Earn Money with Dropshipping: My Experience, Pros and Cons

Starting an online store isn’t new to me—I’ve been running my eCommerce store since 2010. But this year, in 2024, I decided to focus on dropshipping and launched my first dropshipping store. Before getting started, I spent a lot of time researching the best platforms and apps to make sure I made the right choices. In this post, I’ll walk you through the different platforms and apps I’ve explored. At the end, I’ll share which one I decided to go with and the reasons behind my choice.

Why I Decided to Start Dropshipping

Running my current eCommerce store has always required me to invest in stock and keep inventory, which can be stressful at times. It ties up my resources and forces me to plan around managing physical products. I realized I needed something more flexible—an online business that I could manage from anywhere, whether I’m relaxing at the beach or spending time with my daughter.

That’s when I discovered dropshipping. Unlike traditional eCommerce, dropshipping allows me to sell products without keeping inventory, which removes the hassle of upfront costs and storage. When a customer places an order, I simply forward the details to my supplier, who handles the shipping directly to the customer. It’s incredibly convenient because I don’t need to worry about warehousing or shipping. I can run everything from my laptop or phone, no matter where I am.

By integrating dropshipping to my other online businesses—like selling digital products, doing affiliate marketing, and blogging—I’ve created another income stream without the logistical headaches. It offers the freedom I was looking for, all while allowing me to focus more on what matters most: spending quality time with my daughter and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Understanding Dropshipping: How It Works and What You Need to Know

So, what exactly is dropshipping? Dropshipping is a retail business model where the seller doesn’t keep products in stock. Instead, when a customer places an order, the seller orders the product from a third-party supplier, who then ships it directly to the customer. This way, the seller never physically handles or stores the products, making it a low-risk way to run an online business. This allows the seller to focus on marketing and customer service without the need to manage inventory or shipping logistics.

The concept of dropshipping has been around for a while, but it became more popular in the early 2000s with the rise of eCommerce platforms like Shopify, which made it easier for anyone to start an online store. With global suppliers and improved shipping services, dropshipping has grown rapidly, allowing sellers to reach international markets without having to manage physical products.

The Pros and Cons of Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a popular way to start an online store with minimal upfront investment. However, like any business model, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons of dropshipping to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Pros of Dropshipping

1. Low Startup Costs

You can start your business with minimal investment. You don’t need to buy inventory before you start selling. This means you don’t have to spend money on purchasing stock upfront or worry about warehousing costs. Instead, you only pay for products once you’ve made a sale.

2. No Inventory Management

In dropshipping, the supplier takes care of the inventory, storage, and shipping. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of stock or dealing with unsold items. You can focus more on promoting your store instead of managing the inventory.

3. Flexible Location

As long as you have an internet connection, you can run your dropshipping business from anywhere in the world. This gives you the flexibility to balance work with other aspects of your life and the ability to work from different locations.

4. Wide Product Range

Dropshipping allows you to sell a wide range of products without keeping them in stock, making it easy to adjust your inventory based on customer demand and current trends.

Cons of Dropshipping

1. Lower Profit Margins

Since you’re not purchasing products in bulk, the cost per unit is higher, which often leads to lower profit margins than traditional retail models. As a result, your customers might pay more for products compared to stores that benefit from bulk discounts. Additionally, many dropshippers offer similar products, creating intense competition and reducing your profit margins.

2. Inventory and Supplier Issues

When you depend on third-party suppliers for dropshipping, you have less control over inventory and shipping times. This can lead to issues like inventory shortages, where products may become unavailable, resulting in order cancellations or delays. Additionally, if suppliers make mistakes—such as sending the wrong item—it can negatively affect customer satisfaction.

3. Customer Service Challenges

Handling customer service can be tricky because you rely on your suppliers for order fulfillment. If there are any problems with products or shipping, you have to go through the supplier to resolve them, which can take longer. Additionally, you have limited control over how well the products are packaged and shipped, leading to potential quality issues.

4. Intense Competition

Dropshipping is an easy business model to start, which attracts many new sellers and creates high competition, especially in popular niches. This results in market saturation, making it tough to stand out. Additionally, competing on price with other dropshippers can reduce profit margins, as everyone tries to offer the best deals.

Understanding Platforms vs. Apps in Dropshipping

When you’re new to dropshipping, it’s important to understand the difference between a platform and an app.

