1 Day Online Course Outline, Course Objectives, and Scheme of Work: Dropshipping for Beginners and Setting Up Your Store

Course Title:

Dropshipping for Beginners and Setting Up Your Store

Course Duration:

1 Day (6-8 hours, delivered online)

Target Audience:

Aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals interested in starting an online store through dropshipping.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of dropshipping and how it works.
2. Identify key components needed to set up a successful dropshipping store.
3. Select a profitable niche and find reliable suppliers.
4. Create an online store using e-commerce platforms.
5. Implement marketing strategies to drive traffic to their store.
6. Manage orders and customer service effectively.

Course Outline and Scheme of Work

Session 1: Introduction to Dropshipping (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Grasp the concept of dropshipping and its advantages and challenges.

• Topics Covered:

  • What is dropshipping? Definition and overview.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping compared to traditional retail.
  • Understanding the dropshipping supply chain.

• Activities:

  • Group discussion: Share motivations for starting a dropshipping business.
  • Interactive quiz: Basic dropshipping terminology and concepts.

Break (15 minutes)

Session 2: Selecting Your Niche and Finding Suppliers (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Identify a profitable niche and locate reliable suppliers for your store.

• Topics Covered:

  • How to research and select a profitable niche for your dropshipping store.
  • Finding reliable suppliers: Platforms (e.g., AliExpress, Oberlo, SaleHoo) and vetting suppliers.
  • Negotiating terms and establishing relationships with suppliers.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants conduct niche research using provided tools and resources.
  • Group activity: Share findings and discuss potential suppliers.

Break (30 minutes)

Session 3: Setting Up Your Online Store (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Learn how to create and customize an online store using e-commerce platforms.

• Topics Covered:

  • Overview of popular e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
  • Setting up your store: Domain registration, store design, and product listing.
  • Implementing payment gateways and shipping settings.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants set up a demo store using a chosen platform.
  • Group discussion: Share design ideas and best practices for product listing.

Break (15 minutes)

Session 4: Marketing Your Dropshipping Store (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Understand effective marketing strategies to drive traffic to your store.

• Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to digital marketing channels: Social media, email marketing, and SEO.
  • Creating effective advertising campaigns (e.g., Facebook Ads, Google Ads).
  • Building a brand presence and engaging with customers.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Develop a simple marketing plan for your store.
  • Group discussion: Share marketing ideas and strategies.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through practical tasks, group discussions, and quizzes.
• Final task: Present a basic dropshipping business plan, including niche selection, store setup, and marketing strategy.

Resources:

• Digital handouts on dropshipping best practices, supplier directories, and marketing strategies.
• Suggested reading: Articles and case studies on successful dropshipping businesses.

This 1-day online course provides participants with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to start and manage a dropshipping store successfully. By focusing on essential concepts, practical tasks, and marketing strategies, participants will be well-equipped to launch their online business in the dropshipping space.