Can I Open a Shopify Store and Dropship Items From Etsy?

Introduction.

Starting an online store is an exciting venture. You get to tap into the world of eCommerce, sell products, and potentially make a profit from the comfort of your own home.

Shopify is a well-known platform for setting up online stores, and dropshipping is a popular model that lets you sell products without holding any inventory.

On the other hand, Etsy is known for handmade, vintage, and unique items, which many people turn to when shopping online. It’s natural to wonder, “Can I open a Shopify store and dropship items from Etsy?”

Let’s break down what you need to know about combining these two platforms in a way that makes sense for your business.

What Exactly is Dropshipping?

Before diving into the specifics of using Shopify and Etsy together, let’s clarify what dropshipping is.

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products on your online store, but you don’t need to keep the products in stock.

When a customer places an order, you simply forward the order to a supplier (who may or may not be located overseas), and they ship it directly to the customer.

This means you don’t have to handle inventory or deal with the logistics of shipping. You only pay for the product after someone buys it, which reduces the upfront costs of running a business.

Now, what about Etsy?

Understanding Etsy

Etsy is a popular marketplace where you can find all kinds of handmade, vintage, and unique items. It’s a great place for sellers who create their products or source rare items.

Etsy has its own set of rules and policies, and they’re known for offering one-of-a-kind products that you often can’t find anywhere else.

However, there’s a big question that pops up when you think about combining Etsy with Shopify: Can you dropship from Etsy?

Can You Dropship From Etsy to Shopify?

In short, no, you can’t dropship directly from Etsy. Here’s why:

Etsy has clear rules about how products can be sold on their platform. They require sellers to create or design the products themselves or source them from specific suppliers that meet Etsy’s standards.

Etsy does not allow you to purchase items from other Etsy shops and resell them on your own Shopify store, especially not for dropshipping.

If you’re dropshipping, you’re essentially acting as the middleman, without physically handling the products.

Etsy’s model doesn’t mesh well with this type of operation because they want the seller to have a hand in the product creation process or to be directly involved with the item’s journey.

The Legal Side of It

While it may be tempting to buy products from Etsy, mark them up, and sell them on your Shopify store, it’s important to remember that this could violate Etsy’s terms of service.

Etsy has a policy against reselling items from other sellers, and this includes dropshipping. If you get caught doing this, Etsy can shut down your shop, and that’s something you want to avoid.

But don’t get discouraged! There are still plenty of opportunities to start a dropshipping business on Shopify.

You can find legitimate suppliers that offer great products through platforms like Oberlo, Spocket, or AliExpress, and sell them directly on your Shopify store.

What Are the Alternatives?

If you’re set on creating a Shopify store and are drawn to the idea of selling unique or handmade products, there are a few alternatives you can explore.

Source Products from Other Suppliers: Rather than trying to dropship from Etsy, look for suppliers who offer high-quality, unique items. Some dropshipping platforms provide access to suppliers who focus on handmade or custom-made products, so you can still sell items that fit your niche.
Create Your Own Products: If you have a talent for crafting or design, consider making your own products. You can use Shopify to create a store to sell your handmade goods, much like how Etsy works but with more control over your business.
Partner with Etsy Sellers: If you find a seller on Etsy whose products you think would be perfect for your Shopify store, consider reaching out to them to discuss a partnership. Some Etsy sellers may be open to wholesale arrangements, where you can purchase products at a lower price and resell them in your own store. Just make sure to check with Etsy’s policies and the seller’s terms before doing anything.
Sell Digital Products: Another option is to sell digital products on your Shopify store. Many Etsy sellers specialize in downloadable products like printables, graphics, or digital art. If you create or find high-quality digital products, you can easily set up a Shopify store and sell them without worrying about shipping or inventory.

Why Shopify and Etsy Are Still a Great Pair (Just Not for Dropshipping)

Even though you can’t dropship directly from Etsy to Shopify, there are still ways these platforms can work together. Here’s how:

Drive Traffic to Your Shopify Store: Etsy is a great place to build a customer base, and you can use it to promote your Shopify store. For example, you can sell your products on Etsy and include a link to your Shopify store for customers to buy more or see your full collection. Many successful entrepreneurs use Etsy to grow their brands and direct traffic to their websites.
Get Inspiration: Etsy is an excellent place to find inspiration for new products or discover trends. You can see what’s popular and what kinds of products people are interested in, which can help you decide what to sell on your Shopify store.
Market Your Etsy Store: If you’re already running a Shopify store and you have products that fit Etsy’s market, you can cross-promote your Shopify store and Etsy shop to expand your reach.

FAQs

Can I use Etsy as a supplier for my Shopify store?

No, Etsy doesn’t allow reselling or dropshipping from other sellers on their platform. You would need to find other suppliers or make your own products to sell on your Shopify store.

Can I sell products from Etsy on Shopify?

You can sell products from Etsy on Shopify, but not through dropshipping. You’d need to handle the product yourself, either by creating it or sourcing it through other means.

What are the best alternatives to dropshipping from Etsy?

Some great alternatives include sourcing products from dropshipping platforms like Oberlo, Spocket, or AliExpress. You can also create your own products or partner with other creators for wholesale opportunities.

Can I still use Etsy to market my Shopify store?

Yes, you can promote your Shopify store through your Etsy shop by including a link to your store in your Etsy listings. This can help drive traffic to your Shopify store.