A platform is the main system or software where you build your online store, like Shopify or Wix. It’s like the foundation or base of your business, where you can manage things like your website, products, and payments.

An app is an extra tool or feature you can add to your platform. For example, if you use Shopify, you can add apps that help with dropshipping, marketing, or tracking orders. Apps are like add-ons that give your platform more capabilities, depending on what you need for your business.

Dropshipping Platforms: The Best Choice I’ve Found

When choosing the right platform for your dropshipping business, it’s important to consider the benefits and key features of each. There are many platforms to choose from, but I’ll talk about the ones I have tried or looked into.

Here’s a simple summary of the most popular platforms:

1. Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, known for being easy to use and offering great support for dropshipping. It lets you set up an online store quickly, connect with many dropshipping suppliers, and manage everything from product listings to payments, all in one place.

Benefits:

• User-friendly: Shopify allows you to set up an online store quickly, even if you have no technical background.

• Customizable: It offers a wide variety of themes and an app store with dropshipping apps.

• Secure payments: Built-in, secure payment gateways help process customer transactions smoothly.

• All-in-one solution: From managing inventory to running marketing campaigns, Shopify has everything integrated.

Pricing: Shopify offers a 3-day free trial, followed by an introductory rate of $1 CAD/month for the next 3 months. After that, the Basic plan is $38 CAD per month when billed annually. If you’re looking to start a store but need a little extra time to get everything set up without a big commitment, this Shopify offer is a great deal.  

Why Use Shopify? If you’re looking for a versatile platform that grows with your business, Shopify is a great choice. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced dropshippers, providing a wide range of tools to help manage your store effectively.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a popular open-source plugin for WordPress that can transform your website into a fully functional online store. While it supports dropshipping, you need additional plugins and third-party apps to set it up effectively.

Benefits:

• Highly customizable: Offers a lot of flexibility in terms of design and functionality.

• Open-source: Free to use, though some extensions may cost extra.

• Scalable: Suitable for both small stores and larger businesses as you can add new features as your business grows.

Pricing: WooCommerce itself is free to use as a WordPress plugin, but you’ll need to budget for hosting and other optional extensions. Hosting costs typically start around $15 CAD per month when billed annually.

Why Use WooCommerce? If you already have a WordPress website and want complete control over your store’s customization, WooCommerce is perfect, especially if you have some technical knowledge.

3. Ecwid

Ecwid is a versatile eCommerce platform that lets you easily sell products online. You can use it in two main ways: as a standalone store to create a complete online shop from scratch or by integrating it into an existing website, blog, or social media page. This means you can start selling online whether you already have a site or not. Ecwid’s flexibility makes it simple for anyone to launch their online business, making it a great choice for beginners and small businesses.

Benefits:

• Easy setup: Add Ecwid to your website and start selling within minutes.

• Cross-platform selling: Sell directly on social media and other marketplaces.

• Mobile-friendly: Your store will look great on any device.

• Dropshipping support: It connects with dropshipping suppliers, making it easy to start.

Pricing: Ecwid offers a free plan where you can set up your store and add up to 5 products, making it simple to get started. To sell up to 100 products, you can upgrade to the Venture plan, which costs $28 CAD per month when billed annually.

Why Use Ecwid? Perfect for small businesses or those with an existing website, Ecwid is beginner-friendly and offers flexibility to sell wherever your customers are, making it a great choice for entering the dropshipping market.

4. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a powerful eCommerce platform tailored for growing businesses that want to incorporate dropshipping.

Benefits:

• Built-in features: Offers robust features like SEO tools, product reviews, and discount codes.

• Scalable: Handles large product catalogs and growing traffic well.

• Multiple payment gateways: Accept payments through various methods, giving customers flexibility.

Pricing: BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform before choosing a plan. After the trial, the basic plan starts at $39 CAD per month when billed annually. This plan includes unlimited products, so you can expand your store as much as needed.

Why Use BigCommerce? If you need a platform that can grow with your business and offer advanced features without relying on third-party apps, BigCommerce is a strong choice for scaling your dropshipping business.

5. Wix

Wix is an easy-to-use website builder that allows users to create their own eCommerce stores.

Benefits:

• Beginner-friendly: Drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to build a store.

