1. Printify

• Pricing: Free. Printify also offers two paid plans: Premium ($29/mo) and Enterprise (custom pricing), which offer up to 20% off on every product.
• Shipping: Printify works with printing partners in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and China, saving you shipping costs. Most orders leave the printing facilities within 2-7 business days of order submission.
• Integrations: Major eCommerce platforms and marketplaces like Shopify, Wix, eBay, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Etsy, Walmart, Squarespace, and PrestaShop. You can also integrate with Printify API for a custom solution.
• Product category highlights:
  • Bella+Canvas 3001 and Gildan 5000 t-shirts
  • Hoodies and other apparel for children
  • Accessories like hats, backpacks, custom tote bags, and footwear
  • Home decor items, pet accessories
• Best for: Individuals with varying experience levels, from beginners and skilled merchants to those who want to personalize their products.

Unlike other print-on-demand companies, Printify lets merchants choose their Print Providers based on location, shipping speed, and fulfillment costs.

The Printify Catalog has 1,300+ products and a free Product Creator that lets artists and creatives design their products in the app. Upload ready-made designs, add creative fonts with the Text Editor, or use Shutterstock integration to browse millions of low-cost images. 

Printify offers direct-to-garment printing (DTG), all-over printing (AOP), direct-to-film (DTF), and embroidery. It also includes other custom branding options such as packaging inserts. Merchants set their own prices and keep higher profit margins compared to most platforms.

2. Printful

• Pricing: Printful offers a free version and a paid plan – Printful Growth ($24.99/mo).
• Shipping: Printed products are ready to leave the facility within 2-5 business days from their US, Mexico, or Europe fulfillment centers, implementing cost-effective shipping.
• Integrations: Print-on-demand marketplaces and platforms like Shopify, Etsy, Wix, WooCommerce, Squarespace, Webflow, Ecwid, PrestaShop, BigCommerce, Amazon, and eBay.
• Product category highlights: 400+ Print-on-demand products, like men’s and women’s t-shirts and other clothing, kidswear, and accessories.
• Best for: Brand builders who want to develop custom merchandise for their eCommerce store or business enterprise.

Printful is one of the most established print-on-demand websites, offering a wide selection of print-on-demand products with strong branding tools for online sellers.

Known for its in-house production, Printful controls much of its product quality and fulfillment, rather than relying solely on third-party print providers. This setup gives it more consistency and flexibility across printing options.

Printful also offers warehousing fulfillment, storing your non-Printful products and fulfilling your orders.

For added value, Printful offers product photography services, helping merchants create professional branding assets. Create custom branding through inside labels, packing inserts, and other packaging extras.

3. SPOD

• Pricing: Free to join and no setup costs.
• Shipping: SPOD has factories in the US and Europe, and ships within 48 hours of placing the order.
• Integrations: SPOD integrates best with Shopify. They also offer WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Magento. Order Desk allows integration with eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. SPOD API is also available.
• Product category highlights: Adult and children’s clothing, workwear, pajamas, and accessories such as phone cases, backpacks, stickers, and buttons.
• Best for: Individuals and on-demand businesses who need fast turnaround. Guaranteed 48-hour (or faster) fulfillment.

SPOD is built for speed – all orders are fulfilled within 48 hours. It’s an external app that charges for the order value and shipping costs, depending on the delivery type (standard, premium, or express) and the product value.

It’s also good for non-designers, as they offer 50K+ free designs to use on print-on-demand products.

4. Redbubble

• Pricing: Redbubble is free. 
• Shipping: Ships from third-party printers in Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the US – based on delivery location and product type. Redbubble offers standard and priority shipping at an additional cost.
• Integrations: Because Redbubble is a marketplace and not an eCommerce platform, they don’t offer integrations; instead, customers buy products straight from their website.
• Product category highlights: Everything from custom apparel, such as t-shirts and accessories, to phone cases, stickers, and more.
• Best for: Artists and creatives who don’t want to build a website or open their own store. It’s also great for newbies, as the site is fairly easy to use.

This print-on-demand company doubles as a marketplace – you don’t need your own website, but you get to keep your cut of the profits. On the downside, there are no options for custom branding.

The designer receives an “artist margin” of 10-30% of the purchase price.

Buyers don’t purchase from you directly – they buy Redbubble products with your custom designs. Redbubble keeps all customer information and contact details.

5. JetPrint

• Pricing: JetPrint is free.
• Shipping: All orders are air-freighted from China with guaranteed 3-day production and 7-day global express delivery.
• Integrations: Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Product category highlights: 400+ apparel, shoes, watches, tapestries, bags, and more.
• Best for: Creating unique custom rugs, watches, tote bags, and shoes using direct-to-garment, screen printing, sublimation, and heat-transfer techniques.

JetPrint makes POD profitable, thanks to its geography. All products are made and printed in China.

JetPrint has a simple mockup generator for uploading and placing designs onto products. It stands out from other print-on-demand services by offering a wide selection of shoes and sneakers.

JetPrint is well-rated on the Shopify App Store, making them a trustworthy print-on-demand service.

6. Gelato

• Pricing: Gelato offers four pricing tiers: free, Gelato+ ($25/mo or $249/year), Gelato+ Gold ($129/mo or $1285/year), or a custom pricing Platinum model.
• Shipping: Gelato uses a global network of printers, so items are fulfilled as close to your customer as possible. Depending on the subscription type, they offer 20-25% shipping discounts to paid subscribers.
• Integrations: Etsy, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, and Gelato API.
• Product category highlights: Wall art – posters, canvases, acrylic, aluminum, wood prints, calendars, and cards. Basic apparel items like t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops are also available.
• Best for: Sellers focused on high-quality print-on-demand wall art and sustainability. Gelato encourages on-demand production to reduce waste.

Gelato is a print-on-demand platform that uses third-party printing services. It features an easy-to-use product editor and integrates with Canva for ordering straight from the app.

Shopify users can customize products during checkout. Gelato also supports manual order entry – no online store required.

7. Apliiq

• Pricing: Apliiq is free.
• Shipping: Apliiq provides different shipping options, including international shipping to 150+ countries. They ship from two US warehouses located in LA and Philadelphia.
• Integrations: Shopify and WooCommerce. The Apliiq website also doubles as a marketplace.
• Product category highlights: Apliiq specializes in streetwear – hoodies, t-shirts, hats, pants, jackets, kidswear, and patches. They encourage merchants to work with their artists to design clothing and labels.
• Best for: Building a branded streetwear line with artist-driven customization.

This print-on-demand service offers diverse printing methods: digital printing, screen printing, embroidery, and appliqué (create your design from fabric and stitch it to custom products).

All Apliiq’s printing techniques are environmentally friendly – non-toxic, vegan-friendly, organic, non-hazardous, and biodegradable.

You have various customization options, including custom clothing tags, custom packaging, and packaging slips. However, these are only available if you have 250+ orders per month.

8. Spreadshirt

• Pricing: Free to create an account and start designing; no monthly fee. Base price for each product, as well as additional costs for customization.
• Shipping: Spreadshirt offers international shipping. The cost depends on the destination and package weight. The company’s website also has a delivery estimator.
• Integrations: Spreadshirt integrates with popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Etsy, and WooCommerce, and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Product category highlights: T-shirts and other clothing and accessories for all ages, home and living items, and stickers. 
• Best for: Artists and designers who want to monetize their designs with online sales.

Spreadshirt is a print-on-demand company that lets users create and sell custom clothing and accessories. Upload designs, choose products, and sell them on the Spreadshirt marketplace or through their print-on-demand store (Spreadshop).

This print-on-demand company has a partner program that lets businesses and organizations create custom merchandise for their employees or members.

9. Teelaunch

• Pricing: Teelaunch is free, with a base price for all custom products and additional customization costs.
• Shipping: Teelaunch provides international shipping. Printing facilities in the US, Europe, and Asia offer quick turnaround and low shipping costs.
• Integrations: eCommerce platforms and print-on-demand marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and API.
• Product category highlights: Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), accessories, drinkware, home goods, jewelry, kitchenware, and pet products.
• Best for: Entrepreneurs offering unique, giftable products and looking for low-effort branding.

Teelaunch offers print-on-demand services, letting users create and sell high-quality products under their own brand.

Teelaunch has a library of pre-made, customizable designs. The company offers various customization options, including adding text and images to products. 

Teelaunch offers branded packing slips and labels, helping sellers deliver a more personalized customer experience.

10. Gooten

• Pricing: Gooten is free.
• Shipping: Global fulfillment by hundreds of third-party manufacturers. Shipping costs are calculated based on the customer’s location and delivery method.
• Integrations: BigCommerce, Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and API plugin. Also manual one-off orders.
• Product category highlights: 150+ products, such as t-shirts, hoodies, leggings and other apparel, bandanas, notepads, blankets, bags, custom drinkware, and more.
• Best for: New sellers who want a simple interface and an easy-to-grasp product range

Gooten is user-friendly and offers a limited yet high-quality custom goods to sell under your brand, primarily to shoppers in the US. It partners with vetted print providers and provides reliable support.

They also launched the VIM (Very Important Merchant) loyalty program in 2020, the first of its kind in the print-on-demand industry. It’s recognized as a reliable option for scaling brands.

11. Zazzle

• Pricing: Signing up is free. For additional benefits, get Zazzle Plus ($19.95/year) or Zazzle Plus Premium ($49.95/year). 
• Shipping: Products are produced in the US and shipped domestically and internationally. Most orders are fulfilled from San Jose, California. Find shipping costs and times here.
• Integrations: Zazzle doesn’t integrate with any platforms or marketplaces.
• Product category highlights: 1300+ Products, from apparel and accessories to home goods, office items, and digital downloads.
• Best for: Those who need a wide selection of customization possibilities and want to sell their designs online.

Zazzle is a popular print-on-demand service thanks to its massive product selection. It allows you to sell tangible goods and digital products. Sellers set their own royalty rates and earn income as Zazzle Creators.

Printing options include direct-to-garment, engraving, embroidery, sublimation, screen printing, and heat transfer.

Zazzle’s setup includes a template system, royalty settings, and product tagging, which is less beginner-friendly. But once your store is set up, selling is automated and low-maintenance.

