Running your business and making money is super fun, right? But have you thought about legal issues that could get you into any lawsuits? We recommend that you should. Don’t think that your store is not big enough to get sued. You could get into trouble from anything. So better safe than sorry. Today, we will share with you 4 powerful tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021. Let’s get started!
1. Tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021: Don’t use copyrighted images or videos
Most of us are not quite familiar with copyright law. Simply put, it’s the right to use other’s work as your own like images, videos, and so on. Only the author can have the right to copy, sell, publish their work. If you use their work for your own without the author’s permission, it’s copyright infringement.
In some countries, like the US, copyright violation is quite serious. And it could get you into a lawsuit and you will have to pay a great deal of money. So, check carefully copyright law in the countries you dropship to, and make sure that your products are safe to sell. It’s the protection for you to avoid getting sued when dropshipping, especially when you dropship internationally.
You could read through the copyright law of the countries that you run your business. Check and identify your products if they contain any images or intellectual work from a copyright holder. If no, it’s good to go. If yes, find ways to solve it as soon as possible before selling them.
If you do not want to use copyrighted work from others, you can as well create yourself or find copyright-free images to use. One of the useful ways is to use Canva. This tool allows you to create your own images and videos without worrying about the copyright. Or you can find copyright-free photos on other websites like Pixabay, Shutterstock, Pexels, Burst, etc.
2. Tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021: Don’t sell trademarked products without permission
The next tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021 is to not sell trademarked products without permission. Some examples of trademarked products are Nike, Rolex, and so on. They are all very popular and international brands. So if you want to dropship this kind of product, make sure to contact and get permission from the owner first. Or you can ask your suppliers, your sourcing agent dropshipping to assure that they have the right to sell the product.
If not, your business could be sued and shut down when the situation gets worse. So, beware of trademarked products and do not sell fake branded products as well.
3. Tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021: Work with trusted suppliers or sourcing agent
After finding the right product to dropship, finding a trustworthy supplier or sourcing agent is a must. Since they are your business partners. You need to trust them to work with them. You’d better choose a supplier with a good reputation in the industry. If necessary, do some inspection first before making any decision.
They must be the ones who could flexibly brand your products. They must be always available and supportive in case of any problem. They should offer proper packaging and good shipping service. They are the ones who make you succeed. As a dropshipper, you will rely almost everything on them in terms of sourcing, fulfillment, branding, packaging, and shipping.
You could do a test order to check if your supplier or soucing agent is reliable first. Or you could also read reviews of the supplier to have more information about them. And read carefully before signing any agreement with them. This is one of the most powerful tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021. Because if anything happens, you will take full responsibility for your business, not your suppliers or sourcing agent.
4. Tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping in 2021: Building customer trust is a must
The last tips to avoid getting sued when dropshipping is building your customer trust. In order to gain your customers’ trust and build your reputation, you need to grow your customer service. In doing that, you will lower the risk of getting sued as you manage your business in a professional way.
Happy and satisfied customers will protect you from being sued for many reasons related to return products or shipping process. Put up your policies carefully and follow them consistently. Make sure you have a good team to take care of your customers to gain their loyalty and grow your business.
Private Agent for Dropshipping Success