Launching a dropshipping store on Shopify is straightforward for new and established businesses. Shopify tools and apps handle inventory management, freeing you to focus on sales and growing your brand.
Use one of three methods to start dropshipping on Shopify:
- Connect your store to an automated dropshipping app.
- Partner directly with a supplier and manage your products using Shopify.
- Add items to your existing product line with Shopify Collective.
As you dive into your chosen method, you’ll encounter challenges unique to your business. Remember, how you overcome these obstacles will define your dropshipping journey and shape your success.
1. How to use dropshipping apps on Shopify
Dropshipping apps designed for Shopify make it simple to start a dropshipping business. These apps connect your Shopify store with a network of suppliers to streamline order management.
Use a dropshipping app to find products, import product details into your store, and send order information to the supplier for packing and shipping.
Most apps include features for monitoring delivery progress to help your provide better customer support.
Key points about dropshipping apps
- Download and connect a dropshipping app to start selling quickly.
- Automatically import products to your store and send orders to the supplier.
- Choose from a variety of dropshipping apps.
- Partner with multiple suppliers to sell a range of products.
Essentially, dropshipping apps make a wide selection of products accessible to sellers who don’t have existing relationships with suppliers.
This accessibility brings benefits and challenges, such as competition from other dropshippers selling the same products.
Many dropshipping apps connect stores to overseas supplier networks such as AliExpress. For sellers, this increases product selection and lowers prices, but also leads to longer shipping times that may impact the customer experience.
How to dropship using an app
Follow these steps to start dropshipping with an app and your Shopify store.
1. Create a store
Start a free trial and create your Shopify store. Follow the onboarding process to set up essential features like a homepage, product pages, and menu navigation.
If you don’t already own a domain address, register a domain that fits your niche and matches your store’s name.
2. Customize your store
Shopify’s professionally designed themes give you a headstart with store design—many popular themes are free. Select a theme that matches your desired layout.
Brand your website with a color scheme, create a logo, set up your checkout, and populate your pages with basic copy and images.
At this stage, don’t invest too much time in your store’s appearance. When your dropshipping business is up and running, draw inspiration from other stores and learn how to get the most from the website builder.
3. Download and connect a dropshipping app
Choose a dropshipping app that links your store with suppliers stocking the products you want to sell. To pick an app, consider factors like supplier location, product range, and feedback from other dropshippers.
Your supplier will handle inventory, order processing, and delivery to customers—making your choice of app important. Do thorough research and consider testing a few product samples for quality assurance before making a final decision.
Once you’ve selected an app, download it and connect to your store.
4. Optimize product pages
As you import products from your dropshipping app, your store will autofill with product details and images.
Don’t rely on the default descriptions and images provided by your supplier. Edit product information in the dashboard to engage shoppers with original content that helps them decide to make a purchase.
Shopify’s built-in AI tools can enhance your product pages. Improve product descriptions with search-engine-friendly content suited to your target audience, and transform product photos through AI-enhanced image editing.
Click the star icon whenever it appears in the store builder to use AI powered by Shopify Magic.
When refining product pages, don’t forget to price your products competitively while ensuring a profit margin for each sale.
Recommended dropshipping apps
Try these apps to dropship products from AliExpress and other supplier networks:
DSers
Dropshippers use DSers to source and sell items from global marketplace AliExpress. Helpful features include the Supplier Optimizer, which identifies multiple suppliers for the same product to keep stock levels stable if one supplier faces issues.
Spocket
Use Spocket to source products from US, European, and international suppliers. The app features a large product selection and is an official partner of AliExpress and Alibaba. Sprocket allows you to order product samples to check quality before listing them in your store.
Modalyst
Modalyst offers access to independent manufacturers and high-end brands like Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana, with suppliers from China, Europe, India, and the US.
AutoDS
AutoDS is an all-in-one dropshipping solution for product selection, customer delivery, and managing returns. Import products from multiple marketplaces including Amazon, Alibaba, CJdropshipping, Walmart, and AliExpress.
Zendrop
Zendrop enhances customer unboxing experiences with options for custom packaging and personalized thank-you cards. The product bundling feature lets you create unique listings by combining multiple products.
2. How to dropship directly from a supplier
Partnering directly with a supplier can offer more control than a dropshipping app. This dropshipping method involves building relationships with suppliers and using Shopify to showcase and sell products.
Each dropshipping supplier has its own operating process. Some provide online platforms where dropshippers can search a product catalog. Others negotiate custom deals with each retail partner.
Key points about partnering with a supplier
- Build relationships to create opportunities for product customization.
- Negotiate bespoke pricing and fulfillment agreements.
- Become a supplier’s preferred or exclusive partner.
As your store gains recognition in your dropshipping niche, suppliers may reach out to establish relationships. This can lead to priority treatment and negotiation opportunities.
At the same time, direct supplier partnerships require more manual coordination. You may encounter complex logistics when routing orders, and will need to source alternative suppliers when one runs out of stock.
How to find a dropshipping supplier
As you research suppliers within your niche, develop criteria for your needs. Delivery speed is a key customer satisfaction factor, so you might prioritize domestic suppliers located near your customers.
Try to work with suppliers that store items near common customer locations for fast order fulfillment. If managing multiple suppliers, use automation rules to route orders to the nearest supplier with items in stock.
