Dreaming of running an online store without the hassle of stocking products? Good news: You don’t need inventory to build a thriving Shopify business! Learning how to sell on Shopify without inventory is not only possible but also highly lucrative.
In this guide, we help you explore the best business models for inventory-free online stores. Dropshipping, print-on-demand, or selling digital products—we walk through it all below.
How To Sell on Shopify Without Inventory: Best Business Models
Just because you don’t have items to stock doesn’t mean you have to abandon your dream of owning an e-commerce store. In fact, inventory-free business models are some of the most profitable and low-risk ways to sell online. These are some of the best options.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping involves selling wholesale manufacturer products at more expensive prices on your online shop. While low-risk, the business strategy is one of the more competitive, and product quality could become inconsistent.
| Dropshipping Benefits | Dropshipping Drawbacks |
| Affordable upfront costs Simple store setup High growth potential Generous product selection | A lack of quality control Reduced revenue margins Marketing and branding challenges |
If you don’t mind being hands-on with marketing and customer service, dropshipping could be your entry into learning how to sell on Shopify without inventory. Read more about picking the right Shopify plan for your dropship business.
Print-On-Demand (POD)
With print-on-demand, you create designs for products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases, and a fulfillment partner prints and ships orders as they come in. Here’s how to sell online without inventory with the POD model:
- Pick a product category (e.g., apparel, home decor, accessories).
- Use design tools to customize your products.
- List the items in your Shopify store.
- When a customer makes a purchase, your POD partner prints and ships the item.
When someone buys your POD item at retail price, the print provider creates and ships your order while you earn a profit.
| Print-On-Demand Benefits | Dropshipping Drawbacks |
| Simple business scaling Avoiding an upfront inventory investment Easy store setup Only paying for items you sell | Depending on the print provider’s overall quality to satisfy customers Having a limited product catalog Enduring extensive fulfillment periods |
You can learn more about the most profitable POD products on our blog.
Digital Products
Selling digital goods is one of the easiest ways to build a Shopify store without inventory. With no shipping, no storage, and unlimited sales potential, it’s a lucrative option.
Examples of popular digital inventory you can sell include eBooks, digital graphics, audio media, online classes, artwork, and photography. No matter which direction you take, learn the art and science of selling that specific product. Research which payment gateways are the most popular and where to find your audience.
| Digital Product Benefits | Digital Product Drawbacks |
| Customers enjoy immediate delivery More creative freedom Limitless sales reach Not needing to handle logistics | Potential piracy Requires existing qualifications Reduced profits per sale |
One key benefit of learning how to sell on Shopify without inventory is the platform has built-in features for setting up and managing a digital products store.
How To Create an Online Store Without Inventory
Ready to take the next step? Here’s your step-by-step instructions for establishing an e-commerce store without inventory.
1. Pick Your Niche
Choose a business model that fits your skills and interests. Research market demand, competition, and customer preferences to find a profitable niche.
2. Set Up Your Shopify Store
Once you’ve found the right product, create a Shopify account. Pick a theme that matches your brand and consider adding apps like Bundle Builder for increased revenue opportunities.
3. Find Reliable Partners
While learning how to sell on Shopify without inventory, particularly if you choose dropshipping or POD, research suppliers carefully. Read reviews, compare pricing, and ensure they meet quality standards.
4. Add and Optimize Product Listings
Even without inventory, you need eye-catching, high-converting product listings. Use clear descriptions, high-quality images, and SEO-friendly keywords to attract customers.
5. Market Your Store
No matter how great your store is, customers need to find it. Use content marketing, social media, email marketing, and paid ads to drive traffic and increase sales.
Pro Tips on How To Sell on Shopify Without Inventory
Stay Ahead of Trends: When selecting products and items, conduct thorough research. What are the current trends? How saturated is the market? What customer expectations should you be aware of? Monitor industry trends to identify popular products and stay competitive.
Leverage SEO: SEO helps attract organic traffic and increases your chances of converting visitors. Get started with keyword research. Then, optimize product listings and blogs for search engines to attract that organic traffic.
Build a Social Media Presence: Social media is a powerful and proven platform for attracting traffic to your Shopify store. Identify which social media platforms your target buyers prefer and focus on building a strong presence there. Engage with potential customers on social media to drive brand awareness and loyalty.
Get More Useful Insights on How To Sell on Shopify Without Inventory From StayTuned
You don’t need physical inventory to build a successful Shopify store. Now you know how to sell on Shopify without product stock and leverage revenue-boosting apps. But there’s more: StayTuned helps you scale revenue seamlessly with customizable product offerings. Ready to get started? Contact us to learn how our custom solutions can skyrocket your profits.