Supply chain roles & networks · Core

Drop-shipping

Also called: dropshipping

ELI5

Fulfilling customer orders directly from a supplier rather than the seller's own inventory.

Used in conversation

“Can we show the capacity constraint behind drop-shipping?”

Pitch context

You will see “Drop-shipping” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches supply chain roles & networks.

Why it matters: In supply chain roles & networks, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.

Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16