Mobile apps usage can boost productivity even for dropshippers or dropshipping entrepreneurs. Usually a PC or laptop is ideal for running a dropshipping store, however, being able to monitor your webstore 24/7 requires the kind of connectivity only a mobile or smartphone and relevant mobile apps can provide.
According to Statista, mobile apps are forecast to generate around US$189b by 2020. Mobile apps are software applications designed to run on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. There are many such apps out there that can boost your dropshipping ecommerce business.
In this post we shall look at 5 such apps that are essential for running a successful online retail store.
But first,
What is Dropshipping?
Imagine being able to operate a retail business without needing to pay for rent, warehouse, buy or stock any inventory.
Here’s how it works:
- You import product images from trusted suppliers into your webstore
- Edit product description as you wish
- Set your own price
- Market, market, market
- Take out your profit when customers buy from you
- Forward cost price and customer order details to your suppliers
- Your suppliers pick, pack and ship the orders to your customers anywhere in the world
To achieve or coordinate these most dropshipping entrepreneurs employ a number of mobile apps 5 of which we shall cover in this post. Meanwhile the following are the benefits of mobile apps usage for dropshippers –
7 Benefits of Mobile App Usage for Dropshippers
- Saves data, cost
- One tap launch
- 24/7 access
- Notifications about discounts, sales, etc
- Usable on multiple devices
- Connected/multi-channel experience
- You can multi-task and not be tied to your desk(top)
Now here are 5 Essential Apps for Dropshippers
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AliExpress
AliExpress is one of the largest retail marketplaces. Owned by AliBaba and launched in 2010, this China-based behemoth is home to millions of products, merchants and manufacturers.
It is also home to many dropship suppliers and can help dropshippers identify hot selling products, connect with suppliers and fill up their virtual store with virtual stock.
With the app dropshippers get notifications about new sales, price drops, discounts, and can also stalk best sellers.
From the comments section you can see real product pictures/videos, product rating and customer feedback including product quality, packaging, delivery time, etc.
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Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms available hosting over 600,000 online stores across over 175 countries according to recent figures. There’s a 14-day trial period after which subscription starts at $29/mo. Others include BigCommerce, WooCommerce, etc.
If you’re a dropshipper chances are your store is hosted on Shopify which gives you access to amazing themes, apps, plugins and extensions that help you customize the look and feel of your store.
Shopify dashboard is user-friendly and shows detailed sales and store performance reports including total revenue and profits generated which can help store owners assess and optimize operations accordingly.
With the app you carry your entire dropshipping business in your hands or pockets, monitor it on the go and manage campaigns effectively.
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Oberlo
Oberlo is a dropshipping automation app that helps dropshippers completely automate their dropshipping business.
From trusted wholesale suppliers through one click product importation, edits, e-packets to tracking, shipping, and many more, this app is a must have for serious dropshippers, it helps you focus on marketing your business by doing the heavy lifting for you.
Oberlo like other Shopify apps is available in Shopify app store. There’s a forever free starter package that allows you do only 50 sales per month. Basic subscription starts at $29.90/mo up to $79. 90/mo for pro subscription.
This app has helped many dropshippers like Irwin Dominguez scale their business to millions of dollars within months of usage.
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VSCO
VSCO is a photo editing app that allows you create, shoot and edit images with superior mobile presets, film inspired presets, and advanced camera controls. This app can be used to create professional product photos, product photography being so important in online shopping.
Reports say over 75% of online shoppers base purchase decision on product photography, meaning a good product photo sells. Most online stores selling their own products or merchandise rely on professional photographers to create stunning product photos. This can be costly for some.
With VSCO you can edit product photos to professional standards. Simply install in your mobile device and click away till you get a good shot, then edit to your taste.
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Instagram TV
Video marketing is projected to be the next big thing. Social Media Today reports that Facebook generates an average of 8 billion video views per day.
With Instagram TV, Instagram’s 1 billion+ users can now create videos up to 15 minutes or 1 hour long in some cases. Already many brands and businesses are taking advantage of this to build their video marketing efforts and engage with customers.
Doctors, Comedians, Porters, Content Creators, News Agencies, etc are all using this new cool tool. Dropshippers too can and should.
Instagram TV or IGTV is the TV icon at the top right corner of your Instagram app. It is also a standalone app that can be downloaded from app stores. For now it only supports portrait or vertical format videos.
Conclusion
With these mobile apps you can literally dropship on the go, they make running a dropshipping business a lot easier because they help dropshippers with:
- Product research
- Webstore hosting
- Product importation and dropshipping automation
- Product photography
- Video marketing
All of these are key areas of any dropshipping business and these mobile apps are glad to help. Have you used any of these? Share your experiences.