Is Dropshipping Worth It? (2024 updated)

Dropshipping — the eCommerce sensation!

It’s a business model that’s been used by thousands of entrepreneurs to kick-start their eCommerce journey, and thousands of Shopify store owners are still using it.

But the crucial question is:

Is Dropshipping Worth it in 2024?

Yes—it’s worth it as long as you do it the right way.

Dropshipping vs Traditional eCommerce Comparison

Learn more: Dropshipping vs Wholesale - Discovering The Most Lucrative Business Strategy

Why is Dropshipping So Popular?

The dropshipping business model has become one of the most widely-used eCommerce models because it’s very beginner-friendly and relatively easy to start with a reasonable budget.

Also, data suggest that the pandemic has played a positive role in the growth and popularity of dropshipping businesses. Approximately 62% of U.S. adults surveyed stated they were visiting physical stores less frequently, while an additional 52% reported an increase in online shopping activity. 

After the pandemic subsides, this model continued to hold a strong place in consumers' preferences, ensuring a bright future for the dropshipping industry.

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Is Shopify Dropshipping Still Profitable?

When it comes to profitability, it mainly depends on business-to-business. When outsourcing the fulfillment and shipping process to a supplier, you may cut off some portion of your profit margin.

However, if you look at it from the perspective of ease of doing the business, it’s also worth the cost because they’re taking care of some heavy lifting, i.e., inventory management and the fulfillment process.

But if someone asks if dropshipping is dead, the answer is certainly “NO”. There are many profitable dropshipping businesses at the present time. That said, making your dropshipping business profitable is mostly up to you.

If you’re looking for motivation or real Shopify dropshipping results, FreshHoods is a great example. This Shopify dropshipping store has been making 6-figure revenue and 5-figure profit.

The brand placed its listing on Flippa (an eCommerce marketplace) for a whopping price of USD $5,500,000 as they're looking to shift their focus to B2B (Business-to-Business) and data-first company.

Is Dropshipping Legal?

Although this is a very broad question, in general terms, Yes—dropshipping is a legally acceptable business model.

Dropshipping model isn’t any wrong practice by any means. It’s just a retail business model where the dropshipper acts as an intermediary between the customer and the supplier, which is basically what’s been done by all brick-and-mortar retailers for years and years. Dropshipping is just its online version.

That said, you may need to check the laws and regulations in your country or where you want to sell your products. There could be certain types of products that may not be legally allowed to be sold. If you’re not sure about anything, it’s always advisable to consult with a legal professional.

What are the Pros & Cons of Dropshipping

Whether it’s dropshipping, traditional eCommerce, or brick-and-mortar business - all of them have their own benefits that come along with some challenges as well. So, let’s see the key benefits and drawbacks of the dropshipping business model.

Pros of Dropshipping Business Model:

• Easy to Start

One of the main reasons why so many people choose dropshipping to begin their entrepreneurial journey is its ease of getting started. Creating a Shopify store and setting up a dropshipping business is a fairly easy process even if you don’t have any experience with the same.

• No Need to Manage Inventory

You don’t need to buy or manage inventory. Just pay the supplier as you receive the orders on your store and it’s really helpful to manage your business with a small budget. Also, since you’re not managing the inventory, you don’t need to be worried about maintaining your products in a good condition when it’s in the warehouse.

• Requires Lower Investment

Dropshipping business can be started with a low investment because you do not require to purchase inventory or invest any capital into a warehouse or fulfillment facility.

Important note: Just to be clear, it is not to say that dropshipping can be started with no money. Don’t fall into that trap. It will require money, so be prepared with a reasonable budget to manage your Shopify bills, advertising and marketing costs, and other miscellaneous costs.

• Allows You to Try Different Products

Dropshipping business model is very flexible in the sense that you can test the different products before finalizing which ones you want to sell on your store. You don’t need to buy bulk inventory and that reduces the huge risk. If one product fails, you can switch to another one, post doing some more market research and testing.

