Is It Possible To Make Money Dropshipping With Oberlo And Shopify?

Introduction.

If you’ve been scrolling through the internet, you’ve probably come across the term “dropshipping.” It’s one of those business models that seems to promise a lot: no inventory, no shipping hassles, and the ability to sell products from anywhere in the world.

But here’s the real question—can you make money dropshipping with tools like Oberlo and Shopify?

Dropshipping has gained massive popularity over the years, especially because it allows entrepreneurs to start an online store without the upfront costs of inventory.

And with platforms like Shopify, which is a well-known e-commerce platform, and Oberlo, which connects your store with suppliers, it seems like the perfect setup to launch your business with minimal risk.

But here’s the catch: while dropshipping can be a fantastic way to make money, it’s not always as simple as it sounds. It’s easy to think that all you need to do is set up a website, pick a few products, and wait for sales to roll in.

But making real money from dropshipping requires more than just picking the right tools. There are a lot of moving parts, and getting them to work together smoothly takes effort.

In this article, I’m going to break down the potential of dropshipping with Oberlo and Shopify, how they work, and most importantly, whether or not it’s actually possible to make money doing it.

I’ll also share some tips on how to make your dropshipping business stand out and things to keep in mind before diving in.

What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work?

At its core, dropshipping is a way to run an online store without having to handle inventory yourself. Here’s how it works:

You set up an online store (usually through platforms like Shopify).
You list products on your store from suppliers who are willing to ship products directly to your customers.
A customer purchases your store.
You place the order with the supplier, who ships the product directly to your customer.

The key thing to remember is that you never have to buy the product upfront, store it, or ship it yourself.

You’re essentially acting as a middleman between the supplier and the customer. You make a profit by selling the product at a higher price than what you pay the supplier.

Sounds simple, right? Well, it can be, but there’s a bit more to it if you want to build a sustainable business and make money.

Why Oberlo and Shopify?

Now, you might be wondering why specifically use Oberlo and Shopify. The answer is simple: they make dropshipping easier.

Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms, used by over 4 million businesses worldwide. It gives you everything you need to set up, run, and manage an online store—from website design to payment processing.
Oberlo, which is an app designed for Shopify, connects you directly with suppliers (most of them from AliExpress). It allows you to easily import products into your store, making it super easy to find products to sell. Oberlo handles a lot of the backend work, like syncing inventory and order fulfilment, so you don’t have to deal with all the nitty-gritty details.

Together, Shopify and Oberlo provide a streamlined and user-friendly experience for anyone looking to start a dropshipping business.

The Reality of Making Money with Dropshipping

While dropshipping sounds like a dream for many, it’s important to realize that making money with it is not as easy as it seems. Here’s what you need to know about the realities of dropshipping:

1. It’s Competitive

The barrier to entry in dropshipping is low, which means that everyone and their grandmother can start a store.

Because of this, competition is fierce, and it’s easy to get lost in a sea of online shops. The key to standing out is offering something unique, whether it’s through a specific niche, great customer service, or creative marketing.

2. Profit Margins Can Be Thin

One of the most common misconceptions about dropshipping is that you can make huge profits on each sale.

In reality, most dropshipping products have thin margins. For example, if you’re selling a product for $30, your supplier might only charge you $20, leaving you with just $10 before any other expenses (like advertising and fees).

So, while you can make money, it’s usually not a massive amount per product. The key to success is selling a large volume of products and keeping your costs (like advertising) low.

3. Marketing Is Key

You can’t just sit back and wait for people to stumble upon your store. In fact, most dropshippers spend a significant portion of their budget on advertising, primarily through Facebook ads and Google ads. Your marketing strategy will be one of the biggest factors in determining your success.

The truth is, running paid ads takes time to learn and master. But once you get the hang of it, you can drive traffic to your store, generate sales, and scale your business.

4. Customer Service Is On You

While you don’t have to handle inventory or shipping, you are still responsible for customer service. If a customer has an issue with their order, it’s up to you to resolve it. This might involve dealing with suppliers to address product quality issues, shipping delays, or refund requests.

Poor customer service can lead to negative reviews and a damaged reputation, which can hurt your sales in the long run.

How Much Can You Make?

Let’s get to the most important question: Can you make money?

The truth is, dropshipping is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Most successful dropshippers put in a lot of time, money, and effort into finding winning products, optimizing their stores, and running effective ads. But if you’re persistent, you can make money.

To put it into perspective:

A beginner dropshipper might only make a few hundred dollars a month as they figure out what works.
An experienced dropshipper can scale their store and make thousands of dollars per month.

However, don’t expect to make tons of money overnight. It takes time to learn the ropes, build an audience, and grow your business.

Tips for Success in Dropshipping with Oberlo and Shopify

If you’re ready to give dropshipping a go with Oberlo and Shopify, here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Focus on a Niche: Don’t try to sell everything under the sun. Find a specific niche where you can cater to a specific audience.
Do Your Research: Before choosing products, make sure they have a good sales history. Use tools like Google Trends to check demand.
Create Great Product Descriptions: Don’t just copy-paste from the supplier. Write compelling descriptions that make people want to buy from you.
Test Your Ads: Start small with paid ads and test different strategies to see what works. A/B testing can help you find the most effective ads.
Provide Excellent Customer Service: If you’re responsive and helpful, customers will return. Address issues quickly and professionally.

FAQs

1. How much money can I make dropshipping with Oberlo and Shopify?

Your income from dropshipping depends on several factors, including the products you sell, your marketing strategy, and how well you manage your store. Some people make a few hundred dollars a month, while others make thousands. It varies!

2. Do I need to buy inventory before starting a dropshipping business?

Nope! One of the major benefits of dropshipping is that you don’t need to buy inventory upfront. You only purchase products after customers order from your store.

3. Can I dropship from any supplier, or only through Oberlo?

You can dropship from suppliers that integrate with Shopify, not just Oberlo. Oberlo is just one of the many tools that help you find and connect with suppliers.

4. How do I drive traffic to my store?

You can drive traffic to your store through paid ads (like Facebook and Google ads), social media, influencers, and content marketing.

Conclusion

So, is it possible to make money dropshipping with Oberlo and Shopify? The short answer is yes, but it’s not a guarantee. You can definitely make money, but it takes hard work, persistence, and learning as you go.

Dropshipping isn’t a get-rich-quick business, but with the right approach, it can be a profitable and sustainable way to run an online business.

Are you ready to dive in and see what’s possible for you?