What Is a Good Platform To Use For Dropshipping?

Introduction.

Starting a dropshipping business can feel a bit like jumping into the deep end of entrepreneurship, but with the right platform, you can make the process smoother and more manageable.

For those unfamiliar with dropshipping, it’s a business model where you sell products to customers without ever having to keep inventory.

Instead, when someone makes a purchase, you simply order the product from a supplier who ships it directly to your customer. It sounds pretty simple, right?

But here’s the thing: finding the right platform to run your dropshipping business can make all the difference between success and failure.

Choosing the wrong platform could result in poor customer service, unreliable suppliers, or a lack of tools that help you scale your business. So, how do you know which platform is right for you?

Let’s take a deep dive into the key things you should look for in a dropshipping platform, and I’ll share some of the best ones that can set you on the path to success.

What to Look for in a Dropshipping Platform

Before jumping into recommendations, it’s important to understand what makes a platform truly great for dropshipping. Here’s what to consider:

1. Ease of Use: A good platform should be easy to navigate, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. The last thing you want is to waste time figuring out how the platform works when you could be focused on growing your business.
2. Integration with Suppliers: A dropshipping platform should connect seamlessly with reliable suppliers. The more product options you have and the easier it is to add them to your store, the better.
3. Customization: Your store’s appearance matters. A platform that lets you easily customize your store, branding, and customer experience will help you stand out.
4. Pricing and Fees: Some platforms charge a monthly fee, while others may take a percentage of your sales. It’s important to weigh these costs and decide what fits within your budget.
5. Payment Gateways: The platform should offer multiple payment options to make it easy for customers to pay. The more payment options, the more likely you are to convert sales.
6. Customer Support: Sometimes things go wrong. Whether it’s a tech issue or a question about suppliers, responsive customer support can save you a lot of headaches.

Now that we have an idea of what makes a platform good for dropshipping, let’s take a look at some of the top choices.

1. Shopify

Shopify is hands down one of the most popular platforms for dropshipping. It’s well-known for its ease of use, flexible customization options, and powerful features. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with apps like Oberlo (which Shopify owns) to connect with a variety of suppliers.

• Pros:
  • Tons of customization options.
  • Easy to set up, even for beginners.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • Excellent for scaling as your business grows.
• Cons:
  • Monthly subscription fees (which can be a bit high if you’re just starting).
  • Transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: Shopify is designed to make running an online store simple. It offers tons of integrations, and you can easily import products from suppliers. Plus, the support and resources available are amazing for new entrepreneurs.

2. WooCommerce

If you already have a WordPress site, WooCommerce might be the best option. WooCommerce is a plugin that turns your WordPress site into a fully functioning online store.

It’s free to install, though you’ll likely need to pay for hosting and some plugins to enhance your store’s functionality.

• Pros:
  • Low-cost setup (it’s free, but there are extra costs for hosting and plugins).
  • Fully customizable.
  • Great for businesses with specific needs.
• Cons:
  • Not as user-friendly as Shopify (it requires more setup).
  • You’ll need some technical knowledge (or willingness to learn).

Why it’s great for dropshipping: If you’re already using WordPress, WooCommerce integrates well with dropshipping plugins like AliDropship or Spocket, allowing you to start selling easily. It’s customizable, so you can build a unique brand.

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is similar to Shopify in that it’s an all-in-one platform designed for building online stores. It’s a bit more robust in terms of features for larger businesses but can still be great for new dropshippers.

• Pros:
  • Good for scaling up.
  • No transaction fees.
  • Supports a wide range of payment gateways.
• Cons:
  • The learning curve can be a bit steeper compared to Shopify.
  • Customization can require additional design knowledge.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: BigCommerce offers features that help you grow, and it integrates well with various dropshipping apps, giving you access to a wide variety of products.

4. Wix eCommerce

Wix is generally known as a website builder, but it also has a powerful eCommerce platform. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly and lets you create a dropshipping store without any technical experience.

• Pros:
  • Extremely user-friendly.
  • Plenty of customizable templates.
  • Offers an integrated dropshipping solution with Modalyst.
• Cons:
  • Limited functionality for larger businesses.
  • Fewer integrations and apps compared to Shopify or WooCommerce.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: If you’re new to dropshipping and don’t want to get bogged down by complex tech, Wix is a great option. It offers easy-to-use templates and integrations with dropshipping suppliers, so you can start selling quickly.

5. Spocket

Spocket isn’t a platform on its own; it’s an app that integrates with Shopify and WooCommerce to help you source products from suppliers, primarily in the US and Europe.

If you’re interested in working with local suppliers for faster shipping times, Spocket is a great choice.

• Pros:
  • Access to high-quality suppliers from the US and Europe.
  • Fast shipping times.
  • Great customer support.
• Cons:
  • Monthly subscription fees.
  • Limited to Shopify or WooCommerce for integration.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: If your priority is offering faster shipping times and higher-quality products, Spocket connects you with trusted suppliers that can meet those needs.

6. SaleHoo

SaleHoo is a wholesale supplier directory that also offers a dropshipping platform. It’s a great choice if you want to handpick suppliers for your store instead of using pre-integrated platforms like Shopify.

• Pros:
  • Access to a large supplier directory.
  • No transaction fees.
  • Provides educational resources to help you grow your business.
• Cons:
  • Requires some legwork to find suppliers.
  • Membership fee to access the directory.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: If you want more control over your suppliers, SaleHoo gives you access to a huge directory of vetted wholesalers. It’s ideal for those who want to create a truly custom dropshipping business.

7. AliExpress + Shopify

AliExpress is a massive marketplace where suppliers from China offer a wide range of products. Many dropshippers use AliExpress to source products because it’s affordable and has a vast product selection. When paired with Shopify, you can easily import products into your store and start selling.

• Pros:
  • Massive product variety.
  • Low-cost products.
  • Easy to use with apps like Oberlo or DSers.
• Cons:
  • Shipping times can be long.
  • Quality control can sometimes be an issue.

Why it’s great for dropshipping: AliExpress gives you access to thousands of products at a low price, and pairing it with Shopify makes the entire process seamless. However, you’ll need to manage customer expectations when it comes to shipping times.

Conclusion.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to dropshipping platforms, and the right one depends on your needs, goals, and experience level.

Shopify is generally considered the go-to option for most dropshippers, thanks to its ease of use, scalability, and a vast selection of apps.

However, if you’re on a budget or already use WordPress, WooCommerce could be a great choice. For beginners, Wix and Spocket offer user-friendly solutions that require minimal setup.

Ultimately, the best platform for your dropshipping business is the one that fits your needs the best. It’s important to consider things like ease of use, integration with suppliers, and overall cost before making your decision.

Have you considered which platform would work best for your dropshipping business? Or are you still on the fence about where to start? Let me know!