• Dropshipping-ready: Offers features for integrating dropshipping suppliers.

• Templates: Beautiful templates help you create a professional-looking store.

Pricing: Wix offers a basic plan starting at $27 CAD per month, which allows you to store up to 25 products using their dropshipping feature through Modalyst. This plan provides a simple way to start your dropshipping business with essential features at a budget-friendly price.

Why Use Wix? If you’re new to eCommerce and want a straightforward way to set up an attractive store without technical complications, Wix is a great option for starting your dropshipping business.

6. Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its visually stunning templates, making it popular among creative entrepreneurs.

Benefits:

• Beautiful design: Gorgeous templates make your products stand out.

• Easy to use: Ideal for beginners with its intuitive interface.

• eCommerce-ready: Includes features to sell products, handle payments, and manage inventory.

Pricing: Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial. After that, the business plan starts at $32 CAD per month when billed annually, allowing you to start selling online.

Why Use Squarespace? Ideal for small businesses or creatives focusing on design, Squarespace provides an elegant solution for launching your dropshipping store without needing extensive customization.

7. Big Cartel

Big Cartel is an eCommerce platform designed with independent artists and small businesses in mind. It’s a great option for those who want a straightforward, affordable way to start selling online.

Benefits:

• Simple and affordable: Big Cartel has a free plan for up to 5 products, making it ideal for hobbyists or small businesses just starting out.

• Easy to set up: The platform is user-friendly, with no coding required, perfect for beginners.

• Creative focus: The platform is tailored toward artists, musicians, and makers, offering sleek, minimalist store designs.

• No transaction fees: Big Cartel doesn’t charge transaction fees, saving small businesses money. However, there can still be fees involved, depending on the payment processor you choose.

Big Cartel does not have built-in dropshipping features like platforms such as Shopify, but you can still set up dropshipping through integrations. One common way to enable dropshipping with Big Cartel is by using third-party services like Printful or Art of Where, which are print-on-demand dropshipping providers.

Pricing: Big Cartel offers a free plan that allows you to add up to 5 products. The next plan, which lets you add up to 50 products, starts at $16 CAD/month when billed annually.

Why Use Big Cartel? Big Cartel is best for individuals or small businesses with a limited product range who want a budget-friendly, easy-to-use platform. It’s particularly attractive for creatives who don’t need the complexity of larger platforms but still want a professional-looking online store.

Here’s a more personal and straightforward review of these dropshipping apps:

Top Dropshipping Apps to Explore

If you’re exploring dropshipping, there are several apps worth checking out. Here are my thoughts on some of the most popular options:

1. AutoDS

Supported Platforms: Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, TikTok

Benefits: AutoDS is great for automating pretty much everything. It’s ideal if you’re managing multiple stores across different platforms and want to save time. You can source products, manage inventory, and fulfill orders all in one place.

AutoDS is the only app on this list with an integrated AI feature that helps you quickly create and automate a dropshipping store on Shopify. This is particularly useful if you’re new to the business or want to save time setting everything up.

Pricing: While it has a lot of features, the pricing can get a bit high once you scale. Pricing starts at $27 CAD/month (billed annually) after the 14-day trial.

2. Spocket

Supported Platforms: Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Squarespace

Benefits: Spocket focuses on products from US and EU suppliers, which means faster shipping times. The quality of the products feels higher too, making it a good option if you’re targeting those markets.

Pricing: It’s a bit more expensive, with pricing starting at $33 CAD/month (billed annually) after the 14-day free trial. Still, the faster shipping makes it worth it if you’re looking to impress customers.

3.  Syncee

Supported Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, BigCommerce, Ecwid

Benefits: Syncee gives you access to a wide range of suppliers from around the world. I find it helpful when looking for unique or niche products that aren’t always available on other platforms.

Pricing: The free plan is very limited. If you need more than a small selection of products, the pricing starts at $33 CAD/month (billed annually) after the 14-day free trial, which adds up quickly.

4. Jubilee

Supported Platforms: Shopify

Benefits: If you’re looking to start your own skincare brand, Jubilee makes it really easy to create private-label products. You can sell skincare items with your custom branding without worrying about inventory.

Pricing: After the 7-day free trial, the basic plan costs $39 CAD per month. It might seem a little expensive for beginners, especially when you’re just getting started. However, this includes personalized branding, so you won’t have to worry about any hidden fees.

