Drop shipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party, usually a wholesaler or manufacturer, who then ships it directly to the customer. This means the retailer never handles the product directly. This business model allows entrepreneurs to start an online store without the need for significant upfront investment in inventory. It also offers flexibility, as sellers can offer a wide range of products without worrying about storage or shipping logistics.