12. Lulu xPress

• Pricing: Signing up is free. Use their pricing calculator for accurate product prices and shipping rates. Bulk discounts available.
• Shipping: Delivers within 3-5 business days worldwide from the US, Canada, Europe, or the UK.
• Integrations: Shopify.
• Product category highlights: Magazines, print books, comic books, and calendars.
• Best for: Authors, illustrators, and creatives who want to earn money by self-publishing products such as books or calendars.

Lulu xPress differs from other print-on-demand platforms with self-publishing for customizable print products like books, magazines, calendars, and comic books. It’s a good choice for writers, photographers, and creatives who want to sell their own books, magazines, calendars, and more.

It lets you transform digital products into physical goods. Lulu xPress distributes printed books to Amazon, the Ingram network, Barnes & Noble, and other channels, but they take a 50-60% distribution fee off the listing price.

Can you start dropshipping for free?

Absolutely. Start a dropshipping business with no money, then scale as you grow. The important thing is to be strategic about using the right platforms and tools.

If you want to know how to start dropshipping for free and actually grow it into a profitable dropshipping business, start by making the most of these free resources.

• Print on Demand – With Printify dropshipping, your customers’ orders cover product and shipping costs, so there’s no need to stock or manage inventory.
• Free dropshipping tools – Use platforms like GIMP, Canva, or Adobe Express to design products and marketing content.
• Free dropshipping store platform – Launch a Printify Pop-Up Store to start selling immediately without monthly fees, subscriptions, or hosting costs.
• Marketing with zero budget – Build organic traffic with search engine optimization, social media content, and email marketing to attract customers without spending on ads.

How does the dropshipping business model work with Print on Demand?

Print on Demand takes the traditional dropshipping model and gives it a creative edge.

It lets you sell custom-designed products under your own brand, with all the benefits of dropshipping. That means automated fulfillment, no inventory, and no fuss.

• Unique product customization – With Printify, you can create and sell over 1,300 personalized items that appeal to your audience and dropshipping niche.
• No production or shipping hassles – Once you start selling products, your partner in the supply chain prints and ships directly to your customer.
• Flexible product testing – Since there are no upfront costs, it’s easy to test multiple ideas, pricing strategies, and designs to see what works.
• Higher perceived value – Offering custom products helps you stand out in the market, charge a higher selling price, and increase customer satisfaction.
• Built-in scalability – Easily connect your dropshipping store to platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and TikTok Shop, automate workflows with free tools, and expand your product range in just a few clicks.

Choose a niche

Picking the right niche is where everything begins. A niche is a specific group of people who share the same interests, problems, or passions. When you speak directly to that group, your chances of building a successful business go way up.

The easiest way in? Start with what you already know.

• Love cooking? Create gear for at-home chefs.
• Obsessed with travel? Design products fellow wanderers will love.
• Into gaming, gardening, or astrology? There’s a niche for that – and they’re looking for what you can offer.

You’re not trying to sell to everyone – just the right people. Choosing a niche you actually care about makes it way easier to research, connect with your audience, and stay motivated long term.

Research market demand

Keep up with industry trends to make data-driven decisions that set your dropshipping business up for success.

Use free online services like Semrush or Google’s Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords in your niche. Get valuable insights on search volume, pricing, demand, and trending topics.

Evaluate your competition

Before opening your own store, take a look at what the top players are doing right and where they’re falling short.

This helps you spot real gaps in the market and determine how your dropshipping store can offer something better or more niche.

Check out competitors’ products, pricing, branding, and shipping times.

• Do they use trustworthy suppliers?
• How strong is their visibility on search results and social media platforms?
• If you’ve got the budget, order something from them. See what the customer experience is like, from the checkout process to product quality.

Catering to a dropshipping niche with low to moderate competition makes it easier to stand out and build a profitable eCommerce business with real, long-term potential. The goal isn’t to copy – it’s to outdo the competition.

Research products

Want your dropshipping store to actually make money? Solid product research is a non-negotiable.

Look for high-demand items that speak to your niche and have room for healthy profit margins. Don’t just pick what looks cool – aim for products with real traction, low return rates, and a proven sales history.

• Scan marketplaces to spot best-selling products in your category.
• Compare features, pricing, and reviews to see what potential customers love.
• Track emerging trends to stay ahead of the curve and keep your product line fresh.

Always weigh uniqueness against market saturation. If something’s too mainstream, your products will get drowned out. If it’s too niche, you might struggle to find buyers. 

Use these insights to lock in your competitive pricing strategy – high enough to make a profit, low enough to attract sales.

Use social media

Follow forums, hashtags, comment sections, and viral posts to see what your target audience actually cares about.

• Track niche discussions that are picking up speed.
• Note the questions people are asking – those are product opportunities.
• Watch what content gets the most likes, shares, and saves.

Join Facebook groups, lurk on Reddit, scroll TikTok, and read Instagram comments. It’s free market research, and it’ll help you spot gaps and create products that people already want.

Find dropshipping suppliers

Look online to see which suppliers other dropshipping businesses use. Find reliable partners with experience, positive reviews, and transparent policies.

Vet each supplier carefully to make sure they meet your requirements and offer the products you need. Get some samples to evaluate quality, and look closely at partnership terms before committing.

Our Product Catalog makes it easy to find reliable dropshipping suppliers and view their prices, average production time, and ratings from other store owners. Plus, you can easily order samples directly from your Printify dashboard.

Start designing

The next step on how to start dropshipping for free is to use Printify’s Product Creator to scale, layer, and personalize designs with free graphics, fonts, and patterns. 

Don’t have an existing design to upload? No problem. Our AI Image Generator creates one-of-a-kind images from text prompts. Once everything’s ready, we’ll place them on realistic mockups to add to your product listings.

Set up your online store

Choosing a platform for your store will depend on your goals. Consider your budget, audience, and personal preferences. 

Let’s look at how some of the most popular options compare.

Optimize your store for conversions

If you’re running a stand-alone store, optimizing your shop to drive more checkouts is crucial. 

Here are some ways to turn more browsers into buyers:

• Use a mobile-friendly design – Mobile eCommerce sales will hit around $2.9 trillion in 2025, so make sure your website is easy to navigate across different devices.
• Add clear calls to action (CTA) – Use bold and direct messages like “Add to Cart” or “Buy Now” to encourage visitors to take action.
• Prioritize above-the-fold content – Place key info like your brand logo, headline, primary CTA, and new drops at the top of the page so it’s visible without scrolling.
• Encourage engagement – Get visitors to interact by signing up for your newsletter, following you on socials, and coming back to shop again.

Market your dropshipping business

Don’t have a big marketing budget to spend on ads? There are plenty of free ways to attract shoppers to your online store.

Here are some free marketing strategies to consider:

• SEO – Include relevant keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and meta tags to improve your website’s visibility in search engine results.
• High-quality product images – Use high-resolution images that show your products from multiple angles. Add alt text with relevant keywords to enhance accessibility and improve SEO.
• Social media marketing – Engage with your audience on social media like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Pinterest. Post photos, videos, and share new product drops to drive traffic to your store. 
• Influencer marketing – Tap into existing communities, grow your online visibility, and quickly build trust with potential buyers in your niche.
• Content marketing – Create niche-related content, like blogs and informational videos, to establish yourself as an authority in your industry.
• Email marketing – Build a mailing list of subscribers to send them exclusive deals, regular updates, promotions, and content related to your products. 
• Social proof – Display customer reviews, ratings, and user-generated content to build trust and credibility with your audience.

Manage orders

While you don’t need to manage inventory or ship products yourself, you can still streamline your dropshipping operations with the right solutions. 

For example, use tools like Track123 for order tracking to save time and scale faster.

If you’re using POD for dropshipping, Printify has many helpful order management features:

• Automatic order approval. We automatically process orders within 24 hours. You can also set automatic approval within one hour, at a specific time of day, or switch to manual approval.
• Order routing. If you enable order routing in your store, we’ll select the best Print Provider for each order to help you save on production and shipping costs.
• Multiple shipping options. We partner with reliable carriers like USPS, FedEx, and DHL to bring you the best shipping prices and fastest deliveries in the industry.

Provide good customer service

Excellent customer service helps build a loyal customer base, improve customer satisfaction, and set you apart from competitors.

Here’s how to ensure customer satisfaction that will encourage repeat business:

• Speed – Try to respond to all customer messages within the first 24 hours.
• Friendliness – Address customers by name and use language and tone that creates a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
• Proactivity – Anticipate customer needs and address possible issues before they happen.
• Consistency – Maintain high standards of service across all channels.
• Gratitude – Consider offering free shipping or adding small freebies and branded packaging inserts with thank-you notes to their orders to show appreciation.
• Feedback – Encourage customers to rate your store and products, and use their input to improve your offerings.

Create a Printify account

Sign up with Printify to gain access to free design tools, over 1,300 customizable products, and seamless dropshipping solutions.

Pick and design your products

Browse our Catalog to find dropshipping products to sell online. Then, head to our Product Creator to upload existing designs or make new ones with our free graphics, fonts, and pattern creator.

Connect your online store

Use our integrations to sell on platforms and marketplaces like Shopify, Etsy, TikTok Shop, and eBay. Want to launch a free online store? Open a Printify Pop-Up Store.

Set prices and publish

Factor in production, shipping, and marketing costs before setting a retail price. We recommend a 40% profit margin by default, but you can adjust this to earn even more.

Natural language processing (NLP)

Natural language processing is the foundation of human-AI communication, allowing machines to understand and respond to text or voice in a way that feels intuitive. For eCommerce companies, this means better customer interactions – whether through chatbots, virtual assistants, or AI-powered search functions.

When an online shopper types “black hoodie under $40” or asks a voice assistant for size options, NLP AI helps decode the intent and deliver relevant results. This leads to a faster, more seamless customer experience – and ultimately, higher conversion rates.

Where it helps: Chatbots, voice commerce, review monitoring, automated FAQs, customer support.

Generative AI

Generative AI in eCommerce is a game-changer for productivity. It automates tasks like writing product descriptions, creating social media posts, and designing ads – saving time while ensuring consistency across your marketing strategy. This technology can also create visuals and videos, helping eCommerce retailers enhance their product listings and captivate potential customers with compelling content. 

Where it helps: Automated content creation, image generation, ad copy, email marketing, listing optimization.

Machine learning (ML)

Machine learning is at the core of most AI tools used in eCommerce. It enables deep data analysis, identifies patterns in purchase history, and learns from past customer behavior. Over time, ML algorithms improve their predictions, offering personalized recommendations, pricing optimization, and smarter inventory decisions.

