If you’ve ever wondered why some dropshipping stores quietly grow into full-fledged brands while others disappear after a few lucky sales, this episode is for you. Megan dives into the strategies that separate sustainable businesses from one-hit wonders. This episode goes beyond “what to sell” and digs into “how to build”, exploring how pros turn storefronts into experiences, brands into relationships, and data into long-term growth.

Through real-world examples like Sarah, who transformed her struggling gadget shop into a thriving brand by focusing on storytelling, and Ethan, who learned how pricing perception can make or break a sale, Megan breaks down how the best dropshippers think differently. You’ll discover why branding is more than a logo, how to test your way to better performance, and why the fastest way to scale is to stop guessing and start measuring. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned seller, this episode will help you see your store not as a side hustle, but as a brand worth building.

Chapters
[Start] Introduction & The Branding Breakdown: Why your store might be turning customers away without even knowing it. 
00:59 The 5-Second Test: A simple exercise to evaluate whether your site is clear, compelling, and brand-aligned.
01:48 Sarah’s Pivot & The Branding Equation: How one seller transformed her site (and her conversion rate) by telling a better story.
02:44 Branded Touchpoints & Storytelling: The small brand moments that build loyalty beyond the checkout page.
03:47 Data-Driven Dropshipping: The metrics that matter and why data (not gut instinct) is what separates amateurs from experts.

Links and Resources
Doba.com – Official site


Get Started with Doba! Use code “podcast” for 10% off your first month of the Monthly, Standard plan.


Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast? Email [email protected] and connect!

If you’ve ever launched a dropshipping store only to hear crickets, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. Megan breaks down what separates real, scalable business models from the short-lived hype. From evergreen product selection to lifestyle-focused merchandising, this is your no-BS blueprint for building something that lasts.

We explore the myths, mistakes, and mindset shifts that every dropshipper needs to stay in the game, from chasing trends to building relevance, from gimmicks to products with true staying power.

Chapters
[Start] The Myth of Easy: Why the low barrier to entry in dropshipping is a double-edged sword.
00:59 What the Pros Do Differently: Why successful sellers treat their store like a brand, not a bet.
01:46 Strategy #1: Choose Products with Staying Power: The “Selfie Spoon” story, the rule of relevance, and how to find products that solve real problems.
04:44 Problem Solvers vs. Pleasure Seekers: How the best-performing SKUs blend emotional appeal with practical use.
06:41 Predicting Demand Like a Pro: How to read category momentum, analyze product velocity, and stay ahead of trends using Doba’s platform optimization tools and supplier data.

Links and Resources:

Doba.com – Official site


Get Started with Doba! Use code “podcast” for 10% off your first month of the Monthly, Standard plan.


Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast?
Email [email protected] and connect!

In Part 2 of Megan’s conversation with Pez Elial, longtime Doba supplier, ecommerce coach, and founder of Pezlogic, the two break down the tactical side of building a profitable online store. From finding the right niche to pricing with precision, Pez reveals the exact formulas, metrics, and marketplace insights that separate casual sellers from consistent earners.

Following Part 1, this episode dives into the mechanics: how to test product ideas, which platforms are driving the highest ROI right now, and why three overlooked margins can make or break your bottom line. Whether you’re launching your first Shopify store or fine-tuning an established business, this conversation gives you a clear roadmap for growth, rooted in data, not guesswork.

Chapters
Start] Setting the Stage: Megan recaps Part 1 and previews this episode’s focus on product selection, pricing strategy, and profit margins.
01:51 The Art of Product Discovery: Pez explains how to identify trending products and pair timing with problem-solving for long-term success.
03:48 Platforms that Pay: A look at TikTok, Temu, and other fast-growing marketplaces delivering strong ROI for modern sellers.
05:26 Pricing That Protects Profit: Pez breaks down his three-margin formula for sustainable growth—and why skipping one can sink your store.
14:32 Tracking What Matters: The essential KPIs every ecommerce entrepreneur should monitor daily to stay ahead of trends and costs.

Links and Resources:

• Doba.com – Official site
• PezLogic Website
• Start an Online Business – Masterclass
  
  

Get Started with Doba! 
Use code “podcast” for 10% off your first month of the Monthly, Standard plan.

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast?
Email [email protected] and connect!

Let’s get loud—because today’s a big one. For the first time ever on Drop That Ship, Megan welcomes a guest to the mic. Meet Pez Elias: a long-time Doba supplier, e-commerce coach, and tactical gear overlord. In Part 1 of their conversation, Pez breaks down his path from retailer to supplier, reveals why dropshipping is very much alive, and shares how he’d build a brand-new store from scratch today with only $500.

If you’ve ever asked “Is dropshipping dead?” or felt lost trying to pick your first product, this is the episode to reset your expectations and rewire your approach. Whether you’re a side hustler or scaling to 7 figures, this conversation will shift how you think about inventory, e-commerce, and what it really means to build a scalable, sustainable dropshipping business.

