Is Shopify Dropshipping Dead? Debunking Myths

In the world of e-commerce, rumors and speculations often swirl around. One pressing question that’s been making the rounds is, “Is Shopify Dropshipping Dead?”

Have you ever thought about starting your own online business but need more funds to invest in inventory? Dropshipping might be the answer for you. With platforms like Shopify, starting a dropshipping business has always been challenging.

However, there are many myths surrounding dropshipping and its profitability, with some claiming that dropshipping on Shopify is dead. We’ll bust those misconceptions and find out the truth in this post.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where the retailer does not keep any inventory in stock. When a consumer makes a purchase, the store instead orders the item from a wholesaler or other third party, who then distributes the goods straight to the buyer. This means that the retailer needs to handle or see the product in person. It’s like having your own online store without worrying about managing inventory and shipping logistics. Sounds pretty great.

According to a study, dropshipping is one of the most popular methods in 2023 for online business owners. Around 7.1 % of products available on all Shopify stores are dropshipped, making it a highly utilized method for e-commerce.

How Does Dropshipping Work?

Now that we understand what dropshipping is, let’s take a closer look at how it actually works.

1. Choose Your Niche: Choosing a market or product category to specialize in is the first stage in setting up a dropshipping company. It’s important to do thorough research and select a niche with high demand and low competition.
2. Find Suppliers: Once you have your niche, the next step is finding reliable suppliers who can fulfill your orders. Platforms like Oberlo and AliExpress are popular choices for finding dropshipping suppliers.
3. Prepare Your Web Shop: Shopify simplifies the process of creating an e-commerce website. You can choose from various customizable themes and add products from your chosen suppliers.
4. Promote Your Store: The key to success in dropshipping is getting traffic to your store. Utilizing social media, influencer marketing, and advertising can help you reach potential customers.
5. Complete Purchases: Your provider will handle order fulfillment and shipping whenever a client puts an order via your shop. A cut of the money made will be given to you.

Is Shopify Worth it for Dropshipping?

Now, let’s address many budding entrepreneurs’ questions – is Shopify worth it for dropshipping? The short answer is yes, but let’s dive into why.

First and foremost, Shopify has a user-friendly interface and offers various features to help you run your business smoothly. From customizable themes to integrated payment gateways, Shopify has everything you need to create a professional and profitable store.

Moreover, Shopify offers excellent customer support and resources for dropshippers. They have a vast community of experienced sellers who offer advice and tips for success.

Lastly, Shopify has a vast network of apps and plugins that can help automate tasks like product sourcing and order fulfillment, saving you time and effort.

Is Shopify Dropshipping Dead or Alive?

Now, to the main question: is Shopify dropshipping dead or alive? The truth is, no, it’s not DEAD. Dropshipping on Shopify is a constantly evolving e-commerce method, and its success depends on various factors.

Some may argue that the market is saturated, and standing out among competitors is challenging. However, dropshipping on Shopify can still be profitable with the right niche, marketing strategies, and dedication.

On the other hand, some may claim that dropshipping on Shopify is dead due to changes in the policies and algorithms of e-commerce platforms. While this may pose challenges for dropshippers, it also presents opportunities for innovation and adaptation.

Myths about Dropshipping

Now that we’ve established that Shopify dropshipping is not dead or alive, let’s debunk some of the common myths surrounding dropshipping.

1. It’s a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme: Many people believe that dropshipping guarantees overnight success and profits. Success in dropshipping, however, requires the same time, energy, and commitment as any other company.
2. It’s Easy: While the process of setting up a dropshipping store may seem simple, running a profitable business requires constant effort and adaptation.
3. Customer Support Required: Some believe that customer support is optional since suppliers handle the order fulfillment. However, providing excellent customer service is crucial for success as a retailer.
4.  It’s Only for Tech-Savvy Individuals: With the user-friendly interface of platforms like Shopify, anyone can start a dropshipping business with little to no technical knowledge.
5.  It’s Dead: As we’ve established, dropshipping on Shopify is not dead. It may face challenges but can still be profitable with the right approach.

