Understanding Processing Times When Sourcing From China
Dropshipping from China offers a wide variety of products at competitive prices, but processing times can sometimes vary. In this article, we’ll break down why delays might occur and the reasons why.
Typical Processing Time
At AutoDS, we strive to process orders as efficiently as possible, with most orders completed within 3 - 5 days. However, the dropshipping model operates a bit differently from traditional eCommerce. Since we work with a vast network of suppliers and manufacturers across China, products aren’t stored in a central warehouse waiting to be shipped. Instead, they are sourced after the order is placed, which can sometimes lead to variable processing times.
The Fulfillment Process
Here’s a quick overview of what happens once you place an order through AutoDS:
- Order Fulfillment: Once you confirm and pay for an order, our purchasing team in China starts working on sourcing the product from the supplier.
- Product Sourcing: The supplier packages and ships the item to our warehouse for further processing.
- Quality Check: Upon arrival, the item is inspected to ensure it meets the quality standards you and your customers expect.
- Packaging: Our team prepares the order for shipping, including any custom branding or thank-you notes you’ve added.
- Shipping: Finally, your order is dispatched for shipping, with tracking information provided to you and your customers.
In most cases, this process is completed in less than 3 days. However, there are instances where external factors might delay this timeline.
Common Reasons for Delays
Despite our best efforts, some delays are outside of our control. Here are two common scenarios that might extend processing times:
- Supplier Stock Issues: Occasionally, when our team orders an item from the supplier, it may be temporarily out of stock. In such cases, the supplier must manufacture additional units before the item can be sent out, which can lead to delays.
- Shipping Delays: The supplier may take longer than expected to send the product to our warehouse. This can slow down the entire process.
- Holiday Seasons: During major holidays in China, such as Chinese New Year or Golden Week, many suppliers and factories shut down their operations temporarily. This pause in production and shipping can significantly delay the fulfillment process, as orders pile up and are processed only after the holidays end.