Dropshipping: Tailored Consultation & Strategy

In the dynamic world of commerce, efficiency, agility, and innovation are at the forefront. At Micklich & Bemelmann Consulting, we understand the challenges and opportunities that hybrid fulfillment models offer to companies of all sizes. Our mission is to guide you on the path to a leaner, more flexible, and future-ready fulfillment strategy.

As strategic and operational partners, we focus on tailored solutions that not only optimize your processes but also enhance your customer service and strengthen your market position. Our team of experienced consultants brings deep expertise and a passion for innovation to your projects.

Discover with us how an optimized procurement and logistics strategy can revolutionize your business. Let us set the course together for your future success.

We invite you to learn more about our services and to get in touch to discuss your unique requirements.

Welcome to the future of commerce – Welcome to Micklich & Bemelmann Consulting

THE SUCCESS RATE FOR IMPLEMENTING DROPSHIPPING IS ONLY 15%. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT MANY COMPANIES FAIL, BUT RATHER THAT MANY CHOOSE THIS SALES MODEL WITHOUT PROPERLY UNDERSTANDING IT.

OUR VISION

A trading world where companies seamlessly transition from traditional fulfillment to hybrid fulfillment models, empowered by comprehensive expertise and tailored solutions.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to support trading companies in redefining their fulfillment strategy. With our extensive experience and proven track record in refining hybrid fulfillment strategies, we offer more than just consultancy — we deliver hands-on operational support to turn visions into measurable success. Our approach goes beyond traditional consulting; we collaborate as co-creators, innovators, and executors, ensuring every aspect of your hybrid fulfillment strategy is aligned with your business goals.

HYBRID FULFILLMENT

Hybrid fulfillment refers to a method in which an order can reach the customer through multiple shipping routes, including direct shipping from suppliers (dropshipping), as well as third-party logistics providers (3PL) and in-house logistics—both of which can handle goods either as stocked inventory or through cross-docking for faster processing. While this strategy is already employed by many online retailers, most utilize only a fraction of the potential that this approach offers. They remain stuck at stage one, focusing solely on expanding their assortment and driving revenue growth. As the decision-making process remains pre-determined, opportunities for cost reduction and balancing in-house warehouse capacities are often neglected.

MATURITY LEVELS OF HYBRID FULFILLMENT DECISIONS

Hybrid fulfillment is often implemented through the strategic decision to have certain items delivered via external partners, such as 3PL providers or dropshipping suppliers. The delivery method is defined prior to the customer order and anchored in the master data. If multiple suppliers are available for dropshipping, a simple algorithm—usually based on cost criteria—selects the appropriate provider. However, this approach does not optimize the entire shopping cart, which typically results in split shipments.

Instead of a rigid, predetermined fulfillment method, Stage 2 enables a single item to be delivered flexibly through various fulfillment options. In this advanced hybrid fulfillment model, the optimal fulfillment method is determined dynamically only after the customer order has been placed. The system takes into account both the entire shopping cart contents and the delivery address. An algorithm evaluates the order comprehensively and makes decisions on which supplier and shipping method—based on procurement costs, distribution expenses, and logistical requirements—represents the best choice.

An optimized fulfillment decision algorithm additionally considers internal performance indicators such as logistics capacities, seasonal demand trends, sales forecasts, and ESG criteria, as well as external metrics like supplier ratings or delivery times. These influencing factors are continuously adjusted to ensure maximum flexibility and rapid responsiveness. Stage 3 enables the optimal balance between various fulfillment methods based on customizable decision parameters. As a result, the flow of goods and shipping routes are strategically optimized to reduce costs and sustainably enhance customer satisfaction.

DROPSHIPPING

Dropshipping is an effective method for fulfilling customer orders within a hybrid fulfillment model. With this approach, the retailer sells products without holding them in stock: orders are forwarded directly to the supplier, who then ships the goods directly to the end customer. This minimizes inventory risks and costs while enabling a flexible product range without significant upfront investments.

General Benefits

COST EFFICIENCY

Elimination of all storage costs for corresponding products
Elimination of packaging and shipping costs
Reduction of operating costs through digitization of processes, e.g., in purchasing
Outsourcing of returns
Elimination of inventory management including value adjustments on circulating assets

FLEXIBLE SCALABILITY

Unlimited integration of additional suppliers after successful implementation
Low follow-up investments
Unrestricted expandability
Quick adaptation to market trends

PRODUCT ASSORTMENT

Additional suppliers
Elimination of physical storage
Expansion of the assortment's breadth and depth (brands & categories)
Quick reaction to trends
Significantly reduced risk

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Faster delivery times
Broader and deeper assortment
Better availability
Reduction of contact points leads to fewer transport damages
More suitable product packaging

RISK MANAGEMENT

Backup strategy in case of failure of own distribution centers
No overstocks
No "slow movers"
No clearance sales
Reduction of shipping damages

REVENUE GROWTH

Internationalization
New target groups
Additional assortments
Geographical expansion
Cost reduction enables the reduction of selling prices

EXPERTISE

"A common mistake in implementation is

the one-sided leadership by a certain

department, without taking into account the

concerns of other departments."

"While others only provide advice,

we actively implement hybrid fulfillment

visions in collaboration with our partners."

"While many succeed in mastering

the strategic and operational aspects

of hybrid fulfillment, few know how

to implement it effectively from scratch."

ABOUT US

More than 20 years of leadership experience in the areas of procurement, category, and supply chain management. Leadership of teams with over 100 employees and a budget of over 700 million euros.

STEFAN MICKLICH

Successful implementation of dropshipping at Autodoc and myToys. Leadership of interdisciplinary project teams with over 30 employees and revenue responsibility of over 130 million euros

KAROLIN BEMELMANN

SERVICE

Based on the analysis of your current challenges, we identify potential areas for optimization and provide decision-making proposals, supported by benchmarks and our expertise. Depending on your needs, we implement targeted solutions and share our know-how with your company. In addition, we implement control measures for sustained success and continuous optimization. Choose our complete package or individual modules to benefit from a tailor-made project sustainably.

CONTACT

TOGETHER

Together we shape and implement the transition from traditional fulfillment to a hybrid model with you.

MEETING

Start the transformation process: Let us analyse your current situation together

START

and then develop a tailor-made strategy for your future in fulfillment model based on that.

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