5. Printful

Supported Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, Ecwid, Big Cartel, and more

Benefits: Printful lets you create custom products like clothing and accessories. I love how easy it is to integrate with different platforms, and there are no upfront costs—just pay when you sell something.

Pricing: The cost per item can be a bit high (example a t-shirts start around $15 CAD), so your margins might be thinner depending on your pricing strategy.

6. CJDropshipping

Supported Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, Etsy, TikTok

Benefits: CJdropshipping offers fast shipping from local warehouses, which is a huge plus. They also have strong product sourcing, making it ideal if you’re selling items in competitive markets.

Pricing: Although the platform itself is free to use, they charge a commission on sales, and if you want to unlock extra features like automation or better support, there are additional costs to consider. Most of the products on CJdropshipping come from suppliers based in China. While they do offer faster shipping options from their local warehouses in the U.S. and Europe, items shipped directly from China can still take longer to arrive, which may frustrate customers.

7. Supliful

Supported Platforms: Shopify

Benefits: Supliful is perfect for those wanting to sell health and wellness products like supplements. You can create your own custom-branded products without any upfront inventory costs, which is pretty cool.

Pricing: The costs can add up quickly. After the 3-day free trial, the cost starts at $1 for the first month, and then the basic plan is $30 CAD per month when billed annually. Additionally, there are extra costs for label design. Basic label designs are a one-time fee of $275 CAD, and more advanced options can cost up to $2,740 CAD.

8. Sexy Living

Supported Platforms: Shopify

Benefits: Sexy Living is great if you’re targeting the adult product market. They offer a wide range of high-quality products and handle the fulfillment for you.

Pricing: While there are no monthly fees, you’ll have to pay $18.50 CAD for shipping on each order.

9. Modalyst

Supported Platforms: Shopify, Wix, BigCommerce

Benefits: Modalyst connects you with high-quality suppliers and offers premium products from well-known brands. Fast shipping from US and EU suppliers is another plus.

Pricing: The free plan only lets you list 25 products, so if you want to scale, you’ll need to upgrade. Paid plans start at $40 CAD/month, billed annually, as it’s more cost-effective that way.

Choosing the Right Dropshipping App for Your Business

Each of these apps has its own benefits, depending on what you’re looking to achieve. If you want to automate tasks and save time, AutoDS is a great option. For faster shipping, Spocket or CJdropshipping are better choices since they work with local suppliers. And if you’re interested in selling niche products like skincare, Jubilee is a fantastic tool to help you create custom-branded products. There’s an app out there to fit your needs—just pick the one that aligns best with your business goals!

If you’re thinking about running your business long-term, I recommend choosing an annual billing plan. It’s usually cheaper than paying monthly, which can save you money in the long run. Or, if you’re just starting out, you might want to choose an app that’s free to use to keep your costs down. Just be sure the app works well for your business before you commit to a full year!

Some dropshipping apps, like AutoDS, Spocket, Synces and CJdropshipping, include products from AliExpress. However, I personally prefer to avoid using AliExpress for a couple of reasons. First, the quality of the products can be inconsistent—sometimes they’re great, but other times they’re not so good. Second, shipping times can be really long. Products from AliExpress can take weeks to arrive, which can frustrate customers who expect faster delivery. For these reasons, I try to avoid using AliExpress in my dropshipping business. I believe it’s better to choose suppliers that offer more reliable products and quicker shipping to keep my customers happy.

I know some people have had success with AliExpress, but for now, I still choose to avoid it. If I ever change my mind, I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Bonus Tool: Selling on Amazon

If you’re thinking about selling on Amazon, Jungle Scout is a great tool to consider. It helps you find profitable products and manage your Amazon store efficiently.

It has features like product research tools, sales analytics, keyword research, and even a supplier database to make things easier for you.

It’s perfect if you want to focus on the Amazon marketplace. The tool provides detailed data and insights to help you make smart choices for your business.

Jungle Scout offers a few pricing plans, starting at approximately $39 CAD per month when billed annually. This basic plan gives you access to essential tools like product research and sales analytics. Higher-tier plans, which offer more advanced features like supplier databases and additional user seats, can cost upwards of $66 CAD or more monthly, depending on your needs.

