How Much Can You Make from Dropshipping on Shopify?

Dropshipping sounds like the ultimate dream: no inventory, no warehouse, just an online store and a supplier handling the rest. But the big question is: How much can you actually make?

Some sellers pull in a few hundred bucks a month for extra coffee money, while others scale to six or even seven figures. The range is wide, and it all depends on your strategy, product selection, and how well you market your store.

If you’ve ever wondered if dropshipping is worth it, then this guide will break down what you can expect, how much you can make from dropshipping on Shopify, and what it really takes to turn a profit. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

What is Dropshipping on Shopify?

Let’s break it down: Dropshipping is like running an online shop without even touching the products. Instead of stocking inventory, you list items in your Shopify store, and when someone places an order, a supplier ships it directly to them. You keep the profit from the price difference.

For example, imagine you’re selling phone cases. You list one for $20 in your Shopify store, but your supplier charges $7 to fulfill it. When someone orders, you pocket the $13 profit without ever holding inventory.

But let’s be real: Dropshipping isn’t magic. Success depends on choosing the right products, setting the right prices, and marketing like a pro. Shopify makes it easy to get started with apps like DSers or Zendrop, which connect you to suppliers and automate orders.

Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2025?

Dropshipping has been a hot topic for years, but is it still a solid way to make money in 2025? Let’s look at the facts.

The global dropshipping market was worth $351.8 billion in 2024, a 23.6% jump from the previous year. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Experts predict the industry will pass $500 billion by 2026, increasing at an AAGR (average annual rate) of 24.39%. That’s a huge opportunity.

So, Is It Still Worth It? Yes, if you do it right. Dropshipping isn’t a quick-cash scheme anymore. The people making money in 2025 are the ones who:

• Sell products that stand out, not the same items everyone else is pushing
• Focus on customer experience: good branding, fast shipping, and real support
• Use creative marketing, like TikTok videos and influencer partnerships, to grow their audience without spending a fortune on ads.

If you're willing to treat it like a real business, test products, and put in the work, dropshipping can still be a profitable and sustainable way to make money. 

Still wonder? Check out our blog to see if Dropshipping is for you.

How Much Money Can You Make From Dropshipping?

The answer depends. Some beginners make $500 to $2,000 per month in their first year, while experienced sellers rake in over $100,000 annually. The biggest success stories? They’ve built six-figure stores by finding the right products, marketing them well, and staying consistent.

On average, most Shopify dropshippers earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per month. But keep in mind: this is revenue, not pure profit. Your actual earnings depend on profit margins, which usually range between 10% and 30% after expenses like product costs, shipping, ads, and Shopify fees.

So, can you make six figures?

Absolutely, but it’s not instant. Successful dropshippers have built six-figure businesses by consistently finding trending products, providing great customer service, and driving organic traffic (we will explore more details in the next part). They also sell a high volume of products.

But even after doing everything right, there’s one thing you can’t avoid: waiting. Dropshipping takes patience, whether you're a beginner or an expert.

Factors That Affect Your Dropshipping Earnings

Not all dropshipping stores make the same amount of money, and a lot of that comes down to key factors that affect your profit margins. Some stores barely break even, while others pull in six figures a year. Here’s what makes the difference:

1. The Price You Pay vs. The Price You Sell

Your profit margin depends on how much you pay your suppliers for products and how much you sell them for. If a product costs you $8 and you sell it for $15, your gross profit per item is $7. That sounds good, but the real question is: What’s left after expenses?

Let’s break it down. If you sell 100 units:

• Revenue: $15 x 100 = $1,500
• Product Costs: $8 x 100 = $800
• Shopify Subscription: $25
• Transaction Fees & Taxes: $150
• Total Expenses: $975
• Net Profit: $1,500 - $975 = $525

That gives you a 35% net profit margin, which is considered a good result. Most dropshippers aim for at least 10% to stay profitable.

