Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Inventory Management • CMYK • Artwork Requirements

Drop Shipping

Term from Print-on-Demand Services industry explained for recruiters

Drop shipping is a business model where a store sells products but doesn't keep them in stock. Instead, when a customer makes a purchase, the store sends the order details to a supplier or manufacturer who ships the product directly to the customer. In the Print-on-Demand industry, this means creating and selling custom-designed products (like t-shirts, mugs, or posters) that are only produced after a customer places an order. This reduces inventory risks and upfront costs since nothing is created until it's sold.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Drop Shipping operations for custom apparel, processing over 1000 orders monthly

Implemented Drop Ship fulfillment systems for print-on-demand products

Coordinated with Drop Shipping suppliers to ensure quality control and timely delivery

Developed relationships with multiple Drop Ship vendors for backup manufacturing capacity

Typical job title: "Drop Shipping Managers"

Also try searching for:

E-commerce Manager Print-on-Demand Coordinator Fulfillment Manager Supply Chain Coordinator Dropship Operations Manager POD Manager Shipping Operations Coordinator

Where to Find Drop Shipping Managers

Online Communities

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where a supplier consistently misses delivery deadlines?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should include developing backup supplier relationships, creating escalation procedures, implementing performance tracking systems, and maintaining clear communication channels with both suppliers and customers.

Q: What strategies would you use to reduce shipping costs while maintaining customer satisfaction?

Expected Answer: Look for answers about negotiating with multiple suppliers, optimizing shipping zones, implementing bulk shipping discounts, and balancing cost with delivery speed based on customer preferences.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure quality control in a drop shipping operation?

Expected Answer: Should discuss sample ordering, supplier verification, customer feedback monitoring, and establishing quality standards and regular supplier reviews.

Q: Explain how you would handle customer complaints about shipping delays.

Expected Answer: Should include proactive communication, having contingency plans, offering compensation or alternatives, and maintaining transparency throughout the process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the basic process of fulfilling a drop shipping order?

Expected Answer: Should explain the flow from receiving customer order, transmitting details to supplier, confirming shipping, and updating customer with tracking information.

Q: How do you track inventory levels with multiple suppliers?

Expected Answer: Should mention using inventory management systems, regular communication with suppliers, and maintaining buffer levels to prevent stockouts.