You know that there’s a massive market for drop shipping businesses, but what if you’re unsure about what the best drop shipping business opportunities are for you? That’s why we’ve created this guide to start drop shipping businesses.
In this Shopify blog post, we’ll explore drop shipping as a way for entrepreneurs to create online stores that make money online without setting up any physical inventory of their own.
What is Shopify Dropshipping?
If you’ve never heard of dropshipping before, you’re not alone. Shopify’s goal is to make eCommerce easy for small business owners.
In an attempt to do this, the company has created a platform that lets merchants create online stores without coding knowledge or expertise in software development.
Dropshipping is a great option for entrepreneurs want to sell products online but don’t have the technical know-how. By using Shopify, an entrepreneur can create his own online store without worrying about the design and layout.
It is a low risk business model where the retailer doesn’t own any inventory. Instead, they take advantage of the dropshipping supplier. They use their product listing and product ordering tools to fulfill orders from third-party vendors who sell products through their platform. For better understanding, you can read our article How does Shopify Work: Essential Information for 2022.
Benefits of dropshipping business
Dropshipping business model is one of the hottest models for retailers and entrepreneurs. The benefits of dropshipping are pretty simple.
- It is easy to start your own dropshipping business.
- It is highly scalable and flexible, meaning you can get started with a minimal budget.
- You can set your prices, create your product listing, and market directly to your target audience.
- It allows you to make money without having to invest in inventory, and
- You don’t need a physical storefront. That means you can sell your products from anywhere. It allows you to sell online from any location, 24 hours a day.
- You can start modestly and grow as you learn and gain experience.
- No need to worry about delivery.
 >> Get your Shopify store here!
Cons of dropshipping
- Low Margins: Because you’re selling someone else’s product, you typically don’t make as much profit on each item sold as you would if you were selling your own product.
- No Control Over Quality: When you dropship products from a supplier, you’re at the mercy of their quality control. If they send your customers shipment of low-quality products, it can reflect negatively on your business.
- Limited Selection: Since you’re limited to what your supplier offers, you may not be able to find the exact items your customers are looking for. This can lead to lost sales and disappointed customers.
- Difficult to find trustworthy Suppliers: It can be difficult to find trustworthy suppliers for your dropshipping products.
The difference between dropshipping and traditional eCommerce
Dropshipping business ideas are a fairly new concept for small entrepreneurs looking to jump into online business.
Dropshipping is a profitable business model in which an online merchant sells products from a third-party retailer rather than a brick-and-mortar store. With this business model, the retailer simply acts as a middleman between consumers and suppliers. Customers purchase products directly from the retailer, but the products are shipped from a third-party supplier.
In traditional eCommerce, the merchant sells directly to the customer. But online dropshipping business, as the name implies, allows you to sell a product or service without having a physical storefront. In other words, you don’t have to own a warehouse or even rent space in a retail building.
Step by step process on how to get started with Shopify Dropshipping
Getting started with Shopify dropshipping is straightforward.
Step1: Identify Your Dropshipping Niche
Identifying your dropshipping niche is the foundation of your business, so it’s important to choose something you have knowledge and passion for.
Niche selection is vital for dropshipping businesses. A niche is a group of customers with similar interests or needs. When selecting a niche, it’s essential to consider what you’re good at and interested in.
Step2: Create Your Own Drop Shipping Business
Once you’ve identified your niche, the next step is to create your own drop shipping business. This will require Shopify registration and a Shopify store. You can either create your store or use a free Shopify theme.
If you want to create your store, you’ll need to design it yourself or hire a designer. If you decide to use a free Shopify theme, there are several themes to choose from that allow you to set up an online store without any coding knowledge or expertise in software development.
Read Shopify Dropshipping Business Guide: The Ultimate Solution 2022.
Step3: Choose a Product
The next step is to choose a product. There are a few things to consider when selecting a product, such as:
- Product’s price and quality
- Shipping cost
- Supplier’s reputation
- How widespread the product is
Read our article Finding Winning Products: Dropshipping in 2022. Google trends data are also beneficial to find new dropshipping business ideas. In case you do not know how to use Google Trends, then read Dropshipping: 12 Secret Tips for Using Google Trends 2022.
Step4: Find reliable dropshipping suppliers
The most vital step is to find reliable suppliers. This will require some research and time, but it’s vital to find a supplier you can trust. Read our article 10 Indicators to Spot the Best Dropshipping Suppliers.
