Inventory Source Podcast Episode 1: AK Goodlight
Trevor with AKGoodlight.com discusses how he got started with his ecommerce business and gives advice to those who want to get started dropshipping.
“I myself grew up growing potatoes, I don’t buy sack potatoes any more. Really, that’s how AK Goodlight began with those hard-to-find items. We found that our passion and love of food and trying to make things easier for people blended together to make AKGoodlight.com.”
Listen to full podcast below:
Video Summary
In this insightful episode of the Inventory Source Podcast, Trevor, the founder of AK Goodlight, shares his journey in the world of ecommerce and dropshipping. He discusses the origins, challenges, and strategies that have helped his business thrive in the competitive home and garden niche.
About AK Goodlight
AK Goodlight is an online store designed to make finding hard-to-source items in the home and garden space simpler for customers. Trevor explains that the platform was built with the customer’s experience in mind, aiming to save time and eliminate frustration in locating unique products. The store features items ranging from gardening tools to harvest equipment, catering to seasonal demands and sustainable living.
Products and Niche Selection
Trevor highlights the unpredictable nature of the ecommerce space, noting how seasonal trends like juice-making equipment or garden supplies can drive sales. AK Goodlight also collaborates with vendors like Co-op Ports, offering a wide range of affordable SKUs. By balancing seasonal offerings and customer needs, the platform has carved a niche in the competitive ecommerce market.
Choosing BigCommerce as a Platform
Trevor praises BigCommerce for its excellent customer support and reliability. Having tried several platforms, AK Goodlight ultimately chose BigCommerce for its seamless user experience and responsive service. This decision has contributed to the store’s professional appearance and smooth functionality, creating an appealing shopping environment for customers.
Dropshipping Strategy and Challenges
While AK Goodlight relies significantly on dropshipping, Trevor emphasizes the importance of diversifying strategies. He recommends combining dropshipping with wholesale purchasing and attending local events to establish brand recognition. Dropshipping allows the business to scale without heavy inventory investments, but Trevor cautions newcomers about common pitfalls like fraudulent transactions. AK Goodlight uses tools and third-party services to mitigate fraud, ensuring smooth operations.
Starting AK Goodlight
Trevor shares how his journey began with selling DVDs on eBay. Over time, he transitioned into the home and garden space, driven by a passion for sustainable living and agriculture. Growing his own food inspired him to focus on products that promote self-reliance, such as gardening tools and supplies. The vision for AK Goodlight was rooted in providing free shipping and simplifying access to unique items.
Fraud Prevention
Trevor provides practical advice on dealing with online fraud. AK Goodlight faced challenges like fake customers and chargebacks, which strained the team. Implementing better fraud detection systems and relying on trustworthy suppliers helped them overcome these issues. Trevor advises other dropshippers to stay vigilant and prioritize customer service to build trust.
Supplier Selection
Trevor discusses the critical role of Inventory Source in connecting AK Goodlight with reliable suppliers. The platform has been a key tool for sourcing quality products and managing supplier relationships. He emphasizes the importance of vetting suppliers carefully and discontinuing partnerships with those that create unnecessary challenges.
Advice for New Dropshippers
Trevor offers valuable advice for those starting in the dropshipping business:
- Find Your Passion – Build your business around something you genuinely enjoy. Passion fuels perseverance and creativity, essential for long-term success.
- Be Patient – Success takes time, and the early stages often involve long hours and learning curves.
- Leverage Tools – Use reliable tools like Inventory Source to simplify processes and focus on growth.
- Diversify Strategies – Explore options beyond dropshipping, such as attending events or mixing in wholesale strategies, to enhance your business’s reach.
Final Thoughts
Trevor reflects on the importance of perseverance in ecommerce. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and remain flexible when challenges arise. With dedication, the online business world offers endless opportunities for growth.
This podcast provides a practical roadmap for anyone looking to start or grow their dropshipping business, with actionable insights drawn from the experiences of AK Goodlight.