ML also drives big data insights, improving customer engagement, boosting sales, and streamlining backend operations. 

Where it helps: Recommendation engines, fraud detection, churn prediction, automated discounts, and demand forecasting.

Deep learning

A more advanced form of ML, deep learning uses multi-layered AI algorithms to process massive volumes of consumer data, often mimicking how the human brain works. This is especially useful for recognizing images, interpreting tone in customer feedback, and detecting patterns in human behavior.

In the eCommerce sector, deep learning powers AI tools like visual search, where users can upload an image and instantly find a product match. It also drives high-performing voice assistants and predictive analytics used to improve the online shopping experience.

Where it helps: Visual search engines, sentiment analysis, voice commerce, product tagging, predictions for logistics, and historical sales data.

1. Pricing optimization

AI in eCommerce enables dynamic pricing strategies that adjust prices in real time based on consumer demand, supply, and historical data. These AI tools help eCommerce websites decide which products to discount, when, and by how much – leading to a more efficient sales process and better margins.

While major eCommerce retailers like Amazon already rely heavily on pricing optimization, affordable options for smaller sellers are still emerging. Here are a few providers offering dynamic pricing technology:

• Accenture – Pricing per consultation. 
• Omnia Retail – Free trial; pricing available upon consultation.
• Stackline – Pricing available upon consultation.

2. Chatbots and virtual assistants

Chatbots and virtual assistants use natural language processing (NLP) to interpret online shoppers’ questions and respond in real time. While they can’t fully replace human support, they handle routine tasks efficiently – saving time and improving customer interactions.

Used wisely, these AI-powered tools enhance existing support systems by answering common questions and allowing your team to focus on more complex issues. For best results, implement them as part of an omnichannel enhanced customer service strategy.

Popular tools include:

• SnapCall – From $249/month for advanced AI-powered support.
• ChatHub – A freemium option that connects with multiple chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, and Bing.

By integrating AI in eCommerce, these tools can help improve customer interactions and reduce response times.

3. Product recommendations

Product recommendations based on customer behavior are one of the most common eCommerce features using artificial intelligence. It’s everywhere, from Amazon and eBay to Etsy and Starbucks.

Many eCommerce platforms and website builders offer plugins that deliver personalized recommendations based on past customer behavior, browsing history, and product descriptions. The quality of these suggestions depends on the strength of the machine learning algorithms behind them.

The goal is to deliver an enhanced customer experience while increasing the accuracy of marketing campaigns and streamlining the sales process.

Sellers on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay benefit from built-in tools, but independent eCommerce websites can also access AI-powered recommendation tools through apps and plugins.

Some of the best Shopify plugins for product recommendations using AI include: 

• Dialogue AI Personalization – From free to $399 per month.
• Visely Product Recommendations – From $199 per month. 
• Personalized Recommendations by Glood.ai – Free plan available. 

WooCommerce store owners can benefit from many AI plugins with free plans or requiring only one payment. Some of the best-rated options include: 

• The official WooCommerce Product Recommendations – From $8.25 per month.
• Related Products for WooCommerce by WebToffee – From $89-199 per year, paid on the developer’s website.
• AI Product Recommendations for WooCommerce by divcoderPlugins – One payment of $21.

4. Fraud detection and prevention

Online interactions are increasingly vulnerable to fraud, which led to $44 billion in losses worldwide in 2024. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics, making detection an ongoing challenge.  

Machine learning algorithms are the ideal countermeasure. They can significantly reduce financial losses by analyzing millions of transactions in real time, quickly identifying suspicious patterns, and adapting to new fraud strategies.

ML can catch anomalies that would take humans much longer to spot – like attempts to enter invalid postal addresses, which may signal identity theft or redirected orders aimed at stealing personal data. 

Implementing AI tools also helps detect phishing attacks, payment fraud, document forgery, fake reviews, and even ad fraud. 

While companies like Amazon use their own built-in systems to avoid fake reviews, smaller businesses can turn to tools like Fakespot – a free Chrome extension that specializes in detecting fake reviews and scams across several marketplaces.

Some AI-powered tools for fraud prevention include Nethone, Integral Ad Science, or ZenGRC. 

While some of these systems may be costly for small businesses, investing in a strong fraud prevention strategy early can save far more in the long run.

5. Customer segmentation

Customer segmentation groups people by traits like behavior, demographics, or preferences. AI-powered eCommerce tools use machine learning to analyze customer data, spot market trends, and improve over time. Advanced systems apply NLP and sentiment analysis to refine targeting and messaging. 

The result? Smarter product recommendations, more relevant content, and a personalized shopping experience that increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Google Analytics and Trends are the most popular tools that provide advanced insights. Zigpoll also helps generate customer insights by organizing surveys and analyzing responses on its platform.

6. Inventory management

AI-powered inventory management helps eCommerce businesses balance stock based on sales trends, historical data, and projected demand, reducing waste and avoiding shortages. 

Unlike traditional methods, which rely on manual tracking, AI systems automate the process and run continuously. With smart logistics and warehouse robotics, businesses can analyze data, manage stock more efficiently, and respond to supply chain issues faster. 

Amazon sellers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States can use Intellify’s AWS Solutions, which provide consulting services.

There are solutions for all budgets, including: 

• QuickBooks – Subscriptions from $3.50 per month.
• TallyPrime – One-time payment of $630.
• Fishbowl Inventory  – Request a demo first.

7. Supply chain optimization

Supply chain optimization goes hand-in-hand with inventory management, using AI tools and machine learning for demand forecasting and early issue detection. The supply chain connects every step of production and delivery, and managing it means balancing factors like customer demand and capacity. 

With enough data, AI can make smarter, faster predictions. Many eCommerce platforms, including tools like Fishbowl, combine inventory and supply chain features to improve speed, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

8. Visual search and image recognition

Visual search uses AI systems to let users search with images instead of text – perfect for moments when you don’t know a product name, but know what it looks like. 

Shoppers often screenshot items from social media, then use visual search to find similar products online. AI algorithms analyze pixels, shapes, colors, and patterns, matching them to items in your catalog. As these AI systems train on larger datasets and apply deep learning, visual search becomes more accurate, offering a more intuitive online shopping experience and increasing customer loyalty.

This technology is powered by machine learning and image recognition, with major tools including: 

• Google Lens  
• Bing Visual Search
• Pinterest Lens. 

eCommerce retailers, like Amazon (StyleSnap), Cyder, Aliexpress, and ASOS, also use this technology. 

Another example is Printify’s AI Image Generator – an OpenAI-powered tool that lets users create unique, high-quality designs for print-on-demand products by simply entering descriptive text prompts.

Integrated directly into Printify’s Product Creator, it allows merchants to generate custom artwork in various styles, such as anime, line art, or 3D modeling, and apply it to items like t-shirts, mugs, and posters without needing external design software.

9. Sentiment analysis

Sentiment analysis (or emotion AI) uses artificial intelligence to detect emotions in written text. It identifies if customer feedback is positive, neutral, or negative. For eCommerce businesses, these tools scan reviews, surveys, emails, and social posts to label them as positive, neutral, or negative. This data helps brands improve customer satisfaction, fine-tune messaging, and even predict churn before it happens.

Tools like Medallia, Brandwatch, and Social Searcher analyze reviews, social posts, and surveys, providing actionable insights to guide marketing campaigns and boost customer engagement. Pricing varies greatly, and most services offer some sort of free trial.

10. Voice commerce

Voice commerce is where voice tech meets eCommerce. Think Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant helping customers shop using their voice. These tools use natural language processing (NLP) and AI-generated content to interpret commands and guide the purchase process hands-free.

Still growing, voice commerce taps into several technologies, from synthetic media to natural language generation. Big-name brands like Starbucks and The North Face have already launched successful voice-enabled experiences.

Here’s how it works: 

First, voice is converted to text. Then, NLP analyzes customer intent and suggests products based on purchase history, behavior, or preferences, offering a personalized shopping experience.

Beyond convenience, voice biometrics can be a game-changer for accessibility and may help boost conversion rates. Some platforms even use voice biometrics for secure payments. One of the strongest examples of AI in eCommerce is Amazon, which uses artificial intelligence for personalized recommendations, voice shopping via Alexa, and smart inventory management.

That said, AI-powered voice tools raise privacy concerns, especially around customer data collection. So while voice commerce is promising, it’s still evolving, and worth watching as AI in eCommerce continues to grow. Companies like Just Call offer AI voice assistants with pricing available on consultation.

Merch by Amazon

Merch by Amazon, or Amazon Merch on Demand, is the platform’s own POD service, providing an easy fulfillment solution for people already selling on Amazon. 

This lets you focus on creating best-selling designs while Amazon handles the logistics. 

Creating a business seller account is free and takes about one to two weeks for approval. Be sure to check MBA’s content policy to confirm that your designs comply with Amazon’s requirements.

Printify

One of the best ways to start a shirt business on Amazon is with a print-on-demand service like Printify. 

There’s no need to buy inventory upfront. List your custom t-shirts and let us print and ship them when someone orders. It’s low-risk – plus, you get access to over 1,300 customizable products to grow your Amazon shop.

With Printify, you can:

• Create t-shirt designs using our beginner-friendly Product Creator.
• Integrate your Amazon seller account seamlessly.
• Automatically fulfill every product sold through Amazon.
• Tap into our global network of reliable Print Providers.
• Avoid inventory management and packing orders.

This setup saves time and avoids upfront costs, making it ideal for anyone looking to make money selling t-shirts without warehousing issues. You control the creative side while Printify gets your products to customers.

Sign up for free and connect your Amazon account with Printify in just a few clicks.

Amazon SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of including relevant keywords and phrases in your listings to make your products more visible to shoppers. 

Amazon has its own algorithm and optimization rules for increasing organic traffic. 

To improve your Amazon SEO, think like a buyer while creating your listings. Include all the information potential customers might want before purchasing – like colors, variants, measurements, pictures, and videos.

Customer reviews

Prioritize customer satisfaction – most shoppers don’t buy from brands with ratings below 3.4 stars.

Reviews are prominent on Amazon’s product pages, and the marketplace lets buyers filter by review scores. That means great feedback is essential for getting seen and making sales.

Make your brand top of mind by setting competitive pricing and engaging with your Amazon buyers to develop good customer relationships. Answer all questions, send thank-you emails, and encourage feedback.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a huge source of traffic for online businesses and one of the best ways to develop brand awareness.

