The idea of turnkey dropshipping websites gives the appeal of "easiness" to the people that are setting them up (anyone can do it - right?). Most of the time they are very easy to set up, and yes anyone can do it. The problem that I want to make sure everyone is aware of though is the ability to actually make money with a system that is already all set up for you.
Here are the main factors to take into consideration:
1. Content - Most will not allow you to change any kind of content. If you are not allowed to change any kind of text, then the other 100 people that set up the same website as you, has the same content and eventually you are going to run into some duplicate content issues with the major search engines.
2. Meta Data - Most of the time you are not allowed to change any kind of meta data including title tags, header tags, title attribute tags and alt tags. I know that these are not huge factors when it comes to rankings anymore these days, but if they are the same as everyone else they will hurt you.
3. Branding - When using a system created by someone else you are using everything that they have set into place. They usually do not give you the ability to use custom images to set you apart from the competition. You will only be able to create a cookie cutter logo that really will not represent what you want it to. You will only be frustrated from a system like this.
4. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - You will not be able to implement any kind of "good" SEO (search engine optimization) practices. Since you are not able to make your site unique from the hundreds of other sites out there you will not be able to do any kind of onsite search engine optimization which will kill any off site SEO efforts. You better be ready (and willing) to spend a lot of money on PPC (pay per click) advertising because that is the only way you will be able to market a site like this.
5. Product Pricing - You usually are not given good product pricing with a turnkey dropshipping solution, and you have to stay with the price they have on the website. This does not allow you to competitive price your products, so you will be the same price as everybody else who is using this "turnkey dropshipping website" solution. Most of the time dropshippers are only willing to give Internet business owners that have proved themselves worthy the "good" product pricing. If you are using a turnkey solution for dropshipping I would challenge you to look at any products you are offering and see if the price is cheaper then you can get it at Wal-Mart. Once you check out the prices you will be glad you read this post warning you!
6. Making Them Rich - The people that own these turnkey dropship websites prey on the people that are looking to get rich quick (and do it easily). They do not care about your success and just want to take your money and run. You will not get any kind of support from these type of websites/businesses. They have spent a lot of money on a system that makes you feel comfortable, and makes you feel like you can actually do it (and you would probably be able to). Making money is another story, I don't know about you, but I would rather make money, even if it is going to take a little more effort (and learning) on my part.
I see so much garbage online, and it is not getting any easier to tell the scammer apart from the legitimate home based business so I am trying to do everything I can to empower you with the information you need to make a good decision. I am tired of seeing people throw money away. If I can save even just one person from making a bad choice then writing this article was worth it!
