Ready to start your online business? If you’re looking to get into e-commerce without the hassle of holding inventory, dropshipping on Shopify could be your golden ticket.
Dropshipping is a simple yet powerful business model: Sell products directly to customers without ever handling the physical stock. Your suppliers ship the products directly to your customers, so you’re free to focus on growing your business, not packing boxes.
Shopify is the platform most entrepreneurs turn to, whether that’s with a dropshipping or print-on-demand shop, and for good reason. Shopify makes it incredibly easy to get started. From seamless integration with suppliers to powerful marketing tools, it’s everything you need to run a successful dropshipping store.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to dropship on Shopify in 2025. You’ll find everything you need to build a profitable dropshipping business and get set up for success.
What Is Dropshipping?
With dropshipping, you create an online store on platforms like Shopify and list products that you want to sell, but you don’t actually store the products. When a customer places an order on your site, you purchase the product from a supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer. You never touch the product, and you’re essentially acting as the middleman. It’s one of the most straightforward ways to get started with e-commerce.
Why Dropshipping Is So Appealing
Dropshipping is a low-risk business model, especially for new entrepreneurs. You don’t have to worry about inventory costs or warehouse management. You only pay for the products you sell, so there’s no upfront investment in stock. It’s also flexible. You can run a dropshipping business from anywhere, whether you’re working from home, a coffee shop, or a beach in Bali.
Common Dropshipping Challenges
While dropshipping is easy to start, it’s not without its challenges. Competition can be fierce, especially in popular niches. You’ll rely heavily on your suppliers for quality control and shipping times, which can sometimes lead to delays or customer complaints. Even though it’s a low-investment model, it can take time to build a brand and start seeing significant profits.
So, while dropshipping with Shopify offers plenty of upsides, it’s wise to manage your expectations and plan for the long term.
Is Shopify Good for Dropshipping?
If you’re serious about dropshipping, Shopify is, hands down, one of the best platforms to use. It’s designed to make e-commerce as easy as possible, whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro.
For beginners, Shopify’s user-friendly interface means you can get up and running quickly without needing any coding skills. Setting up your store is a breeze, and you can customize everything from the design to the checkout process with just a few clicks.
The Power of Dropshipping With Shopify
Don’t let Shopify’s simplicity fool you. It offers powerful features that are perfect for scaling your dropshipping business, including:
- Integrated payment gateways
- Secure checkout
- Easy product management
- Shipping rate calculators
- Multiple fulfillment options
- SEO features
- Built-in reporting
Shopify essentially has everything you need to make sure your customers’ buying experience is smooth and reliable.
Shopify also has an incredibly expansive app ecosystem, with everything from inventory management tools to marketing and analytics apps that make it easy to dropship on Shopify. You can easily integrate with dropshipping suppliers like Zendrop, which makes finding, listing, and fulfilling products nearly effortless.
And with shipping options built into the platform, you can provide transparent shipping rates and delivery estimates to your customers.
Starting Your Store: How To Set Up Dropshipping on Shopify
If you’re ready to build your Shopify dropshipping empire, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting started.
Step 1: Create Your Shopify Account
Head over to the Shopify site and sign up for an account. You’ll need to choose a store name, which will serve as your domain name (e.g., www.yourstorename.com). Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, so you can always get a feel for the platform without committing upfront.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Once you’ve explored the platform, it’s time to choose a plan that suits your business. Shopify offers several plans, each designed for different levels of business growth. If you’re just starting, the Basic Shopify plan is a great place to begin.
To help you choose the best plan, check out our guide on what Shopify plan you should choose for your dropshipping business.
Step 3: Customize Your Store’s Design
Next up, you’ll need to make your store visually appealing. Shopify boasts a range of both free and paid themes, so you can pick a design that aligns with your brand vision. You can customize the colors, layout, and font to match your business’s style. The goal is to create a clean, user-friendly experience that encourages customers to stick around to browse and make purchases.
Step 4: Add Products and Set Up Collections
With your design set, it’s time to populate your store with products. Use Shopify’s product import tools to easily add products from dropshipping suppliers. Create collections (product categories) to organize your store and help customers navigate your offerings more easily. For example, categories like “Best Sellers” or “New Arrivals” are tried-and-true options.
Step 5: Set Up Payment Gateways
To get paid, you need to connect a payment gateway to your Shopify store. Shopify supports multiple payment providers, including Shopify Payments and PayPal, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. Just make sure your payment options are clearly visible so your customers know they can experience smooth transactions.
Step 6: Configure Shipping Settings
Finally, it’s time to set up your shipping options. Shopify makes it easy to define shipping rates based on factors such as order value, weight, or destination. Since you’re dropshipping, make sure your shipping policies are clearly outlined so customers know what to expect.
Step 7: Build a User-Friendly Store
Your customers depend on a stellar user experience as they navigate your shop. Consider these must-have components as you build your Shopify store:
- High-Quality Images: Clear, high-res product photos help build trust with potential buyers. They are also a great way to elevate your branding.
- Mobile Optimization: About two-thirds of all online purchases are made by smartphone, so ensure your store is mobile-friendly.
- Easy Navigation: Always keep your menu simple and intuitive. You want customers to find what they’re looking for as quickly as possible.
- Clear Calls-to-Action: Make it super easy for customers to make a purchase with clear “Add to Cart” buttons and checkout prompts.
Once you’ve followed these steps on how to build a dropshipping store on Shopify, you’ll be well on your way to launching your business.
