Dropshipping is currently on the rise. This simplified circuit allows online sales professionals to sell their products without relying on an e-commerce platform in the traditional way. Streamlining the process and canceling intermediate steps offer numerous advantages. In France, Cdiscount Pro claims to be THE national dropshipping specialist. Let’s discover together the tricolor version of AliExpress.
More than a wholesaler, Cdiscount Pro is a dropshipping brand
B2B branch of a platform dedicated to e-commerce, Cdiscount Pro presents itself as a specialist in dropshipping in France. This subsidiary of one of the largest online sales groups in France mainly targets offers intended for professionals. Among other things, it allows them to sell a large selection of products in the catalog.
Since its creation in 1999, Cdiscount has continued to expand its range of products and offers. With its professional division, the brand offers an alternative solution to e-commerce businesses of all sizes. Its own version of Dropshipping attracts European economic players, but also Asian suppliers wishing to sell their goods in the Old Continent.
Cdiscount Pro seeks to make it easier for sellers. The latter will be able to offer their products on an open marketplace. The wide variety of items on the shelves covers various sectors. From electronics to furniture, including food, everything can be found there. This marketplace is viable thanks to a logistics chain of suppliers based in mainland France, Belgium, but also in Spain and Germany. Orders can ideally be fulfilled within 48 hours, via Chronopost services.
Professionals benefit from this alternative circuit
The simplicity of buying and selling remains the main advantage of dropshipping. It’s a real business model where all physical products are eligible. The process is simplified as much as possible since the professional will no longer have to manage stock or ensure regular inventory. He no longer even has to keep his goods in a warehouse. On top of that, the dispatch of orders is more easily orchestrated by collaborating with such an experienced Cdiscount Pro platform.
In dropshipping, the service provider takes charge of the entire supply chain. Only the purchase should be handled by the seller. The latter transmits the shipping order as well as the delivery address and specialists are responsible for bringing the goods to their destination. The entire operation is carried out in the name of the sponsoring store, not that of Cdiscount Pro.
Those who start selling online will be able to count on the ease offered by dropshipping. They avoid a real Chinese headache when it comes to packing and shipping. E-retailers who have chosen this formula have more time and energy to focus on their core business, that is, collecting orders.
The benefit of relying on a French platform
France is currently the 5th largest e-commerce market in the world. It has been some time since France crossed the threshold of a hundred billion euros in turnover. According to the report from FEVAD, the national distance selling federation, one in two French stores sells their goods online. Dropshipping presents itself as an opportunity for stores of all backgrounds to seize. It’s even better if you can trust a national business partner. The latter ensures delivery within 48 hours compared to one week via China.
Cdiscount has made dropshipping a whole industry. The specialist sales platform agrees to collaborate with e-retailers who have just started their business. This often involves a reduced budget and low volumes of products sold. The online sales site focuses on economies of scale. He only makes a small profit margin, but the large number of e-retailers who collaborate with him allows the costs to be covered.
In any case, working with a French dropshipping platform avoids being dependent on international grouping leaders. Although the prices of the Chinese service provider’s products are more attractive, the advantages such as the confidence of the end consumer or the availability of a contact person in the event of problems are invaluable. The language barrier, cultural difference, conversions, standards and other details concerning the offers can also make the task more difficult for the e-retailer.
Simplified operation of a sale via a consolidator
With Cdiscount Pro, the seller just has to conclude orders with end customers. The supply chain keeps the stock and prepares the shipment itself as well as the delivery to the indicated address. This business model allows customers to consume some 200,000 distinct references. This is well below the offering of several million products available from Chinese dropshippers, but it is an excellent start.
Cdiscount Pro is still in development. However, the platform is quickly making its mark with a total storage area of 300,000 m2 made available to e-retailers. The team can ship up to 110,000 packages daily. Most goods delivered to Western Europe arrive at their destination in less than 48 hours flat.
Shipping a package via Cdiscount Pro is divided into 3 methods. The customer can decide on the delivery terms for any order worth €40. Up to €10,000, merchandise is subject to mandatory monitoring. Beyond this amount, a signature of the recipient is required upon receipt of the package. The team will ensure that the products are delivered to them in person.
Technical details that make the difference
By opting for Cdiscount Pro dropshipping, an e-retailer benefits from better quality packaging for the delivery of his package. This attention to detail would probably be lacking on some Chinese platforms. Good packaging always works to the advantage of the sender. Essential for its brand image, it reflects its professionalism. Before the deployment of French logistics chains, some sellers had to receive goods from the Orient to ensure their packaging before final delivery.
In 20 years of distance selling, Cdiscount has all the skills necessary to manage the flow of goods. Installations on French, German or Spanish soil meet current standards. The items wait patiently dry and protected from shocks. Cdiscount Pro offers a 0 breakage guarantee until receipt.
Thanks to the economy of scale, Cdiscount Pro prices remain accessible to everyone. The quality of service has nothing to do with that of logistics players such as BigBuy whose price is much higher. This European dropshipper has around 80,000 references. In any case, the cost drops thanks to a monthly subscription system.
Several price ranges to choose from
With Cdiscount Pro dropshipping, the professional customer must pay €90 as an entry ticket. From this package, it has 3 price choices:
- The Basic monthly subscription costs €49. For this tax-free price, the e-retailer can stock goods that are fairly easy to store and ship. It also benefits from after-sales service and an end-of-year discount.
- The Essential plan costs €69 excluding tax/month. This range of offers makes it possible to manage packages of all sizes, including those that weigh a certain weight. It entitles you to various discounts, especially during peak activity.
- The Premium pack is €99 excluding VAT. At this price, the reseller can place any type of order, especially large goods. Above all, he enjoys unlimited credit and a whole series of advantages relating to his subscription.
200,000 references on a single marketplace
The Cdiscount Pro catalog totals around 200,000 references. This is quite limited compared to the varieties of objects that Internet users buy online. That said, this is an excellent start. In addition, the goods mainly comply with European CE standards. Which is not necessarily always the case for items ordered in China via another platform. To date, the shelves of this open-air virtual market are limited to a few sections.
- Furniture and decoration.
- Textiles and ready-to-wear.
- Mechanical parts.
- Childcare and interviews.
- Pet stores, IT and spirits.
It should be noted that categories are subject to specific invoicing. Each seller pays differently depending on the breadth of their catalog of offers. Changes are also charged. In any case, it is essential to discuss the cost of the service in person with a manager. When it comes to dropshipping, the profit margin can be negotiated boldly.
Conclusion and Opinion on Cdiscount Pro dropshipping
For Cdiscount Pro, the commitment to dropshipping is a logical continuation. The reference group for sales on the Internet is doing rather well, even if the service is far from competing with that of Chinese grouping platforms. The company is taking good measures to attract e-commerce players. True to its philosophy, it gives pride of place to startups and resellers with a low budget.
That said, dropshipping and mail order still enjoy a mixed reputation in France. Many consumers believe the system is doomed to failure. Not stocking up and relying on a remote operator does not inspire confidence. It then remains to observe the next trends to be clear.