How to start dropshipping on Shopify

undraw order delivered re v4ab

19/10/2024

10 min

Bartosz Lewandowski

How to start dropshipping on Shopify

19/10/2024

10 min

Bartosz Lewandowski

undraw order delivered re v4ab

The dropshipping model is based on the collaboration between the store owner and suppliers who handle the storage and shipping of products. When a customer makes a purchase in an online store, the owner forwards the order to the supplier, who sends the product directly to the customer. This allows the store owner to avoid managing inventory and the risk of unsold products.

Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that simplifies the process of setting up online stores. With its intuitive interface and numerous dropshipping apps such as Matterhorn, Spocket, or Droplo, users can easily source products from multiple suppliers and manage them.

The first step to starting dropshipping on Shopify is to set up a store. Shopify allows customization of stores for different niches and target audiences. Once the store is launched, it can be integrated with dropshipping applications that allow importing and synchronizing products from approved suppliers, automating many processes.

One of the key advantages of dropshipping on Shopify is the ability to work with multiple suppliers, which minimizes the risk of dependency on a single source and provides customers with a greater variety of products. Successful dropshipping stores often use this diversification to create attractive offers tailored to the needs of different customers.

With the right strategy and tools, dropshipping on Shopify can be a profitable way to enter the e-commerce market, offering the ability to test new business ideas with minimal financial risk. Whether you are starting a new business or expanding an existing one, Shopify and its ecosystem of dropshipping suppliers provide an effective solution for achieving success.

Best dropshipping apps on Shopify

When starting dropshipping on Shopify, choosing the right tools is crucial for streamlining store management and increasing its profitability. Here is a list of top apps that will help automate and optimize the sales process, enhancing operational efficiency.

Matterhorn

Link to the app

Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 133947

Matterhorn specializes in women's fashion, offering over 32,000 products from European brands. It allows for quick import of clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as automatic stock synchronization. The app supports 13 languages and 10 currencies, making it ideal for stores selling in international markets.

Main advantages:

  1. Automated product import.
  2. Real-time inventory and price synchronization.
  3. Easy handling of wholesale and dropshipping orders.
  4. Support for multiple languages and currencies.
  5. Polish integrator with wholesalers.

Droplo

Link to the app

Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134006

Droplo is a versatile dropshipping tool that not only facilitates the selection and adding of products to the store but also automates the entire order handling process. It is the perfect solution for those who want to sell online, saving time and energy on daily operations.

Main advantages:

  1. Millions of top products
  2. Sales automation
  3. Dropshipping and B2B
  4. Instant synchronization
  5. Polish integrator
  6. Product name and description generation compliant with SEO
  7. Product translations into any language

Spocket: USA & EU Dropshipping

Link to the app Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134032

Spocket facilitates quick deliveries from suppliers in the USA, Europe, and other countries, along with order process automation. It offers attractive discounts, wholesale prices, and branded invoicing, which enhances customer loyalty and helps develop brand identity.

Key features:

  1. Fast shipping from the USA and Europe.
  2. Large discounts and no minimum orders.
  3. Invoice branding.
  4. Full order automation.
  5. 24/7 customer support.

Zendrop – Dropshipping & POD

Link to the app

Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134057

Zendrop is designed by dropshipping experts, offering access to millions of products, order automation, and quick shipping. Additionally, it allows for order personalization and eliminates issues related to AliExpress and Amazon.

Key benefits:

  1. Over a million available products.
  2. Sales process automation.
  3. Fast shipping.
  4. Order branding capabilities.
  5. Professional support.

DSers – AliExpress Dropshipping

Link to the app Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134115

DSers allow managing hundreds of orders simultaneously, offering automatic tracking of shipments and finding cheaper suppliers. The app supports managing multiple stores from a single account, increasing operational efficiency.

Key features:

  1. Supplier optimization for better margins.
  2. Product import and editing.
  3. Bulk order processing.
  4. Automatic shipment tracking.
  5. Managing multiple stores from a single account.

Dropshipman: Easy Dropshipping

Link to the app

Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134135

Dropshipman eliminates issues related to unreliable suppliers and slow shipping. The app allows importing products from AliExpress and Temu, offering access to millions of items, and also 24/7 customer support.

Main features:

  1. One-click import from AliExpress and Temu.
  2. Access to a million products.
  3. Guided implementation.
  4. 24/7 customer support.

Auto DS: US Dropshipping & POD

Link to the app Zrzut ekranu 2024-10-18 134159

AutoDS offers full automation of processes, from sourcing products to fulfilling orders, and its AI tools help optimize sales. The integrated platform provides products from top suppliers and also education through AutoDS Academy.

