Is Dropshipping a Good Side Hustle To Start In 2024? [16 Ideas]

Is dropshipping a good side hustle? With the growing digital marketplace, there’s no better time to find out!

This article will delve into why dropshipping could be your ticket to extra income in 2024.

From low startup costs to flexible work hours, discover how this business model offers a unique blend of opportunities.

Ready to explore the potential of dropshipping as a side hustle? Let’s dive in!

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The Advantages of Dropshipping as a Side Hustle

Dropshipping stands out for its cost-effectiveness and low barrier to entry.

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Entrepreneurs find this business model attractive due to:

1. Low Upfront Costs

Unlike traditional retail, dropshipping doesn’t require purchasing inventory in advance.

Online retailers can showcase an extensive catalog without investing in product stock, significantly reducing the financial risk

👉 Learn How Much Does It Cost To Start Dropshipping In 2024?

2. Flexibility and Scalability

This side hustle fits perfectly around full-time jobs.

So, with operations that are mostly automated and can be managed from anywhere at any time, dropshipping provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to scale their business based on demand gradually.

For example, AutoDS is a platform that can automate your whole dropshipping process, from sourcing products to shipping them to your customers.

3. Global E-commerce Reach

Dropshipping harnesses the power of online platforms, allowing sellers to reach customers worldwide without the complexities of international shipping logistics.

For example, Shopify is an eCommerce platform that offers a website builder and integrations with dropshipping apps for marketing, product import, inventory management, order fulfillment, and more.

4. No Physical Inventory

Eliminating the need for storage space or a physical storefront means you can run your business from a laptop, with suppliers handling the products directly.

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5. High Profit Margin Potential

By setting strategic prices and choosing products with a healthy markup, dropshippers can enjoy considerable margins. Hence, the average dropshipping profit margins range between 20% to 30%.

So, this talks a lot about whether is dropshipping a good side hustle.

Thus, an effective pricing strategy is key to maximizing profits while remaining competitive. So, with this, you can earn a decent dropshipping salary.

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6. Reliable Supplier Relationships

Success hinges on seamless order fulfillment. Therefore, building partnerships with a reputable supplier ensures product quality, shipping rates, and customer support, enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat business.

By leveraging these advantages, aspiring entrepreneurs can establish a thriving online store with reduced overhead and increased operational efficiency.

For example, I personally dropship products from BrandsGateway. Hence, this dropshipping supplier offers excellent customer service and a great Help Center that is always available to me.

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How Dropshipping Works as a Side Hustle?

Dropshipping operates under a fairly uncomplicated process, making it an appealing side hustle. The first step is setting up an e-commerce store where customers can place orders.

Once an order comes in, it’s your responsibility as the store owner to forward it and the customer details to your supplier.

You do not deal with inventory or shipping; instead, your role is primarily managerial. You coordinate between the customer and the supplier.

In addition, the supplier then packs and ships the product directly to the customer.

Here’s a quick rundown of how dropshipping works:

1. Customers place an order: They choose a product from your online store and make a payment.
2. Order forwarded to the supplier: You take the order details and send them to your dropshipping supplier.
3. Supplier fulfills the order: The supplier prepares the product for shipment and sends it directly to the customer.
4. Customer receives the product: The final step is when your customer receives their order, satisfied with their purchase.

Every part of this process requires careful attention – ensuring quality products, maintaining timely communication with suppliers, providing excellent customer service, and managing refunds or returns if necessary.

By mastering these aspects, your dropshipping side hustle can thrive in 2024 and beyond.

Why Starting a Dropshipping Business is a Good Idea

Embarking on a dropshipping venture comes with the distinct advantage of testing and validating product ideas without committing substantial resources.

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This lean approach to entrepreneurship empowers individuals to:

✅ Experiment with diverse products

You can discover what resonates with your target audience without the risk of overstocking items.

Thus, whether is dropshipping jewelry products, fashion products, pet products and accessories, general clothing products, outdoor & tactical gear, or any other, you can succeed.

