Is Dropshipping Worth It In 2024? The Harsh Truth & Success Tips

Is dropshipping worth it in 2024? Many are asking this question with the e-commerce market booming.

But before you get in, you need to know the harsh truth and hidden challenges that come with it.

In this article, you will discover if dropshipping is still a good business, as well as the pitfalls and rewards.

Ready to find out if dropshipping is your ticket to success? Read on!

What Is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock.

Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. As a result, the seller doesn’t have to handle the product directly.

This model allows you to start an online business with lower upfront costs and without needing a physical inventory.

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Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2024?

Yes, dropshipping is definitely worth it. I can say that for sure since I am into this world for a long time.

However, this depends on several factors, including your business goals, market research, and execution.

So, I am more than happy to explain my answer better. Let’s see!👇

1. Dropshipping Business Profitability

First thing first, dropshipping business is worth it because of its profitability and expansion.

So, let’s get to the dropshipping stats!

By 2026, dropshipping sales are forecasted to grow to US$476 billion worldwide. Now, let’s compare the size of the global dropshipping market to the size of the global e-commerce market as a whole.

By 2025, the global e-commerce market is predicted to grow to US$3,315.3 billion. Evidently, the size of the global dropshipping market is much smaller in comparison with the size of the global e-commerce market as a whole.

Also, based on the latest data on dropshipping, it is projected that the worldwide dropshipping sector will achieve a value of $301.11 billion by 2024

So, the answer is YES. Dropshipping business is profitable! And, there are even more truths behind this. Want to see them?

2. Dropshipping Is Here To Stay

Not only is dropshipping profitable, but it is also thriving. As mentioned above, it is forecasted to grow to US$476 billion by 2026.

Also, based on Google Trends, the dropshipping business model has no signs of stopping.

And, if we take a look into its popularity over the years, we can only confirm that.

3. Higher Number of Internet Users and Online Buyers

It is no secret that many people around the world use the internet. It has become the key enabler in building connectivity that drives economic growth.

Or more specifically, in 2024, there were 5.44 billion active internet users globally – or nearly 60% of the global population.

But all internet users are not interested in online shopping. So, let’s see how many internet users worldwide buy products online. In 2024, more than 2.71 billion people across the globe are expected to make online purchases.

Furthermore, the number of internet users will likely increase over the coming years. The more people use the internet, the more online buyers. And this is great for dropshipping store owners.

4. The Evolution Of Mobile Commerce Worldwide

About 90% of active internet users worldwide use a mobile device to go online. And a large percentage of e-commerce sales will be generated via mobile devices.

In a nutshell, the evolution of mobile commerce on a global scale also opens up new opportunities for you as a new dropshipper.

👉 Learn How To Sell On Spotify Today: Step-by-Step Guide + Top Products

The Main Reasons Why People Start Dropshipping

There are different reasons why people decide to start dropshipping. Here are some of the most common ones that speak about is dropshipping worth it:

✅ It is easy to get started

When all the pros and cons of dropshipping are taken into consideration, it is safe to say that the greatest advantage of this business model is the low barrier to entry.

Namely, getting a dropshipping business up and running is an easy process.

Learn about B2C vs D2C: What’s The Difference & Which One Is For Beginners.

Many e-commerce platforms are available today that simplify the entire process of setting up a dropshipping store. For example, Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for dropshipping

There are also many dropshipping automation tools out there that help you save time and streamline your business processes.

For instance, tools like Sell The Trend provide them with a list of “best-selling products” so they can sell what has proven to be popular.👇

✅ It Is a Low-Risk Business Model

Another reason why people make a decision to start dropshipping is that it is a low-risk business model. And, one more reason talking about is dropshipping worth it.

Brick-and-mortar stores need a huge start-up capital before opening their doors. They need to buy inventory, rent or buy a space where they are going to do business, etc.

Nevertheless, dropshipping store owners do not have to invest thousands of dollars in inventory in advance.