Once you’ve found a few suitable suppliers, reach out and request a sample product to test. It will be helpful to read our article How to Test Products for Dropshipping: All-in-one Tips and Tricks.
Step5: Set Up Product Feeds and Upload Your Products
The next step is to set up product feeds and upload your products. Product feeds are XML files that contain all the necessary information about your products, such as product name, description, price, image, etc.
Most Shopify themes come with built-in product feed support. If your theme doesn’t have built-in support, you can use a Shopify app to create and manage your product feeds. You need to write a product description that will make people want to buy the product. To help you with that, we have a post on Product Description Writing for Shopify: Top 10 Tips and Tricks.
Step6: Market Your Shopify store
The last step is to market your Shopify store and start generating traffic. There are several ways to generate traffic, such as:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Pay-Per-Click Google Ads (PPC)
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Email Marketing
To learn more, read the best marketing method for dropshipping.
Last Step: Make your 1st sale.
Now that you have set up your Shopify store, found a reliable supplier, uploaded your products, and started marketing your store, it’s time to make your first sale.
There are several ways to make your first sale, such as:
- Creating a strong offer
- Running a sale
- Providing Shopify free plus shipping
- Offering a discount code
To learn more about making your first sale, read our article 10 Pro Tips to Make Your First Dropshipping Sale in 2022.
Top Shopify dropshipping products to sell in 2022
Now that you know how to start a dropshipping business on Shopify, it’s time to choose a product to sell. However, it may be challenging to decide which one is right for your store.
For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the top Shopify dropshipping products to sell in 2022.
- Phone cases
- Clothes
- Toys
- Kitchen supplies
- Jewelry
- Home decor
- Pet supplies
- Gadgets
- Beauty products
- Sports and exercise equipment
To learn more about choosing the right products for your Shopify dropshipping store, read our article about 2022’s top 10 tips to find Winning Dropshipping Products on Facebook.
How to find the right suppliers for your Shopify dropshipping business?
A reliable supplier is a must to run a successful business.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together a list of some factors to consider when choosing a supplier for your Shopify dropshipping business:
Reputation:
Check the supplier’s website and online reviews to get a sense of their reputation.
Shipping:
Make sure the supplier can ship to your customers’ location.
Range of Products:
The supplier should offer a wide range of products that appeal to your target audience. You don’t want to be limited in what you can sell.
Pricing:
The supplier’s prices should be reasonable and in line with your budget. You’ll likely want to choose suppliers that offer competitive prices so that you can price your products competitively. As you grow and make more money, you may be able to afford to pay more for higher-quality products.
Quality:
It’s vital to choose high-quality suppliers who can guarantee the quality of their products. If you’re selling products that are low in quality, your customers will blame you, not the supplier.
Tips for optimizing your Shopify dropshipping store’s design
Your Shopify dropshipping store’s design is essential for attracting and converting customers. Here are some tips for optimizing your store’s design:
Choose the right theme:
Your Shopify theme should be attractive and easy to navigate. Avoid themes that are cluttered or difficult to understand. Here is a guide on Picking the right Shopify theme in 2022: 10 pro tips and 2022’s top 10+ Shopify dropshipping themes to boost sales.
Make sure your store is mobile-friendly:
Most customers are shopping on their phones, so it’s essential to make sure your store is optimized for mobile devices. Use a responsive theme or create a separate mobile version of your store.
Pay attention to typography:
The font you use in your store can have a significant impact on how it looks. Choose a clean, easy-to-read font that will make your store look professional.
Use high-quality images:
The better the quality of your product images, the more likely people will buy them. Use images that show off your products in the best possible light.
Include videos:
Videos can be way to show your products and engage your customers. If you can, include product videos in your store.
Make sure your store is fast:
Websites that load slowly are frustrating for users, so make sure your store is optimized for speed. Use a high-quality hosting service and compress your images to reduce loading times. Read about 7 ways to Make Your Shopify Store Faster.
For more tips to make your own brand Shopify dropshipping store’s read our article 2022’s Top 10+ Great Dropshipping Store Branding Tips.
How to promote your Shopify dropshipping store?
You can promote your Shopify dropshipping stores in various ways, including creating a solid social media following, participating in online and offline marketing events, and writing blog content about the products you sell.
The best way to drive traffic to your Shopify dropshipping store is by creating compelling content that will inspire people to visit your store.
This could include blog posts about upcoming product releases, tips on styling products in unique ways, or even just showcasing the lifestyle of someone who enjoys your products.
