So you’ve found the perfect product — or products — to start selling. You’ve got a solid marketing plan, a good grasp on your target consumer, and a professional, user-friendly interface that gives you an edge over the competition. But wait — how are you going to store and ship all of that inventory?

For many savvy online sellers, the answer is simple: “I’m not.”

Even if you’re new to the eCommerce game, we probably don’t need to sell you on the benefits of drop-shipping. Having the manufacturer ship the product directly from their facility to the customer makes a whole lot of sense, especially if you plan to sell oversized or bulky items, products with multiple options, or a diverse array of merchandise. You won’t have to come up with upfront payments for inventory, and you’ll also avoid paying potentially significant fees for warehousing and distribution.

Choosing drop-shipping as a fulfillment method may seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a dependable, accountable vendor requires some foresight. Below are some critical questions to ask a prospective drop-shipper before signing on the dotted line:

As an avid online shopper, I’m always amazed when I meet someone who has never made an eCommerce purchase. They’re a shrinking breed, but they do exist. Take my Aunt Nora, who scoffs at the idea of placing an Internet order from the comfort of her robe and slippers, choosing instead to fight throngs of crowds and stand in hour-long lines at Wal-Mart. And there are others just like her.

What do these people have against online shopping? With so much going for it—wider selections, enticing promotions, free or low shipping costs, and the convenience of doorstep delivery—it’s hard for a laptop lover like me to understand why anyone would choose traditional retail. But the truth is, when I stopped to listen, these brick-and-mortar devotees had some very real reasons for their reluctance to shop online—and by failing to address them, you may be missing out on a significant source of potential revenue.