For instance, I use Inventory Source to help me deal with finding dropshipping suppliers and managing inventory.👇

Hence, it is an all-in-one platform that allows you to find dropshipping suppliers and automate your workflows.

👉 Read about What Is The Minimum Budget To Start Dropshipping With Shopify?

Also, you could literally set up an online business without investing a huge amount of money and still be a success. And dropshipping store owners will never get stuck with an unsold surplus. This is very attractive to dropshippers.

 Learn about Dropshipping: Is It A Real Business or a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme?

✅ It Offers Flexibility (9-5 Office Hours Are a Thing of The Past)

Some people speak fondly of the 9-to-5 shift. But others want some kind of flexibility when it comes to their work schedules. And, this is one reason why dropshipping is worth it.

Plus, whether you are a student or a stay-at-home mom who wants to make some extra cash, dropshipping is perfect for you!

The dropshipping business model offers flexibility by minimizing financial risks, allowing for location independence, providing a wide product selection, etc

That’s right! That is one harsh truth. Hence, with the various dropshipping apps available, you do not need to handle inventory management, order fulfillment, or shipping logistics

For example, I love using Shippo. It helps me save a ton of time. Hence, most of my shipping processes are automated, and I can even handle all my dropshipping model requirements in one place.

Plus, Shippo offers various shipping carriers to choose from. 

✅ Wide Range of Products 

And, the best part, you have a lot to offer! First and foremost, there are various profitable dropshipping niches to choose from.

Next, you have the ability to access an extensive catalog of products from multiple dropshipping suppliers. And, all this, without the hassle of sourcing and stocking inventory.

So, whetherit’s electronics, fashion, beauty, home decor, or any other category, dropshipping platforms provide access to an extensive selection of products. Moreover, you can even dropship plants.

Another advantage of the wide range of products available in dropshipping is the ability to cater to different customer preferences.

For example, offering a range of sizes, colors, or variations of a product allows you to appeal to a broader audience and increase customer satisfaction.

The Dropshipping Downsides In 2024

Dropshipping, as a business model, has gained popularity due to its low entry barriers and minimal upfront investment.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that dropshipping has downsides and limitations that are important to consider when evaluating its potential in 2024.

❌ The Impact On Profit Margins

One of the major downsides of dropshipping is the impact on profit margins. As more people enter the dropshipping industry, competition increases, leading to price wars and reduced profit margins.

Additionally, dropshippers often face challenges related to product quality. Since you rely on third-party suppliers, it can be difficult to ensure consistent quality control, leading to customer dissatisfaction and returns.

However, I must point out that there are numerous dropshipping niches with low competition.

What I do in this situation is using the precious tools! First, I check on product’s demand on Google Trends. And, if there is, this means that this is a proftable prodcut.

For example, according to Google Trends, dog training products are in high demand and show no signs of decreasing.👇

I frequently use Minea to find trending products, so I’ll set my filters to search for top dog training products as well.

Next stop- let’s see if the competition is fierce. So, I use tools like Semrush. If there’s low keyword difficulty, it means there aren’t may competitors offering something and writing about something for this practicular product.

So, I’ll check the average keyword difficulty for dog training. Semrush indicates it’s at 28%, indicating a low level of competition.👇

Read about Dropshipping Profit Margin: A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners.

❌ Extended Shipping Times

Another drawback of dropshipping is the potential for extended shipping times.

For example, using Chinese dropshipping suppliers, who often offer competitive prices, can result in longer delivery times due to trade disputes and other global challenges.

Alternatively, sourcing products from US dropshipping suppliers may offer quicker shipping times, but often at higher costs.

💡 LEARN: What Does Shipped Mean In Dropshipping?

❌ Limited Control Over Customer Service

Furthermore, you can also have limited control over the overall customer service.

Fulfillment and customer service are typically handled by the dropshipping supplier, which can lead to challenges in delivering excellent customer service and resolving issues in a timely manner.

Therefore, it is a MUST to pick on reliable suppliers. However, there are numerous supplier directories that can help you do so.