Contact influencers, blogs, and YouTube channels in your niche and create an affiliate strategy. 

How does it work? The affiliate mentions your product and shares a link to your listing. They receive a commission from that sale, while you get brand exposure to their audience.

Make your listings stand out so Amazon Associates pick them up, promote them, and send you more traffic – without costing you a dime.

Social media marketing

Go all-in on social networks and share info about your new products, updates, giveaways, and sales. Keep your content engaging with informative posts and publish regularly.

Share your social media pages on your Amazon page and vice versa.

And don’t forget paid advertising. Most social networks give you the option to create ads from scratch or transform well-performing posts into advertisements, driving traffic to your Amazon store.

Unisex jersey short sleeve tee

This tee checks every box. It’s breathable, lightweight, and made to last. With over 50 color options and a wide size range, it’s perfect for any shirt design – from bold graphics to subtle typography.

Key features:

• Front and back print areas
• Easy to machine wash
• Bulk discounts available

Unisex heavy cotton tee

Looking for a sturdy, everyday option? This heavy cotton tee delivers. It’s soft, structured, and ideal for larger or more intricate t-shirt designs. The elastic collar keeps its shape and the color stays vibrant through multiple washes.

Key features:

• Front and back print options
• True-to-size fit
• Multiple sizes and colors

Custom baby t-shirt

Add an adorable twist to your Amazon sales strategy with our niche hero product. This baby t-shirt is crafted from organic cotton and features convenient snap closures. 

Aside from making the perfect gift, it’s a must-have for any t-shirt shop targeting families and parents.

Key features:

• Available in 6 sizes
• Direct-to-garment printing
• Soft and safe for sensitive skin

eBay

The pioneer among online marketplaces, merchants can sell products for the highest bid or at a fixed price on eBay. 

It’s possible to create your own branded storefront through paid subscription plans. However, when starting out, new sellers are limited to five product listings. 

eBay pricing overview:

• Insertion fees. Listings are generally free up to 250 items per month. Beyond that, it’s $0.35 per listing.
• Final value fees. Varies by category but are typically around 13.25% of the sale price up to $7,500. Any sale amount higher than that is charged 2.35% plus $0.30 per order, but can vary based on category.
• Store subscriptions. Starts from $4.95 per month and provides more free listings and lower final value fees.

Etsy

Have quirky designs and a niche audience? Explore selling shirts on Etsy – a popular marketplace known for unique finds.

Etsy doesn’t charge subscriptions and offers a storefront for all sellers. You also have the option to purchase a Pattern subscription at $15 per month to create a standalone, custom website. 

The platform charges $0.20 per listing, and you may be subject to other costs like sales tax and transaction or payment processing fees. Learn more about how much Etsy takes per sale on our blog.

How do you make money with dropshipping?

Your profit margin is the difference between what customers pay you and the cost of the fulfillment process. 

For example, if you sell a notebook for $10 and it costs $3 to make and $2 to ship, you keep $5. That’s a 50% profit margin.

A big advantage of running a dropshipping store is that you don’t need warehouse space, which means less financial risk and business expenses.

1. Select a niche

For your new business to start generating sales from dropshipping, you’ll need to find a niche.

This is a specific market segment that caters to a targeted group of people with particular interests or needs.

Here’s how to identify and target a niche.

2. Analyze the market

Once you’ve chosen a niche, it’s time to do some in-depth market and product research. This will highlight potential opportunities and challenges, help you assess product demand, and perfect your sales strategy to better reach your business goals.

Follow market trends

Stay updated on emerging trends to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior and adapt your sales strategy accordingly.

For example, if you’re in the fashion niche, monitor current styles and follow popular social media influencers to align your products with the latest in the industry.

3. Select a dropshipping supplier

Your dropshipping supplier can make or break your business, so carefully review your options before entering a dropshipping agreement contract.

Since you’ll have limited control over product quality and shipping times and costs, it’s important to vet suppliers with a good reputation, competitive prices, and reliable customer service.

Order a few sample products and evaluate the quality and delivery times. This is especially important if you plan to sell personalized merch like custom clothing or consumer products.

Partner with a few dropshipping businesses to maintain a steady product supply and reduce risks associated with supplier errors.

4. Decide where to sell

Once you’ve selected your suppliers, look for a selling channel that best aligns with your objectives and target market. Here are the types of platforms to consider.

5. Sort out your finances

Now that we’ve covered the fun parts of how to get into dropshipping, let’s go through getting your finances in order.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare to launch a dropshipping business.

6. Get a business license

Getting a business license is important to run your dropshipping store as a legal entity. 

Whether you’re setting up as a Sole Proprietorship or forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), consult local authorities and legal professionals to understand the specific requirements in your area. 

License, permit, and certification laws vary depending on your business structure and location.

Related article

Do you need a business license to sell on Etsy?

Once your Etsy store starts making a consistent profit in sales, you can be legally obligated to apply for a license through your local government.

7. Market your dropshipping business

Attract customers and grow sales by marketing your dropshipping business. Here are some key strategies to consider to help drive traffic to your store.

Build a social media presence

Social media is a fantastic tool for reaching your target audience. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help you showcase products and drive engagement.

Share high-quality images and videos, interact with your followers, and leverage platform-specific features like Instagram Stories and TikTok challenges.

Use advertising tools

Paid advertising tools like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads can help you reach a wider audience. 

They let you target specific demographics, making it a smart way to drive traffic and increase sales. Experiment with different ad formats like video or carousel ads to see what gives the best results. 

8. Monitor and optimize

It’s essential to monitor and fine-tune your operations regularly to keep your dropshipping business running smoothly and growing effectively.

Track financial performance

Regularly monitor your financial metrics like revenue, expenses, and profit margins. Track sales tax and VAT collected through your online store to maintain accurate reporting and compliance.

Use accounting software to keep accurate records and generate financial reports.

Low startup costs

Dropshipping eliminates the need for large upfront investments in inventory, warehousing, and shipping logistics – significantly reducing the financial risk of launching a new business.

Flexible profit margins

Source products at wholesale rates and set your own retail price to make a higher profit.

Keep in mind that you may need to set lower profit margins in highly saturated markets due to intense competition. 

However, if you go with Print on Demand instead of traditional dropshipping, you can set higher prices on unique, custom products.

Multiple dropshipping suppliers

Dropshipping gives you the flexibility to work with various suppliers for a broader product selection – helping you easily adjust to market trends.

With Printify, you have access to overseas suppliers through a global network of Print Providers – all offering a wide range of high-quality products and fast shipping times.

Scalable growth

Dropshipping lets you expand your product offerings and reach new customers without the constraints of physical inventory.

It’s easy to sell new items, test product quality, and enter new markets without financial risk.

1. Start a print-on-demand business

Whether you’re already a successful influencer or just starting out, you can monetize your following by selling one-of-a-kind products.

If you want to reach your audience’s hearts and minds, foster their loyalty, and unlock a new revenue stream, on-demand manufacturing is for you. Many micro-influencers use Printify to make money without handling inventory, shipping, or upfront costs.

With Printify, design, create, and start selling more than 1,300 high-quality products with just a few clicks. Once you make a sale, we do the rest – printing, packaging, and shipping directly to your fans.

2. Sponsored posts

Brands will pay you to promote their product or service if you create high-quality content. Many influencers create sponsored content to engage their audience while securing profitable brand partnerships.

When brands search for social media influencers, they evaluate them according to several criteria, including audience demographics and engagement rate. If you want brands to partner with you, show them that you’ll be a valuable addition to their digital marketing campaign. 

To attract their attention, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Reach. While micro and nano-influencers might get discouraged, there’s no need. Those with fewer followers often have higher engagement rates.
• Quality. Strive to deliver high-quality, relevant content that stands out from what other influencers are offering, cutting through the noise.
• Relevance. Become an authority in a niche and create content that resonates with your social media audience. If you do it right, brands will happily hire you for sponsored posts and send free products for reviews.

Sponsored content can help brands skyrocket their reach and increase sales, meaning they’re willing to pay creators big money for their promotional social media posts.

Don’t forget that you can also monetize your blog, creating branded content for companies that want to share in-depth information about their products or services.

3. Sell digital products

An increasingly popular way how to make money as an influencer is by creating digital products – eBooks, online courses, digital artwork, workshops, travel guides, workout plans, and more. These offer a way to generate passive income while engaging with your audience.

For example, suppose you’re passionate about the fashion industry. In that case, become a beauty influencer or a blogger, building trust and authority in your niche, gaining followers, and attracting brands.

Similarly, many fitness influencers share their knowledge with their target audience by offering free and paid workout plans, diet programs, or nutrition advice tailored to their needs.

4. Become an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products or services from brands. Once accepted into a program, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link that tracks sales or clicks generated through your content. The more people purchase through your link, the more you earn.

For example, with the Printify Affiliate Program, you earn a 5% commission on every order your referrals make for the next 12 months.

Most social media platforms allow link sharing, so all you need to do is add your affiliate links, and your audience can make a purchase.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:

• Join the program. Sign up to become a Printify Affiliate. We’ll review your application within 48 business hours.
• Share a link. Share your affiliate links with your target audience on your Instagram, in a YouTube video description, social media post, or wherever else.
• Earn money. You get a commission when someone clicks on the link and orders.

If you’re a social media influencer or striving to become one, becoming an affiliate is a great way to earn passive income. Many celebrity influencers also use this strategy to maximize their earnings.

5. Sell educational content

Another way how to make money as an influencer is by sharing knowledge with your online audience.

After all, the global eLearning market is forecast to reach nearly $400 billion by 2026.

For example, you could provide:

• Photography lessons. If you’ve got expertise in photography, teach others how to take great photos, charging for access to the course.
• Finance management courses. Now is the perfect time to teach people how to budget, invest, and save, helping them make wise financial decisions. 
• Digital marketing courses. Whether you’re good at content creation, social media marketing, or being an influencer, you can teach others how to succeed as well.

Sell courses as products and try hosting events like live webinars or workshops. This can attract people willing to pay for access to your valuable content, while also increasing your influence, income, and reach.

6. Create and sell your own products

Many social media influencers earn money by creating products or product lines. You can see this type of monetization across many niches, from fashion collections to beauty products to workout gear.

No matter how many followers you have, Print on Demand allows you to make money as an influencer by designing and selling your own unique products.

7. Become a brand ambassador

A brand ambassador is an influencer hired by a brand or an organization to represent them positively.

