This episode explores a challenge most manufacturers know all too well: creating exceptional products yet struggling to get them into customers’ hands. Through vivid storytelling, Megan Hansel discusses the unseen emotional and financial toll of building something great in a system that wasn’t designed for small or mid-sized makers. Listeners face the reality that product quality doesn’t guarantee visibility and that traditional retail models often create barriers instead of opportunities.
Megan then shifts the focus to a new path forward: using dropshipping not as a trend, but as a modern distribution strategy that reduces friction, increases exposure, and creates momentum for manufacturers. Explore how dropshipping flips the traditional power dynamic, allowing small suppliers to reach customers who want great products without buying in bulk.
Chapters[Start] The Reality of Making Great Products: Megan addresses many struggles manufacturers face: limited access, distribution bottlenecks, and the emotional weight of slow-moving inventory.
05:36 The Distribution Dilemma: Reasons why traditional wholesale, retail, and online marketplaces often fail small suppliers.
07:30 A Look at Dropshipping: A clear explanation of dropshipping as a logistics and accessibility strategy.
09:56 Real Stories of Supplier Success: Case studies showing how dropshipping through Doba created long-term momentum.
14:27 The Doba Difference: How Doba supports suppliers with visibility, automation, compliance, control features, and a large network of reliable resellers.
Links and Resources: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 mhansel@doba.com and connect! 
