The dropshipping revolution began in the early 2010s with the rise of e-commerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce. Retailers could now sell online without having to carry inventory or manage fulfilment themselves.
This was a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Dropshipping allowed them to focus on marketing and selling while leaving inventory management and fulfilment to someone else.
Not surprisingly, dropshipping quickly became popular in the United Kingdom. In recent years, the country has been one of the fastest-growing markets for dropshipping. And since the pandemic hit, that growth has accelerated even further.
There are several reasons for this. First, the pandemic has created a surge in online shopping. With more people shopping online, there’s been a corresponding increase in demand for dropshipping services.
Second, the UK is one of the most populous countries in Europe, with a population of over 66 million people. This makes it an attractive market for e-commerce businesses.
Third, the UK has a well-developed infrastructure, which makes it easier to set up and operate a dropshipping business.
And fourth, the British pound is a strong currency, which makes it easier to buy goods from overseas suppliers.
Popular Dropshipping Products To Sell in the UK
Now that we’ve covered some of the reasons why dropshipping is so popular in the UK, let’s take a look at some of the most popular products to sell in the country.
1. Clothing and Accessories
Clothing and accessories are always popular items to sell online. And with the pandemic forcing people to stay home, there’s been a corresponding increase in demand for these products.
2. Home and Garden Products
Another category that has seen a surge in demand during the pandemic is home and garden products. With more people spending time at home, they’re looking for ways to make their homes more comfortable and stylish.
3. Beauty and Personal Care Products
Another popular category for drop shippers in the UK is beauty and personal care products. This includes items like skincare, makeup, hair care, and more.
4. Electronics
Electronics are always in demand, and the UK is no exception. Some of the most popular items to sell in this category include smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles.
5. Toys and Games
Toys and games are another popular category for drop shippers in the UK. With many children stuck at home during the pandemic, parents were looking for ways to keep them entertained.
6. Gifts and Flowers
Gifts and flowers are always popular items to sell, especially around special occasions like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
7. Food and Drink
Food and drink are another category that has seen a surge in demand during the pandemic. With more people cooking at home, they’re looking for ways to spice up their meals with new ingredients and flavourings.
8. Health and Wellness Products
Another popular category is health and wellness products. This includes items like vitamins, supplements, and health foods.
9. Pet Supplies
Finally, pet supplies are another growth category. With more people working from home, they’re spending more time with their pets and are looking for ways to pamper them.
So what does all this mean for warehousing in the UK?
Dropshipping has caused warehouses to be in high demand, and there’s not enough UK warehousing storage to contain the growth.
Mezzanines are one solution for expanding warehouse space without the need for a larger facility or moving to a new location.
Mezzanines are platforms that are built on top of existing warehouse floors, creating an additional level of storage. They’re typically used for seasonal inventory, products that are in high demand and even office space.
David from Western Industrial, a commercial mezzanine supplier comments, “we have seen a massive uptick in enquiries from large scale manufacturers and distributors who are struggling to store larger stock inventories. It is evident that this has been partly driven by the surge in the drop ship business model.”
There are several benefits to dropshipping, including:
- Low start-up costs: Since you don’t have to carry inventory or manage fulfilment yourself, you can start a dropshipping business with very little start-up money.
- Flexibility: Dropshipping businesses can be run from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.
- Scalability: Dropshipping businesses can be easily scaled up or down, depending on your needs.
- No need for a physical storefront: Dropshipping businesses can be operated entirely online, so you don’t need to rent or buy a physical storefront.
Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges associated with dropshipping, such as:
- Reliance on third-party suppliers: Since you’re relying on third-party suppliers to provide the products you sell, there’s always the risk that they may not be reliable. This can lead to stock issues, shipping delays, and other problems.
- Competition: Dropshipping is a very competitive business model. In order to be successful, you need to find a niche market and offer products that are in high demand.
- Low margins: Because of the low start-up costs, many drop shippers operate on very thin margins. This can make it difficult to make a profit, especially if you’re just starting out.
Despite these challenges, dropshipping is still a very popular business model. And with the right planning and execution, it can be a very successful one.
If you’re thinking of starting a dropshipping business in the UK, now is a great time to do it. With the right planning and execution, you can build a successful business that will provide you with a good income for years to come.