❌ High Competition

Finally, competition in dropshipping is intense due to the low barriers to entry and the availability of similar products from various suppliers.

But, don’t worry. There are numerous ad spy tools out there that can help you spy on your competitors’ performance.

I personally use AliHunter. So, upon visiting my competitor’s website, I quickly gain access to valuable insights regarding their performance, top-selling items, and more.👇

Hence, to succeed in this industry, you must find unique products, differentiate yourself through exceptional customer service and branding, and implement effective marketing strategies.

💡 Tip: Read about Branded Dropshipping: Best Practices for Building a Successful Brand

So, is dropshipping worth it? What do you think based on these facts?

 How To Find Your Winning Dropshipping Products?

When you want to start a dropshipping business, finding winning products is crucial for success. So, what I personally do is start by identifying my niche and conducting market research.

Hence,  I use tools like Minea to identify popular trends within your chosen niche. This gives me insights into what types of products are in demand, its profitability, customer engagement, competitors, and more.

Also, let’s say I want to sell stickers online. So, I open Google Trends, and I type in the product keyword – in my case, that is “stickers”. And, ta-daa I get my results.👇

Thus, I can see the interest in stickers over a certain period of time, and even by region.

Moreover, it’s essential to ensure that the products you choose to sell are of high quality. So, what I do is check customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the product’s quality and reliability.

Also, consider factors like product costs, shipping costs, and marketing costs.

How To Find Trustworthy Dropshipping Suppliers?

When I describe whether is dropshipping worth it, there’s no way to escape this one. And, you cannot start a dropshipping business without it.

When choosing a reliable dropshipping supplier, product quality control is of utmost importance.

Make sure to thoroughly research the third party supplier track record, read reviews and ratings from other companies, and even request product samples if possible.

This will allow you to assess the supplier’s product quality and determine if it meets your standards.

Another crucial aspect is shipping fees and practices. Check if the supplier offers competitive shipping rates and if they have a variety of shipping options available.

How do I search for trustworthy dropshipping suppliers? 

Well, I don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are various supplier directories like Dropshipping.com. In fact, they have 2000+ reliable suppliers to choose from.

So, I can search the directory based on filters like dropshipping niche, shipping times, location, etc.

Also, if you are not confident to contact the supplier, Dropshipping.com can help you do that.

How To Set Up Your Dropshipping Store?

Whether you’re selling electronics or any other dropship product, your website is your storefront. So, to start a dropshipping business, you need this!

It’s the first impression you make on your potential customers. A beautiful website not only attracts visitors but keeps them engaged as online shoppers.

In my opinion, Shopify is the best choice for dropshippers. It has a user-friendly interface and offers many visually appealing themes, both paid and free.

You can also customize templates to your liking, and their drag-and-drop editor makes store creation and editing a breeze.

Moreover, if you want to drive traffic and increase your dropshipping sales, make sure your website has high-quality images and product descriptions.

Not only that, but you also need to writecompelling and informative product descriptions, highlighting features, scent notes, and usage tips.

Luckily, there are many AI tools that can help you generate SEO-friendly product descriptions and images.

For example, I use the Tiipe AI tool to create unique and creative product descriptions using my brand keywords and product attributes.

The Importance of Delivering Great Customer Support

In a dropshipping business, delivering great customer support is essential for success.

This aspect holds significant importance because it directly impacts the overall customer experience.

Plus, you must be aware that you don’t have a lot of control over overall customer support. So, this is when people question whether dropshipping is worth it.

And, to minimize negative experiences, proactive communication is key. So, providing clear and accurate information about shipping times, potential delays, and product availability is crucial.

Therefore, offering multiple options such as email, live chat, and phone support can cater to different customer preferences.

For instance, I use Tidio which helps me deliver great customer support. 

Hence, it helps me add custom fields and tags, apply conditions in your chatbot flows, integrated live chat, AI & NLP, and all of this for a fair price.