✅ Learn by doing

Gain insights into market trends and consumer preferences through real-time feedback. By outsourcing supply chain management tasks to third parties, you can focus on marketing and other business aspects, gaining valuable skills in the process.

Starting dropshipping also unlocks access to an array of niche markets

✅ Spot trends early

Next, you can leverage tools and resources like Adserea, AutoDS, and Sell The Trend to identify upcoming products that could capture market share.

✅ Carve out a niche

Establish authority in a specialized area, appealing to a dedicated customer base.

With minimal barriers to entry, starting dropshipping positions entrepreneurs at the forefront of e-commerce innovation.

By tapping into trending products, you can swiftly pivot and scale your business in response to consumer demand, all while maintaining a manageable workload alongside other commitments.

How To Start A Dropshipping Business As A Side Hustle in 2024?

Embarking on a dropshipping business in 2024 involves several strategic steps.

Hence, entrepreneurs are invited to dive into the exciting process of setting up a side hustle that could flourish into a full-time venture.

1. Researching Profitable Product Niches for Your Online Store

Begin by identifying niches with high demand and low competition. Tools like Google Trends, social media listening, and market research platforms can provide insights into what products are trending.

So, I will try this out for my idea of dropshipping underwear.

Also, if you want to check on competition, you can use ad spy tools like Minea. In fact, I personally use this tool for my own brand, and it helps me get insights about the product’s profitability, competitors, customer engagement, price fluctuations, and more.

Moreover, I suggest you check Semrush for product keyword difficulty. Low keyword difficulty implies low competition.

Consider niches that align with your interests or expertise, as passion often translates into better customer engagement and knowledge.

2. Finding Reliable Suppliers or Utilizing Dropshipping Platforms

Suppliers are the backbone of any dropshipping business. Seek out reliable partners who offer quality products and efficient shipping options.

Thus, if you are wondering if it is a good side hustle, it mostly depends on the suppliers you partner with. Hence, they can even make or break your business.

Thus, directories from sites like Dropshipping.com can be invaluable for finding top wholesalers and dropshipping suppliers from the US, AU, Europe, or other regions with fast shipping.

3. Setting Up an Attractive and User-Friendly E-Commerce Website Without Technical Skills

Platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or Wix simplify the creation of an online store without needing advanced technical skills.

For example, Shopify’s user-friendly interfaces allow customization and integration with various dropshipping apps to streamline operations.

Plus, they offer hundreds of customizable themes that you can edit with their drag-and-drop editor and make the dropshipping store reflect your brand.

4. Implementing Effective Marketing Strategies to Drive Traffic and Sales

A robust marketing plan is crucial. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO),  social media marketing, email marketing, and paid advertising.  to attract potential customers.

Creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience can also help in building brand recognition and loyalty.

With diligence in these fundamental areas, you’ll have laid a solid foundation for your dropshipping venture in 2024.

Top 16 Side Hustles To Start With Dropshipping in 2024

1. Start Selling Your Knowledge with Online Courses

If you have expertise in a particular field but no own business ideas, creating and selling online courses can be a great side hustle. So, why not take advantage of your valuable skills to teach others?

This can eventually grow into a dropshipping good side hustle.

Hence, courses can range widely in subject matter and pricing, from $20 to several hundred dollars, depending on the content and ecommerce platform.

For example, I find it inspiring that Dropshipping.com offers courses that teach people how to start a dropshipping business.

This demonstrates how you can turn your knowledge into a profitable business. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your skills, help others, and earn money simultaneously.

2. Start a Print-on-Demand Business

A creative and quick way to make money online is by starting a print-on-demand (PoD) business. This model lets you sell custom designs on products without printing until an order is placed, reducing waste and startup costs.

The PoD market is proliferating, expected to rise from $7.67 billion in 2023 to $10.17 billion in 2024.

So, you can use platforms like Printful to get started. Their Mockup Generator allows customization with text, graphics, quotes, and colors.

In fact, this platform enables you to select products, add your designs, and manage everything from their dashboard.

