How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Ever found yourself scrolling through online stores, wondering, “How do these people manage inventory for thousands of products?” Well, friend, chances are they don’t.

Many successful online entrepreneurs are using dropshipping, and if you’re looking to join them without a massive upfront investment, you’re in the right place.

We have helped dozens of first-time entrepreneurs launch successful Shopify dropshipping stores, and will show you exactly how to do it in 2025.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an eCommerce business model where you sell products without ever handling inventory. When a customer orders from your store, your supplier ships the product directly to them.

Think of it this way: you’re the storefront and marketing team, while your supplier handles everything else.

Why It’s Popular for First-Time eCommerce Entrepreneurs

The appeal is clear: minimal startup costs and reduced risk. With traditional retail, you might spend $10,000+ on inventory before making a single sale. With dropshipping? You can start with just your Shopify subscription.

One of our clients started with just a $300 total investment and scaled to $20,000/month within a year. That’s the power of this model when done right.

Pros and Cons of Dropshipping

Let’s get real about what you’re signing up for:

Pros:

• Low startup costs (start with under $500)
• No inventory management headaches
• Location independence (run from anywhere)
• Easy to test new product ideas
• Scale without warehouse space

Cons:

• Lower profit margins than owning inventory
• Less control over fulfillment and shipping times
• Product quality variations from suppliers
• Highly competitive market
• Customer service challenges with shipping delays

Is Shopify Good for Dropshipping?

If you’re wondering whether Shopify is worth it for dropshipping, the short answer is absolutely yes.

Why Shopify Is Ideal for Beginners

After helping over 30 clients launch dropshipping stores, we can confidently say Shopify provides the smoothest experience for beginners. Here’s why:

1. User-friendly interface that requires zero coding knowledge
2. Built specifically for eCommerce with all the features you need
3. Excellent 24/7 customer support to help when you get stuck
4. High-converting checkout experience (crucial for dropshipping)
5. Mobile-responsive themes right out of the box

Shopify’s focus on conversion optimization means your store looks professional from day one, essential for establishing trust when you don’t have brand recognition yet.

App Integrations That Make Dropshipping Simple

What truly makes Shopify shine for dropshipping is its robust app ecosystem:

While Oberlo was once the go-to app, it was discontinued in 2022. Now, DSers has emerged as the primary alternative for AliExpress dropshipping, while Spocket is better for those looking for faster shipping from US/EU suppliers.

Easy Product Import, Payment, and Fulfillment Flow

What used to take days of manual work now happens with a few clicks:

1. Find a product on AliExpress or Spocket
2. Import it to your store with one click
3. Set your price (typically 2- 4x supplier cost)
4. When a customer orders, click “order product” in your app
5. The supplier ships directly to your customer

Step-by-Step: How to Dropship With Shopify

Let’s break down exactly how to get your Shopify dropshipping business up and running.

1. Sign Up and Set Up Your Shopify Store

First, you’ll need to create your Shopify account:

1. Go to Shopify and click “Start free trial.”
2. Enter your email, password, and store name (choose carefully, this affects your URL)
3. Complete the basic questions about your business
4. Select a plan (Basic at $39/month is sufficient for beginners)

Setting Up Your Store Basics:

Once inside, you’ll need to:

1. Install a theme (we recommend Dawn for beginners, it’s free and fast)
2. Add your logo and brand colors
3. Set up essential pages (About, Contact, Shipping Policy, Returns Policy)
4. Configure your checkout settings
5. Set up your domain name (either buy through Shopify or connect one you own)

2. Choose a Dropshipping App

Your next step is installing the right dropshipping app for your business model:

1. Go to the Shopify App Store
2. Search for your preferred app (DSers, Spocket, etc.)
3. Click “Add app” and follow the installation instructions
4. Connect your supplier marketplace account (e.g., AliExpress account for DSers)

When choosing an app, consider:

• Where your target customers live (US/EU customers expect faster shipping)
• Your startup budget (some apps have free plans, others start at $29+/month)
• Product quality needs (cheaper isn’t always better)
• Integration features (auto-fulfillment can save hours daily at scale)

In 2025, Spocket has significantly improved its offering with direct US warehouse integrations, making it my top recommendation despite the higher cost than DSers.

3. Add Dropshipping Products to Shopify

Now for the fun part, adding products to your store:

1. Browse products in your dropshipping app
2. Use the import button to add them to your Shopify store
3. Edit the product details thoroughly:
   • Write unique, benefit-focused titles
   • Create detailed descriptions (never use supplier descriptions)
   • Add high-quality images (request them from suppliers if needed)
   • Set variants (colors, sizes, etc.)
   • Add product tags for the organization

Setting Your Profit Margin:

The standard dropshipping formula is:

• Retail Price = (Product Cost + Shipping Cost + App Fees) × (2-4)

For example, if a product costs $5 with $2 shipping, you might price it at $21-$28.