2. Your Business Costs Add Up

Dropshipping might cut out inventory storage and manufacturing, but it’s not a free ride. Here are the expenses that eat into your earnings:

• Product & Shipping Costs: Suppliers don’t give products away for free. You still have to buy from them and pay for shipping, which can vary based on location and speed.
• Platform & Payment Fees: Shopify’s basic plan starts at $29/month. On top of that, payment processors like PayPal and Stripe take a cut of every transaction.
• Marketing & Ads: Running Facebook, TikTok, or Google ads? That’s another cost. Even if you rely on organic traffic, you might need to pay for SEO, influencer marketing, or content creation.
• Operations & Admin: Customer service, website maintenance, automation tools, and legal fees all add up.

3. How You Price Your Products

Pricing is a balancing act. If your prices are too low, you won’t make a profit. Too high, and customers might look elsewhere. A good rule of thumb is aiming for at least a 20%-30% markup, but high-ticket items can allow for even bigger margins.

4. Finding the Right Products

Selling trending or evergreen products makes a huge difference. If you pick slow-moving or oversaturated items, it’ll be harder to make consistent sales. Researching winning products and testing different options can help you find the right mix.

5. Scaling Your Business

A $1,000/month store and a $10,000/month store often do one thing differently: scaling. This means increasing ad spending, expanding product offerings, optimizing your website, and improving customer experience to drive repeat purchases.

Your Shopify dropshipping earnings depend on strategy, pricing, product selection, and cost management. It’s all about finding what works, optimizing, and reinvesting in growth.

Best Practices to Start A Money-Making Dropshipping Business on Shopify

Now that you see the huge opportunities for Dropshipping and the potential of making it your own big empire. Let’s find out on best practices to start it right on Shopify:

1. Pick a Niche That Actually Sells

Not every product sells well, and not every niche makes money. Instead, you need to find dropshipping products that people are already searching for and are willing to buy.

Step 1: Think about what makes someone click "buy." It usually comes down to two things:

• Solving a problem: Like a posture corrector for people with back pain.
• Fueling a passion: Like high-quality coffee gear for caffeine lovers.

A niche that taps into everyday problems or strong interests has a much higher chance of success than something random.

Step 2: A trending product can get you fast sales, but it might not last long. Think about fidget spinners: hot one year, gone the next. On the other hand, evergreen niches, like fitness gear, pet products, or skincare, stay profitable for years.

Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, and TikTok hashtags to see what’s popular and whether it has long-term potential.

Step 3: If thousands of stores are already selling the exact same thing, it’s going to be tough to stand out. Electronics, for example, are dominated by big brands with huge budgets. Instead, look for gaps in the market, unique angles, untapped audiences, or ways to improve on what’s already out there.

What to remember? Don’t just sell what looks cool; sell what people actually want. Do your research and test your ideas.

2. Find Really Reliable Suppliers

Your dropshipping business is only as good as your suppliers. If they mess up by late shipping, poor product quality, or missing orders, then you’re the one who takes the hit. Make a checklist to find the best dropshipping suppliers:

Check 1. Look for Quality and Consistency

Not all suppliers are created equal. Some send top-notch products, while others cut corners. To avoid selling junk, always order samples first. Feel the product, test its durability, and check if it matches the photos. If it’s flimsy, cheap-looking, or poorly made, move on.

Check 2. Fast and Trackable Shipping Matters

Customers don’t want to wait weeks for their orders, and neither do you. Suppliers on AliExpress, Alibaba, CJ Dropshipping, or Spocket offer different shipping times, some fast, some painfully slow.

• Standard shipping from China can take 15–30 days.
• ePacket and local warehouses can deliver in 7–15 days.
• Domestic suppliers (U.S., Europe, etc.) can ship in 2–7 days but might be pricier.

Check supplier reviews, ask about shipping options, and only work with those who provide tracking numbers. No tracking = unhappy customers and endless complaints.