Typically, brand ambassadors receive benefits, such as products, discounts, commissions, or financial compensation. In exchange, brands expect their ambassadors to promote them on social media channels, create high-quality content, and help sell their products.

For example, here are two companies that offer ambassador programs:

• Headspace. Headspace is an app that helps people meditate and relax. If you’re a health and wellness influencer, Headspace can provide a great collaboration opportunity.
• Lululemon. As an athletic apparel retailer, Lululemon sells clothes for yoga, running, and working out. By becoming their ambassador, you’ll test their latest gear, receive development tools, and connect with like-minded people.

If you’re a good fit for a certain brand, align with its values, and speak to its target market, consider reaching out to inquire whether they have a brand ambassador program you could join.

8. Try Patreon, Twitch, or YouTube

While most social media influencers stick to a few promotional photos and short-form videos, try creating content that speaks directly to your audience, engaging them on a more personal level.

Instead of working with brands, here are a few other ways you can try:

• Patreon. With a Patreon account, earn money by doing what you’re great at – be it art, writing, or music – and offer exclusive experiences to those willing to pay a membership fee.
• Twitch. Twitch donations are a popular way for streamers to earn income. However, you need to build an audience first.
• YouTube. If you monetize your YouTube channel, you can try the YouTube Super Chat feature. With it, your viewers can pay to highlight their message during live streams. Note: YouTube takes 30% of these donations.

9. Start a podcast

With podcasting growing in popularity, many social media influencers have quickly jumped on this trend.

While you’ll need the right setup and equipment, it’s a great way to connect with an audience and share your content. Either charge a small fee for a subscription or partner with brands, promoting products or services relevant to the topics you discuss.

If you’re looking to learn how to monetize your podcast, our article has all the information you need to make money as an influencer while delivering valuable content.

10. Organize an event

If you’re wondering how to make money as an influencer, but you don’t particularly enjoy creating one social media post after another, perhaps organizing and hosting events is the right outlet for you.

Many influencers monetize this by hosting live or online events, charging their audience a small fee.

If brands notice you, they might reach out and offer to pay you to appear at their event, knowing that your presence will attract a crowd.

11. Join an influencer marketing platform

Just like social media platforms connect us with relatives and friends, influencer marketing platforms connect influencers with brands.

Here are a few platforms to try:

• Afluencer. An all-in-one influencer digital marketing platform that helps influencers grow by helping brands achieve their business goals. A great place for aspiring social media influencers – describe your niche, and brands will find you themselves.
• Intellifluence. Macro, nano, or micro-influencers can apply and get access to the Intellifluence marketplace – a network of trusted influencers. Browse offers from brands and apply to campaigns that align with your interests.
• InstaJet. An Instagram influencer marketing platform with over 70,000 advertisers. If you’re an Instagram influencer, InstaJet is the right place for you.

With a simple Google search, you can find more platforms where influencers and brands meet, offering more profit possibilities.

1. Clothing

Fashion continues to dominate eCommerce. In 2025, apparel holds the largest revenue share and shows an upward trend worldwide. That makes fashion an ideal niche for someone looking to start an Etsy or Shopify dropshipping business.

And if those stats aren’t convincing enough, our Catalog Bestsellers section speaks volumes – apparel consistently leads the pack. Our top ten product list is packed with clothing staples like unisex t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and more.  

To get started, use tools like Google Trends to spot which clothing items are in high demand. From there, you can build a successful online business selling clothing for all styles, tastes, and occasions.

Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee

By Gildan · 5000

From $8.61 From $5.89 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 70 colors 22 print providers

Unisex Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt

By Gildan · 18500

From $21.24 From $15.51 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 39 colors 17 print providers

Unisex Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt

By Gildan · 18000

From $17.63 From $11.92 with Printify Premium

8 sizes 38 colors 17 print providers

Women's Ideal Racerback Tank

By Next Level · 1533

From $10.98 From $8.65 with Printify Premium

6 sizes 17 colors 8 print providers

Stretchy Leggings (AOP)

By Generic brand

From $22.66 From $16.67 with Printify Premium

6 sizes 1 colors FYBY

2. Eco-friendly products

Eco-friendly and sustainable products are a top dropshipping niche. Join the booming market by selling sustainable items that align with your values and meet growing demand for eco-conscious dropshipping business ideas.

Eco-friendly dropshipping products

• Clothing. T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, baby bodysuits, t-shirt dresses, and hoodies made of recycled polyester or organic ring-spun cotton.
• Canvas and posters. Polyester-cotton canvases made of sustainably sourced materials, ethically sourced papers, eco-friendly inks, and more.
• Tote bags. Made of recycled cotton and polyester or 100% certified ring-spun cotton grown without chemicals and pesticides.
• Candles. Created from hand-poured vegan wax or 100% natural soy wax without lead, synthetic dyes, plastics, or phthalates.
• Towels. Made of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) or organic cotton, grown without chemicals. They’re great for a soft touch and a guilt-free conscience.
• Other. Wrapping paper, phone cases, napkins, lunch bags and boxes, calendars, stickers, and more. Made from green materials and printed with appropriate inks. 

Check out the eco-friendly category in our Catalog and explore all the options for sustainable and green products. Reach eCommerce success and help the environment at the same time.

3. Pet products and supplies

Where would we be without our furry, feathery, or scaly friends? And what better way to start a dropshipping store than with merchandise designed just for them? 

Check out competitor stores and look for emerging trends with Google tools to understand the demand for pet products. This helps you understand what customers are looking for, so you can focus on selling the products that matter most. This can be anything from leashes and collars to pet tags, clothing, and useful accessories for our precious babies, like beds, bowls, and feeding mats. 

Find dropshipping suppliers within the pet niche and send your customers epic pet merchandise locally and globally. 

Pet Tank Top

By Doggie Skins · 3902

From $22.03 From $16.71 with Printify Premium

3 sizes 4 colors Printed Mint

Pet Bandana Collar

By Generic brand

From $13.67 From $10.37 with Printify Premium

4 sizes Printed Mint

Pet Bed

By Generic brand

From $27.56 From $20.90 with Printify Premium

3 sizes MWW On Demand

Dog Collar

By Generic brand

From $17.52 From $13.28 with Printify Premium

4 sizes C4

Pet Bowl

By Generic brand

From $23.98 From $18.19 with Printify Premium

1 sizes Printed Mint

4. Mugs

The global mug market is projected to reach $58.05 billion by 2032. And understandably so. Mugs are versatile, practical, and universally loved, making them one of the top products to dropship for both new and seasoned sellers.

Custom mugs are perfect for special occasions, ideal office supplies, promotional company materials for fairs and presentations, and useful everyday products.

From morning coffee to memorable conversations, personalized mugs are everyday essentials with a personal touch.

Latte Mug

By Generic brand

From $8.41 From $6.18 with Printify Premium

1 sizes SPOKE Custom Products

Accent Coffee Mug (11, 15oz)

By Generic brand

From $5.52 From $4.47 with Printify Premium

2 sizes 9 colors 2 print providers

Color-Changing Mug, 11oz

By Generic brand

From $7.45 From $5.65 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Textildruck Europa

Two-Tone Coffee Mugs, 11oz

By Generic brand

From $6.94 From $5.51 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 7 colors Print Clever

5. Tumblers and travel mugs

Whether it’s daily commutes or spontaneous road trips, tumblers and travel mugs are handy while on the go. From hikes and gym sessions to everyday routines, more and more people are choosing them for their spill-proof design and reusable appeal.

According to Google Trends, interest in tumblers worldwide remains steady. Establish an online business for tumblers and travel mugs to appeal to a wide audience with different tastes. With their sleek designs, durable materials, and ability to keep drinks at the perfect temperature, tumblers are as functional as they are fashionable.

Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Handle, 14oz

By Generic brand

From $17.11 From $12.59 with Printify Premium

1 sizes District Photo

Vagabond 20oz Tumbler

By Generic brand

From $18.05 From $13.28 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Chill

Gator Tumbler, 32oz

By Generic brand

From $21.02 From $15.46 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Chill

Mason Jar

By Generic brand

From $11.61 From $8.54 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Textildruck Europa

Chill Wine Tumbler

By Generic brand

From $17.19 From $12.64 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Chill

6. Gaming accessories

Gaming and tech accessories are a goldmine for your own online store. The global gaming market is projected to reach $522.46 billion in 2025 – that’s an insane amount of people enjoying LAN and online parties or solo missions in the darkest dungeons of Azeroth, Vallheim, and beyond.

Even if you’re not a gamer yourself, don’t sweat it – dropshipping makes it easy to tap into this thriving market. And with gamers investing heavily in their setups, the demand for custom accessories is only growing.

Partner with the right supplier and sell mouse pads, keyboards, headsets, and speakers to customers in the expanding global dropshipping market. 

7. Baby products

Baby apparel and products are another profitable niche to try. Currently, revenue in this market segment amounts to $45.13 billion, meaning baby clothing can become the perfect dropshipping niche for your store.

People love dressing their newborns and toddlers in unique clothes, including personalized pieces or matching outfits for the whole family. With the right dropshipping supplier, you can sell baby products like hats, bodysuits, bibs, and more.

Baby Organic Short Sleeve Bodysuit

By Babybugz · BZ10

From $14.17 From $10.75 with Printify Premium

4 sizes 19 colors 2 print providers

Baby Contrast Trim Jersey Bib

By Rabbit Skins · 1004

From $11.36 From $8.36 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 5 colors Stoked On Printing

Baby T-Shirt

By Babybugz · BZ02

From $14.25 From $10.81 with Printify Premium

6 sizes 19 colors 2 print providers

Baby Long-Sleeve Organic Bodysuit

By Babybugz · BZ30

From $17.17 From $13.02 with Printify Premium

4 sizes 8 colors 2 print providers

8. Tote bags

Tote bags rank high on the eco-friendly product list, with a projected global revenue of $3.76 billion by 2031. Stylish and reusable, these bags are a smart way to shrink your ecological footprint – without sacrificing fashion for function.

They’re perfect for an online business – versatile, stylish, and endlessly useful. From grocery runs and gym sessions to everyday fashion statements, totes come in all shapes and sizes to suit any lifestyle.

Start selling eco-conscious totes, and you could carve out your place in the fashion world – fast.

