Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method where you don’t keep the products you sell in stock. Instead, you purchase an item from a third-party supplier and the supplier ships it directly to your customer. As a result, you don’t have to buy products in bulk, don’t store any inventory and don’t handle the product directly, which is a HUGE benefit of the dropshipping business model.

To start, pick a niche you're interested in and research what sells well. Then, find a reliable supplier—platforms like Sellvia or AliExpress are good options. Build your online store or get a ready-made one from AliDropship. Focus on marketing your store using social media ads, SEO, or influencer partnerships to attract customers. It’s all about getting the basics right: good products, a user-friendly store, and solid marketing.

AliExpress is one of the cheapest options to start with. It has low product prices and no upfront costs. Sellvia, on the other hand, offers faster shipping and better product curation, but it involves a small subscription fee. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cost or quality and service.

The best products solve problems or tap into trends. Items like phone accessories, ergonomic gadgets, minimalist home décor, or pet supplies often do well. Seasonal products, like summer clothes or holiday decorations, can also be hits. Tools like Google Trends or Sellvia’s recommendations can help you pick winners.

Profitability depends on your niche, pricing strategy, and marketing skills. Margins usually range from 10-30%, but some high-demand items can give even better returns. The more effort you put into branding and customer experience, the more profit you can make.

Not every website supports dropshipping. You’ll need suppliers who accept dropshipping orders. Websites like AliExpress, Sellvia, or Spocket are designed for this, but some regular retailers may not allow reselling. Always confirm their policies before proceeding.

Dropshipping has low startup costs since you don’t buy inventory upfront. It’s flexible—you can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, you don’t have to worry about warehousing or shipping, as your supplier handles that. It’s a great way to test products and niches without much risk.

You can start for free with AliDropship free trial option. However, to scale and look professional, investing in a store and marketing tools is usually necessary. Free methods may limit growth potential.

Starting with $0 is possible if you use free trials, social media for organic marketing, and dropshipping-friendly marketplaces. However, having at least a small budget for ads and store tools makes it much easier to get results.

Yes, dropshipping is completely legal as long as you’re selling legitimate products and following the laws in your region. Make sure to choose trustworthy suppliers and avoid copyrighted or counterfeit goods to stay on the safe side.