Dropshipping has emerged as one of the most accessible ways to start an online business with minimal investment. In this model, you don’t keep products in stock — instead, you sell items that are shipped directly from a third-party supplier.
In this 2025 beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to start dropshipping (even for free), explore popular platforms like Amazon and Shopify, and answer real questions people are asking today.
Table of Contents
- What Is Dropshipping?
- How to Start Dropshipping for Free
- How to Start Dropshipping on Amazon
- How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify
- How to Start Dropshipping for Free on Amazon
- Best Dropshipping Suppliers to Use in 2025
- Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2025?
- 🗣️ What Reddit Users Say
- ✅ Why These Resources Matter
- How to Start Dropshipping in 2025
- Oberlo Is Gone – What Now?
- Beginners Complete Dropshipping Tutorial for 2025 (11+ Hour Guide)
- How to Start Dropshipping: Step-by-Step Guide That Works
- Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche
- Step 2: Validate Winning Products
- Step 3: Choose Your Platform
- Step 4: Find Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers
- Step 5: Build Your Store
- Step 6: Create High-Converting Product Pages
- Step 7: Launch Your Marketing (Paid or Free)
- Step 8: Fulfill Orders and Provide Good Customer Support
- Step 9: Track, Test, and Scale
- Step 10: Reinforce Your Brand and Build Long-Term Value
- 📦 Bonus: Dropshipping Starter Checklist
- Final Words: Real Success = Real Work
- How to Start Dropshipping: Step-by-Step Guide That Works
What Is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you don’t hold inventory. Instead, when a customer buys from your online store, you purchase the item from a supplier who ships it directly to the customer. Your profit is the difference between your sale price and the supplier’s price.
How to Start Dropshipping for Free
Yes, you can start dropshipping for free — especially in 2025 with so many free tools and platforms available.
Free Tools to Use:
- MyStoreRunner, Big Cartel – free storefronts
- DSers (AliExpress dropshipping extension)
- Canva – for ad creatives
- ChatGPT – for product descriptions & marketing copy
Action Steps:
- Choose a niche with consistent demand (e.g., pet accessories, eco-products).
- Find free suppliers using AliExpress or TikTok.
- Set up a basic store with a free platform.
- Promote using organic TikTok, Pinterest, or Reddit posts.
How to Start Dropshipping on Amazon
Dropshipping on Amazon is possible, but it comes with strict rules. You must:
- Be the seller of record
- Handle customer service
- Use suppliers who ship without including their branding
How to Start:
- Create a professional Amazon Seller account.
- Find U.S.-based or verified suppliers (SaleHoo, CJdropshipping).
- Upload listings with optimized SEO titles and bullet points.
- Price competitively and scale with positive reviews.
💡 Note: Avoid AliExpress sellers for Amazon — use faster shipping and branded packaging to avoid suspension.
How to Start Dropshipping on Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular and user-friendly platforms for dropshippers.
Steps:
- Start a 3-day free trial on Shopify.
- Install DSers or Zendrop to import products.
- Choose a niche (focus on impulse-buy products or trends).
- Customize your theme and set up essential pages.
- Launch TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram ads.
Monthly Costs:
- Shopify Basic: $39/month
- App costs (optional): $0–$50/month
- Ads: Your budget
How to Start Dropshipping for Free on Amazon
This combines the two most complex challenges: staying compliant on Amazon while keeping it low-cost.
Free/Low-Cost Tactics:
- Source free product samples to photograph and create your own listings
- Use your own label with a POD supplier that dropships (e.g., Printful + Amazon)
- Leverage Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) instead of FBA to avoid storage costs
Best Dropshipping Suppliers to Use in 2025
Choosing a reliable supplier is half the battle.
Top Options:
- AliExpress – massive variety, but longer shipping
- CJdropshipping – faster shipping, product customization
- Zendrop – U.S. fulfillment available
- Printful / Printify – for POD (print-on-demand)
- SaleHoo – vetted suppliers directory
- Spocket – U.S./EU-based products with fast delivery
Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2025?
Yes — but only if you’re realistic. Dropshipping is not passive, and success in 2025 depends on:
- Strong product research
- Good marketing (especially TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts)
- Managing customer expectations
💡 Profit margins are tighter, but tools like AI copywriting and automated fulfillment make it more scalable than ever.
🗣️ What Reddit Users Say
Redditors frequently emphasize the importance of marketing, not just product selection. Here’s a common sentiment expressed clearly:
“Don’t rush into paid ads. Test organically first.”
— from r/dropship
Another user offered this wise perspective:
“oppenphasis is just e‑commerce… the only thing you need to learn is marketing (on all levels).”
— from r/dropship
They also highlight genuine voices:
“My all time king of dropshipping and brand building is the Australian Davie Fogarty.”
— from r/dropship
✅ Why These Resources Matter
| Source | What You Get |
|---|---|
| YouTube tutorials | Visual step-by-step guides, store walkthroughs, AI tools |
| Reddit insights | Real-world advice and caution from experienced sellers |
✅ What to Do Next
- Watch one of the featured videos — especially the step-by-step guide.
- Browse Reddit threads to learn real challenges and creative solutions.
- Focus on marketing skills, not just products — great stores need great promotion.
These are the most relevant, trusted, and current resources to start working on your dropshipping path today.
How to Start Dropshipping in 2025
In 2025, the game has changed slightly:
- Customers expect 2–5 day shipping, not 3 weeks
- AI tools allow fast product testing, scaling, and ad creation
- Niches with personalization (like engraved gifts or pet merch) are booming
Modern Must-Haves:
- Video-first product pages
- Mobile-first store design
- AI-generated product descriptions and ad copy
- Transparent shipping & refund policies
Oberlo Is Gone – What Now?
