How To Start Dropshipping In Taiwan In 2025
Why start dropshipping
Tired of a mundane job? Dropshipping offers freedom and flexibility.
Create your own brand, connecting with customers who appreciate your unique style.
It’s more than selling products; it’s about building a community and a lasting legacy.
No need for a storefront or inventory – just an internet connection and drive.
So, if you’re seeking a venture that offers both personal satisfaction and financial growth, dropshipping is the perfect fit.
Turn your vision into a successful dropshipping business. Keep reading to learn how to get started today.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Taiwan
Taiwan, a hub of innovation and technology, stands as a fertile ground for entrepreneurs looking to venture into dropshipping. The island’s robust infrastructure and strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region make it an ideal launchpad for ecommerce ventures.
With a well-developed logistics network and a highly skilled workforce, Taiwan offers a seamless experience for businesses looking to scale quickly. The country’s strong manufacturing base, particularly in electronics and consumer goods, ensures a steady supply of high-quality products at competitive prices.
Moreover, Taiwan’s government has been proactive in supporting ecommerce growth, implementing policies that encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. According to a recent report, Taiwan’s ecommerce market is expected to grow by 7.5% annually from 2023 to 2028. This growth is driven by increasing internet penetration and a young, tech-savvy population that is increasingly shopping online. The digital transformation in Taiwan is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in consumer behavior, making it a prime market for dropshipping.
The cultural affinity for technology and the high disposable income of Taiwanese consumers further enhance the appeal of dropshipping. Consumers in Taiwan are known for their discerning tastes and high standards, which can be a challenge but also an opportunity for dropshippers to differentiate themselves through quality and service. By tapping into this market, businesses can not only meet the demands of local consumers but also position themselves for expansion into other Asian markets.
In summary and synthesis, starting a dropshipping business in Taiwan offers a unique blend of opportunities and advantages. The supportive government policies, robust infrastructure, and a tech-savvy consumer base create a fertile environment for growth and innovation. For entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the rising tide of ecommerce, Taiwan is not just a destination; it is a gateway to success in the dynamic world of online retail.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Taiwan
Advantages of dropshipping in Taiwan
1. Expansive consumer reach
As an economic powerhouse in East Asia, Taiwan boasts a population of over 23 million tech-savvy individuals, presenting ecommerce entrepreneurs with a vast and lucrative consumer base to tap into. By embracing the dropshipping model, business owners can effortlessly offer their products to this captivated audience, transcending geographical boundaries and unlocking new avenues for growth.
2. Streamlined logistics and operations
The dropshipping model eliminates the need for entrepreneurs to manage physical inventory, warehousing, and complex shipping logistics. This streamlined approach allows business owners to focus their efforts on core activities such as marketing, customer service, and strategic decision-making, ultimately enhancing their operational efficiency and profitability.
3. Low startup costs
Dropshipping offers a low-cost entry point for ecommerce entrepreneurs, as it eliminates the need for substantial upfront investments in inventory and infrastructure. This accessibility empowers aspiring business owners to test their ideas, experiment with product offerings, and scale their operations without the burden of heavy financial commitments, making it an attractive option in the dynamic Taiwanese market.
4. Agile adaptability
The inherent flexibility of the dropshipping model enables ecommerce entrepreneurs in Taiwan to quickly adapt to changing market trends and consumer preferences. Without the constraints of managing physical inventory, business owners can effortlessly expand their product offerings, pivot their strategies, and cater to the evolving needs of the Taiwanese ecommerce landscape.
5. Boundless product variety
Dropshipping allows ecommerce entrepreneurs in Taiwan to offer a vast array of products without the need for physical storage space. This diversity of offerings can cater to the diverse preferences and demands of the country’s 23 million consumers, who are increasingly embracing the convenience and accessibility of online shopping.
6. Scalable growth potential
Taiwan’s ecommerce market is projected to reach a staggering $35 billion in sales by 2025, according to industry reports. By leveraging the scalability of the dropshipping model, ecommerce entrepreneurs can capitalize on this remarkable growth trajectory, expanding their businesses to meet the rising demand without the limitations of traditional retail models.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Taiwan
1. Intense competition
The low barrier to entry in the dropshipping industry means that Taiwan’s ecommerce landscape is highly competitive. Ecommerce entrepreneurs must differentiate their offerings, optimize their marketing strategies, and provide exceptional customer service to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
2. Supplier reliability concerns
Dropshipping businesses in Taiwan rely heavily on their suppliers to fulfill orders accurately and promptly. Any issues with product quality, inventory availability, or shipping delays can directly impact the customer experience and the reputation of the ecommerce business.
3. Limited control over the supply chain
Entrepreneurs who engage in dropshipping in Taiwan have limited control over the supply chain, as they do not own or manage the physical inventory. This can make it challenging to ensure product quality, monitor inventory levels, and respond quickly to changes in customer demand.
4. Navigating customs and regulations
Ecommerce entrepreneurs in Taiwan must navigate a complex web of customs regulations, import duties, and tax requirements when engaging in cross-border trade. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in delays, additional costs, and potential legal complications.
5. Language and cultural barriers
Dropshipping businesses in Taiwan may face challenges in effectively communicating with and understanding the preferences of their customers, especially if they are operating in a different language or cultural context. Overcoming these barriers can require additional resources and expertise.
While some may argue that dropshipping has its challenges, the ability to start a business with minimal upfront investment and the flexibility to operate from anywhere makes it a compelling choice for aspiring entrepreneurs ready to embrace the digital marketplace.
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 Taiwan?
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 Taiwan, you are not limited to your local market. You can serve customers all over the globe, even in the countries of Europe 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