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Cons of Dropshipping Business Model:

• High Competition in the Market

It’s quite obvious that since it's a popular business model, you may also have to face competition from many similar businesses in the market. Also, it’s possible that your supplier may be selling the same product to other store owners as well, meaning the same product could be sold by many stores. 

• Limited Control Over Quality

One of the biggest challenges with dropshipping is that you can’t totally control the quality of your products. Sometimes, it may happen that you can come to know an issue when you receive feedback from your customers. And that’s why it’s very important to find a reliable supplier who can deliver quality on a consistent basis.

• Lower Profit Margin

Dropshipping businesses can be profitable. But we still can’t neglect the fact that you do have to pay a certain price for handing over the production, inventory management, and shipping to a third party. After all, they also need to keep their margin. So, it reduces your profit margin to some extent.

• Less Potential of Building a Brand

As we discussed before, it’s possible that customers can get the same product from other stores as well. Also, depending on your supplier, it may or may not be possible to put your branding (brand name and logo) on the product packaging. All these factors make it difficult to build your brand. 

• Inventory Tracking Can be an Issue:

While some dropshipping suppliers may provide you a real-time inventory tracking, it can’t be as good as tracking inventory in your own warehouse. You don’t want to run out of stock especially when your product is in high demand. However, you need to rely on the supplier to keep enough inventory in stock to manage your orders.

Dropshipping Tips to Make it Profitable

• Select the Best Shopify Dropshipping App

• Shopify dropshipping apps help you source products from different suppliers and some of these apps supply products by themselves.
• Some of the popular Shopify dropshipping apps include DSers‑AliExpress Dropshipping, CJdropshipping, Spocket ‑ US & EU Dropshipping, and Zendrop ‑ Global Dropshipping. 
• If you're looking to start a "Print on Demand" dropshipping business, you can check out Shopify apps like Printful, Printify, Gelato, and SPOD. 
• If you're looking to sell jewelry products, you can check out the ShineOn: Print On Demand app.

Learn more: 10+ Best Shopify Dropshipping Apps in 2024

When you search the keyword “dropshipping” in the search bar of the Shopify App Store, you will find many different apps that are relevant. You can review their features, ratings, and reviews to choose the best app for your dropshipping business.

• Build Business Around a Specific Niche

• You may either create a general dropshipping store and sell all sorts of products for everyone or you can create a niche-specific store. 
• While it may sound tempting to sell many different products that are trending in the market, it’s better to build your dropshipping business around a specific niche.
• It helps you to channel your marketing and advertising efforts in a certain direction and get a better return on investment (ROI).

• Create a solid Customer Acquisition Strategy

• When starting a new online store, it’s quite challenging to bring traffic to your website. You need to have a robust customer acquisition strategy in place even before your launch your store.
• You may look into the budget required for paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Google.
• Create cost-effect marketing strategies such as content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, etc. 
• Also, you can take advantage of Shopify Collabs to take help from influencers to promote your products.

• Work on Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• This applies to not just dropshipping stores but to any online store. SEO is one of the most important elements to bring organic traffic to your Shopify store.
• To enhance your store’s SEO, you need to work on your store’s content, proper use of keywords, image optimization, speed optimization, etc.

• Invest in Creating a Premium Website Design

• Invest time and money to ensure that your digital storefront looks premium. If customers do not find your website appealing or trustworthy, they may exit your website even before checking any of your products.
• Thus, it’s imperative that you create a website design that looks professional and captivating. You may use GemPages to enhance your store’s design without writing a single line of code.
• GemPages can also help you create high-converting mobile landing pages to boost your dropshipping store’s conversion rates.

Learn more: Website Branding in eCommerce — a Complete Guide + Examples & Best Practices [2024]

Pro tip: To embark on your business, we offer an exclusive $1 package, including Start your business on Shopify - build your store with GemPages - Source products and fulfill orders with Dropshipman - Track orders with PacelPanel. Sign up for this package to ensure profit at the early stage.

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What are the Best Product Ideas for Dropshipping Business?

While dropshipping offers you the flexibility to sell a wide range of products, it can also be tough to decide what exactly to sell on your store.

