Summer Nguyen | 11-03-2023
If you’re a beginner looking to dive into eCommerce, dropshipping on Shopify could be a fantastic starting point. Shopify makes it easy to launch an online store, while the dropshipping model lets you sell products without worrying about inventory or shipping logistics. It’s a low-risk way to explore the world of online business.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the fundamentals of Shopify dropshipping for beginners, equipping you with the knowledge you need to know before investing in this field.
Whether you’re a complete newbie exploring eCommerce for the first time or someone looking to expand your online business, this guide will cover the essentials, from the pros and cons to potential profits, costs, and common challenges.
Ready to take the first step toward your Shopify dropshipping journey? Let’s dive in!
Shopify dropshipping is a business model where you sell products through an online store on Shopify without holding inventory. With this platform, you can quickly set up your store, integrate powerful dropshipping apps, and automate key processes like product sourcing, order management, and fulfillment.
Here’s how Shopify dropshipping typically works:
Shopify dropshipping is a low-risk, beginner-friendly way to start an eCommerce business. You don’t need to manage inventory, handle deliveries, or worry about upfront stock costs – everything is streamlined through Shopify and its dropshipping integrations, allowing you to focus on growing your store.
Related topic: What is Dropshipping? The Definition and Best Practices
We’ve listed the main pros and cons of Shopify dropshipping for beginners in the table below to help you understand this business model better.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Beginner-Friendly Platform: Shopify’s intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to set up a store without coding skills. – Automation Tools: Apps like Oberlo and DSers simplify product sourcing, order processing, and inventory management. – Low Startup Cost: Requires less upfront investment than traditional eCommerce as you don’t need to manage inventory or handle fulfillment. – Scalable and Flexible: Shopify’s features grow with your business, allowing upgrades to advanced tools as you expand. – 24/7 Customer Support: Shopify provides round-the-clock assistance to help beginners troubleshoot issues. |
– Growing Costs: While initial costs are low, expenses for apps, paid marketing, and advanced tools can add up as your store scales. – Supplier Dependence: Product quality or shipping delays from suppliers can frustrate customers. – High Competition: Popular niches are saturated, making it harder for beginners to stand out without strong marketing. – Marketing Learning Curve: Driving traffic via SEO, social media, or paid ads requires time and investment. |
You might be interested in: Is Shopify Dropshipping Worth It?
According to Oberlo, the global dropshipping market size was valued at USD 284.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed USD 1256.8 billion by 2030, highlighting its massive growth potential. Shopify dropshipping, as a leading platform for this business model, plays a significant role in this industry’s expansion.
When it comes to profitability, Shopify dropshippers typically earn a 15% – 20% profit margin per product. A profit margin exceeding 20% is often considered very good in this business. For beginners, monthly earnings generally range from $500 – $1,000/month, depending on factors such as niche selection, competition, and marketing strategies. Some dropshippers have achieved significant profits, while others have struggled or even lost money.
To determine the potential profitability of dropshipping on Shopify, you should consider factors like:
Despite its challenges, Shopify dropshipping remains a business model with low barriers to entry, making it appealing to beginners. However, this ease of entry also leads to high competition. Success in Shopify dropshipping often depends on strategic product selection, strong marketing efforts, and excellent customer service.
| Aspect | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shopify Subscription | – $25/month (monthly payment) – $19/month (yearly payment) – Includes a 14-day free trial |
| Dropshipping Apps | Free – $50/month |
| Domain Name | Around $10–$15/year |
| Marketing and Advertising | Typically $100–$500/month for beginners, depending on the strategy. |
| Optional Tools | Email marketing, analytics, etc.: $10–$50/month. |
Overall Starting Cost: As a beginner, expect to invest $150–$600/month, depending on your marketing strategy and choice of tools.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still start a Shopify dropshipping store without spending much upfront:
For detailed guidance, check out our blog on how to start Shopify dropshipping with no money for actionable tips and strategies to get started on a limited budget.