3. Start a Niche Dropshipping Store

Niche dropshipping stores allow you to focus on a specific product category, making branding and targeting easier.

For example, if you start a pet supplies store, you only sell pet-related items like toys, grooming tools, and accessories.

A great example is GymShark, a fitness niche store with over 11M visitors per month.

So, focusing on a niche helps reach your target audience more effectively, leading to higher conversions and the opportunity to sell products you’re passionate about.

4. Start a One Product Dropshipping Store

A one-product dropshipping store focuses on a single winning product, making it an excellent model for beginners. This approach involves finding a popular product and building an entire store around it.

I use product research tools to identify profitable products by monitoring social media ads.

So, creating a store with easy-to-navigate landing pages, compelling copy, stunning images, and an enticing offer is very important. This strategy simplifies branding and can lead to high conversion rates.

Also, choose a website domain similar to your product’s name to build trust and enhance branding.

For example, the BlendJet store is a one-product store that is really inspiring for me. It is an excellent template for setting up your one-product dropshipping store on Shopify.

Its uniqueness lies in its straightforward yet distinctive homepage. Additionally, it features a blog with recipes and an extremely useful user guide, making it a standout example in the dropshipping business model.

5. Start a General Dropshipping Store

Starting a general dropshipping store can be challenging but has huge potential.

These stores offer various products, appealing to a broad audience. However, keep in mind that success comes with time and effort, especially in building relevant traffic.

Inspire Uplift is an excellent example, offering a diverse range of affordable and engaging products.

My advice: Focusing on SEO can help you significantly grow your earnings over time and respond quickly to market trends.

6. Dropshipping Eco-Friendly Products

Offering eco-friendly products in your dropshipping business can be highly profitable and environmentally beneficial.

Plus, sustainable products are in high demand, growing 2.7 times faster than non-sustainable goods. In fact, based on Google Trends, this market is booming.

So, you can offer natural cleaning supplies, organic foods, and eco-friendly home items, and even sustainable clothing.

However, keep in mind that reliable suppliers are crucial for maintaining product quality.

For example, you can use Bangalla, a notable eco-friendly dropshipping supplier in the USA.

7. Dropship Gaming Accessories

The gaming industry is growing rapidly, making gaming accessories a profitable dropshipping niche. In fact, the video games market in 2024 will reach US$282.30 billion.

Thus, you can offer products like video games, consoles, health items for gamers, and gaming chairs in high demand.

For example, laptop cooling pads are trending, with costs between $20-30 and selling prices between $50-75, leading to around 60% profit margins. Staying updated with market trends is essential for success.

8. Dropshipping Baby Products

The baby care market is expanding, making baby products a promising dropshipping niche. The market size is expected to grow from $9.54 billion in 2023 to $22.79 billion by 2033.

You can dropship baby products like baby clothing, towels, pacifiers, diapers, and feeding accessories, which are always in demand.

Plus, I must say, partnering with reliable suppliers ensures you provide high-quality products for discerning parents.

9. Start Selling Pet Supplies

The pet care market is booming, making it a lucrative niche for dropshipping. The market size is expected to grow from $211.1 billion in 2023 to $430 billion by 2033.

You can consider offering high-demand pet products such as leashes, collars, clothing, and training tools.

For example, dog training products are always popular. Either way, focusing on high-quality items helps build trust with pet owners.

10. Dropshipping Home Decor Products

Is dropshipping a good side hustle? With the right products, yes!

The home decor market offers various products, from canvas prints to lighting fixtures and decorative accents. This niche is expected to reach $133.6 billion in 2024.

Dropshipping home decor allows for the quick introduction of new products without inventory concerns.

For instance, platforms like Ashcroft Furniture can be suppliers for this niche.

11. Start Dropshipping Jewelry

The jewelry market is highly profitable and is expected to reach $310.90 billion in 2024. You can dropship various items, such as rings, necklaces, and custom jewelry.

Moreover, offering customization options can set your store apart. Also, building a brand around your chosen niche enhances your online store’s appeal and profitability.

