Can Non US-Citizens Dropship In The US?

cushsb · 08-18-2009, 08:12 AM

Hi,i've been in IM for a couple of years now and i've decided to try dropshipping. I want to dropship in the US.

Problem is, I'm not American nor a Canadian, nor have step foot on those countries. I'm from a country far far away.

I've been doing research on dropshipping and what it takes to get started and I keep getting information that you need a Tax ID, EID, Social Security Number, reseller certificate, business license, etc. etc.

Then there's the issue I keep seeing about sales tax here and there, when buying and selling stuff.

So my question is how do I dropship in the US as a non US citizen?
What do I need to do before hand I will be accepted by wholesales/dropshippers?
What do I need to watch out for when I'm actually in business and dropshipping (eg. taxes, etc.)?

Thanks. Any inputs will be highly appreciated.

cushsb · 08-18-2009, 08:46 AM

Apologies. I want to setup a website to sell directly to customers and have a dropshipper send the items directly to customers.

DavidO · 08-18-2009, 08:52 AM

I use a popular U.S. fulfillment service and they have not asked a single question about my nationality or my business. I'm an American but I don't see how it would matter.

As for taxes and other issues of the law you need expert advice. But to my knowledge the dropshipper or fulfillment service couldn't care less, as long as you are able to set up a secure form of payment. They may be very nervous about getting paid from outside the U.S. unless you have a U.S. bank account.

But I imagine you could offer prepayment.

I'd be interested to hear any other opinions on this issue but, as I said, I've experienced nothing that would indicate any problem with your nationality or location.

HansM · 08-18-2009, 09:02 AM

I've been looking at dropshipping as well, and partly had the same questions, Thank you for asking them here.

One of the other things I've been wondering about is liability... Since you're actually selling (and not an affiliate), I assume that you would also be accountable, and could get claims, service requests, etc? Or is that generally handled by the dropshipper?

Would there be any risk of export/import taxes, when you're a non-US seller?

08-18-2009, 08:12 AM	#1
cushsb Warrior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Can Non US-Citizens Dropship In The US? Hi,i've been in IM for a couple of years now and i've decided to try dropshipping. I want to dropship in the US. Problem is, I'm not American nor a Canadian, nor have step foot on those countries. I'm from a country far far away. I've been doing research on dropshipping and what it takes to get started and I keep getting information that you need a Tax ID, EID, Social Security Number, reseller certificate, business license, etc. etc. Then there's the issue I keep seeing about sales tax here and there, when buying and selling stuff. So my question is how do I dropship in the US as a non US citizen? What do I need to do before hand I will be accepted by wholesales/dropshippers? What do I need to watch out for when I'm actually in business and dropshipping (eg. taxes, etc.)? Thanks. Any inputs will be highly appreciated.

08-18-2009, 08:46 AM	#2
cushsb Warrior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Can Non US-Citizens Dropship In The US? Apologies. I want to setup a website to sell directly to customers and have a dropshipper send the items directly to customers.

08-18-2009, 08:52 AM	#3
DavidO Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: United Kingdom, Spain Posts: 2,031 Thanks: 10 Thanked 101 Times in 58 Posts	Re: Can Non US-Citizens Dropship In The US? I use a popular U.S. fulfillment service and they have not asked a single question about my nationality or my business. I'm an American but I don't see how it would matter. As for taxes and other issues of the law you need expert advice. But to my knowledge the dropshipper or fulfillment service couldn't care less, as long as you are able to set up a secure form of payment. They may be very nervous about getting paid from outside the U.S. unless you have a U.S. bank account. But I imagine you could offer prepayment. I'd be interested to hear any other opinions on this issue but, as I said, I've experienced nothing that would indicate any problem with your nationality or location.

08-18-2009, 09:02 AM	#4
HansM Online Business Architect War Room Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 32 Thanks: 92 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Can Non US-Citizens Dropship In The US? I've been looking at dropshipping as well, and partly had the same questions, Thank you for asking them here. One of the other things I've been wondering about is liability... Since you're actually selling (and not an affiliate), I assume that you would also be accountable, and could get claims, service requests, etc? Or is that generally handled by the dropshipper? Would there be any risk of export/import taxes, when you're a non-US seller?
	The Online Business Architect