Tote Bag (AOP)

By Generic brand

From $11.09 From $8.41 with Printify Premium

3 sizes 5 colors MWW On Demand

Tote Bag

By Generic brand · 3842-LH

From $10.23 From $7.76 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 2 colors OPT OnDemand

Wine Tote Bag

By Generic brand

From $14.80 From $11.22 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Imagine Your Photos

Woven Tote Bag

By Stanley Stella · STAU760

From $12.50 From $9.48 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 3 colors Print Logistic

Shoulder Tote Bag (AOP)

By Generic brand

From $18.31 From $13.89 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Print Clever

9. Custom stickers

While dropshipping is a profitable business model with little to no risk, you can always start small and see where your business goes. Try selling custom stickers of various shapes, styles, and sizes. From single pieces to sticker sheets, they’re the perfect little knick-knack to sell online.

Stickers are excellent promotional tools for new dropshipping businesses and brands. They’re great for self-expression with designs related to hobbies, interests, social groups, and more. Even better? The global sticker market is expected to reach $191.1 million by 2028, making it one of the smartest and most accessible niches to start with.

Bumper Stickers

By Generic brand

From $4.22 From $3.10 with Printify Premium

3 sizes Printed Simply

Square Stickers

By Generic brand

From $1.45 From $1.07 with Printify Premium

4 sizes SPOKE Custom Products

Die-Cut Stickers

By Generic brand

From $3.67 From $2.70 with Printify Premium

5 sizes Printed Simply

Kiss-Cut Stickers

By Generic brand

From $1.38 From $1.01 with Printify Premium

4 sizes 2 print providers

Round Vinyl Stickers

By Generic brand

From $2.66 From $1.95 with Printify Premium

5 sizes Printed Simply

10. Home decor

The home decor market reached $777 billion in 2024, showing just how much people invest in making their spaces feel like home. Home decor isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s part of the personal care market, with people seeking cozy, welcoming, and functional spaces to relax, work, or entertain.

Partner with reliable suppliers in this segment and import products like candles, cushions, carpets, posters, and more. Then you can sell to all those homebodies who love spending time at home.

11. Yoga apparel and accessories

The global revenue for yoga apparel reached $29.69 billion in 2024, with a projected revenue of $31.93 billion in 2025. And that’s just clothing. This means you can reach dropshipping success with products like leggings, tank tops, shorts, and tees.

But that’s not all. Another way to boost your mood while working out is with unique, custom accessories, like towels, yoga mats, and other gear. 

Research the market for trendy yoga products and pick the best ones to sell online, especially for Gen Z consumers, who prioritize health and wellness.

Foam Yoga Mat

By Generic brand

From $51.84 From $38.14 with Printify Premium

1 sizes M.i.A Merchandise

Rubber Yoga Mat

By Generic brand

From $41.41 From $31.40 with Printify Premium

1 sizes SPOKE Custom Products

High Waisted Yoga Leggings (AOP)

By Generic brand

From $33.59 From $25.47 with Printify Premium

6 sizes Miami Sublimation

12. Camping gear

More people are spending time outdoors, from solo adventurers to family getaways and group camping trips. Now is the perfect time to tap into this growing niche.

The global market for camping equipment is expected to reach $51.8 billion by 2032. This is your chance to launch a successful store selling products like enamel mugs, backpacks, blankets, and more.

13. Car accessories

The car accessories market is growing fast – we’re talking about a projected $902.9 billion by 2033 – with more drivers customizing their vehicles for comfort, style, and practicality. From daily commutes to weekend road trips, car essentials are always in demand. That makes this a great niche market for a profitable dropshipping business.

Offer useful and personalizable products like magnets, sun shades, and air fresheners. These items are easy to customize, light to ship, and appeal to car lovers everywhere.

Car Magnets

By Generic brand

From $2.97 From $2.18 with Printify Premium

3 sizes District Photo

Car Sun Shades

By Generic brand

From $27.97 From $21.21 with Printify Premium

2 sizes ArtsAdd

Car Floor Mats, 1pc

By Generic brand

From $12.28 From $9.31 with Printify Premium

2 sizes Pic the Gift

Metal License Plate Frame

By Generic brand

From $11.38 From $8.63 with Printify Premium

1 sizes Pic the Gift

Car Air Freshener

By Generic brand

From $5.97 From $4.60 with Printify Premium

1 sizes M.i.A Merchandise

14. Health and fitness items

The health and fitness industry keeps growing as more people prioritize wellness. The market is expected to reach $9.37 billion by 2029. That makes fitness equipment, accessories, and even beauty products strong dropshipping niches, with plenty of room for creativity and customization. 

Offer activewear and workout accessories like custom mats, water bottles, gym bags, and leggings. Wellness lovers also seek support items like vitamins and supplements, which you can source from reliable dropshipping suppliers. These products are practical, popular, and perfect for an audience that values performance and self-care.

Sports Bra (AOP)

By Generic brand

From $24.61 From $18.66 with Printify Premium

5 sizes 2 colors FYBY

Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Standard Lid

By Generic brand

From $22.88 From $16.83 with Printify Premium

3 sizes 1 colors WOYC

Duffel Bag

By Generic brand

From $43.59 From $33.06 with Printify Premium

2 sizes MWW On Demand

Pre-Workout Supplement, Watermelon (300g, 10.58oz)

By Generic brand

From $16.98 From $15.44 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Rocktomic

Multivitamin Gummies for Adults (60 Gummies)

By Generic brand

From $8.90 From $8.09 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 1 colors Rocktomic

15. Personalized gifts

Everyone loves a gift that feels personal. That’s why personalized products are one of the best dropshipping business ideas. Custom gifts are always in demand, from birthdays and holidays to weddings and graduations.

Start an online store offering personalized items like custom mugs, phone cases, t-shirts, and ornaments. These products are perfect for shoppers looking for something meaningful and unique.

Ceramic Ornament, 4 Shapes

By Generic brand

From $6.03 From $4.44 with Printify Premium

1 sizes Imagine Your Photos

Biodegradable Cases

By Generic brand

From $15.63 From $11.85 with Printify Premium

52 sizes WOYC

Ceramic Mug, (11oz, 15oz)

By Generic brand

From $4.61 From $3.50 with Printify Premium

2 sizes 2 print providers

Organic Canvas Tote Bag

By Econscious · EC8040

From $20.44 From $15.50 with Printify Premium

1 sizes 3 colors Ink Blot

Research market demand

Before choosing a dropshipping business idea or launching your online store, solid market research is a must. It helps you understand your target market – what they want, what they need, and how to reach them.

Ask key questions like: Where should you sell – locally, globally, or both? Local markets often come with easier logistics, while global markets offer a wider reach. 

What should you sell? Look for trending products that solve real problems or improve what’s already available. Use tools like surveys, interviews, focus groups, and Google Trends, and dive into data about buyer behavior, market trends, profit margins, and different market segments. 

Good research will help you find the most profitable dropshipping business ideas and build a store that actually sells.

Pick highly profitable products

Everyone likes a low-risk business model. So make sure to pick products that give you a decent profit margin and are likely to sell well. You’ll need products that are in demand in both global and local markets. Trending products to sell are your ticket to a successful eCommerce store and higher sales volume.

Use online tools like Google Trends to determine if your great business idea is gaining traction or losing momentum. Type in your niche and select a target market to see if people actually search for your dropshipping products. Google Trends will help you decide and evaluate your dropshipping ideas to establish a successful business with trending products.

Study the competition

To build a profitable dropshipping business, you need to study your competitors. Even the best dropshipping business ideas can face strong competition, so understanding what others offer is key. Look at their products, pricing, and promotions.

What are their strengths? What’s missing? Use that insight to craft better offers, improve your profit margins, and attract potential customers.  

Also, before launching your own dropshipping business, explore competitor websites and see what makes them stand out. Then position your online store as the smarter choice with stronger branding, better value, or faster shipping. 

Competitive research helps you spot market gaps and gives your dropshipping idea or business the edge it needs to succeed in a crowded space.

1. Shopify vs Etsy: Product focus

Here’s how selling on Shopify vs Etsy differs regarding products:  

Etsy is a marketplace with clear guidelines on what products can be sold, focusing on handmade goods and craft supplies. While it has expanded its categories, sellers need to follow Etsy’s rules, and violations can lead to account suspension.

Shopify, on the other hand, gives you almost full control. Sell anything within legal limits and build a brand on your own domain without marketplace restrictions.

For sellers who want complete flexibility in what they sell, Shopify has the edge.

2. Etsy or Shopify? Ease of store setup

If you’re wondering whether Etsy or Shopify for beginners is the right choice, both platforms are user-friendly but offer different experiences. 

Shopify walks you through setting up your shop, including inventory management, order tracking, and design customization. While the process is guided, learning how to manage and update everything properly takes some time and technical knowledge.

Etsy is much simpler. Once you create a shop, you just add listings and optimize them for Etsy search. There’s less customization, but it’s quick to start selling.

It all comes down to preference. Etsy is easier upfront, while Shopify offers more control but requires more setup work. A draw.

3. Shopify or Etsy? Design and layout options

A well-designed online store can make or break your sales. 42% of shoppers leave a website because of poor design or functionality. So, how do Etsy and Shopify compare when it comes to design flexibility?

Etsy:

• Simple and uniform – Every Etsy shop has the same layout with limited customization. Sellers can add a logo and organize product collections, but the storefront design stays the same.
• Standing out – The best way to make your Etsy store unique is through high-quality product images and descriptions. Since customization is limited, strong visuals are key.

Shopify:

• More control – There are 13 free and over 227 paid themes, letting you fully customize your Shopify store. Tweak fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand identity. 
• Designed for growth – Unlike Etsy, Shopify gives creative freedom to build a store that stands out and converts visitors into buyers, with a wide range of customization options and third-party apps.

If you want a simple, ready-made storefront, Etsy works well. If branding and customization matter, Shopify is the better choice.

4. Shopify and Etsy: eCommerce tools

Both Shopify and Etsy offer tools to help sellers manage their online stores, track sales, and market their products, but Shopify provides much more flexibility. 

Shopify has over 8,000 apps, allowing merchants to customize their stores with tools for inventory management, marketing automation, SEO, and customer support. 

Etsy, in contrast, has a much smaller selection of integrations (around 20) focused on social media, analytics, and listing optimization. Many of these require subscriptions, and the Etsy app ecosystem is more limited than Shopify’s expansive app store.

Etsy Payments supports various payment methods, but transaction and payment processing fees can eat into profits. 