As long as you provide valuable and exciting information to your target audience, they’re likely to follow links back to your store. You can use effective keywords in your titles and descriptions. For more information, read How to Promote Shopify Store for Free in 2022 [Secret tips]
Tips for driving traffic to your store and making sales
You can do several things to drive traffic to your Shopify dropshipping store and make sales:
Invest in paid advertising:
Paid advertising is a good way to get people to your store quickly. You can use platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads to create ads that target your ideal customers.
Participate in online and offline marketing events:
Attending marketing events is another great way to connect with potential customers and build relationships with other entrepreneurs. You can find events near you on Eventbrite or search for relevant hashtags on Instagram and Twitter.
Create compelling content:
As mentioned before, creating compelling content is a great way to get people to visit your store. Write blog posts, create videos, or post pictures that show off your products interestingly.
For more tips on driving traffic to your Shopify dropshipping store and making sales, read our article 10 ways to boost free traffic to your dropshipping store in 2022
Troubleshooting tips for common dropshipping problems
Nevertheless, even the most well-laid plans can go awry, and dropshipping is no exception. Here are a few tips for troubleshooting common dropshipping problems:
Product not arriving in time:
If your products take too much time to arrive, you may need to find a different supplier. Make sure you find a supplier that can meet your shipping needs.
Products not as described:
If your customer receives products not as described, you should reach out to your supplier and see if they can send you the correct product. If they cannot do so, you may need to find a new supplier.
Customer service issues:
If you’re having trouble providing good customer service, it may be time to outsource to a professional. Many apps offer live chat and email support services. Read Dropshipping Customer Service: The Ultimate Guide.
Inventory not updating:
If your inventory is not updating, you may need to update your settings in Shopify. Go to Settings > Inventory and make sure that the “Refresh inventory automatically” setting is turned on.
Can’t process return and refund:
If you’re having trouble processing a return or refund, you may need to contact your supplier. They will help you process the return and refund the customer. Check out our Guidelines to handle returns and refunds in dropshipping.
What to Do When You’re Stuck on a Product?
When you’re stuck on a product, you can do certain things:
- The first thing you should do is take a step back and assess the situation. Figure out what it is that you’re struggling with and why.
- Once you’ve done that, you can start brainstorming possible solutions.
- Reach out to your network. Talk to other people in your industry or field and see if they’ve ever struggled with something similar. They may have some great insights that you can use.
- In the end, it’s important to remember that there is usually more than one way to solve a problem, so don’t get too discouraged if your first few attempts don’t work out.
- You can take a break. It’s best way to get unstuck is to take a step back and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book and see if that helps you come up with new ideas.
- Try something new when you feel stuck in a rut. sometimes it can help to try something completely new.
The Best Shopify Apps and Market Research Tools for Dropshipping Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, it’s important to always look for new opportunities. And one of the great ways to do that is by using Shopify Apps and market research tools.
Here are some of our favorites:
Shopify Apps:
Some of our favorite Shopify apps include Oberlo, Salehoo, and Printful. These apps make it easy to find products, add them to your store, and process orders. Read our article Best Shopify Apps for Dropshipping in 2022
Market and Product Research Tools:
Our favorite market research tools include Google Trends, SEMrush, and Jungle Scout. These tools allow you to see what products are trending, what keywords people are using, and what your competition is doing. Read about Top 15 Winning Dropshipping Product Research Tools for any eCommerce store.
By using Shopify apps and market research tools, you’ll be able to find new opportunities and get ahead of your competition.
Q&A about drop shipping business opportunities
Q: Are Drop Ship businesses profitable?
Answer: Yes, drop ship businesses can be profitable. However, like any business, several factors will affect your success.
These include the niche you choose, the products you sell, your marketing strategy, and your operational procedures.
If you can create a well-oiled machine in each area, you stand a good chance at making a profit with your drop ship business.
Q: What is the most profitable dropshipping business?
Answer: There is no specific answer to this question, as there is a multitude of factors to consider when determining which dropshipping business is most profitable.
However, some helpful tips to keep in mind include choosing a niche with low competition and high margins, ensuring that your products are high quality and in demand, and building a strong marketing strategy.
Additionally, it is important to optimize your operations to maximize profits continuously.
What are niches trending in 2022?
Answer: There are a few niches that are trending in 2022. One is the health and fitness niche. The reason is that people are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for ways to improve their health and fitness levels.
Another niche that is trending is the self-improvement niche. This is because people are always looking for ways to improve themselves, whether mentally, physically, or emotionally.