My Dropshipping Picks: The Reasons Behind My Choices

So, you’re probably wondering which platform and app I decided to go with.

After trying out and researching different platforms, I chose Shopify for my business.

Here’s why:

User-Friendly: Shopify is super easy to set up and use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. I wanted a platform where everything was in one place, making it simple to manage my online store.

Integration: It works perfectly with a wide range of dropshipping apps, giving me flexibility in managing suppliers. Plus, they offer many useful add-ons like point rewards, email automation, and payment processors which are great for scaling my business. While some of these apps are free, I know that as my business grows, I might need to invest a little more in them.

Support: The customer support at Shopify is top-notch, and they provide a wealth of resources to help me succeed. Having that support makes me feel confident as I navigate this journey.

Here’s the Supplier I Picked for My Dropshipping Store

For dropshipping, I integrated the Sexy Living app. If you want to check it out, my store is OhSensa.com — just a heads-up, it’s an adult-only shop.

I decided to go with this supplier for a few key reasons. First, they’re located in Canada, where I live, so their shipping is impressively fast—usually within just 1 to 2 days. This means my customers get their orders quickly, which is always a great thing!

Additionally, they ship to both Canada and the USA, making it convenient for a wider audience. Lastly, I’ve found their support team to be quick and responsive, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I can easily reach out for help whenever I need it. Overall, their reliability and efficiency made my choice clear!

Jubilee

Why I Chose the Adult Toys Niche

When it came to choosing a niche for my dropshipping business, I decided on adult toys. I found many other niches to be overly competitive, making it difficult to stand out. In contrast, the adult toy market offers unique opportunities for growth and engagement.

Another important factor for me was the shipping logistics. I wanted a supplier located in Canada or the USA because faster shipping means happier customers. This way, I can ensure that orders arrive promptly, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

By focusing on the adult toys niche with a reliable supplier nearby, I feel more confident about building my business while providing quality products to my customers.

My First Sale: A Milestone Without Paid Ads

I made my first sale just 3 weeks after launching my store, and the best part is, I didn’t even have to use paid ads! I integrated the Shop app from Shopify, which is free to use. This app helped connect my store to the Shop app, and that’s where my very first sale came from. It was an exciting moment, and knowing that I could get results without spending money on ads made it even more rewarding. If you’re starting out, using free tools like the Shop app can be a great way to boost your sales.

Steps to Start Your Dropshipping Business

Starting a dropshipping business can be exciting and rewarding! Here are some simple tips to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Niche: Pick a niche that you’re passionate about and that has a good demand in the market. This will make it easier for you to stay motivated and connect with your customers.

2. Research Suppliers: Take the time to find reliable suppliers. Use apps and platforms to check their ratings and reviews to ensure you’re working with trustworthy partners.

3. Set Up Your Online Store: Create your online store using popular platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. These platforms are user-friendly and designed to help you succeed.

4. Import Products: Use your dropshipping tools to easily import products into your store. Make sure to showcase the best items that will appeal to your target audience.

5. Market Your Store: Promote your store through social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and paid advertising. Engaging with potential customers where they spend their time will help increase visibility.

   Don’t forget to actively promote your website beyond just social media. Consider writing blog posts, collaborating with influencers, or creating email newsletters to reach a broader audience. These methods can help build brand awareness and bring consistent traffic to your store.

6. Manage Orders and Customer Service: Keep an eye on order fulfillment to ensure everything runs smoothly. Respond to customer inquiries quickly to build trust and keep your customers happy.

Jubilee

Bottom Line

Dropshipping is a fantastic way to start your online business with minimal upfront costs and the flexibility to work from anywhere. It allows you to offer a wide variety of products without worrying about inventory, making it a great choice for entrepreneurs who want to run a business on their own terms.

While it’s a flexible and low-risk business model, it’s important to be aware of some challenges. You may encounter lower profit margins, supplier issues, or competition in the market. However, with the right approach and mindset, it’s possible to handle these challenges.

Also, keep in mind that success doesn’t come overnight. It can take time to see results—in my case, I made my first sale 3 weeks after launching my store, and I didn’t even need to use paid ads. Patience and persistence are key! Keep learning, stay motivated, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful dropshipping business.

Have you tried dropshipping before? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, tips, or any questions in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!

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