Chapters
[Start] Welcome to Our First Guest: Megan introduces Pez Elias and sets the tone for a candid, advice-packed episode.
00:45 From Skeptic to Supplier: Pez shares how he stumbled into dropshipping before it was cool—and why being told "no" actually helped him build a stronger business.
08:00 Dropshipping Isn’t Dead (But Your Strategy Might Be): Debunking common myths, Pez makes the case for dropshipping as a legit model used by both small shops and billion-dollar brands.
12:00 The $500 Challenge: Pez walks through what he’d do if he were launching a store today with just $500—including product strategy, mindset, and common pitfalls.

Links and Resources:

• Doba.com – Official site
• PezLogic Website
• Start an Online Business – Masterclass
  
  

Get Started with Doba! 
Use code “podcast” for 10% off your first month of the Monthly, Standard plan.

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast?
Email [email protected] and connect!

In ecommerce, first impressions don’t happen when customers click “Buy Now”—they happen when the box hits their doorstep. In this episode, Megan Hansel gets tactical, building on last episode’s exploration of unboxing psychology to deliver a hands-on playbook for turning everyday orders into lasting relationships. From supplier selection to follow-up strategy, she maps out eight actionable steps any dropshipper can take to transform the most overlooked moment in the customer journey into their strongest growth engine.

Whether you’re running a lean storefront or scaling a multi-channel operation, this episode shows how to compete on experience, not excess. Megan walks through the systems and automations that make professional fulfillment possible for scrappy sellers—without warehouses, pallets, or guesswork. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly, set honest expectations, and build loyalty through small touches that compound over time. This is where ecommerce stops being transactional and starts being memorable.

Chapters
[Start] The Real Work Begins: Megan recaps Part 1 and outlines why unboxing is the moment that defines customer loyalty.
00:34 The Eight-Step Unboxing Playbook: Practical moves every seller can take this week, from choosing better suppliers to crafting clear communication.
02:42 Why Doba Makes It Possible: A deep dive into how Doba’s automation, AI tools, and U.S.-based suppliers help you scale without chaos.
04:11 Turning Chaos into Confidence: How to fix fulfillment headaches, strengthen customer trust, and make joy your competitive edge.
05:25 Your Next Move: Megan’s challenge: implement one improvement before your next order ships, and watch the impact.

Links and Resources

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast – 10% off your first month of the Monthly Standard plan
• Amazon New Releases Page – Explore live examples
• Google Trends – Spot rising product interest
• TikTok Trends – See what’s going viral now

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast? 
Email [email protected] and connect! Tags

In ecommerce, the sale doesn’t end when someone clicks “Buy Now.” It ends when they open the box—and feel something. In this first episode of a two-part series, Megan Hansel unpacks why the unboxing experience can make or break a dropshipping business. From dopamine hits to TikTok trends, she explores the psychology, emotion, and strategy behind turning a simple delivery into a powerful brand moment.

You’ll hear why packaging is far more than tape and cardboard, how even scrappy sellers can deliver joy without custom boxes, and what small shifts transform a routine shipment into a marketing engine. Whether you’re shipping from your garage or scaling through automation, this episode will change how you think about every order that leaves your store.

Chapters
[Start] The Real Finish Line in Ecommerce: Megan explains why the customer journey doesn’t end at checkout—and why “satisfied” beats “shipped.
01:07  The Tale of Two Customers: A story of Ashley and Jordan reveals how packaging and communication shape loyalty and repeat sales.
02:18  The Psychology of Unboxing: From dopamine to ritual, Megan dives into why people love the moment of opening a package—and how it drives behavior.
03:10  Competing Through Experience: Even without custom branding, dropshippers can create joy and trust by owning the parts of the experience they control.
04:36  What’s Next: The Eight-Step Playbook: A preview of Part 2, where Megan shares systems for crafting repeatable, brand-building unboxing experiences.

Links and Resources

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast – 10% off your first month of the Pro or Business plan
• Amazon New Releases Page – Explore live examples
• Google Trends – Spot rising product interest
• TikTok Trends – See what’s going viral now

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast? 
Email [email protected] and connect!

Selling on Amazon is never as simple as listing a product and waiting for the sales to roll in. In this second part of our series, host Megan Hansel takes listeners beyond the “open secret” of New Releases and straight into the gritty realities that make or break a launch. From the ticking clock of the honeymoon period to inventory nightmares and the dreaded race for reviews, this episode lays out the risks entrepreneurs can’t afford to ignore, and the strategies that let scrappy sellers thrive where others stall out.


You’ll hear why Amazon doesn’t give second chances, how smart entrepreneurs use tools like TikTok and Google Trends to spot waves before they break, and why dropshipping remains a safety net for lean, fast-moving sellers. Most importantly, Megan reveals how Doba’s platform connects the dots between data, suppliers, and fulfillment, turning guesswork into strategy and giving entrepreneurs a real edge in the chaotic world of New Releases. 