4. Configure Payments and Shipping

Setting up your payment and shipping options correctly is crucial:

1. Go to Settings > Payments and activate:
   
   • Shopify Payments (if available in your country)
   • PayPal
   • Additional local payment methods (Apple Pay, Shop Pay, etc.)
2. Create realistic shipping profiles:
   
   • Be honest about delivery times (12-20 days for AliExpress, 5-8 days for US suppliers)
   • Consider offering free shipping and building the cost into your product price
   • Set up different rates for different regions if necessary
3. Configure tax settings according to your location’s requirements
   

5. Test Orders and Go Live

Before launching to the public, thoroughly test your store:

1. Place a test order at your address
2. Process it through your supplier
3. Track the shipping and delivery experience
4. Verify product quality when it arrives

Pre-Launch Checklist:

• All store policies are visible
• Contact information is accurate
• All pages load quickly on mobile and desktop
• The checkout process works smoothly
• Apps are properly integrated
• Test payments have been refunded

Once everything is verified and working, you’re ready to start marketing your store!

Tips for Running a Successful Shopify Dropshipping Store

Having helped dozens of dropshipping stores go from zero to profitable, here are the strategies that make the difference:

Pick a Niche, Not a Mix of Random Products

The days of general stores are over. In 2025, successful dropshipping requires specialization.

Instead of selling “a bit of everything,” focus on a specific niche:

• Problem-solving products for a specific audience
• Products that complement each other for cross-selling
• Items with passionate, engaged communities

One of our clients switched from a general store to focusing exclusively on eco-friendly kitchen products. Sales tripled within two months despite having fewer products.

Use High-Converting Product Pages

Your product pages are your virtual salespeople. Optimize them with:

• Benefit-focused headlines (not just features)
• Multiple high-quality images showing the product in use
• Video demonstrations, when possible
• Clear shipping/delivery information
• Social proof (reviews from previous customers)
• Urgency elements (limited stock, time-limited offers)

Set up Retargeting and Email Marketing

Only 2-3% of first-time visitors buy immediately. Capture the rest with:

1. Facebook Pixel and Google Analytics for retargeting ads
2. Email pop-ups with discounts for first-time buyers
3. Abandoned cart recovery emails
4. Post-purchase follow-up for reviews and repeat purchases

Email marketing typically generates 20-30% of revenue for my successful dropshipping clients.

Track Supplier Reliability

Not all suppliers are created equal. Track performance metrics:

• Processing time (from order to shipment)
• Delivery time
• Product quality consistency
• Communication responsiveness
• Packaging quality

We recommend using spreadsheets to track these metrics for each supplier, replacing underperformers as needed.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

After watching hundreds of new dropshippers struggle with the same pitfalls, we have identified these critical mistakes that can sink your business before it gets momentum.

Choosing Unreliable Suppliers

This can destroy your business before it starts. Always:

• Order samples before listing products
• Check supplier ratings and reviews
• Test communication response times
• Research how long they’ve been in business

Using Manufacturer Product Descriptions

Generic supplier descriptions scream “dropshipper” to savvy customers. Always create unique:

• Product titles
• Descriptions focusing on benefits, not just features
• FAQ sections addressing common concerns
• Use cases and scenarios

Ignoring Shipping Times

In the age of Amazon Prime, 30-day shipping won’t cut it. Strategies to address this:

• Be transparent about shipping times
• Offer tracking on all orders
• Consider using suppliers with local warehouses
• Focus on unique products worth waiting for

No Branding or Poor Store Design

It doesn’t look like a temporary store. Invest in:

• Professional logo design
• Consistent color scheme and typography
• Custom packaging inserts (ask suppliers about this)
• Cohesive social media presence

Is Dropshipping Right for You?

Dropshipping isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it remains one of the most accessible ways to start an eCommerce business in 2025.

Success requires:

• Patience and persistence (expect 2-3 months before consistent profit)
• Willingness to learn and adapt
• Customer-first mentality
• Marketing knowledge or willingness to learn
• Problem-solving attitude

The best candidates for dropshipping success are those who see it as a real business, not a side hustle requiring minimal effort.

If you’ve been on the fence about starting a dropshipping business, now’s the time. The market continues to grow, and with the right approach, there’s plenty of room for new stores with fresh ideas and strong execution.

Ready to launch your dropshipping business the right way? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s turn your eCommerce dreams into reality.