6 Reasons Why Dropshipping Fails

With the increasing popularity of dropshipping, it’s natural to assume that everyone who tries it will be successful. However, that’s only sometimes the case. Here are six reasons why dropshipping can fail:

1. Competitors Stealing Your Dropshipping Business: With low barriers to entry, competition in the dropshipping market is fierce. This makes it difficult to stand out and attract customers, especially if competitors are selling similar products at lower prices.
2. Riding the tide of fashion is only sometimes a good idea: Many dropshippers jump on the latest trends to make quick profits but fail to sustain their business in the long run. Finding a niche with consistent demand is essential rather than relying on temporary trends.
3. The Facebook Ads Traffic Is Not Ideal.: Using Facebook advertisements to attract customers is a common and productive strategy. However, they can lead to wasted money and minimal ROI if not done correctly.
4. Order Fulfillment – Returns & Complaints: As a dropshipper, you rely on suppliers for fulfilling orders. If they make mistakes or have poor customer service, it reflects poorly on your brand, leading to returns and complaints.
5. Boredom – Repetitive & No Innovation: The dropshipping process can become tedious and repetitive over time, leading to burnout. To prevent this, you must continually seek innovative methods and set yourself apart from the competition.
6. High Expectations – Unrealistic Goals: As mentioned earlier, dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Having unrealistic expectations and setting unattainable goals can lead to disappointment and failure.

Dropshipping on Shopify offers countless opportunities for success but also challenges that require hard work, adaptation, and innovation. By understanding the myths and reasons why dropshipping can fail, you can create a more realistic and informed approach to your business. So, is Shopify dropshipping dead? No, it’s constantly evolving, and with the right mindset and strategies, it can still be a profitable venture for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Is Dropshipping Still Profitable?

Let’s talk about the big question – is dropshipping still profitable? The answer depends on various factors, such as your niche, marketing strategies, and overall business approach.

While standing out in a saturated market may be more challenging, there are still opportunities for success. For instance, one strategy for building a devoted clientele is to identify a previously unoccupied market segment.

A strong marketing strategy is also crucial for driving traffic and sales to your store. This can include utilizing social media, email marketing, and influencer collaborations.

Moreover, with the help of apps and plugins on Shopify, you can automate many tasks like product sourcing and order fulfillment, saving you time and effort. This allows you to focus on growing your business and providing excellent customer service.

Another factor to consider is the cost of running a dropshipping business. While it may have a lower startup cost compared to traditional retail businesses, there are still expenses such as marketing and app fees.

Recent data suggests that by 2026, the worldwide dropshipping industry will be worth $476.1 billion, expanding at a CAGR of 32%. This made up a major portion of the e-commerce market, which was valued at $3.9 trillion in 2020.

So, while it may be challenging, dropshipping on Shopify can still be a profitable venture for entrepreneurs. By staying updated with industry trends and constantly adapting your business approach, you can tap into this growing market and see success in your dropshipping journey.

What Percentage of Dropshippers Are Successful

One question that many aspiring dropshippers have is what percentage of them are successful. While there isn’t a definitive answer, we can look at some statistics and industry insights to get an idea.

According to top dropshippers, the success rate for dropshipping businesses ranges from 10% to 20%. This means that the majority of businesses need to see long-term success in the dropshipping market.

But remember that success is relative and that various company owners will have different standards for achievement. Some may consider consistent profits, while others may define success as establishing a stable and sustainable source of income.

Moreover, another factor to consider is the high failure rate of new businesses in general. According to the Small Business Administration, about 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, and around 50% fail by their fifth year.

So, while dropshipping may have a higher failure rate compared to traditional retail businesses, it’s also not uncommon for new businesses, in general, to face challenges and potentially fail. It’s all part of learning and finding what works best for your business.

Furthermore, with the continual growth of e-commerce and the dropshipping market, staying updated with industry trends and constantly adapting your business approach is important. This can increase your chances of success and help you stand out in a competitive market.

How to Start a Profitable Dropshipping Business on Shopify

If you’re ready to take on the challenges and potential rewards of dropshipping on Shopify, here are some tips to help you start a profitable business.

