How To Start Dropshipping In Netherlands In 2025
Why start dropshipping
Many people dream of a profitable business that serves customers all over the world. If you are one of them – you’re in the right place.
Dropshipping is the business that provides equal opportunities to everyone.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an islander or a resident of a busy metropolis.
If you want to secure a better future for yourself and your family, you can easily set up an online business that will bring you money at any point of the globe.
You don’t need to manufacture products or to buy them from someone in advance. All you need is stable Internet access and an online store. From here, your business journey begins.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Netherlands
Starting a dropshipping business in the Netherlands presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into a growing ecommerce market. With approximately 97% of households having internet access, the Dutch population is highly connected, facilitating seamless online transactions.
The Netherlands also boasts a robust logistics infrastructure, positioning it as a key hub for international trade. This strategic advantage allows dropshippers to efficiently serve customers both locally and across Europe, enhancing their competitive edge.
The Dutch market is characterized by a high purchasing power, which translates into increased consumer spending online. In 2023, the ecommerce sector in the Netherlands was valued at over €30 billion, with projections estimating it will reach approximately €33.43 billion in 2024 and grow to around €52.16 billion by 2029.
This upward trend indicates a favorable environment for dropshipping, where businesses can thrive without the burden of maintaining inventory. Instead, entrepreneurs can focus on marketing and customer engagement, driving sales while relying on suppliers to handle fulfillment.
However, potential dropshippers should remain aware of the challenges that come with this business model. Issues such as shipping delays and product quality control can impact customer satisfaction. Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers is crucial to mitigate these risks. By leveraging the Netherlands’ advantageous market conditions and addressing these challenges proactively, aspiring dropshippers can carve out a successful niche in the ecommerce landscape.
All in all, the combination of a connected population, strong purchasing power, and a favorable market outlook makes the Netherlands an attractive destination for dropshipping ventures. Entrepreneurs willing to navigate the complexities of this model can capitalize on the growth potential within the thriving Dutch ecommerce sector.
A multicultural environment lets you learn more about the life and issues of various ethnic and social groups, and tailor your offers to various customer segments.
So, there is nothing that would stop you from launching a money-making business that breaks geographic boundaries and lets you run your venture on a global scale. How would you like the idea of selling China-made products to customers widely spread across the world – and staying in the comfort of your own home?
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Netherlands
Advantages of dropshipping in the Netherlands
Low startup costs: One of the primary benefits of dropshipping is the minimal initial investment required. Entrepreneurs can start an online store without the need to purchase inventory upfront, making it accessible for many.
No inventory management: Since dropshippers do not hold inventory, they can focus on marketing and customer service rather than managing stock levels, warehousing, and logistics.
Wide product selection: Dropshipping allows businesses to offer a diverse range of products without the financial risk of stocking items. This flexibility enables entrepreneurs to test various niches and adapt their offerings based on market demand.
Scalability: As the business grows, dropshippers can easily scale operations without the constraints of inventory management. They can expand their product range or target new markets with relative ease.
Location independence: Dropshipping can be managed from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to operate their businesses remotely, which is particularly appealing in today’s digital landscape.
Access to a growing market: The Netherlands boasts a robust ecommerce market, with increasing internet penetration and purchasing power. This creates a favorable environment for dropshipping businesses to thrive.
Strong logistics infrastructure: The Netherlands is known for its excellent logistics and distribution networks, making it easier for dropshippers to fulfill orders quickly and efficiently.
Consumer trust: Dutch consumers are generally open to online shopping, which can lead to higher conversion rates for dropshipping businesses that offer quality products and reliable service.
Diverse payment options: The Netherlands has a variety of payment methods favored by consumers, such as iDEAL, which can enhance the shopping experience and increase sales.
Supportive business environment: The Dutch government offers various resources and support for startups, including funding opportunities and business advice, which can be beneficial for new dropshippers.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in the Netherlands
Lower profit margins: While dropshipping reduces upfront costs, it often results in lower profit margins compared to traditional retail models. This can make it challenging to sustain long-term profitability.
Limited control over supply chain: Dropshippers rely heavily on suppliers for product quality and delivery times. This lack of control can lead to issues such as stock shortages or shipping delays, negatively impacting customer satisfaction.
High competition: The low barrier to entry means that many entrepreneurs are venturing into dropshipping. This saturation can lead to intense competition, making it difficult to differentiate one’s business.
Complex return management: Handling returns can be complicated, as dropshippers must coordinate with suppliers while ensuring customer satisfaction. This can lead to logistical challenges and increased operational costs.
Quality control issues: Since dropshippers do not handle the products directly, ensuring consistent quality can be difficult. Poor product quality can harm the brand’s reputation and lead to customer complaints.
Dependence on suppliers: The success of a dropshipping business is closely tied to the reliability of suppliers. Any disruptions in their operations can directly affect the dropshipper’s ability to fulfill orders.
Potential for miscommunication: Working with multiple suppliers can lead to miscommunication regarding product specifications, pricing, and availability, which can create confusion and errors in order fulfillment.
Limited branding opportunities: Many dropshipping suppliers offer generic products, making it challenging for businesses to establish a unique brand identity. This can hinder customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
Shipping costs and times: Depending on the supplier’s location, shipping costs and delivery times can vary significantly. High shipping fees can deter customers, while long delivery times can lead to dissatisfaction.
Regulatory compliance: Dropshippers must navigate various legal requirements, such as VAT regulations and consumer protection laws in the Netherlands, which can be complex and time-consuming.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Is dropshipping legal in Netherlands?
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
What country to target?
Living in the Netherlands, you are not limited to your local market. You can serve customers all over the globe, even in Australia and North America. Remember your store niche and think who might be interested in these products. Where do these people live, most likely? That’s your target region!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