Main advantages:

  1. Automatic sourcing and import.
  2. AI-driven store.
  3. Wide selection of products from top suppliers.
  4. Product optimization features.
  5. AutoDS Academy for educational support.

Why sell in the Dropshipping model on Shopify?

Dropshipping on the Shopify platform is one of the simplest and most effective ways to start an e-commerce business without significant initial investments. With the dropshipping model, you don't have to worry about managing inventory, warehousing, or costs associated with unforeseen excess products. Shopify, on the other hand, provides an easy-to-use, intuitive platform that automates many aspects of store management, from supplier integration to payment processing.

With Shopify dropshipping, you can focus on marketing and brand development, while the entire logistics process—from product selection to order management to shipping—is handled by trusted suppliers. Moreover, Shopify offers a wide range of dropshipping applications that allow for seamless product additions, inventory synchronization, and order automation.

Selling in the dropshipping model on Shopify also offers the opportunity to test different market niches without bearing significant financial risk. It is the ideal solution for entrepreneurs who want to quickly scale their business by offering a wide range of products from suppliers around the world, while minimizing costs and risk associated with the traditional business model.

Common mistakes in Dropshipping and how to avoid them on Shopify

Although dropshipping on Shopify is a simple and popular business model, entrepreneurs often make mistakes that can affect their success. Fortunately, many of these mistakes can be avoided if you know what to look out for. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them so your Shopify dropshipping store runs smoothly and profitably.

Choosing the wrong suppliers

One of the most common problems in dropshipping is partnering with the wrong suppliers. Poor product quality, delayed shipments, and problems with product availability can discourage customers and negatively impact your reputation. Shopify offers many dropshipping applications that facilitate the selection of reliable suppliers, but not every supplier meets high standards.

How to avoid the mistake?

  1. Use platforms that offer supplier reviews, like Spocket, where you can check their ratings and opinions from other users.
  2. Order product samples to ensure their quality meets your and your customers' expectations.
  3. Ensure that suppliers offer realistic shipping times, especially if you're selling in international markets.

Lack of proper marketing

Many beginner entrepreneurs think that a dropshipping store on Shopify will "sell itself." Unfortunately, creating the store is just the beginning. Effective marketing is key to success. Without an appropriate marketing strategy, it will be challenging to attract customers and, thus, generate sales.

How to avoid the mistake?

  1. Use advertising tools like Facebook Ads or Google Ads to promote your products and reach your target audience.
  2. Don't just rely on selling other companies' products. Invest in building a recognizable brand, which will help you stand out from the competition.
  3. Ensure proper store positioning in search engines by using keywords, product descriptions, and blog content that address your customers' needs.

Too broad product offering

Some entrepreneurs fall into the trap of offering too broad an assortment. While it may seem that the more products, the better the chance of sales, managing a wide portfolio can be challenging. Customers may also feel overwhelmed by too much choice, leading to a lower conversion rate.

How to avoid the mistake?

  1. Choose a specific market niche and create an offering tailored to the specific needs of customers. This will not only simplify store management but also help build the image of an expert in the field.
  2. Test different product categories and observe which ones sell best. Based on this, gradually narrow your offer to the most profitable products.

Inappropriate product pricing

Incorrect pricing can lead to lost profits or deter potential customers. Some dropshipping stores set prices too low to attract customers but end up not being able to maintain proper margins. Conversely, too high prices can discourage purchase.

How to avoid the mistake?

  1. Ensure that the price includes not only the cost of the product but also shipping costs, marketing, and Shopify commissions.
  2. Regularly check prices at competing stores to adjust your offer to market realities.
  3. Try different pricing models, such as package pricing, discounts for larger purchases, or limited offers.

Neglecting customer service

In dropshipping, although the order and shipping process is automated, customer service is a crucial factor affecting the store's long-term success. Customers expect quick responses to their questions, helpful service, and post-sale support. Neglecting these aspects can lead to negative reviews and loss of customers.

How to avoid the mistake?

  1. Ensure that customers can contact you in various ways—via email, live chat, social media.
  2. Respond to customer inquiries as quickly as possible, and resolve order issues efficiently.
  3. Encourage customers to share reviews after purchase to continually improve your actions and gain the trust of future customers.

Summary

Dropshipping on Shopify offers huge opportunities, but like any business model, it requires appropriate preparation and avoiding common pitfalls. Being aware of the most common mistakes and implementing correct solutions will allow you not only to run the store smoothly but also to effectively scale your business. Choosing the right suppliers, focusing on marketing, automating processes, and excellent customer service are the keys to success in Shopify dropshipping.