Find a Profitable Niche:

One of the keys to success in dropshipping is finding a profitable niche. Research market trends and identify products that have high demand but low competition. This might free you up to concentrate on other aspects of expanding your firm. Set yourself apart from the competition and attract your target audience by doing so.

According to Shopify, popular niches in 2023 include:

• Health and personal care
• Wardrobe and accessories.
• Kitchen and grocery.
• Home and bedroom.
• Office products.
• Tools and home improvement.
• Camera and cellphone accessories.
• Gaming

Built a Dropshipping Store:

Once you have your niche, it’s time to build your dropshipping store on Shopify. Choose a visually appealing and user-friendly theme and customize it according to your brand identity.

Moreover, take advantage of Shopify’s apps and plugins to automate tasks such as product sourcing, order fulfillment, and inventory management. Or you can find platforms selling pre-built dropshipping stores. This might free you up to concentrate on other aspects of expanding your firm.

Utilize Social Media:

Advertise your dropshipping business on Instagram and Facebook, which nearly 3.6 billion people use monthly. In fact, according to Shopify, 80% of e-commerce orders come from Facebook and Instagram.

Creating engaging content and utilizing features like shoppable posts can drive traffic to your store and increase sales.

Optimize for Mobile:

With the rise of mobile shopping, having a mobile-friendly website is crucial. On Shopify, 69% of orders come from mobile devices. This means that having a responsive and easy-to-use mobile site is essential for attracting and retaining customers.

Utilize Apps and Plugins:

As mentioned earlier, Shopify offers a wide range of apps and plugins to help you automate tasks and improve your business operations. For example, the Oberlo app allows you to seamlessly import products from AliExpress into your store, saving time on product sourcing.

You may boost your site’s visibility in search engines and attract more natural visitors by making use of search engine optimization (SEO) programs like Plugin SEO.

Provide Exceptional Service to Your Clients:

Providing outstanding service to your clients is essential if you want to keep them as consumers and grow your brand. In fact, 49% of consumers say they make repeat purchases from a company that provides excellent customer service.

Make your customers happier and reduce your response times with a customer support platform like Zendesk or Gorgias. In addition to making current customers happier, this may boost the likelihood of rave reviews, which in turn can bring in new business.

FAQs

Is Dropshipping Oversaturated Now?

The dropshipping market has significantly risen in recent years but still needs to be more saturated. Many factors, such as niche selection and marketing strategies, play a role in the success of a dropshipping business.

What is the Success Rate of Dropship?

As mentioned earlier, the success rate for dropshipping businesses varies, with some sources stating it to be around 10-20%. However, success is subjective and can be defined differently by each business owner. It’s important to do thorough research and continuously adapt your approach.

Is Dropshipping a Get Rich Quick Scheme?

Dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires hard work, dedication, and constant adaptation to stay competitive in the market. While some may have found success quickly, it’s only guaranteed for some dropshippers.

Where Can I Get Pre-Built Dropshipping Stores?

Bebiggy is one of the many platforms that offer pre-built dropshipping stores on Shopify. These stores come with a ready-made product selection, design customization options, and support from the Bebiggy team.

How Much Money Can You Make Dropshipping on Shopify?

The amount of money one can make with dropshipping on Shopify varies greatly and depends on various factors such as niche selection, marketing strategies, and store management. While some may make a few hundred dollars per month, others have been able to generate six-figure incomes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, dropshipping on Shopify can be a profitable business if done correctly. You can increase your chances of success by finding a profitable niche, building a visually appealing store, utilizing social media and mobile optimization, and taking advantage of apps and plugins.

If you want to keep your consumers coming back and establish a solid reputation for your company, you must always be willing to change and improve. While success is not guaranteed, thorough research and hard work can lead to a successful dropshipping venture. So, Shopify dropshipping is definitely still alive! Continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying competitive in the dynamic world of e-commerce.

With the right strategies and tools, you can debunk the myth that Shopify dropshipping is dead and turn it into a thriving business. So, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of dropshipping and start your own successful journey today! Don’t let the fear of competition or oversaturation hold you back. Instead, use it as motivation to improve and stand out in the market continuously. Good luck!