Dropship Supplier API Integration

Any advice greatly received

TBH I am not a Shopify expert so they may have more things available to you than I am aware of. That said

To answer your question directly yes if you have little programming experience and you want to create a site or App using the Shopify API and the API of your drop-shipper you will need help.

You would only need the Shopify API if you wanted to create a bespoke solution. It may be possible (and simpler) to be able to just create a default Shopify shop and add the drop-shipper api.

I don't know what drop-shipper you have in mind but Google 'Shopify' + the 'drop-shipper name' + 'API' and see if there are any results. Or search the Shopify knowledgebase for the same thing. It's just possible that Shopify already offer a way to integrate that drop-shipper.

Or see https://apps.shopify.com/inventory-source
"Direct integration with over 100 verified wholesale distributors "
https://www.shopify.com/dropshipping
https://apps.shopify.com/ordoro
"Connect any and all channels, custom-made or new on the market, with our open API "


If that fails consider using WordPress and WooCommerce. Again this might already support integration of your drop-shipper. A little Google searching should reveal the answer.

http://www.inventorysource.com/drops...dpress-plugin/

Integrate with your current dropship supplier or choose from our network of 100+ Dropship Suppliers, all with monitored and*integrated inventory feeds.

Firstly, drop-shipping typically is a low profit margin business - you're taking none of the risk and you have none of the issues of shipping, hassle of packaging or storing the items. You also require zero staff.

Whereas, the supplier needs to buy , store and manage the stock, heat, secure and light the building, possibly maintain a brand, physically send out the items, employ people, have insurance and a whole host of other overheads.


The best suppliers will not list themselves as dropshippers, they will just be companies wanting to sell products. Approach small businesses with poor online presence with a proposal, offer a business plan based on previous experience. Impress them with your knowledge of their industry and how you plan on selling their product online. If you have no experience, then you'll need to build it up:
Take the low margin, show you can sell lots of product. Then you have the power to negotiate a better rate. If they're not up for it? You already have a site with traffic and conversions to go to another supplier and start at something higher up. Once you've made some money, you can also ask about buying best selling items and storing them at the supplier's warehouse - i.e. giving the supplier money up front for stock - this means reduced risk for the supplier, in return for a better margin for you.

In case we talk about drop shipping I would go for platform which supports ICDF- not only inventory will be be synchronised but also orders will be placed. This way you can stay focused on selling. Since drop shipping generate slim margins you have to pick platform designed for sales processing efficiency.