For sellers who want full control over their store’s features and growth, Shopify is the better choice. Etsy provides the basics, but Shopify’s app store and customization options make it a much stronger platform for scaling a business.

5. Etsy vs Shopify: SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) means increasing traffic and attracting the most visitors to your store, but Shopify and Etsy handle it differently.

Shopify is a website builder, so you’ll need to drive traffic from search engines like Google. This means researching keywords, optimizing URLs, improving site speed, and structuring your Shopify store properly. Some of these tasks may require paid apps to increase visibility.

Etsy, as a marketplace, has built-in traffic, so Etsy SEO is more straightforward. You mainly need to optimize your product titles, descriptions, tags, and attributes to rank well in Etsy’s search results. The platform handles technical SEO, like site speed and URLs for you.

Etsy has the advantage of ease of use since it requires fewer steps to optimize your store. Shopify SEO is more complex but offers greater control and potential for long-term growth.

6. Shopify vs Etsy: Fees and pricing

Pricing is one of the biggest factors when choosing between Shopify and Etsy, especially for print-on-demand sellers. Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee plus transaction fees, while Etsy has no monthly fee but takes a percentage of each sale.

Shopify offers a three-day trial and a $1 first month, after which sellers can choose from three plans:

• Basic Shopify: $39/month, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, includes two staff accounts and 24/7 support.
• Shopify: $105/month, 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction, includes five staff accounts, lower credit card fees, and additional sales tools.
• Advanced Shopify: $399/month, 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction, includes 15 staff accounts, lower shipping costs, and advanced reporting.

While Shopify Payments helps avoid extra transaction fees, paid apps can increase monthly costs as your store grows.

You don’t have to pay to open a shop, but Etsy charges other fees:

• Subscription fee: Free, or $10/month for Etsy Plus. $15/month for Etsy Pattern (for a separate website).
• Listing fee: $0.20 per item, plus another $0.20 renewal fee per sale.
• Transaction fee: 6.5% of each sale.
• Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25 per transaction (varies by country).
• Other fees: Etsy may charge additional fees for advertising, currency conversion, shipping, and regulatory costs.

(All the transaction fees can add up to 20-25% of a sale).

Etsy has the lead with lower upfront costs, making it more affordable for beginners. However, as sales increase, Etsy’s transaction fees can take a significant cut of your profits. Shopify’s monthly subscription is higher, but lower fees per sale can make it more cost-effective for high-volume sellers looking to scale their business profitably. 

7. Shopify vs Etsy: Analytics

Both Shopify and Etsy provide analytics to help sellers track sales and optimize their online stores, but Shopify offers more in-depth reporting.

Shopify Analytics varies by plan. Basic reports include finance tracking and product performance, while higher-tier plans unlock detailed reports on sales, profits, customer behavior, and acquisition trends.

Advanced Shopify and Shopify Plus allow custom reporting, giving sellers insights into revenue per order, top sales channels, and discount performance. These tools help businesses make data-driven decisions and improve digital marketing strategies.

Etsy’s analytics tools are more simple. Etsy Stats shows traffic sources, conversions, and ad performance, helping sellers understand how many sales they generate and where their traffic comes from. Etsy Search Analytics tracks keyword performance and visibility. 

Integrated with Google Analytics 4, Etsy’s reporting is straightforward and easy to use, making it accessible for beginners.

If you need basic insights, Etsy works well, but for detailed reporting and business growth, Shopify is the better choice.

8. Shopify vs Etsy: Marketing tools

With Shopify, you handle all marketing efforts – driving traffic through SEO, social media, email campaigns, and content marketing. The platform offers over 1,500 marketing apps for ads, automation, SMS marketing, and analytics.

Etsy, on the other hand, has built-in traffic. It helps sellers reach potential customers through Etsy ads, which promote listings across search results and other key pages. Combined with social media integrations and SEO, this makes it easier to attract buyers without external marketing efforts.

Another draw. For beginners, Etsy’s marketing tools are simple but effective. For sellers who want control and advanced strategies, Shopify provides more flexibility.

9. Shopify vs Etsy: Customer support

Good customer support makes running an online store much easier, especially when unexpected issues pop up. 

Shopify provides faster, more direct assistance. Sellers can contact 24/7 phone, live chat, and email support or get help from the Shopify Help Center, experts, forums, and online communities. 

Etsy, on the other hand, relies more on self-service options, including the Etsy Help Center, Seller Handbook, community forums, and newsletters. Email support is available, but responses can take time.

While both platforms provide useful documentation, Shopify wins for offering round-the-clock support and expert guidance, making it easier for sellers to get quick help when they need it.

10. Shopify vs Etsy: Scalability

As you grow your online store, choosing a platform that can scale with you is key. 

Etsy is a good starting point since it provides a built-in audience and unlimited product listings. However, scaling can be tough due to listing fees and competition. You have few options to customize the storefront besides a Pattern subscription, and if you don’t master Etsy SEO, your products might get lost in the marketplace. 

However, Shopify is built for growth. You have great control over your store design, product range, and branding, with thousands of apps to help scale your entire business beyond just an online shop. There are no extra fees for adding more products, and you don’t compete directly with other sellers on the same platform.  

However, Shopify requires more upfront investment, and since it doesn’t have a built-in audience, you’ll need to focus on marketing and SEO to drive traffic.

It’s a draw. Etsy is easier to start with but limits long-term growth, while Shopify offers more scalability but requires effort and investment to succeed.

11. Shopify vs Etsy: Selling internationally

If you plan to sell worldwide, Shopify offers tools to help businesses expand globally. Set market-specific pricing, accept local payment processing methods, and create region-specific storefronts with automatic currency conversion. 

Shopify also allows merchants to customize their store’s language settings and display region-based content, ensuring a more personalized shopping experience for international buyers. Additionally, sellers can calculate duties and taxes at checkout, helping customers avoid unexpected fees.

Etsy, on the other hand, makes it easy to sell internationally by allowing sellers to set up global shipping profiles. Your listings will automatically appear to potential customers worldwide, and Etsy Payments supports transactions in multiple currencies. However, Etsy’s international selling features focus more on shipping logistics rather than creating a localized shopping experience. Sellers must manually research and set international shipping rates, and Etsy doesn’t provide built-in tax calculations for global orders. 

For merchants looking to scale internationally with a customizable online store,Shopify is the better choice due to its advanced localization tools, currency settings, and tax automation.

What types of businesses are best for Shopify?

As a dedicated platform for building your own website, Shopify is ideal for any business selling products while looking to establish a unique brand identity and maintaining full control over its online store. It’s optimal for:​

• Scalable retailers: Businesses planning to expand their product range and scale operations.​
• Custom branding: Those seeking to create a distinct online presence with customizable templates.
• Diverse products: Sellers offering various products, including manufactured goods.​

While Shopify requires proactive marketing efforts to drive traffic, it offers lower transaction fees and supports different payment processing options, including Shopify Payments. This platform is perfect for businesses ready to invest in building their brand and managing their own website. ​

What types of businesses are best for Etsy?

As a specialized online marketplace for artisans, crafters, and vintage sellers, Etsy is ideal for:​

• Customized or personalized items: Etsy is a top choice for businesses offering custom products, such as personalized gifts, engraved jewelry, and made-to-order apparel.
• Handmade goods: If you create unique, handcrafted items, Etsy’s audience appreciates and seeks out such products.​
• Vintage items: Sellers offering vintage products can find a dedicated customer base on Etsy.​
• Craft supplies: Sellers providing materials for crafting can also thrive here.​

Etsy’s built-in audience means less effort in driving traffic, allowing creators to focus on their craft. However, be mindful of listing and transaction fees, which can quickly add up. ​

Develop a brand

Whatever you decide to sell online, start by building a brand identity that reflects your business idea and product niche, helping you connect with your target market.

A strong brand name also helps online store owners stand out on eCommerce platforms and improve search engine optimization (SEO), improving their store visibility.

When thinking about how to sell on Shopify, take time to brainstorm names, visuals, color schemes, and a brand message that aligns with your goals and product offerings. 

Set up your Shopify store

1. Select a plan. Shopify provides a range of pricing plans to suit different business sizes. Consider your goals, budget, and any specific features you need.

Decide what products to sell

Creating a successful Shopify store begins with thorough market research to decide what products to sell. 

This means understanding buyer trends, identifying competitors’ best-selling items, and analyzing consumer preferences.

Narrow down a niche of buyers you want to target – for instance, if you sell clothes for nature lovers, try out floral patterns or environmental slogans.

Partner up with a Print on Demand service

Shopify merchants can find, prepare, and fulfill products by collaborating with a print-on-demand service like Printify, featuring over 1,300 high-quality items ready for your designs. 

Choose from a variety of items like apparel or home decor, add your branded designs, and start selling without upfront inventory. Products are made to order and we’ll handle production and shipping, avoiding unsold stock and freeing up your time to grow your store. 

Here’s how the POD process works:

1. Order. A customer buys from your eCommerce store, and the order details are sent to Printify.
2. Print. Our Print Providers will apply your design, inspect the finished item for quality assurance, and begin the packing process.
3. Ship. The Print Provider delivers the package directly to the customer and gives an approximate arrival time.
4. Profit. You earn based on the sellingpriceyou’ve set, making this a low-risk, high-reward alternative to traditional retail models.

Design your products

Whether you prefer to partner with freelancers or edit pre-made designs, this is the time to let your creativity shine. 

If you’re creating from scratch, conceptualize your design idea with graphic design software. Prioritize vector graphics to achieve high-quality visuals, then finalize your custom product using Printify’s free Product Creator:

• Use the drag-and-drop interface to apply designs to product templates.
• Adjust the design placement and scale directly within the mockup dashboard.
• Try the text editor for typography-based designs or overlaying captions and slogans.
• Browse royalty-free images using our Shutterstock integration.
• Find design inspiration by running tests through our AI Image Generator.

Order samples to check if the final result meets your design and quality expectations.

Connect your store and publish products

Now, it’s time to integrate Printify with your Shopify store, sync your listings, and start selling without inventory.

Publish your designs by heading to the My products page on your Printify dashboard.

Then, set up delivery options by choosing Automatically assign a new shipping profile. This will match the shipping rates to what you’re charged for fulfillment.