Also, include social proof because customers listen to customers. So, customer feedback is always a great way to show you care they get the best of your business.

For example, Vanity Planet not only shares customer testimonials but also allows customers to filter reviews by rating and keyword, and sort them from lowest to highest rating.

👉 Check out the 39 Must-have Shopify Tools for Your Dropshipping Store In 2024.

 How To Protect Your Dropshipping Business Legally?

Protecting your dropshipping business legally is essential to ensure its long-term success and minimize the risk of legal issues. Here are the steps you need to take:

➡ Establish a Proper Business Structure

Choose a suitable legal structure for your dropshipping business, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC (Limited Liability Company), or C corporation for this attractive business model.

This step will separate your personal and business liabilities, making it a legitimate ecommerce business model.

For instance, if you establish your dropshipping business as an LLC, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities.

If a customer sues your store for a defective product, only the business assets are at risk, not your personal savings or property.

💡Tip: Learn about LLC vs LLP: What’s The Big Difference?

➡ Pay Taxes

Understand and fulfill your tax obligations, especially when working with multiple suppliers.

This includes paying sales tax on orders depending on your location and the location of your customers, as well as reporting and paying income taxes on your business profits.

Proper inventory management can help track product costs and profit margins accurately.

For example, if you are dropshipping in multiple states, you may need to register for sales tax permits in each state where you have customers.

Also, using software like TaxJar can help automate this process and ensure compliance with varying state tax laws.

👉 Check out Dropshipping Taxes and Payments – Must-Know Facts

➡ Draft Agreements

Work with a lawyer to draft a dropshipping partner agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of your partnership with suppliers.

This agreement should cover important aspects such as product quality, fulfillment process, and dispute resolution with your dropshipping supplier.

Let’s assume you have a comprehensive agreement with a supplier like AliExpress.

This agreement can specify that products must be shipped within 48 hours of receiving an order and outline the process for handling returns and refunds.

This helps ensure product quality and timely delivery, which are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction.

💡 LEARN: Dropshipping Accounting: Tips For Managing Your Finances

➡ Have Clear Policies

Create and prominently display policies on your dropshipping store regarding returns, refunds, shipping delays, and customer service.

Moreover, providing clear guidelines can mitigate any potential disagreements with customers and manage their expectations, ensuring excellent customer service for dropshipping businesses.

For example, on your Shopify store, you can include a detailed return policy that explains the conditions under which returns are accepted, the process for returning items, and how refunds are issued.

This transparency helps build trust with customers and reduces disputes.

How Long Does It Take To Succeed In Dropshipping?

I’ve heard dozens of scammers talking about dropshipping as a get-rich-quick scheme. And, they do increase the need to question whether dropshipping is worth it. Well, this is what I want to point out from all the dropshipping scams!

Do you want success? Work hard fella! When it comes to dropshipping, achieving success takes time and effort.

Before making the first sale, there are several tasks that need to be completed.

• Firstly, you need to start a dropshipping store and choose a suitable platform.
• Then, you’ll need to source products and evaluate suppliers to ensure quality and reliability.
• Once you have your products, marketing is essential to attract potential customers and drive traffic to your store.

To achieve success in dropshipping, it is recommended to dedicate at least 10 to 15 hours per week to your business. This level of commitment can generate up to $2,000 in monthly revenue.

However, it’s important to note that replacing a $50,000 income may take at least 12 months of full-time work.

While dropshipping provides a low-risk business model, it still requires time and effort to see notable results.

4 Actionable Tips On How To Succeed In The Dropshipping Industry

1. Build a strong, recognizable brand

Building brand awareness among your dropshipping target audience plays a crucial role in branding your dropshipping store and setting you apart from your competitors.

You need to build a strong, recognizable brand to allow your potential customers to recognize and remember your business. Here is what you need to do:

Get a Memorable Name and Logo. 

Do not stress over your business name. Just ensure it is unique and memorable. The logo must make it fairly obvious what you are selling.