Chapters
[Start] The Hidden Risks of New Releases: Why the honeymoon period is short, unforgiving, and what happens if you launch without precision.
01:16 The Four Big Challenges: Inventory disasters, competition, and the Everest-sized hurdle of getting that first review.
02:28 Winning Strategies for Launch: From PPC ads to influencer unboxings, learn how to engineer momentum and build social proof fast.
03:15 How Doba Changes the Game: Speed, intelligence, and flexibility—how Doba’s suppliers and AI tools give sellers a real edge.
06:00 Freedom, Not Chaos: Automation, agility, and the confidence of knowing you’re ahead of the trend, not scrambling behind it.

Links and Resources

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast – 10% off your first month of the Pro or Business plan
• Amazon New Releases Page – Explore live examples
• Google Trends – Spot rising product interest
• TikTok Trends – See what’s going viral now

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast? 
Email [email protected] and connect! 

Selling on Amazon can feel like shouting into the void—millions of sellers, endless noise, and everyone chasing the same “secret” strategies. In this first part of our two‑part series, Megan Hansel pulls back the curtain on Amazon’s best‑kept open secret: the New Releases section. This is where trends are born, where algorithms give new products a honeymoon boost, and where small sellers can actually catch lightning in a bottle.

You’ll learn why the “new” tag is more than a badge, how shopper psychology makes novelty irresistible, and the three major advantages you unlock when you launch into New Releases. If you’re ready to move past cookie‑cutter tactics and tap into Amazon’s fastest‑moving playground, this is where it starts.

Chapters
[Start] The Amazon Noise Problem: Why most sellers feel invisible and why the “guru” playbook doesn’t work.
00:46 The Secret Passage: New Releases: How Amazon’s most dynamic section levels the playing field for small sellers.
01:56 Novelty Bias & Shopper Psychology: Why “new” products grab attention and convert faster than old standbys.
03:39 Three Big Advantages You’re Missing: Real‑time market validation, algorithmic love, and trend surfing explained.

Links and Resources

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast – 10% off your first month of the Pro or Business plan
• Amazon New Releases Page – Explore live examples
• Google Trends – Spot rising product interest
• TikTok Trends – See what’s going viral now

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast?
Email [email protected] and connect! 

In Part 2 of our tax series, we’re diving into the most powerful part of tax season: deductions. Megan walks through what dropshipping-related expenses you can write off (spoiler: it’s a lot), and how to do it in a way that won’t get you flagged by the IRS. You’ll learn how to categorize write-offs, track receipts like a pro, and turn business expenses into serious tax savings.

We’ll also hit quarterly taxes, when to hire a CPA (or when to let software do the job), and how to stress less with a smart filing system. This episode is equal parts practical and empowering—so you can stop dreading tax season and start seeing it as a legit strategy for growth.

Chapters:
[Start] Deduct Like a Boss: From Shopify fees to that Canva subscription—you’re leaving money on the table if you’re not tracking these.
00:48 Don’t Wing Your Write-Offs: How to document properly and why even small receipts matter.
4:00 Quarterly Taxes Without Tears: What they are, when they’re due, and how to avoid penalties.
04:28 Should You DIY or Call a CPA?: Software tools vs. pros—and why peace of mind is a valid business expense.

Links and Resources:

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast – 10% off your first month of the Pro or Business plan
• QuickBooks
• Wave
• Keeper Tax 
• TurboTax Self-Employed
• TaxSlayer

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast? Email [email protected] and connect!

Tax season doesn’t have to suck. Follow along as Megan walks you through how to get your dropshipping business registered, compliant, and actually prepared to file without crying into your receipts. From sole proprietorships and LLCs to EINs, business bank accounts, and sales tax basics, you’ll learn how to keep your setup clean and scalable.

We’ll also talk about why good recordkeeping is your secret weapon, how tools like TaxJar or Avalara can save you from sales tax meltdowns, and what to expect when it’s time to report income. 

Chapters:
[Start] Business Setup Without the Jargon: Sole proprietorship vs. LLC, EINs, and how to avoid paying $100 for something that’s free.
01:46 Banking Like a Pro: Why mixing business and personal accounts is a one-way ticket to stress—and what to do instead.
02:25 Sales Tax Made Slightly Less Awful: Understanding physical vs. economic nexus and how to automate the worst parts.
03:35 Reporting Your Income Without Panic: The tools, forms, and tracking habits that make tax time manageable, not monstrous.

Links and Resources:

• Doba.com – Official site
• Discount code: podcast-doba – 10% off your first month of the Pro or Business plan

Inquiries about partnerships? Want to join Megan on the podcast?
Email [email protected] and connect!