How it works:

• Automatic shipping profile assignment. The system either creates a new shipping profile for your product or assigns an existing one with matching settings.
• Consistency across products. If you’ve previously set up a product like Bella+Canvas 3001 with an automatic shipping profile, Printify will use the same one for all future products from the same Print Provider.
• Bulk and individual publishing. Publish shipping rates in bulk through the My Products page on Printify or by selecting a product and editing its shipping settings manually.

Remember to communicate the shipping process to your customers. Include detailed information about delivery times, shipping costs, and potential delays.

Price products and optimize listings

Pricing your products for success is about balancing competitiveness and profit margins.   

Consider these strategies when pricing your items: 

• Competitive pricing. Research other stores’ rates for similar products. Shopify’s Help Center can provide insights into standard pricing structures within your niche.
• Profit margin calculation. Analyze the overheads and expenses involved in creating and selling your product, including any online business subscriptions and fees.

Tools like Printify’s t-shirt pricing calculator can help you determine a price that balances costs and profits.

The next step is optimizing your product listings. Make them appealing to shoppers by describing the products in detail to improve visibility for more clicks and sales.

• Listing descriptions. Write compelling product descriptions by including key features and benefits. 
• Use keywords. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Semrush for keyword research, then incorporate them naturally into product titles and descriptions.
• Product images. Upload high-quality images to attract customers. Take your own photos using samples or use Printify’s Product Creator or PlaceIt to generate beautiful product mockups.

Promote your store

Effective and active promotion is the best way to increase your store’s visibility and drive sales. 

Before investing in paid promotions, focus on how to make money on Shopify with no money. Let’s take a deeper look into various digital marketing strategies to successfully sell online. 

Gather customer feedback

Encourage customers to leave reviews. Browse the Shopify App Store for tools like Powerful Contact Form Builder or Trustify to make gathering feedback seamless.

Consider their suggestions for improvement and use the insights to refine your product range and enhance the customer experience. 

Foster repeat purchases by rewarding loyal customers and prioritizing customer-centric shop policies, like hassle-free returns and fast response times. Identify your bestsellers and cash in on trending items for more sales and better profits.

Other business models for selling without inventory

Dropshipping

The dropshipping business model involves selling products that are produced, stored, packed, and shipped by a third-party supplier.

Unlike a print-on-demand service, the dropshipping supplier offers ready-made products without customization, meaning you’re missing out on branding opportunities.

As a dropshipping business store owner, you don’t keep the products in stock – only sell them. Your dropshipping supplier will process orders and ship the products directly to customers.

Third-party fulfillment centers

Using third-party fulfillment centers involves storing products in a warehouse managed by another company. This lets you produce products yourself without managing inventory.

They also take care of packing and shipping on your behalf. This model lets you sell on Shopify without handling logistics, freeing up your time for product development and marketing strategies.

Selling digital products

Selling digital products means offering non-physical items like eBooks, online courses, software, audio, video files, and digital art. 

Unlike physical products, customers can purchase and immediately receive these items online, eliminating the need for physical inventory, storage, or shipping.

Selling affiliate products

In affiliate marketing, you promote other companies’ products or services on your platform, like a Shopify blog. With this online business model, you get paid when a customer clicks and purchases through your affiliate links.

Selling affiliate products doesn’t require inventory management. Simply direct customers to the affiliate products, and your affiliate partners pay you a commission for generating sales.

Beginner-friendly

Our intuitive interface, centralized platform, and 24/7 support simplify operations, even if you have no prior experience.

Reliable suppliers worldwide

Don’t worry about finding reliable suppliers – Printify has a vast global network of vetted Print Providers, featuring the best suppliers Print on Demand has to offer.

Free design tool

Our Product Creator has easy-to-use features and integrations that let you create unique designs without third-party apps. Design and start selling products online with no upfront costs.

Automated order fulfillment

Our system takes the hassle out of order processing. From printing to shipping, Printify handles it all automatically so you can focus on growing your Shopify store.

Low initial investment

Shopify offers a variety of pricing plans starting at $5 per month for its Starter plan. Choose the best option for your budget and dropshipping business needs.

Easy Shopify store customization

With customizable templates, free themes, and the beginner-friendly Shopify dashboard, you can create a professional store design in minutes.

Apps for everything

Easily add Printify and other dropshipping, marketing, and SEO apps to your eCommerce website.

No need for stock

Simply install a dropshipping app, add products to your store, and start selling. Your dropshipping supplier will take care of inventory and deliveries.

Global coverage

Expand to international markets with Shopify Payments, integrated shipping options, and multi-currency support.

Step 1 – Calculate upfront costs

Before you start dropshipping, it’s crucial to understand Shopify pricing plans, domain costs, and marketing expenses.

• Sign up for a free trial to explore Shopify and test its features. Whether you’re using a dropshipping app or integrating other sales channels, the free period lets you experiment before committing to a paid plan.
• Factor in marketing strategy costs, including paid ads, SEO tools, and email marketing software.
• Budget for product samples to guarantee customer satisfaction before launching.

Here are some possible expenses to keep in mind.

Step 2 – Target a niche

Before launching a store, you’ll need to do market research to evaluate the viability of your dropshipping strategy. Segment potential buyers and analyze consumer behavior to align your products with marketable trends.

Base your dropshipping idea around a niche subject or theme that interests you, like jewelry inspired by mythology or thematic specialty coffee beans with unique flavor profiles.

Determine your ideal target audience and discover what’s in high demand by analyzing a potential niche through the following research methods.

Step 3 – Decide what products to sell

Although you can start making sales with any best-selling item, focus on dropshipping products that align with your store niche while offering strong profit margins. This will help you build a profitable business and establish customer loyalty.

Dropshippers can leverage social media platforms, forums, and communities for ideas. Look at what potential customers are discussing, buying, recommending, or trying to find.

Analyze trends and identify what products generate the most sales, whether hoodies or custom stickers. See if there’s an opportunity to cash in and add a new item to your product range.

Step 4 – Find a dropshipping supplier

Start with a quick search online or go to the Shopify App Store to find popular apps for dropshipping. Partnering with multiple suppliers can help you diversify your product selection and achieve faster shipping times.

Before selecting a dropshipping app, read the reviews and make sure the supplier offers the types of products you need. Look at their catalog and see if the costs line up with your pricing strategy.

From Spocket to AliExpress, there are tons of top eCommerce dropshipping suppliers to choose from. If you want to have a curated selection with your own custom designs, go for a print-on-demand dropshipping app like Printify.

Step 5 – Pick a name and domain for your Shopify dropshipping store

Your Shopify store name should be simple, memorable, and easily brandable.

Look at other successful Shopify stores for inspiration. Pay attention to the simplicity and marketability of their names and how the domains align with their brand identity.

Use Shopify’s free domain name generator to get a unique name and check if the associated domain is available.

While Shopify offers a free subdomain, we highly recommend getting a custom domain to improve SEO and help market your dropshipping site. This will make your Shopify store look more professional, giving your brand more value.

Step 6 – Create a Shopify account

Head to the Shopify website and click Start free trial to create a seller account. Once on your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Settings to add your store name, phone, email, and billing information.

Then, fill out these important details to make sure your dropshipping business runs smoothly upon launch:

• Payments. Activate Shopify Payments, select Shopify-approved providers, or add manual payment methods. Additionally, choose a capture method.
• Markets. Add all the regions where you plan to sell, adjusting the language, currency, product, tax, and shipping settings.
• Deliveries. Adjust domestic and international shipping rates for each method or create custom shipping profiles for different product categories. If you use Printify, see how to set up shipping for your Shopify store.
• Taxes and duties. Configure each shipping zone where you plan to collect taxes. Follow our guide on understanding sales tax and comply with local regulations to avoid legal issues.
• Store policies. Set your shop policies and add them to your store’s settings. You can also link it in the footer of your online store or your checkout page.

Step 7 – Customize your Shopify store

The homepage of your Shopify store is the first impression you give to potential customers. With intense competition from other eCommerce sellers, well-designed dropshipping websites have more chances of success.

From your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Sales Channels → Online Store → Themes and choose a professional and attractive template that aligns with your brand.

The platform offers a large selection of free and paid customizable themes for every kind of dropshipping business idea, from Shopify clothing stores to pet supplies.

Add high-quality visuals, make sure your website is easy to navigate, and optimize for mobile devices to enhance the customer experience.

And don’t forget your dropshipping store logo. A well-designed logo is a crucial part of your brand identity, building recognition among customers and setting your store apart.

To create a memorable store icon, use a graphic design tool like Photoshop or its free alternatives, or try out Shopify’s free logo maker.

Step 8 – Create and list products on your Shopify store

To list your dropshipping products, go to your Shopify admin panel → Products. Add or import items to your store and manage your inventory and product collections from here.

Integrating your Shopify store with Printify makes things even easier, since you can create and publish products, and optimize your product descriptions, directly from your Printify dashboard.

Step 9 – Market your online store and sell your merch

Now that you’ve built your Shopify store, integrated it with Printify and other dropshipping suppliers, and listed your products, it’s time to launch it and start promoting.

Apply these marketing strategies to attract customers and drive sales for your Shopify store.

Shopify apps for marketing

Shopify offers a vast selection of apps that’s perfect for growing your online store. Streamline your marketing efforts with these popular and free apps:

• Promo.com. Create engaging promotional videos, social media ads, and product showcases.
• Thank You Email Auto Tool. Run campaigns, use templates to send automated emails, and gain access to detailed reports.
• Yotpo. Add a customizable and AI-powered widget to collect product reviews on your website.
• Instafeed. Integrate a minimalistic Instagram feed into your store to showcase photos, videos, and Reels, and create shoppable Instagram feeds.
• Google and YouTube. Connect your store to Google Merchant Center and YouTube to run targeted ads and display products and exclusive deals.

See our list of the best free Shopify apps to streamline your marketing strategies.

Over 1,300 dropshipping products

Our growing Catalog offers customizable items from apparel and accessories to home goods and consumer products.

Simple mockup design tools

Our beginner-friendly Product Creator lets you customize products with unique designs and generate high-quality mockups to add to your Shopify dropshipping store.

Easy Shopify integration

Import products into your Shopify store seamlessly and let us automatically process and fulfill incoming customer orders.

Global suppliers

Our network of vetted Print Providers allows you to find the right solutions for your Shopify dropshipping store with some of the lowest product and shipping costs.

24/7 Customer support

Facing issues while setting up your Shopify dropshipping business? We have a dedicated support team and Help Center to answer all of your questions and concerns.