Check 3. Communication is Everything

A good supplier should be easy to reach and quick to respond. Test this by sending them a message before you place an order.

• Do they reply within 24 hours?
• Do they answer your questions clearly?
• Do they seem professional and reliable?

If a supplier is slow or vague now, imagine how they’ll handle issues once you have customers waiting.

What to remember? A bad supplier can ruin your business, so don’t rush this step. Test their products, check their shipping times, and make sure they communicate well. 

3. Make Your Shopify Store Look Legit 

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template)

People don’t buy from sketchy websites. If your Shopify store looks like it was thrown together overnight, visitors will leave without spending a dime. Here are the tips:

Tip 1. Get a Clean, Branded Design

Your store should feel like a real brand, not a random online shop selling whatever’s trending.

• Pick a simple, professional theme (not cluttered or flashy).
• Stick to 2–3 colors that match your niche. Think black and gold for luxury, soft pastels for skincare, or bold reds for fitness gear.
• Use high-quality product images (not blurry or stolen from another site).

A well-designed Dropshipping store makes people feel confident clicking "Buy Now."

Tip 2. Write Product Descriptions That Sound Human

Forget copy-pasting supplier descriptions full of bad grammar and generic details.

• Talk like a human: Describe the product like you’re explaining it to a friend.
• Highlight real benefits: “Keeps your drinks ice-cold for 12 hours” is better than “Made of stainless steel”.
• Use short, skimmable bullet points so people can scan fast.

Tip 3. Show Customer Reviews (Even If You're Just Starting Out)

People trust what other buyers say more than what you claim. If you don’t have real reviews yet:

• Import reviews from your supplier.
• Offer a small discount for honest feedback from first customers.
• Use real names and photos: No one believes a 5-star review from "Anonymous."

Tip 4. Have a Real "About Us" Page

A blank "About Us" page screams fake. Tell a quick story about why your store exists.

• Who are you selling to? (Eco-conscious shoppers? Pet lovers? Fitness junkies?)
• Why did you start this? (Passion for the niche? A problem you wanted to solve?)
• Keep it short, relatable, and real; no need for a corporate speech.

Example: “We started this store because we love pets, and we know how hard it is to find stylish, durable pet gear that actually lasts. Every product here is tested by our own furry friends before making it to the store.”

Tip 5. Add the Trust Signals People Expect

Would you buy from a store with no contact info or refund policy? Exactly.

• Show secure payment badges (Visa, PayPal, Mastercard).
• Clearly list your shipping & return policies: no shady fine print.
• Have a Contact Us page with an email (or even better, live chat).

What to remember? If your store looks legit, people will trust you. Treat your store like a real brand, and customers will treat it that way, too.

Others also read

• 15 Inspirational Shopify About Us Page Templates
• 12 Amazing Shopify Contact Us Page Templates to Choose From
• 15 Shopify Shipping Policy Templates: Templates & Tutorials

4. Set the Right Price

Pricing is tricky. Charge too much, people will bounce. Charge too little, and you’ll struggle to make a profit. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1. Know Your Costs (So You Don’t Lose Money)

Before you set a price, you need to know what you’re actually paying for: product cost, shipping fees, Shopify fees, and additional costs for operations, more mentioned above.

Step 2. Use the Right Pricing Strategy

Not sure how much to mark up your products? Try these:

• 2x or 3x Rule: A common formula is to take your total cost and multiply by 2 or 3. If your total cost is $14.50, you’d price it at $30–$45.
• Charm Pricing: The prices ending in .99 or .95 feel cheaper (e.g., $29.99 vs. $30).
• Premium Pricing: Some products (luxury, unique, or branded) can sell at higher markups. If you position your brand well, you can charge more than competitors.

But here’s the thing: If you can make your own brand different with your own unique selling points (USPs), you can totally add more value (= higher charge) to your product. It can be service, packaging, or any personalized touch.