For instance, you can consider dropshipping custom jewelry. It has a low supplier price range, like $2 to $20 per piece. Plus, you can earn profit margins between 50% to 150%.

12. Open a Dropshipping Art Store

The art market is growing, expected to reach $761.76 billion in 2024.

So, you can consider dropshipping art products like prints, canvases, and frames, which offer high-profit margins between 30% and 70%.

This niche allows for a diverse product range without significant inventory investments. Establishing a single-product store focused on canvases is a profitable option.

In my opinion, Etsy can be the ideal platform for the dropship art niche. Its dedicated emphasis on handmade and unique arts and crafts makes it an excellent choice for artists and artisans to display their products.

13. Dropship Beauty & Skincare Products

The beauty industry is massive and expected to exceed $646.2 billion by 2024.

So, products like hair growth oil, makeup brushes, and facial moisturizers are always in demand.

However, if you think about this dropshipping as a side hustle, aligning products with the target audience and ensuring high quality is essential.

This market offers high profit margins and numerous opportunities for success.

14. Dropship Fitness Products

The fitness niche is constantly growing, with the online fitness market expected to reach $147 billion by 2024.

So, some of the popular fitness products you can dropship include yoga mats, resistance bands, and fitness apparel.

For example, I sell yoga mats in my niche store, and they are always best-sellers. Prioritizing quality and choosing reliable suppliers is crucial for success in this niche.

15. Open a Dropshipping Clothing Store

Starting a clothing dropshipping store offers endless options and a vast customer base. For me, selling clothes is one of the best dropshipping side hustles.

So, you can consider selling products like hats, socks, and hoodies to cater to diverse fashion preferences.

Moreover, keep in mind that partnering with reliable suppliers ensures you offer trendy and high-quality items.

16. Building Your Brand through Private Label Dropshipping

Private label dropshipping presents an opportunity to elevate your business. It’s an avenue that allows you to cultivate a unique brand identity and nurture loyalty among your customer base.

What is Private Label Dropshipping?

Private label dropshipping is a model where you sell products under your brand name, but they are manufactured by a third party.

Essentially, it’s about putting your logo and branding on products made by others. It lends authenticity and exclusivity to your offerings, making them stand out in a crowded online marketplace.

How Private Label Dropshipping Helps Your Brand?

This strategy can help differentiate your business from others. With private label products, you’re not just selling items; you’re selling a unique brand experience.

Also, buyers tend to associate more closely with brands that offer exclusive products. This can lead to repeat purchases, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and a loyal customer base.

Equally important is the ability of private label dropshipping to cultivate customer loyalty. Consistently offering high-quality private-label products can build trust among your customers.

Also, they’ll come back for the familiarity and reliability of your brand.

For example, Zendrop is an excellent dropshipping supplier that offers private labeling.

Moreover, you can consider working with print-on-demand companies like Printful or Printify and designing your own dropshipping product line using your own logo, design, prints, etc.

So, consider exploring this strategy if you aim to create a strong brand identity in the dropshipping market of 2024. As ecommerce continues to evolve, standing out will be crucial for survival – and private label dropshipping could be the key.

Embrace the opportunity that 2024 presents and launch your dropshipping side hustle. With the right approach, the potential for success is substantial in today’s market landscape.

Seize the chance to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, leveraging dropshipping as a flexible and scalable platform for business growth.

The time is now to enter the world of e-commerce, start planning, build your brand, and witness your side hustle flourish.

Conclusion

Dropshipping is a promising side hustle to consider in 2024. Its low startup costs, flexibility, and scalability make it attractive to aspiring entrepreneurs.

So, is dropshipping a good side hustle, indeed? YES!

However, the key points to remember are the importance of choosing reliable dropshipping suppliers, staying updated with market trends, and focusing on high-quality products to build customer loyalty.

Before starting, consider the niche you’re passionate about, research the demand and competition, and ensure you have a solid plan for marketing and customer service.

With the right approach, dropshipping can be a profitable and rewarding venture. Start planning, build your brand, and take the first step towards your dropshipping business today!