Dropshipping

4 min read

26 Dec 2024

How to Start Shopify Dropshipping with AliExpress

How to Start Shopify Dropshipping with AliExpress

Did you know that the global dropshipping market is expected to reach over $434 billion by 2025? And dropshipping is a key player in this growth. It allows entrepreneurs to start businesses with minimal investment.

With Shopify dropshipping with AliExpress, starting your own online store has never been more accessible. It’s a low-cost, scalable business model that lets you sell products without the hassle of managing inventory.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to dropship from AliExpress to Shopify.

Understanding Shopify Dropshipping

Understanding Shopify Dropshipping

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to dropship from AliExpress to Shopify, let's start with the basics.

What is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an eCommerce model where you sell products online without keeping stock. Instead, a supplier, like those on AliExpress, handles the inventory and ships products directly to your customers. Your job is to market the store, manage orders, and ensure customers are happy.

Here’s how it works:

  1. A customer places an order on your store.
  2. You purchase the product from a supplier.
  3. The supplier ships the product directly to the customer.

This approach allows you to focus on marketing and customer service while the supplier manages inventory and shipping.

Now that you know how Shopify dropshipping works, let's talk about the benefits:

  • Low Startup Costs: You only pay for products after a customer orders.
  • No Inventory Management: Suppliers handle storage and shipping.
  • Scalability: Easily add new products without worrying about inventory.
  • User-Friendly Platform: Shopify makes it simple to create and manage your store.

What is AliExpress?

What is AliExpress?

Shopify and AliExpress complement each other perfectly. How? Shopify provides the tools to build and run your store, while AliExpress offers the products and suppliers you need.

AliExpress is an online marketplace with over 100 million products. It connects suppliers with customers worldwide.

Not yet convinced? Here are more reasons to use AliExpress for dropshipping:

  • Wide variety of products across multiple niches.
  • Free or low-cost shipping options for many products.
  • Reviews and ratings to help you evaluate suppliers and products.

How to Start Shopify Dropshipping with AliExpress

We've finally reached the most important part. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start Shopify dropshipping with AliExpress.

1. Select a Niche

Choosing the right niche is crucial. Focus on a target audience and pick products they're likely to buy. Use tools like Google Trends or AliExpress Dropshipping Center to find in-demand items. Some popular niches include fitness, pets, and fashion.

2. Find Winning Products

After selecting a niche, you need to find the right products. Here’s how to find your next winning product:

  • Search for Trends: Use the AliExpress Dropshipping Center to discover trending items.
  • Check Reviews and Ratings: Focus on products with high ratings and positive feedback.
  • Assess Supplier Reliability: Choose dropshipping suppliers with over 95% positive ratings. Remember, start with a few suppliers to test their reliability before committing.

Pro Tip: Many dropshipping success stories come from sellers who test multiple products before finding a winner. Don’t rely on a single product to succeed.

3. Set Up Your Shopify Store

Before creating an AliExpress account, you need to set up your Shopify store.

  1. Create an Account: Sign up for Shopify and choose a pricing plan.
  2. Choose a Theme: Pick a theme from Shopify’s library or use a high converting theme like Debutify Theme.
  3. Customize Your Store: Add a logo, create categories, and write compelling product descriptions.
  4. Set Up Payment Gateways: Integrate reliable payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe to facilitate transactions. Ensure customers have multiple payment options for convenience.

Focus on creating a store that’s easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. Add high-quality images and clear product descriptions.

4. Create an AliExpress Account

Sign up on AliExpress. It’s free and takes only a few minutes. You’ll need this account to communicate with suppliers, place orders, and track deliveries.

5. Add Products to Your Shopify Store

You have two methods to add products:

  • Automated Method: Use apps like Oberlo or DSers to import products directly from AliExpress.
  • Manual Method: Wondering how to add products to Shopify dropshipping manually from AliExpress? It involves adding descriptions, importing images, and syncing inventory manually.

For better results, write unique product descriptions. This improves your store’s SEO and helps you stand out.

6. Promote Your Business

Marketing gets customers to your store. Try these strategies:

  • Social Media Ads: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are great for targeted campaigns.
  • Email Marketing: Build a mailing list and send promotions.
  • Influencer Collaborations: Partner with influencers to reach a broader audience.

7. Fulfill Customer Orders

Once you receive an order:

  1. Buy the product on AliExpress using your customer’s details.
  2. Share tracking information with your customer. Learn how to get tracking for dropshipping from AliExpress Shopify to keep customers updated.

8. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Customer service builds trust. Respond quickly to questions, resolve complaints, and always keep customers informed. Happy customers often leave positive reviews, which attract more buyers.

FAQs

1. How to dropship from AliExpress to Shopify?

You can use apps like Oberlo and DSers to import products from Shopify. You can also use these apps to automate order fulfillment, saving you time.

2. How to add products to Shopify dropshipping manually from AliExpress?

Manually copy product images and details from AliExpress to your Shopify store. Ensure you customize descriptions for SEO purposes.

3. How to get tracking for dropshipping from AliExpress Shopify?

Tracking details are provided by AliExpress suppliers once an order is shipped. Share this information with your customers through Shopify’s notification system.

4. How to find suppliers in AliExpress?

Look for suppliers with positive reviews, high ratings, and reliable shipping records. Use AliExpress’s communication tools to ask questions before partnering.

5. Can I succeed with Shopify dropshipping with AliExpress?

Yes! There are thousands of dropshipping success stories that started with Shopify dropshipping with AliExpress. And you could be next!

Build Your Shopify Dropshipping Store Today

Shopify dropshipping with AliExpress is one of the easiest ways to start an eCommerce business. It’s affordable, flexible, and beginner-friendly. By focusing on niche products, reliable suppliers, and great customer service, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Start now, and take the first step toward building your online business.

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Rhea Diamante

Rhea Diamante is a copywriter at Debutify, where she crafts compelling and engaging content. With a knack for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she ensures every piece she writes resonates with the audience and drives results.

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