How to Handle Invoices When Dropshipping with Importify?

In dropshipping, handling invoices involves a series of steps and considerations, especially when using platforms like Importify with Shopify/Wix/Woocommerce and sourcing products from Aliexpress (or similar marketplace). Here's a breakdown of how it typically works:

1. Order Placement: A customer places an order on your store. The order details are captured in your store's system, which you can view in your Shopify, Wix or Woocommerce admin dashboard.

2. Order Fulfillment: Using Importify, you then forward this order to the supplier on AliExpress. This can be done manually by purchasing the item from the supplier's AliExpress page and entering your customer's shipping information.

3. Supplier Invoice: Upon placing the order with the AliExpress supplier, you'll receive an invoice from the supplier for the product cost and shipping fees. This invoice is typically sent to your email associated with the AliExpress account. The price on this invoice is what you pay the supplier, which should be lower than what your customer paid you.

4. Customer Invoice: Your Shopify store generates an invoice or order confirmation that is sent to the customer. This invoice reflects the price the customer paid on your website, including any markups you've added to the supplier's price.

5. Shipping and Handling: The AliExpress supplier ships the product directly to your customer. to make it "dropshipping-friendly" service, leave a note to the supplier "do not include invoices or promotional materials in the package", to maintain the illusion that the package has been sent directly from your store.

6. Profit Calculation: The difference between what the customer paid you (as shown on the customer invoice) and what you paid the AliExpress supplier (as shown on the supplier invoice) is your profit.

Important Considerations

- Transparency with Customers: It's good practice to be transparent with your customers regarding shipping times and return policies, as these can be significantly different when dropshipping from AliExpress compared to local shipping.

- Tax Obligations: Be mindful of tax obligations in your and your customer's jurisdictions. You may need to charge sales tax on your products, depending on local laws.

Using Importify with Shopify to dropship from AliExpress can streamline the process of adding products to your store and managing orders, but handling invoices efficiently and transparently is key to maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.