And lastly, the Beauty niche is also trending upwards. People are becoming more and more image-conscious and are looking for ways to improve their appearance. Read about some other profitable niches here Top 10 Profitable Niches for Dropshipping in 2022
Q: How can I start a dropshipping business?
Answer: There are a few things you’ll need to do to start a dropshipping business:
- Find a niche or market to focus on – these will be the products you’ll sell
- Find trustworthy suppliers for the products you want to sell
- Create a website or online store
- Market your products and drive traffic to your site/store
- Fulfill orders by dropshipping the products directly to your customers’ doorsteps!
Q: How much money can you make with a drop shipping business?
Answer: It depends on the product you are selling, but generally speaking, dropshipping companies can be very profitable.
The key to success with a drop shipping business is to find products in high demand and that can be sold at a higher price point than what you paid for them. Also, it’s important to make sure you have a good relationship with your supplier to trust them always to deliver quality products on time.
If you’re looking for a dropshipping business idea on high-ticket products that you can sell through your online store, read 20 High-Ticket Dropshipping Products in 2022 and 2022’s Top 10 Medium-ticket dropshipping products to sell online.
Q: How do you find a profitable low competition niche fast?
Answer: There are a few strategies to find low competition niches that are still profitable.
One approach is to look at niche markets that are already established but have room for new players. For example, the pet industry is worth billions of dollars, and there are countless niches (e.g., pet food, pet toys, pet services, etc.). Another approach is to identify up-coming trends and get in on the ground floor. This could involve anything from investing in new technology to starting a business in a growing market.
Here are some tips:
- Try researching popular topics in your industry and look for areas where there’s room for improvement or growth.
- Additionally, you may check out what your competitors offer and see if there’s anything they’re not offering that you could fill.
- Once you’ve narrowed down some potential niches, do further research to see if there’s enough demand for what you want to offer and if you can realistically compete.
If you take the time to do this research upfront, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
Of course, researching your options thoroughly and understanding your target audience is key to finding success in any niche.
Q: What are common mistakes people make when they first start selling online?
Answer: The common mistakes people make when they first start selling-
- Thinking that they have to sell to everyone. This isn’t the case! You only need to sell to people interested in what you’re selling, and you can find these people by targeting your marketing efforts.
- Other common mistakes include not having a clear sales strategy. Without a clear plan, it’s difficult to know what you need to do to succeed.
- Not understanding your customer. It’s essential to know your target market and what they’re looking for.
- You’re not being prepared for objections. When you’re selling, you will inevitably face objections from potential customers. Be prepared with answers that address their concerns.
- Being too pushy or aggressive. It can turn customers off and make them less likely to buy from you. Instead, you should focus on building relationships and trust with potential customers.
- Not having a good offer. One of the crucial factors in selling online is that you need to have a compelling offer.
Read 2022’s tips & tricks to avoid 30 common Shopify store mistakes and How to be Successful on Shopify: 14 Secret Tips For 2022.
Q: Where can you find wholesale items, suppliers, and drop shippers for Dropshipping?
Answer: A variety of places! There are several online directories and marketplaces to find suppliers and dropshippers.
Some of the most popular directories include Alibaba, GlobalSources, and ThomasNet. These directories allow you to search for suppliers by product category, country, or keyword.
Another option is to use a dropshipping marketplace like AliExpress. AliExpress allows you to find products from suppliers worldwide and add them to your shop with just a few clicks.
Finally, you can read our articles below to find suppliers directly.
- 14+ top dropshipping suppliers in the US for 2022
- China’s Top 11 Dropshipping Suppliers (with Fast Shipping)
- Canada’s 12 Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2022
- Australia’s 16 Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2022
To Conclude
If you want a business opportunity with low entry barriers, high potential for profitability, and can be launched on a budget, then drop shipping is the business model for you.
There are many different drop shipping business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Niche selection is key to success since it is profitable and has low competition. Once you’ve found a niche, you’ll need to research the products and find suppliers and dropshippers. You can then start selling online and building your business!
With Shopify, you can set up your own store quickly and easily without worrying about inventory or shipping. In case you’re interested to learn more about how to start and run a successful drop shipping business, be sure to read our article How to Start a Dropshipping Business: 2022’s Step by Step Guide. This article is hoped to have given you some food for thought when starting your own eCommerce business. Would you like the opportunity to explore the exciting world of online entrepreneurship?
>> Free! Free! Signup for Shopify free trial here!