When it comes to your logo, it is what represents the mission and vision of your dropshipping business.

Luckily, you can use a free logo maker to create a stunning logo in no time. For example, I have tried Hatchful, and Canva.

Make Sure Your Website aligns with your Brand

The power of a well-designed, user-friendly website is immense.

You can create such a website by using clear and engaging design; incorporating storytelling (to tell your target audience who you are).

Moreover, make sure your layout and coloring alligns your brand.

For example, if your brand colors are blue and white, use these colors consistently across your website. Ensure your logo is prominently displayed and that your content reflects your brand’s voice and values.

Showcase Your Brand Identity and product quality through your packaging. 

Sure, this is great. But how to do it when dropshipping? When choosing a dropshipping supplier, contact them to see what is possible with custom packaging.

Moreover, think about private-label dropshipping. One popular private-label dropshipping supplier is Zendrop

Hence, working with them you collaborate closely so they can produce a customized product that incorporates specific characteristics such as materials, ingredients, packaging, and other unique features.

Hence, this collaboration ensures that the manufacturer produces a distinctive product exclusively for your resale, preventing any other party from selling the same product.

2. Focus On Marketing

Focusing on your dropshipping marketing strategy is one of the keys to success.

Although you can promote your dropshipping store for free, it is best to use a combination of paid and organic (free) dropshipping marketing tactics to reach more customers. Here is the best combination of paid and organic tactics to use:

Improve Your Site’s Ranking (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for dropshipping is all about doing keyword research.

First, conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms and phrases. Then, publish content that includes these specific keywords and incorporates relevant internal and external links.

For instance, you can tools like Ubersuggest can help you find relevant and related keywords for your Shopify store.

Let’s give it a try. By searching for keywords related to Shopify stores, you can gain insights into search volume, keyword difficulty, traffic, keyword ideas, and content suggestions.

Moreover, ensure your images and videos are described using alt tags. Write unique, informative, and keyword-rich product descriptions that highlight the key features and benefits of your products.

Thankfully, there are dozens of marketing tools out there that can help you streamline the marketing process. For example, I am using the Smart SEO tool to help me reach a high rank in SERPs.

Plus, it helps my dropshipping business by optimizing my photos, generating SEO tags, fixing broken links, etc.

Social Media Marketing

Using social media is a powerful way to promote your online perfume business. It’s a great place to show off your products and connect with potential customers.

You can promote your products over Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or Pinterest.

All these platforms offer powerful targeting tools that help you reach the right people based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.

This precision increases the chances of converting viewers into customers.

For example,Facebook offers various ad options like image ads, video ads, Lead ads, Dynamic ads, Story ads, Collection ads, Slideshow ads, and Messenger ads.

Email Marketing and Customer Engagement

Email marketing is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience and boosting sales.

So, create sign-up forms on your website to collect email addresses. Offer incentives like discounts or exclusive content to encourage sign-ups.

My top choice for email marketing and newsletter distribution is Klaviyo.

This software pulls data from your online store and stands out as an excellent email marketing solution for e-commerce, especially dropshipping.

3. Adopt a Customer-Centered Approach

If you want to succeed in dropshipping, it’s important to build a trustworthy and reputable brand. Create a professional online store with high-quality product images and engaging product descriptions.

So, prioritize excellent customer service and ensure your products are top-notch. A strong brand will help you stand out and attract high-value customers.

For example, you can personalize the shopping experience by sending tailored emails and messages.

Also, I suggest you use cross-selling and up-selling strategies to recommend products based on customers’ buying behavior, which can significantly boost sales.

Plus, take inspiration from Zara’s new features. They have a “Selection For You” category that suggests high-ticket items based on customer preferences. This approach makes customers feel valued and appreciated.

Lastly, include customer testimonials. People trust other customers, so enable them to share their experiences through your sales channels.

The Harsh Truth: Is Dropshipping Worth It?

Feeling like you’ve missed the boat? You might think the market is too crowded to make any money.

