Published on

Watch this NOW if you're Dropshipping in December (URGENT)

Introduction

As we dive into December, many are ramping up their online businesses for the holiday season. However, if you're considering launching ads or starting your dropshipping venture now, STOP. This is one of the worst times to initiate any advertising efforts. Here's why.

Ineffective Timing for Ads

First off, the majority of consumers have already completed their Christmas shopping, especially after major shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Your potential ads are unlikely to yield desired results because most customers have already spent their budgets on gifts for others, not themselves.

Moreover, shipping times, especially through AliExpress, typically range from 5 to 10 business days. Given that we're in the Q4 rush, these times could extend even longer, making it nearly impossible for customers to receive their orders in time for Christmas. The last thing you want is frustrated customers emailing you on Christmas Day or Boxing Day about delayed parcels.

Recommendations

I strongly advise anyone currently running a dropshipping store to scale back significantly on their ads starting around December 10th. By this date, you should stop testing new ads altogether and bid farewell to any plans for launching new promotions. Instead, keep your existing profitable ads running—but reduce their budget by about 25% daily.

Disclaimers and Transparency

To enhance customer transparency, I recommend placing disclaimers on your website. Clearly indicate that parcels may not arrive in time for Christmas if they are intended as gifts. Your shipping policy and homepage should include a message conveying this important information. If you're unsure how to phrase it, tools like ChatGPT can assist in crafting a succinct message.

Looking Ahead to Valentine's Day

Once Christmas is over and the new year begins, consider shifting your focus to Valentine’s Day. Many people tend to purchase gifts for their partners, but they often procrastinate until the last minute. Begin running ads right on January 2nd or 3rd and continue them for three weeks to maximize your chances of capturing early Valentine shoppers.

Keep in mind that the Chinese New Year falls at the end of January, during which many suppliers may be unavailable for a week or two, further complicating shipping timelines.

Addressing Potential Hurdles

As you prepare for Valentine's Day, also be mindful of potential issues that could impact your operations, such as TikTok ad bans and new tariffs on imports from China. These could affect your business's bottom line and conversion rates. Explore alternatives like setting up a warehouse in the U.S. or targeting a European audience if necessary.

To successfully navigate these challenges, consider reaching out to UGC creators and micro-influencers to build goodwill and engagement with your audience.

Conclusion

This December, your primary focus should be on preparing for a prosperous new year rather than pushing through this festive season's hurdles. Scale back; streamline your business; enjoy the holidays while ensuring your customers have a transparent understanding of your operations. Should you have any questions or face specific issues, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Remember to smash that like button and subscribe for more insights to help you in your dropshipping journey.

Keyword

  • Dropshipping
  • December Ads
  • Christmas Shipping
  • Valentine's Day
  • E-commerce Strategy
  • Shipping Delays
  • AliExpress
  • Chinese New Year
  • Transparency
  • UGC Creators

FAQ

Q: Is December a good time to start dropshipping?
A: No, December is generally not a good time to start dropshipping, as many consumers have already completed their holiday shopping.

Q: When should I stop running ads for Christmas?
A: It’s advisable to stop running or testing new ads by December 10th to avoid customer frustration due to shipping delays.

Q: How can I communicate shipping delays to my customers?
A: It's best to put a disclaimer on your website to inform customers that parcels may not arrive in time for Christmas.

Q: What should I focus on after Christmas?
A: After Christmas, you should shift your focus towards promoting products for Valentine’s Day, starting early in January.

Q: What potential issues should I watch for in the new year?
A: Watch for potential TikTok ad bans and new tariffs on imports that could affect your business operations and profit margins.

Read More