What Is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a supply chain strategy where the retailer does not keep goods in stock. Instead, orders are forwarded to a supplier, manufacturer, or wholesaler, who then dispatches the goods directly to the customer. This eliminates the need for warehousing and handling inventory, making it an attractive solution for businesses looking to expand their product range or operate with minimal upfront investment.

Key benefits of dropshipping include:

• Reduced capital expenditure, as there is no need to purchase inventory upfront.

• Flexibility to offer a wider variety of products.

• Simplified logistics and order fulfilment.

• Ability to scale operations quickly.

How Dropshipping Works in Helm WMS

Helm WMS supports dropshipping by providing tools to manage suppliers, inventory, and orders seamlessly. Here’s how you can set up and execute dropshipping within the Helm system:

Step 1: Set Up Your Supplier

Begin by adding your dropshipping supplier in Helm. Ensure all relevant contact details and fulfilment information are entered accurately. This will allow you to generate purchase orders and communicate efficiently with your supplier.

Step 2: Configure Inventory for Dropshipping

Create your inventory items in Helm and set the “Dropship” option to “Yes.” This marks the product as eligible for dropshipping, ensuring it is handled correctly during the order process.

Step 3: Create a Dropship Purchase Order

When a customer places an order for a dropship-enabled product, navigate to the order in Helm and select the option to create a dropship purchase order. This generates a dedicated purchase order for your supplier, detailing the items and shipping instructions.

Step 4: Send the Purchase Order to Your Supplier

Export the purchase order as a PDF or CSV file and send it to your supplier. You can batch multiple orders together and send them at a time that suits your operational needs.

Step 5: Confirm Shipment and Update the Order

Once your supplier confirms that the goods have been dispatched, locate the order in Helm and mark it as “Shipped.” The system will update the order status, reflecting that the item has been sent to your customer.

Conclusion

Dropshipping with Helm empowers businesses to streamline their operations, minimise overheads, and offer a broad product selection without the complexities of traditional inventory management. By following these steps, you can efficiently manage dropship orders and provide a seamless experience for your customers.