Step 3. Check the Competition (Without Just Copying Them)

If you’re selling a trending product, check what others are charging.

• Too high? Justify it with better branding, faster shipping, or premium packaging.
• Too low? If everyone’s selling it dirt cheap, you might need to pick a different product.

Step 4. Offer Discounts (But Make Them Smart)

Everyone loves a deal, but don’t slash prices so much that you lose profit. Instead:

• Use “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) offers to increase order value.
• Try free shipping over $50 to encourage bigger purchases.
• Offer limited-time discounts so customers feel the urgency to buy.

What to remember? Your price should cover all your costs, make you a profit, and still feel fair to customers. Just test it; test different prices until you find the sweet spot.

5. Have Your Own Policies

(Image Source: EComposer’s Template)

Nobody likes out-of-control surprises when it comes to online shopping, especially the bad ones. That’s why clear store policies matter. They tell customers what to expect, build trust, and protect you from unnecessary headaches. 

Policy 1. Shipping: Be Honest About Delivery Times

Dropshipping means you don’t control shipping speed. Be upfront about it.

• Set clear delivery expectations: If orders take 10–15 days, don’t promise "Fast Shipping."
• List where you ship: If you don’t ship worldwide, make that clear.
• Give tracking details: Customers love tracking their orders. If your supplier provides tracking, share it.

Policy 2. Return & Refund: Make It Clear (And Fair)

• Do you accept returns? If so, within how many days?
• Who pays for return shipping? Some make the customer pay; others cover it.
• What if the item is damaged? Offer free replacements for defective items.

Policy 3. Payment: Let Them Know How They Can Pay

Customers should never wonder if their payment went through.

• List accepted payment methods: Credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay?
• Explain when they’ll be charged: Some think they pay when the item ships.
• Mention currency: If you sell internationally, let buyers know if they’re paying in USD or their local currency.

Policy 4. Privacy: Reassure Customers About Their Data

People care about their personal information. Tell them how you handle it.

• State that you won’t sell their data: Nobody likes spam.
• Explain how you use emails: Do you send promotional offers?
• Mention third-party tools: If you use Shopify, Google Analytics, or Facebook Pixel, let them know.

Policy 5. Terms of Service: Cover Yourself Legally

This is your store’s rulebook. It protects you from disputes and misunderstandings.

• Explain that prices may change: If you run discounts, let customers know it’s vary.
• Cover liability: If you sell wellness or beauty products, include a disclaimer.
• Make it easy to read: Nobody wants to scroll through a wall of legal jargon.

What to remember? Take the time to write them out, display them on your site, and keep them easy to understand.

6. Run Ads That Actually Convert

Throwing money at ads and hoping for sales? That’s how you burn cash fast. Running ads that actually bring in customers takes strategy: good targeting, the right messaging, and knowing what makes people stop scrolling and start buying.

Tip 1. Really Know Your Audience 

• Who is your ideal customer? (Age, interests, spending habits)
• What problem does your product solve? (Faster, easier, trendier?)
• Where do they hang out online? (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook?)

For example, if you're selling trendy phone cases, your best bet is TikTok or Instagram Reels, not LinkedIn. But if you’re selling eco-friendly office supplies, a well-targeted Facebook ad could do wonders.

2. Make Your Ads Stop the Scroll

Your ad needs to grab attention in 2 seconds or less because that’s all you get before someone scrolls past.

• Use eye-catching images or videos: Show the product in action.
• Write headlines that spark curiosity: Instead of "Best Water Bottle," try "This Bottle Keeps Your Water Ice-Cold for 24 Hours."
• Keep it short and clear: No one reads long ads.

🔹 Example: Selling a posture corrector?
❌ Boring ad: "Improve your posture with our back brace."
✅ Better ad: "Hunched over all day? Fix your posture in 2 weeks, without pain!"

