Supplements fulfilment
In the ever-evolving world of e-Commerce, order fulfilment carried out by a third party (usually the product wholesaler) has emerged as a very popular business model, especially in the health and wellness sector.
Sometimes referred to as "supplements dropship" or "supplements dropshipping", supplements fulfilment offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the growing demand for health products without the need for significant upfront investment.
By getting the supplements wholesaler to handle, not just product supply, but also stock storage, inventory and all aspects of order fulfilment (such as picking, labelling, packing and posting), the seller saves time and money. There is no need to, for example, pay for storage space, hire staff to assist with stock management or order fulfilment, purchase packing materials etc. What's more, with an on-demand fulfilment service, the supplier has all of the risk on product shelf life.
This leaves the seller free to focus on what generates income - selling the products. It also offers a quick and easy way to start a supplements business that can be profitable from day 1.
A guide to getting started with supplements fulfilment
What is supplements fulfilment?
As mentioned above, supplements fulfilment is a retail fulfillment solution where the retailer doesn't hold the physical products they sell.
Instead, when the retailer sells a product on their chosen sales platform (be it their e-Commerce website (such as a Shopify store), Amazon, TikTok etc), they then purchase those products (supplements in this case) from a third party wholesaler such as Specialist Supplements Ltd. This is great for cash flow, as the retailer does not have to buy stock before making their own sales.
Once the order is placed with the wholesaler, the products are shipped directly to the customer - known in the industry as "dropshipping". As a result, the seller doesn't have to handle the product directly - all the hassles of order fulfilment are taken care of. The recipient of the products will not be aware that the products have been shipped by the wholesaler. To them it will appear that the seller has sent the products.
Why choose supplements fulfilment?
Aside from the significant benefits already described above, there are many other reasons why retailers (big and small, starting out and established) might choose supplements fulfilment / supplements dropshipping for their supplements business model...
- High demand: The global food supplements market is booming, driven by increasing health awareness and a growing ageing population.
- Diverse product range: From superfoods, antioxidants and digestive health products, to protein powders and herbal supplements, there's a wide variety of products to choose from that can suit virtually any target market. We even have organic, vegan, halal and kosher options. Check out our comprehensive product range here.
- Great margins: By opting for a business model that keeps setup and running costs down, and selecting quality products that have good profit margins on re-sale, it is much easier to create a lucrative business.
- Recurring purchases: Supplements are often consumed regularly and for the long-term, leading to repeat purchases and a steady stream of income.
Steps to starting a supplements fulfilment business
- Choose your e-Commerce platform: Platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, Amazon / FBA, eBay and TikTok are all popular choices. Each has its own set of features and benefits, so choose one that aligns with your business goals. Specialist Supplements services thousands of customers across the world, on almost every available sales platform. We are therefore used to handling fulfilment for these and can accommodate their requriements. Check out our order processing options and order APIs.
- Find a reliable supplier: Partnering with a reputable wholesale supplements supplier and fulfilment partner is crucial. Your business reputation relies on it! For a successful business you need a supplier who offers a wide range of quality assured supplements, competitive pricing, reliable stock supply and fast, efficient and accurate shipping. Specialist Supplements Ltd is an established supplements wholesaler and fulfilment specialist, trading for almost 30 years. We are a supplier you can trust with your reputation. Even better, we are able to service all of your supplements business needs under one roof! By handling both product supply and order fulfilment, we help to make the whole process as quick and easy as possible.
- Ensure it is a truly "on-demand" service: To maximise your income potential, ensure that your supplier has a "no minimum order" policy (so that you are only having to purchase what you sell) and that they don't charge you an additional admin fee for providing the fulfilment service. To ensure your own customers are satisfied, orders should be shipped out within 1 - 2 business days of you placing the order with the wholesaler. Find out more about our no-fee, on-demand supplements fulfilment service here. We label, pack and post your orders free of charge. All you pay is the postage, as if you were posting the items out yourself.
- Identify your niche / target market: Specialising in a specific type of supplement can help you stand out in a competitive marketplace. Whether it's sports nutrition, weight management, organic supplements, women's health, kosher supplements, halal supplements, vegetarian or vegan supplements, choose a niche that you're passionate about and that has a dedicated customer base. And who better to supply you with these products than a company dedicated to specialising in these niches... Specialist Supplements Ltd!
- Ensure quality and compliance: Supplements are rigorously regulated by various bodies such as Trading Standards, Local Authorities etc. Choose a supplements wholesaler and fulfilment expert you can rely on to ensure that all applicable quality standards and regulations have been met and who can meet any applicable import / export requirements. The Specialist Supplements Ltd range of wholesale supplements is manufactured in the UK under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and/or ISO standards, to comply with all applicable food supplement regulations. Product ingredients are supported by EFSA approved health claims. We have customers worldwide and so can also support import / export requirements, provide relevant paperwork etc. We are also able to supply all compliance documentation (HACCP) required by sales platforms such as Amazon, TikTok etc.
- Create a marketing strategy: While we take care of all the hassles associated with product manufacture and order fulfilment, you are free to focus on generating sales and making your business a success. Utilise social media, content marketing and SEO to drive traffic to your store. Collaborate with influencers in the health and wellness space to reach a broader audience or take advantage of platforms with a built-in customer base, such as Amazon, TikTok, eBay etc.
- Provide excellent customer service: Building trust with your customers is key. Offer transparent product information, fast delivery, easy returns and responsive customer support to enhance the shopping experience. That is where a reliable supplier and fulfilment partner come in!
Conclusion
Supplements fulfilment offers a promising opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as established busy retailers. By choosing the right platform, partnering with a reliable supplier and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can build a successful supplements business.
