Whether you’re planning on launching a new eCommerce store on Shopify or looking to expand your current store in new directions, dropshipping personalized products is an attractive business model. Customized items can help your brand stand out, not to mention offering larger profit margins.
How do you get started? With this new-entrepreneur-friendly guide, good eCommerce suppliers, and a touch of creative flair, the process is easier than you think.
Can You Dropship Personalised Products?
Shopify wholeheartedly supports custom dropshipping. The platform tracks suppliers, products, customers, and everything in between.
Before we explain the how, it’s important to clarify the what: What exactly does personalized dropshipping include? Shopify dropshipping apps work with:
- Private label products: Putting your brand name on manufactured goods, from clothing to cosmetics
- Personalized store items: Giving your customers the ability to add customized messages, graphics, or enhancements to products
- Print-on-demand services: Offering third-party customization services for dropshipped items, often in larger volumes
Put simply, custom dropshipping can be whatever your brand needs.
Offer bespoke merch services for local businesses. Put together a fantastic line of high-quality products with your name on them.
Don’t just sell the fuzziest, softest socks on the planet — turn them into the perfect gifts by letting clients add a personalized name or message.
How Can You Dropship Personalized Products Successfully?
The popularity of dropshipping is growing by leaps and bounds. In 2023, the market’s global revenue was over $280 billion, and experts predict sales will hit over $350 billion in 2024.
The downside? Yeah, there’s a lot of competition out there.
Just slapping your name on tees isn’t going to cut it. You need to put your personal touch on custom dropshipping. How?
1. Choose a Niche
Before you start shopping for suppliers, decide who your target audience is. Figure out what you can offer that other dropshippers don’t. Why is your brand the best choice?
One reason could be your product line; a unique selection of items or bundles, like premium wedding gifts or custom confections.
Your personality can be another niche. Instead of hoodies with cute messages, maybe you have a collection that caters exclusively to lovers of dark humor and darker chocolate.
Combining widely different categories in oddly perfect bundles — like kimonos with martini shakers or camping gear and pet accessories — is a great way to be unforgettable.
2. Find Trustworthy Dropshipping Suppliers
Choosing the right dropshipping supplier is one of the biggest factors for launching a profitable model. Take your time.
Ask plenty of questions about:
- Product quality and materials
- Private branding and packaging options
- Shipping (average shipping times, costs, carriers, etc.)
- Minimum order volume
- Certifications (e.g., FDA approval for cosmetics, food products, and pet food)
Where can you look for dropshipping suppliers that offer personalization? One option is to browse an eCommerce marketplace such as DSers, CJDropshipping, Doba, or Alibaba.
If you go this route, do your digital homework. Not all merchants offer good products.
An easier solution? Choose a Shopify dropshipping app that brings together pre-vetted suppliers.
For example, Zendrop integrates with your Shopify store, giving you access to a comprehensive collection of highly rated products. The curated vendors offer print-on-demand services and a range of order fulfillment options.
3. Look for a Personalization Partner
To make life easier for yourself — and reduce your overhead — choose partners that specialize in print-on-demand. You get a greater range of options and better quality when working with personalization experts instead of regular dropship suppliers that only offer customization as a side service.
4. Create a Product Portfolio
Now that the heavy lifting is done, the fun part begins. As you browse print-on-demand products from your preferred suppliers, select high-quality items that fit your brand’s niche. With Shopify, adding these products to your site couldn’t be easier.
5. Order Samples
It’s worth investing a little money to perform a test run of the ordering, customization, and shipping process.
This way, you catch low-quality merchants before they hurt your image. Don’t be afraid to switch.
Finding the best suppliers for personalized items takes time, but this step is essential for building up five-star product ratings and thrilled customers.
6. Add Personalization Options to Your Website
Want to make it easier for your clients to create custom messages, designs, engravings, and other add-ons? Use a Shopify app integration that revolves around gifts, such as Bundle Builder.
Other Shopify apps help you customize your dropshipping in different ways:
- Helping you manage print-on-demand for B2B customers
- Simplifying private labeling for your brand
- Offering custom branding for packages and site content
- Providing personalization for promotional merch
Many Shopify owners prefer app solutions for personalized dropshipping because it means no coding, no hassle, and no headache.
Is It Legal To Dropship Branded Products?
How awesome would it be to sell personalized Levi’s or put your distinctive touch on PUMA athletic apparel? Or what about engraving a personalized message on Seiko watches? Fashion brands seem so tempting for dropshipping, from Lacosta to J. Crew.
Good news first? Yes, you can dropship branded items when the company agrees to it. This is usually the case for products you see on trusted sources such as Alibaba, MerchMixer, Zendrop, and Grifatti.
Unfortunately, most major brands are protective of their designs. Sad face. If you’re not an authorized seller, even engraving is a hard no.
How does Shopify handle branded items? They’re not against the rules, but any DMCA complaints from copyright holders delete the offending items from your store — no questions asked.
To avoid problems, take reasonable precautions:
- Ask brand suppliers for certificates of authenticity
- Contact brands directly to ask if they allow dropshipping and personalization
- Check merchant reviews for negative comments or red flags
- Never use brand logos or media for your website content or product pages
Be extremely careful with items that make your counterfeit radar beep. Remember, the legal responsibility for items you sell is on your store, not third-party suppliers.
More Questions About Dropshipping Personalized Products?
With zero inventory management and low overhead, dropshipping could be your website’s yellow-brick road. At StayTuned Digital, this isn’t our first rodeo. Our pros are happy to help you customize your Shopify store to dropship personalized products. Discover powerful apps right away.