Drop Surfing: Is It Better Than Dropshipping?

Drop surfing is an advanced version of dropshipping that takes flexibility to another level.

Instead of sticking to a single or just a few suppliers for products, drop surfing involves constantly switching suppliers based on which one offers the lowest price or the fastest shipping at a given time.

It's about surfing the waves of market trends to catch the best deals and increase your profit margins.

In dropshipping, you often build a relationship with just a few suppliers who manage your inventory and ship products for you. But drop surfing breaks that loyalty.

While both methods allow you to run an online store without holding inventory, drop surfing's flexibility can lead to higher profits. But it requires more time and effort to manage.

Now, let's talk about the two important aspects of drop surfing:

One of the biggest advantages of drop surfing is the ability to adjust your pricing strategy in real time.

Say you're selling phone cases. If Supplier A suddenly offers the same product at a 20% lower cost than Supplier B, you can immediately switch and pocket the difference. This is where drop surfing stands out. It's all about price optimization.

But this constant search for better prices can be tricky and time-consuming. You'll need to keep a close eye on suppliers and ensure product quality remains consistent. Selling at a lower price won't mean much if your customers start complaining about what they receive.

Another important aspect of drop surfing is its reliance on trends. Successful drop surfers are always on the lookout for trending products and categories. They do not focus on a specific niche.

By selling "trending now" items, they ensure their stores stay relevant and appealing. Google Trends and social media platforms are often used to spot what's hot in the market.

For example, during the pandemic, drop surfers who quickly pivoted to source home fitness equipment reaped significant rewards. Staying ahead of trends isn't just about offering popular products—it's about offering them at the best price.

However, trends don't last forever. What's popular today might be irrelevant next month or even next week! So, in drop surfing, success depends on how fast you can adapt to trends.

Next, let's discuss the...

Higher Profit Margins: By switching to suppliers with the best prices, you can increase your earnings per sale.

Flexibility: You're not tied to a single supplier, giving you more freedom to negotiate and experiment.

Access to Trends: Spot a hot product? You can quickly add it to your store and ride the wave of demand.

Price Competitiveness: Drop surfing allows you to offer more competitive prices, which can improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

No Inventory Risk: Like dropshipping, drop surfing doesn't require storing physical products.

This model thrives on adaptability, making it a powerful option for entrepreneurs willing to put in the effort.

Reduced Risk of Stockouts: Because you have multiple supplier options, you're less likely to run out of inventory.

Time-Consuming: Constantly comparing supplier prices and trends requires a lot of attention. And I mean a LOT!

Potential Quality Issues: Switching suppliers frequently increases the risk of sourcing lower-quality products, which could hurt your reputation.

Longer Shipping Times: Some suppliers offering cheaper prices might be overseas, leading to potential delivery delays.

More Management Needed: Unlike dropshipping, drop surfing demands hands-on management to avoid mishaps.

Higher Learning Curve: Compared to dropshipping, drop surfing involves more research and decision-making, which can be intimidating for beginners.

If you're starting an online business, consider whether you're ready for the extra work involved in this strategy.

Now, let's answer the BIG question.

So, which is better? Is it drop surfing or dropshipping?

Well, the answer depends on your goals. Both models are excellent for entrepreneurs who want to avoid inventory costs, but they cater to different styles of business.