Not every ad will work, and that’s okay. Run A/B tests to see what performs best. Even small tweaks can double or triple your results.

3. Track What Works (And Cut What Doesn’t)

Ads aren’t a “set it and forget it” thing. Watch your numbers:

• Click-through rate (CTR): Are people even clicking?
• Cost per acquisition (CPA): How much are you paying per sale?
• Return on ad spend (ROAS): Are you making more than you spend?

If an ad isn’t working, pause it, tweak it, or try something else.

What to remember? Great ads don’t just “look good”; they make sales happen. Do it right, and your ads will bring in more than they cost.

7. Make Buying Easy

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(Image Source: Ecomus Theme)

Ever tried to buy something online but gave up because it was just too much effort? That’s what happens when a store makes the checkout process complicated. If you want more sales, make buying as easy as possible. 

If people have to create an account, fill out endless forms, or jump through hoops just to pay, you’re losing sales. Keep checkout smooth:

• Offer a guest checkout option since not everyone wants to make an account.
• Auto-fill shipping details where possible.
• Accept multiple payment options: credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay—whatever makes checkout faster.

Example: Ever notice how Amazon lets you buy with one click? That’s why people keep shopping there. Fewer steps = more purchases.

What to remember? If you want more sales, don’t make people think too hard. The simpler it is to buy, the more people will hit that checkout button.

8. Use Customer Reviews to Build Trust

People don’t just take your word for it; they want proof. That’s where customer reviews come in. A single good review can do more for your store than any fancy ad. 

Tip 1. Get More Reviews (Because Empty Stores Look Suspicious)

A store with zero reviews? That’s a red flag for buyers. Make it easy (and worth it) for customers to leave reviews:

• Send a follow-up email: A simple “How do you like your purchase? Leave a quick review!” can work wonders.
• Offer a small incentive: Discounts, loyalty points, or a freebie on their next order can encourage more feedback.
• Ask at the right time: Don’t request a review too soon. Give customers time to try the product first.

Tip 2. Show Off Reviews Where They Matter Most

Don’t let good reviews hide in a separate tab; put them right where people make buying decisions:

• On product pages, seeing “4.8 stars from 200+ buyers” builds instant trust.
• In ads & social media posts: A real customer quote can be more convincing than any sales copy.
• On the checkout page: A quick “Loved by 5,000+ happy customers” reminder can reduce hesitation.

People hesitate before buying. Use reviews to remove their doubts. For example: Selling a wireless charger? A review like “Charges super fast, and no more messy cables!” speaks directly to a buyer’s concern.

What to remember? Try using Photos & Videos because people trust what they see. 

9. Have a Game Plan for Customer Service

If there’s one thing that can turn a first-time buyer into a loyal customer, it’s great customer service. On the flip side, bad service can ruin your store’s reputation faster than a bad product ever could. People talk, especially when they’re unhappy. That’s why you need a solid plan to handle customer questions, complaints, and everything in between. 

Tip 1. Be Easy to Reach (Because Nobody Likes Waiting)

Nothing frustrates a customer more than feeling ignored. Make it simple for them to contact you:

• Live chat: A quick response can turn a frustrated visitor into a paying customer.
• Email support: Make sure you actually check and respond in a timely manner.
• FAQ page: Answer common questions before customers even have to ask.

💡 Tip: Set up an auto-reply like “We got your message! Our support team will get back to you within 24 hours.” That way, customers know you’re on it.

Tip 2. Handle Complaints Like a Pro

Not every customer will be happy, and that’s okay. What matters is how you handle complaints.

• Stay calm & professional: Even if the customer is angry, don’t take it personally.
• Apologize and offer a solution: A simple “I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Let’s fix this.” goes a long way.
• Respond fast: A slow response makes a bad situation worse. Even if you don’t have an answer right away, acknowledge the issue.

