our marketing strategies accordingly.
Finally, after months of hard work and corrections, we reached a decent revenue. Sebastian, Tim, and I generated over $ 276,000 in total revenue with this challenge, resulting in over $ 58,000 profit. We learned many valuable lessons about product selection, scaling, and overcoming real-world challenges in Drop Shipping.
Final Thoughts
Despite the issues, the journey validated that Drop Shipping is still viable and profitable. Patience, consistency, creative testing, and having a reliable team are crucial factors. Make sure to solidify all foundational elements before scaling aggressively.
Join our absolutely free course "Conquer TikTok Drop Shipping" for more detailed case studies and insights into our process.
Keywords
- Drop Shipping
- Product Research
- Store Building
- TikTok Ads
- Supply Chain Management
- Software (SaaS)
- Business Scaling
- Profit Margin
- Networking
- Community Engagement
FAQ
Q: Is Drop Shipping still a reliable online business model?
A: Yes, despite challenges, our experience shows Drop Shipping is still viable and profitable if executed correctly.
Q: What was the revenue and profit generated in the challenge?
A: We generated a total revenue of $ 276,000 and a profit exceeding $ 58,000.
Q: How important is choosing the right product for Drop Shipping?
A: Choosing the right product is crucial as it directly impacts marketability and profitability.
Q: What were the main hurdles faced during this challenge?
A: The main hurdles included ad account bans, supplier issues, and the need for consistent scaling strategies.
Q: Is networking important in this line of business?
A: Absolutely, networking can provide support, new ideas, and potential partnerships, crucial for scaling any business.