Oberlo, once the go-to Shopify dropshipping app, was discontinued. Alternatives include:
- DSers (official Oberlo replacement)
- AutoDS
- Zendrop
- Spocket
Each offers a product importer, order management, and fulfillment tools. Choose based on where your suppliers are located and what shipping speeds you need.
Whether you’re starting with $0 or investing in a branded Shopify store, dropshipping still works — but the strategy matters more than ever.
Start small, test fast, automate what you can, and focus on products that solve problems or tap into emotions. Your success lies in combining great products, fast shipping, and relatable marketing.
Beginners Complete Dropshipping Tutorial for 2025 (11+ Hour Guide)
How to Start Dropshipping: Step-by-Step Guide That Works
Step 1: Pick a Profitable Niche
Before you build anything, choose a niche with demand, low competition, and products that spark impulse buying or solve specific problems.
🔍 Criteria:
- $20–$100 price range
- Lightweight & non-fragile
- Evergreen or trending (not oversaturated)
🧠 Idea Tools:
- TikTok trends
- Amazon Best Sellers
- Google Trends
- Reddit (r/dropship, r/findproducts)
➡️ Example Niche: Ergonomic desk gadgets, pet grooming tools, compact travel accessories.
Step 2: Validate Winning Products
Use free research tools to find products with proven demand.
🔧 Tools to Use:
- AliExpress Dropshipping Center – find trending items
- Sell The Trend (free trial) – competitive analysis
- TikTok Search: “[your niche] + TikTok made me buy it”
💡 Tip: Look for viral videos and product reviews showing the item in use.
Step 3: Choose Your Platform
You need a place to sell. Two easy options:
✅ Option A: Shopify (Best for Custom Stores)
- Start with a 3-day free trial
- $39/month basic plan afterward
- Install DSers, AutoDS, or Zendrop for supplier management
✅ Option B: Amazon Dropshipping (Higher Trust, Stricter Rules)
- Register for a Professional Seller account ($39.99/month)
- Use FBM (fulfillment by merchant) with trusted U.S.-based suppliers
- Make sure your name is on the invoice (Amazon policy)
Step 4: Find Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers
Do not just pick any AliExpress seller.
🔍 Where to Find Good Suppliers:
- CJdropshipping – global warehouses, branding options
- Zendrop – fast shipping from U.S. warehouses
- Spocket – EU and U.S.-based products
- Printful / Printify – for print-on-demand
🔗 Pro Tip: Always order a sample to check quality and shipping speed.
Step 5: Build Your Store
Make it mobile-friendly, trustworthy, and fast-loading.
🧰 Shopify Setup:
- Choose a clean theme (like “Dawn” or “Sense”)
- Set up essential pages: Home, Products, About, Contact, Refund Policy
- Install DSers/Zendrop to import products with 1-click
✅ Must-Have Apps:
- Sticky Add to Cart
- Reconvert (Upsell Thank You Page)
- Judge.me (Product Reviews)
Step 6: Create High-Converting Product Pages
A good product page = more conversions. Focus on these:
🧠 Key Elements:
- Clear, benefit-driven product title
- Problem-solving product description (use ChatGPT + proofread)
- High-quality photos or videos (use supplier’s or create your own)
- Social proof: add 5-star reviews via Judge.me or Loox
Step 7: Launch Your Marketing (Paid or Free)
✅ Paid Ads (if budget > $150):
- TikTok Ads: best for impulse buys
- Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram): retarget abandoned carts
- YouTube Shorts: UGC-style ads work great
✅ Free Traffic (if $0 budget):
- Create a TikTok account and post daily
- Pin your products on Pinterest
- Post in Reddit communities (organically, not spammy)
- Start a product Instagram page and use Reels
💡 Use Canva or InVideo to create short product demo videos.
Step 8: Fulfill Orders and Provide Good Customer Support
When a customer places an order:
- Your supplier (via DSers/Zendrop) ships directly to the buyer.
- You track delivery inside your dashboard.
Customer Service Tips:
- Respond to emails within 24 hours
- Always offer tracking numbers
- Have a clear refund/return policy listed
Step 9: Track, Test, and Scale
Use analytics to optimize your funnel.
Metrics to Monitor:
- Conversion rate (aim for 2–4%)
- Ad click-through rate (CTR > 1.5% is decent)
- Cost per purchase (aim < 25% of item price)
💡 A/B test product titles, thumbnails, and ad angles weekly.
Step 10: Reinforce Your Brand and Build Long-Term Value
Once you find a winning product:
- Brand it (custom logo on packaging via CJdropshipping or private supplier)
- Build an email list (use Klaviyo or Mailchimp)
- Offer upsells or bundles
📦 Bonus: Dropshipping Starter Checklist
✅ Chose niche and validated a product
✅ Opened Shopify or Amazon account
✅ Installed DSers/Zendrop
✅ Imported product and customized listing
✅ Designed homepage and policies
✅ Launched TikTok or ad campaign
✅ Tested shipping speed with sample
✅ Fulfilled first order and tracked delivery
✅ Started collecting customer emails
Final Words: Real Success = Real Work
Dropshipping is not dead, but lazy tactics are. You don’t need a massive budget to start — just smart product research, sharp marketing, and a willingness to learn.
If you treat it like a business (not a side scheme), it can create real income and scale fast.
Andrej Fedek is the creator and the one-person owner of two blogs: InterCool Studio and CareersMomentum. As an experienced marketer, he is driven by turning leads into customers with White Hat SEO techniques. Besides being a boss, he is a real team player with a great sense of equality.