Example: If a customer’s order is delayed, don’t just say, “It’s on the way.” Instead, say, “We understand the frustration. Your order is expected to arrive by [date], and we appreciate your patience.”

If a customer wants to return an item, they should know exactly how to do it: no confusion, no frustration. Make sure your return policy answers their problems.

What to remember? Make it easy for them to reach you, handle complaints with care, and always be clear about your policies. The better your service, the stronger your brand.

10. Keep Track and Optimize the Process

Running a dropshipping business isn’t just about setting things up and hoping for the best. You need to track what’s working, fix what’s not, and keep improving. Here’s how to stay in control and keep your store growing.

• Check Your Numbers: Keep an eye on your sales, profit margins, and website traffic. If a product isn’t selling, find out why: Is the price too high? Is the ad not working? Use Shopify’s analytics or Google Analytics and make smarter decisions.
• Test, Tweak, Repeat: Don’t just guess what works; test it differently. Run A/B tests on ads to see which ones get the best clicks. 
• Listen to Your Customers: Reviews, complaints, and questions tell you exactly what customers like (or don’t). Your customers are giving you free insights; use them.

What to remember? Dropshipping isn’t a “set it and forget it” business. The winners are the ones who track their numbers, adjust their strategy, and always look for ways to improve. 

What Are The Most Profitable Products To Dropship?

Not all dropshipping products are created equal. Some bring in better profits, more repeat customers, and lower return rates. If you want to maximize your earnings, you need to focus on products people love to buy without draining your budget on ads.

Here are 10 solid picks that can turn your Shopify store into a money-making machine:

1. Acne Patches: These tiny skincare heroes are in huge demand, are easy to ship, and sell at a high markup. Costing just $2–$5 from suppliers, you can retail them for $10–$20 and still keep 60–70% of the profit.
2. Resistance Bands: Fitness never goes out of style. Resistance bands are cheap to source ($2–$5), sell for $10–$20, and deliver 50–70% profit margins, all while taking up almost no storage space.
3. LED Light Strips: Everyone loves an aesthetic glow-up. These flexible, easy-to-install lights cost about $5–$10 but can sell for $20–$40, making them a 50–60% profit product.
4. Organic Tea: The health and wellness market is booming, and organic tea is a repeat purchase item. With a supplier cost of $5–$15 and a selling price of $20–$40, it brings in a 50–60% profit margin.
5. Pet Toys: Pet owners never stop spending on their furry friends. These toys cost as little as $1–$5 to source, retail for $10–$20, and have 50–60% profit potential.
6. Air Fryers: Home cooks and health-conscious buyers are in this trend. You can get them for $40–$70 and sell them for $100–$150, earning a 30–40% profit margin.
7. Electric Toothbrushes: A must-have personal care item that keeps customers coming back for replacement heads. With a supplier cost of $15–$30 and a retail price of $50–$80, you can make 40–60% in profit.
8. Solar Garden Lights: People love energy-saving home upgrades, and solar lights are both stylish and functional. Costing around $5–$15, they can sell for $20–$50 with a 50–60% profit margin.
9. Automatic Pet Feeders: A game-changer for pet owners who want convenience. These feeders cost $20–$40 to source but can sell for $60–$100, delivering a 40–50% margin.
10. Waterproof Shoe Covers: A smart, practical buy that people grab impulsively. You can source them for just $3–$7 and sell for $10–$20, making 60–70% profit.

These products aren’t just trendy; they solve real problems, have solid margins, and are easy to sell. Want to make more? Pick wisely, price smartly, and watch your profits grow.

Wrap Up

Dropshipping on Shopify can be a real money-maker if you do it right. There’s no magic number for how much you’ll earn, but with the right products, pricing strategy, and marketing, you can turn a side hustle into a full-blown business.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, though. If you’re willing to put in the effort and play it smart, dropshipping can bring in consistent income and even grow into something bigger than you imagined. Ready to make it happen? Start now, learn fast, and keep going.