Your supplier’s inventory limits the products you can dropship, so invest time to find a reliable partner. Read reviews from other sellers and pay attention to complaints about product availability. Here are some starting points:
When your store grows and order volume increases, invite suppliers to outbid each other and improve your profit margin.
Print-on-demand and private-label dropshipping suppliers
One challenge with traditional dropshipping is that other stores may sell the same products. This can force you to lower prices to stay competitive.
Print-on-demand and private-label dropshipping lets you create unique, branded versions of t-shirts, tote bags, household items, and more.
This approach helps your store avoid direct price competition while keeping the benefits of dropshipping’s no-inventory model.
Print-on-demand apps
If print on demand sounds interesting, check out these print-on-demand companies from the Shopify App Store:
- Printify: Use the mockup generator to create products with global providers.
- Printful: Catalog includes home, garden, and sports products.
- Gooten: Over 50 manufacturers in more than 70 locations.
3. How to dropship with Shopify Collective
Shopify merchants looking to grow their product range can use Shopify Collective to sell in partnership with other Shopify brands. With Collective, you list and sell products from another Shopify store, while your partner store fulfills orders as they come in.
Key points about Shopify Collective
- Increase average order value by listing complementary products in your store.
- Attract new customers by expanding into related product categories without buying stock.
- Grow your product catalog with no inventory costs or risks.
- Discover and connect with new brands right in Shopify.
If you combine dropshipping with traditional retail models, you can also use collective to become a supplier and sell your products through like-minded US Shopify stores.
Using Shopify Collective
Eligible merchants can download the Shopify Collective app and start making connections from the Shopify admin. Browse supplier products to discover new partners, or invite your existing partners to connect with you on the platform.
Once connected, suppliers provide product pricing lists for you to review. Selected products are imported directly into your store, complete with product details and inventory information.
Customers can buy products from your store using a single cart powered by Shopify Payments for a fast yet branded checkout experience.
After orders flow through to your partner store, Shopify Collective automatically distributes payments to each store upon fulfillment.
More Shopify tools for dropshipping
Dropshipping on Shopify doesn’t end with supplier apps and the store builder. Use Shopify’s marketing, support, and data tools to grow your dropshipping business and stay competitive.
Harness customer data
Understanding customers is key to making informed decisions and creating a brand voice that resonates. Shopify analytics offers insights through more than 60 detailed reports on your website’s visitors, sales, and marketing campaigns.
Use the reports to gain clarity on your most popular products and the marketing content that drives people to your store (and persuades them to click Add to Cart).
Refine your understanding of your target audience by using Shopify reports to answer questions like:
- What types of marketing content engage my audience?
- Which products keep customers coming back?
- Where do my site visitors come from and what devices do they use?
- What product features do my customers care about most?
- What brands does my audience prefer?
Enhance customer support
While dropshippers don’t handle inventory, they are the primary touchpoint for customer support. Poor handling of customers, especially those with complaints, can lead to negative reviews and high return rates.
Repeated issues with products and delivery may signal the need to find a new supplier. But plan for occasional errors and develop a response that includes:
- Owning the issue: Apologize to the customer and explain the solution.
- Compensating the customer: Offer a refund, exchange, or product upgrade.
- Involving the supplier: A good supplier should cover the cost of mistakes.
Enhance customer support by using Shopify Inbox to create a chat feature for your store. Start conversations with automated greetings, let customers know when you’re available, and easily follow up with issues via email.
Consider adding customer reviews to your product pages with a social proof app. Build trust by letting shoppers see product reviews from third-party suppliers and leave comments.
Reach across channels
In competitive niches, a marketing strategy helps you reach customers before your competitors.
Use multiple marketing channels, such as social media and email, to promote your brand and drive traffic to your store.
When someone signs up for your email newsletter, they’re indicating an interest in your products. Use Shopify Email to nurture that lead with tailored content.
Choose from templates, pull branding and products directly from your store, and automate emails to trigger at the right moment.
Email marketing opens up an ongoing conversation with your customers. Manage your emails within Shopify to see useful metrics and refine your next message.
Social media
Social media marketing is a great way to expand your business. Paid social ads have adjustable budgets to keep costs manageable. Audiences are segmented by interests, online behavior, and the accounts they follow, so you can target users likely to be interested in your products.
Even without an advertising budget, Shopify makes it easy to sell on social media. Install the Facebook and Instagram app to sync inventory and create shoppable posts so customers can buy products directly.
Start dropshipping on Shopify today
Get up and running quickly by creating a Shopify store and connecting dropshipping apps to find suppliers, customize products, and enhance your product pages.
As your dropshipping business grows, use Shopify’s marketing and customer data tools to stay in touch with shoppers and conquer your niche. Click here to start your dropshipping business.
How to dropship on Shopify FAQ
Is Shopify good for dropshipping?
Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform for dropshipping. Dropshipping apps designed for Shopify connect your store to dropshipping suppliers to import products and automate order fulfillment.
How profitable is Shopify dropshipping?
Dropshipping on Shopify can be profitable for individuals and businesses. Because products are only purchased after they are sold to a customer, the risk of overstocking or having unsold inventory is low. Typically, expenses include the cost of a Shopify plan, domain name, and marketing efforts. With effective management, these can be kept in balance to maximize profits.
Where can I find dropshipping suppliers on Shopify?
Can I dropship on Shopify with no inventory?
You don’t need to buy or store inventory when dropshipping on Shopify. Third-party dropshipping partners will manage products and fulfill orders as you send them, shipping items directly to customers.