Read more: Shopify Pricing Plans (2025): Which Shopify Plan is For You?
While Shopify dropshipping is a beginner-friendly way to start an eCommerce business, it comes with its own challenges. Here are some of the most common problems beginners face and tips to overcome them.
One of the biggest challenges for beginners is finding trustworthy suppliers who consistently deliver high-quality products on time. Unreliable suppliers can lead to issues like delayed shipping, poor product quality, or incorrect orders, which can damage your store’s reputation and result in unhappy customers.
How to minimize this risk:
Shipping delays are a common complaint in dropshipping, especially when working with overseas suppliers. Long delivery times can lead to negative customer reviews and reduced repeat purchases.
How to avoid this issue:
Many beginners gravitate toward trendy niches with high demand, such as gadgets or fashion. However, these niches are often oversaturated, making it difficult for new stores to compete on price or visibility. High competition can reduce profit margins and make it harder to attract customers.
To overcome this, target specialized niches with less competition, such as eco-friendly or hobby-specific products. Stand out with strong branding and compelling storytelling, and run targeted ads to reach niche audiences more effectively.
Beginners often overspend on ads without achieving significant returns, which can impact profitability. You should start with a small budget and refine campaigns based on data. Combine paid ads with organic marketing strategies like social media and SEO to reduce reliance on advertising.
Coordinating returns can be complex in dropshipping because suppliers manage fulfillment. This often leads to delays in refunds and frustrated customers.
Create a clear, easy-to-understand return policy and display it prominently on your store. Partner with suppliers offering hassle-free return solutions. Use customer service tools like Gorgias or Zendesk to handle complaints quickly and efficiently.
Since you never handle the products directly, beginners often face issues with quality control. This can damage customer trust and lead to high return rates. To address this, monitor customer feedback regularly to identify and address issues.
Yes, Shopify dropshipping is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require prior experience. Shopify’s intuitive platform allows you to set up a store easily, while dropshipping apps handle product sourcing and fulfillment. However, you’ll need to invest time in learning key skills like marketing, customer service, and store optimization to succeed. Start small, use free trials, and experiment to build your experience over time.
The best niches are those with high demand, low competition, and good profit margins. For beginners, it’s often easier to succeed in specialized or trending niches such as:
Learn more: Most Amazing Shopify Dropshipping Products To Sell
Paid ads can help beginners drive traffic quickly, but they aren’t mandatory for success. For those starting out, managing ads effectively can be challenging and lead to overspending without proper experience. Instead, beginners should focus on organic marketing strategies, such as:
Once you’re confident in your store’s setup and product selection, you can start with a small ad budget, test different campaigns, and scale gradually as you see results.
If you want to create your own Shopify store, let Mageplaza help you do so. This is a wise decision because of its low entry barrier, minimal upfront costs, and potential for substantial profits, which can be combined with Mageplaza’s features and benefits.
Here’s why you should consider taking this step:
Therefore, by utilizing Mageplaza’s features and Shopify’s infrastructure, you can start and scale a profitable dropshipping business with confidence.
In conclusion, embarking on a journey into Shopify dropshipping for beginners can be exciting and rewarding.
Throughout the article, we’ve equipped you with essential strategies to confidently kickstart your dropshipping venture. Remember, dropshipping success relies on continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong commitment to providing value to customers.
So, as you embark on your dropshipping journey, keep these strategies in mind and stay motivated to achieve your entrepreneurial goals. You can turn your Shopify dropshipping venture into a flourishing online business with dedication and perseverance. Happy dropshipping!
Summer is the CMO and Digital Commerce Solution Expert with 10+ years of experience. She specializes in Magento, Shopify, ERP, CRM, AI, and Blockchain, delivering strategic solutions that transform businesses. With a deep understanding of digital commerce, she helps brands scale and stay ahead in a competitive market.
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