So, here’s your harsh truth.

True, dropshipping has its challenges. You might face shipping delays or quality issues. But with good planning and reliable suppliers, these problems can be handled.

However, market research is your compass. So, you should use tools like Google Trends to help you find profitable products and keep up with what customers want.

And here’s the treasure: YES, it is worth it. Dropshipping offers a chance to grow your business, reach a global audience, and make good money.

Thus, with dedication and smart strategies, your small venture can become a thriving eCommerce empire.

And, yes, the market is competitive, and many dropshipping stores sell similar products. This is one of the risks of dropshipping. But new markets always appear.

So, check out the top 10 places to find products for dropshipping in 2024

Is dropshipping worth it? FAQs

Now that you have seen all the essential tips & tricks and best practices, read the answers to some of the most FAQs so that you can decide for yourself whether you should start dropshipping.

In brief, keep reading so that you can have an answer to the question “Is dropshipping worth it?”

1. Is dropshipping worth it in 2024?

Yes, dropshipping can still be worth it in 2024. Based on the latest data on dropshipping, it is projected that the worldwide dropshipping sector will achieve a value of $301.11 billion by 2024.

By selecting the right products and implementing effective marketing strategies, dropshipping can still be a profitable business model in 2024.

2. How profitable is dropshipping?

Dropshipping can be a profitable business model if done right.  With low start-up costs and no inventory, it allows you to focus on marketing and customer service.  However, success depends on several factors.

Finding reliable suppliers and high-quality products is crucial to building trust with customers. Ensuring competitive shipping costs and reasonable delivery times is also important.

Additionally, optimizing your online store for search engines and using effective marketing campaigns can improve your conversion rate and attract potential customers.

3. Is dropshipping good for beginners?

Yes, dropshipping can be a good option for beginners in the ecommerce industry. It is a business model that allows you to sell products without having to invest in inventory upfront.

Can I dropship with $0?

Yes, you can start dropshipping with a $0 budget. Hence, there are various dropshipping platforms, website builders, and suppliers that offer free plans. Also, you can use marketing strategies that do not require payment.

👉 Check out the Free Dropship Websites: Start Dropshipping With $0.

4. Is it hard to be successful in dropshipping?

No, it is not necessarily hard to be successful in dropshipping. However, like any business, it does require effort, dedication, and strategic planning. To increase your chances of success, it is crucial to choose the right niche and products, find reliable suppliers, and optimize your website for search engines.

5. How does dropshipping work?

Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method. Unlike a physical store, a dropshipping store does not keep the products it sells in stock.

When a customer places an order, the dropshipping store owner orders the product from their dropshipping supplier. Then, the dropshipping supplier sends that product directly to the customer.

The dropshipping store owner does not deal with stocking or shipping. They focus on finding and listing the products they want to sell on their online store, promoting the business, and attracting new customers.

Of course, this does not tell the entire story. We just wanted you to see the bigger picture. To gain a deeper understating of how this business model works, you should consider many other factors.

So, do not hesitate to check out our previous article to learn more about how dropshipping works.

6. Is dropshipping legal?

Yes, it is. It is a legitimate order fulfillment method used by thousands of online sellers across the globe. There are no laws against opening and running a dropshipping store.

Still, there are a few legal elements that you must consider when setting up and operating your dropshipping business. For more information on the topic “Is dropshipping legal?”, check out our previous article.

7. What is the minimum budget you need to start dropshipping?

You can set up a dropshipping store with little to no money. This is possible with the right combination of free trials and starter plans.

On average, the minimum budget to start dropshipping varies from as little as $50 to $100.

Final thoughts – Is Dropshipping Worth It?

If your answer to the question “Is dropshipping worth it?” is yes, then using the above-mentioned five tips can send you on your way to a successful online business venture.

Success is not given – it is a goal you need to achieve. So, stay committed to your goal!

It is in your hands to build a successful dropshipping business. And we wish nothing but the best for you. We hope that things go well for you and that you achieve business success.