Finding the Right Suppliers for Your Shopify Store
Choosing the right supplier is essential for your dropshipping success. After all, your suppliers will handle everything from inventory to order fulfillment, and if they fall short, your business can suffer. So, how do you find the right fit?
Quality is non-negotiable. Look for suppliers who provide high-quality products that align with your brand’s standards. After all, customer satisfaction hinges on product quality.
Reliability is another key factor. Check reviews and ratings to ensure your supplier consistently delivers on time. Long shipping times can lead to frustrated customers, so make sure to choose suppliers that offer fast and reliable shipping. You don’t want your business to be slowed down by a supplier with unpredictable delivery times.
There are plenty of suppliers to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s a quick comparison of some top suppliers (all of which are viable, top-rated alternatives to dropship.io):
| Supplier | Product Range | Shipping Times | Shopify Integration | Pricing |
| Zendrop | Wide variety (trending products) | 5–10 days (domestic) | Seamless | Affordable |
| Oberlo | Broad selection | 7–15 days | Fully integrated | Low (but varies) |
| Spocket | Premium products | 2–7 days (USA, EU) | Excellent integration | Mid-range |
| AliExpress | Very broad | 10–30 days | Integrated | Low |
Zendrop stands out in this comparison for several reasons. Not only does it offer a wide range of trending products, but it also provides fast shipping and easy integration with Shopify. Plus, Zendrop helps streamline your order fulfillment process, which makes running your store a lot easier.
How To Choose the Right Products To Dropship
Selecting the right products to dropship on Shopify is key to building a profitable store. But how do you choose products that will not only sell but keep your business growing?
Start With a Niche
Picking a specific niche helps you stand out and target a more defined audience. Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, focus on a segment of customers with specific needs. The beauty of dropshipping is that you can easily adjust your product offerings based on what’s selling. You can always offer personalized products to let customers customize their purchases so they’re almost guaranteed to find something they’ll love.
Conduct Product Research
Next, use tools like Google Trends and Shopify’s own product research tools to identify trending products. Google Trends helps you spot what’s hot and what’s not, while Shopify’s app integrations can show you which products are gaining traction on the platform.
Look for products that have high demand but low competition. This sweet spot is where the money is—products that are popular but not oversaturated. A great way to find this balance is by monitoring marketplaces, using keyword research tools, and analyzing competitor stores.
Find the Right Suppliers
Finally, make sure to vet your suppliers. You need to ensure they can consistently deliver the products you choose, both in terms of quality and timely shipping. If they can’t meet these standards, your customers won’t be happy, and neither will you.
This is your equation for success: a strong niche, trending products, and reliable suppliers. Find the right combination for your unique business, and you’ll set up your Shopify store for the long haul.
5 Ways To Market Your Dropshipping Store
Once your Shopify store is up and running, it’s time to attract customers—and that’s where marketing comes in. Luckily, with the right strategies, you can build a customer base that drives consistent sales.
Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing is by far one of the most powerful tools for dropshipping businesses. On each platform, you can use high-quality images, videos, and even live streams to engage with your audience and build brand loyalty. Run contests, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes content to keep your followers interested.
Paid Ads
Paid ads are another great way to reach new customers quickly. A well-crafted ad can drive massive traffic to your Shopify store, increasing the chances of conversions. Keep in mind that testing different ad formats and targeting options is key to finding what works best for your business.
Email Marketing
Email marketing remains one of the most effective channels for dropshipping businesses. Build a list of customers and potential buyers, then send them personalized emails with discounts, new arrivals, and special promotions. Automation tools like Klaviyo or Mailchimp can help you stay consistent and maximize your results.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is another solid strategy to boost your Shopify store’s visibility. Partner with influencers who align with your brand. They can expose your products to a larger, engaged audience. Just be sure to choose influencers who have an authentic, active following in your niche.
Building a brand is perhaps the most important piece of the marketing puzzle. Customers want to buy from businesses they trust. After ensuring you have a reliable supplier and business model, the next most important step is to focus on creating a cohesive brand identity—your story, mission, and values. A strong brand is the only way to stand out in a crowded e-commerce market.
Important Legal Considerations To Dropship on Shopify
Starting a dropshipping business on Shopify comes with some legal responsibilities that you need to be aware of before you officially launch your store. While Shopify makes it easy to run your store, it’s up to you to make sure you’re complying with all necessary regulations.
First, you’ll most likely need a business license. This allows you to operate legally and is usually required for tax purposes. The specific requirements for a business license vary by country and state, so make sure to check your local laws.
You’ll also need to consider sales tax. Shopify helps you set up tax calculations for your store based on your location and your customers’ locations. It’s vital to ensure you’re charging the correct sales tax to avoid issues down the road.
Additionally, be aware of consumer protection laws that might affect your business, such as return policies and consumer rights. It’s your job to make sure your store’s policies are clear, transparent, and compliant with local regulations.
Wrapping Up How To Dropship on Shopify
Starting a dropshipping business on Shopify in 2025 is an exciting venture that comes with a lot of potential to be your own boss and create your own income. From setting up your store and finding the right suppliers to marketing your products and handling legal requirements, there are a lot of steps to follow—but don’t worry, you’ve got this! Remember, success comes from continuous learning and improving your store, so take action and refine your strategy as you go.
To elevate your Shopify dropshipping business, discover how Zendrop can help streamline your product sourcing and fulfillment. Check out our dropshipping resources and make your e-commerce dream a reality.