Each step will link to other articles where you will be able to learn more about dropshipping. Awesome, right?
Without further ado, let’s get started with becoming a dropshipper!
Tip: Make sure to stick around till the end, since I will be answering some questions that you will definitely have. For example, “How long does it take to become a successful dropshipper?”
Step 1: Understand the concept of dropshipping
The first step to becoming a dropshipper is understanding the concept of dropshipping.
After all, how would you become a dropshipper if you don’t know what dropshipping is?
It would be pretty difficult, wouldn’t it?
Well, to make it simpler, here is our explanation of dropshipping:
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products on your online store without keeping them in stock. Once you get an order, you forward it to your dropshipping supplier, who will ship the product directly to your customer.
For the visual learners, take a look at our infographic below that explains how dropshipping works:
I hope it helped you to form an idea about dropshipping and how it works.
If not, click here to open an article that will explain the concept of dropshipping in further detail.
Step 2: Find a dropshipping supplier
As you’ve probably noticed, a dropshipping supplier plays a significant role in your dropshipping business.
When taking another look at Shopify‘s image, you will even see the word “dropshipping supplier” appear in three out of the four steps!
Most beginners start dropshipping with a supplier you probably already know, AliExpress:
If you’re interested in the way this works, check out this article!
AliExpress is a Chinese dropshipping supplier, which means you will have to deal with long shipping times.
Luckily, suppliers in the US and Europe exist as well.
For example, take a look at Spocket:
Once you have found an appealing supplier, make sure to ask them the 14 questions from this article.
Those will help you to find the best dropshipping suppliers out there!
Once you have picked a supplier, you can head on to the next step; choosing a product to sell!
Step 3: Choose your dropshipping product(s)
You become a dropshipper by selling products on your online store.
But what products should you sell?
This is a critical question, as picking the right products can make the difference between succeeding and failing.
First of all, you should know that there are three kinds of dropshipping stores:
- General stores. A general store can offer everything and anything! The products sold on general stores can range from coffee cups to swimwear. (Here’s an example)
- Niche stores. These stores only sell products in a particular niche. For example, a pet product store.
- One-product stores. As you can probably guess, these are stores that only sell one single product. For example, this is a one-product store selling a fishing trap!
If you doubt which kind to choose, this article will help you out!
Knowing what kind of dropshipping store you will start is important as you will have to keep it in mind when choosing your products.
When starting a niche store, you will be limited to picking products within your niche.
If you’re looking for some examples of niches you could choose for your dropshipping store, click here to view 25 niche ideas!
Spoiler: I will give you one already, the fitness niche!
