How to Start Dropshipping as a Complete Beginner on Shopify in 2025
6/10/20252 min read
How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify as a Complete Beginner
Dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to start an online business — no inventory, low startup costs, and you can run it from anywhere. With Shopify, setting up your dropshipping store is simple, even if you have no experience at all. Here's exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Understand What Dropshipping Is
Dropshipping means you sell products without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order in your online store, the product is shipped directly from a supplier to the customer. You never have to pack or ship anything yourself.
Your job: find good products, create a nice-looking store, and market it.
Step 2: Create a Shopify Account
Go to shopify.com and start a free trial. You’ll need to:
Pick a store name (you can change it later)
Enter your email address
Choose a password
Once you're in, you’ll see the Shopify dashboard, where you manage your store.
Step 3: Choose a Dropshipping App
Shopify works with apps that connect you to suppliers. The most popular ones for beginners are:
DSers (AliExpress) – great for a wide range of low-cost products
Zendrop – faster shipping and U.S.-based options
CJdropshipping – supports branding and custom packaging
Spocket – offers products from U.S. and EU suppliers
Install one of these apps from the Shopify App Store and link it to your account.
Step 4: Find Products to Sell
Use your dropshipping app to browse products. Look for:
High-demand, low-competition items
Good supplier ratings and fast shipping
Products with good profit margins
Import the products you want into your Shopify store with one click. You can edit the product titles, descriptions, and prices to make them your own.
Step 5: Customize Your Store
Make your store look professional:
Choose a free Shopify theme
Add a logo (use Canva if you don’t have one)
Create important pages like:
Home
About Us
Contact
Shipping Policy
Refund Policy
Keep it simple and clean. Focus on trust and ease of use.
Step 6: Set Up Payments and Shipping
In Shopify:
Activate Shopify Payments or PayPal to get paid
Choose your shipping zones and rates (many dropshippers offer free shipping by including it in the price)
Make sure your checkout process is smooth and clear for customers.
Step 7: Launch and Market Your Store
Now it’s time to get visitors:
Share your store on social media (TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest)
Run Facebook or TikTok ads targeting your niche
Create content or a blog to attract traffic over time
Start small with a test product and refine as you go.
Step 8: Manage Orders and Customer Support
When someone orders from your store, your dropshipping app will notify you. Just click “Order” and the supplier handles the rest.
Be sure to:
Send order updates
Respond to customer emails or questions
Handle refunds or complaints professionally
Final Tips for Success
Pick a niche: Don’t sell everything. Focus on one audience.
Test and learn: You won’t get rich overnight, but with patience and testing, you’ll improve.
Stay consistent: Many give up too early. Keep learning and adjusting your strategy.
Ready to Start?
You can literally set up your first dropshipping store in a weekend. Shopify + dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to enter the world of online business — no experience or big budget required.