Product as the key to success. The product-focused nature of Alpha dropshipping
The Heartbeat of Dropshipping: Why the Product is Everything
From the previous chapter you’ve learned that Alpha dropshipping is a product-focused model, why though?
Imagine you’ve baked the most delicious, mouth-watering cake and you’re at a party, eagerly waiting for people to taste it.
Now, you might have the most glamorous tablecloth, the perfect ambient lighting, and even a live band playing in the background.
But if that cake doesn’t taste good, no one’s coming back for seconds, right? The same principle applies to dropshipping and ecommerce. No matter how brilliant your marketing is, if the product isn’t great, your business won’t flourish.
Character of a Winning Product
So, what makes a product stand out and be a high margin one? Let’s deep dive:
- Unique & problem-solving: Think of the products that address a specific problem or fulfill a unique need. For instance, remember when fidget spinners became all the rage? They served a simple purpose (to keep hands busy and reduce stress), yet they were unique enough to catch attention.
- Emotional resonance: The best products evoke emotion. Be it nostalgia, happiness, relief, or the sheer joy of discovery, products that touch the heartstrings have an edge. Consider, for example, a personalized piece of jewelry with a person’s initials or birthstone. Such items are not just accessories; they carry a sentimental value.
However, it’s not even about the product itself, but about the culture it resonates with. In Alpha dropshipping we don’t sell, for example, a vacuum cleaner (even if it the super top quality one), but we sell the culture of a clean house, neat and tidy carpet that gathers a family by the chimney, the necessity to fresh air thanks to our vacuum’s filter.
- Design & aesthetics: An eye-catching design can elevate a simple product to new heights. Remember the Apple iPod? It wasn’t the first MP3 player, but it’s sleek design and user interface revolutionized the music industry.
A Cautionary Tale: The Products That Fall Short
But then, there are those products that, no matter how hard you push, just don’t take off. Here’s the list of main characteristics of a bad product that you must avoid in dropshipping:
- Lack of quality: Products that compromise on quality, especially the ones made hastily without attention to detail, inevitably generate negative feedback and returns. An LED lamp that malfunctions in a week or a T-shirt that shrinks after one wash? Definitely a no-go.
- No emotional connection: Products that lack soul or emotional value often get lost in the vast sea of ecommerce. Like a generic wall clock with nothing special about its design or functionality. Sure, it tells the time, but so does every other clock.
- Unethical: In our times, products that are produced under dubious conditions are being rightfully shunned. Products that support unfair labor practices? They’re on their way out.
- When low price is the only thing that seems to be good about them: Remember, it’s not going to be profitable in 2023 if you take a low quality lowest price Chinese product and resell it at a 5 times higher price. It’s a no-no, even though it used to work 10 years ago! You need to focus on the product’s quality, functional and emotional aspect first.
The Product’s Role in the Symphony of Success
To sum it up, here’s why the product is the linchpin in dropshipping:
- First impressions matter: A good product instantly grabs attention and creates a lasting impression.
- Word of mouth: Satisfied customers are your best advertisers. They’ll spread the word, ensuring organic growth.
- Repeat business: A stellar product ensures customers keep coming back, reducing the cost of acquiring new ones.
- Brand image: A unique, high-quality product sets the foundation for building a powerful brand.
- Reduced hassles: Less returns, less negative feedback, more peace of mind.
Remember, in the symphony of dropshipping, the product is the lead vocalist. Make sure it sings the right tune, and success will follow!
In the next chapter of this course we’ll show you how to find that tune and the perfect product examples and explain why they are so profitable to sell.