Before we jump into the list of specific product ideas, let’s see the general logics that could help you to find products with the higher potential to increase your sales:

• Products Needed on a Recurring Basis:

There are certain products that we all need to replenish on a recurring basis. This can also give you the chance to build a subscription model in your business. For example, beauty and skincare products like face wash, shampoo, body wash, and make-up items are usually purchased on a repeated basis.

• Evergreen gift items:

There are several occasions throughout the year when people love to gift items to their loved ones. Some gift items could be needed only during specific seasons or holidays but there are other items that can be given as gifts no matter what season it is. 

For example, jewelry items can be gifted on several occasions throughout the year. Ring to Perfection is one of the Shopify stores that we’re reviewed and included in our list of Top Shopify Dropshipping Stores that you can learn from.

Rings to Perfection offers luxury jewelry products like bracelets, anklets, and rings to its customers at affordable prices.

• Products for Corporate Clients:

Just like individual customers require some products on a recurring basis, there are also some business clients that require certain products on a regular basis. For example, if you’re selling stationery items to a business client, you can build a long-term relationship to get continuous business from them.

Also, there could be some products that they may not require on a repeated basis but in bulk quantity. For example, office tools or equipment.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the top product categories and examples for dropshipping businesses:

1. Digital Content Creation Tools:

Considering the increasing popularity of digital content creation, you have a great opportunity to sell products that are specifically produced for such content creators. For example, many content creators require ring lights for creating video content that they publish on different platforms. 

Here are some of the products in this category: Portable chargers, tripods, microphones, camera lenses, backdrops, etc.

2. Gaming Products:

Gaming products also offer you a wide range of products that are in high demand due to people’s love for gaming. Here are some examples of gaming products: Gaming keyboards and mice, gaming earphones, chairs, posture correctors, and so on.

3. Home Décor & Kitchen Items:

Home décor products also have a good market because we all love to see our homes look beautiful. Some examples of home décor items are clocks, posters, candle sticks, lighting, bedding, pillows, etc.

Also, kitchen items are something that people need to use in their day-to-day life and it makes their job easier. Here are some examples of kitchen tools that you can sell: Pop-up toasters, cookie cutters, vegetable cutters, foldable trash bins, etc.

Learn more: Best Home Decor Dropshipping Suppliers for Your Online Store

4. Women’s Clothing & Apparel Products:

We all know women love shopping. And if you want to sell clothing and apparel products, women are your best customers. Within this niche and product category, there are many different products that you could sell on your Shopify dropshipping store.

Here are some of the products in this category: Crop tops, dresses, leggings, lingeries, one-piece swimwear, and the list goes on and on.

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FAQs about Dropshipping

Is dropshipping good for beginners?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, dropshipping is one of the best eCommerce business models for beginners. Since dropshipping allows the business owner to sell products without buying inventory in advance, new entrepreneurs can experiment with different products without making a huge investment or taking any major risks.

Is $100 enough to start dropshipping?

Technically, you can start a dropshipping business with as small an amount as $100. But, it’s quite difficult to build and grow your business with such a little budget. It’s advisable to have a budget of at least $1000-$2000 for the initial 5-6 months to manage your Shopify bills, other business expenses, and especially the advertising and marketing costs. Having enough budget will help you run the business smoothly.

Can you dropship with no experience?

Yes, you definitely can. While experience is an important factor in any field, it’s not a compulsory aspect to start a dropshipping business. You can literally start your dropshipping business with zero experience and learn as you build your business.

How many hours do dropshippers work?

In the initial phase, you should be willing to spend around 15-30 hours a week setting up your business and making things work. Over time, and as you grow your business, you may reduce your work hours with experience and by outsourcing some of the less critical activities.

How long can it take to become successful in dropshipping?

Typically, it may take up to 12 months to be successful in a dropshipping business. It is not to say that you have to spend 12 months before you can be profitable. Of course, it depends on how much effort and money you put into your business. Depending on those factors, it may take even less or more than 12 months.