Thinking of starting a dropshipping business but not sure if it’s the right move?
You’re not alone. Dropshipping is one of the most popular online business models today offering low startup costs and the freedom to sell without holding inventory. But like any business, it’s not without its challenges.
In this guide, we break down the real pros and cons of dropshipping, helping you understand the full picture not just the hype. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone evaluating dropshipping seriously, this blog will give you the clarity you need to decide if it’s the right path for you.
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is an eCommerce business model where you sell products online without holding any inventory. Instead of buying stock upfront, you only purchase a product from a supplier after a customer places an order.
Key Players Involved:
- Store Owner (You): Builds the online store, markets products, handles customer service, and manages orders.
- Supplier: Handles inventory, printing, packaging, and direct shipping to customers.
- Customer: Buys from your store, receives the product shipped by the supplier.
This setup is what makes dropshipping cost-effective and easy to start especially for beginners, creators, and lean startups.
Pros of Dropshipping
Dropshipping remains one of the most attractive online business models especially for beginners and lean startups. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its biggest advantages:
1. Low Startup Costs
You don’t need to invest in bulk inventory, a warehouse, or staff.
- You only purchase products after a customer places an order.
- Tools like Shopify + Qikink offer low-cost trials.
- Ideal for students, freelancers, and small business owners.
2. No Inventory or Warehousing Required
3. Easy to Test Products and Niches
You can add or remove products from your store without financial risk.
- Launch multiple designs or product types to see what sells best.
- Quickly pivot if a product doesn’t perform – no leftover stock to worry about.
This makes dropshipping a great model for experimenting and learning.
4. Work From Anywhere
Dropshipping is 100% online, so all you need is:
- A laptop or mobile device
- Internet connection
- Basic tools like Shopify, Canva, Klaviyo, and your supplier dashboard
Perfect for remote work, side hustles, or building a digital nomad lifestyle.
5. Scalable Business Model
Once your store is optimized and automated:
- You can run ads to drive more traffic
- Use tools like Klaviyo or Zapier to automate emails and workflows
- Hire virtual assistants (VAs) to handle support as you grow
This means you can scale operations without significantly increasing your workload.
6. Wide Product Variety
You can sell anything from:
- Custom fashion to home decors, accessories etc (via Qikink)
- Eco-friendly products, niche tools, and more
You’re not limited to one niche, and you don’t need to pre-buy inventory to expand.
7. Fast Learning Curve
Most platforms are beginner-friendly and offer drag-and-drop tools.
- Shopify has hundreds of apps that make setup easy.
- Qikink and similar platforms offer guides, mockup generators, and automation.
Even with zero coding or design knowledge, you can build a fully functional store.
8. Highly Automated Operations
With the right tools, dropshipping can run almost on autopilot:
- Order processing: automatic via Shopify + supplier apps like Qikink
- Email marketing: scheduled via Klaviyo/Mailchimp
- Customer updates: handled by tracking sync tools
You spend more time on strategy than on daily operations.
Cons of Dropshipping
1. Lower Profit Margins
Because you’re buying single units from a right supplier instead of bulk inventory, your cost per product is higher.
- You can’t compete on price with established brands or bulk sellers.
- Advertising and transaction fees can eat into your margins fast.
2. High Advertising Costs
Dropshipping businesses often rely on paid traffic (like Facebook or Instagram ads).
- These platforms have become more competitive and expensive over time.
- New store owners may spend thousands testing ads before finding a “winning product.”
Without smart targeting or organic content, your cost per acquisition (CPA) can be too high.
3. Limited Control Over Product Quality and Shipping
Since you don’t handle the products yourself:
- You can’t inspect them before delivery.
- Mistakes (wrong item, delayed shipping, damage) are outside your direct control.
- If using overseas suppliers (e.g., AliExpress), shipping can take 15–30 days.
This often results in negative reviews, returns, and refund requests.
4. Customer Support Burden
You’re still the face of your brand, even if a supplier messes up.
- You’ll deal with complaints like “Where is my order?” or “Why did I get the wrong item?”
- Responding to emails, chats, and returns becomes time-consuming as you scale.
5. Highly Competitive Market
Dropshipping has a low barrier to entry, which means:
- Many stores sell the exact same products.
- Consumers can find cheaper options on Amazon or Flipkart.
- You must differentiate through custom branding, customer experience, or unique designs.
Standing out is harder than it was five years ago.
6. Lack of Customization (Unless Using POD or White Label)
Most standard dropshipping suppliers don’t allow:
- Branded packaging
- Custom inserts or thank-you cards
- Product customization (unless using platforms like Qikink)
This limits your ability to build a strong brand identity unless you choose suppliers who support white-label or print-on-demand.
7. Dependency on Third Parties
You rely on suppliers for:
- Stock availability
- Accurate listings
- Timely fulfillment and shipping
If the supplier goes out of stock or increases prices suddenly, your business is affected often without notice.
8. Returns, Refunds & Legal Liability
Returns can be expensive and messy, especially if:
- The product was shipped internationally
- Your supplier doesn’t offer easy return policies
- The customer demands a refund for late delivery or quality issues
You may also need to handle taxes, business registration, and platform-specific legal compliance as you grow.
Is Dropshipping Right for You?
Dropshipping has become a popular gateway into the world of eCommerce, especially for those starting out or looking for flexible ways to earn online. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
Who Should Consider Dropshipping?
Beginners
If you’re new to online selling and don’t want to deal with inventory or upfront costs, dropshipping offers a low-risk entry point. You can learn the ropes of marketing, customer service, and store management without heavy investment.Creators and Artists
Want to turn your designs or ideas into products like t-shirts, mugs, or posters? Dropshipping with print-on-demand platforms like Qikink lets you focus on creativity while the supplier handles fulfillment.Side Hustlers
Looking to supplement your income on the side? Dropshipping’s flexible nature means you can run your store part-time and scale at your own pace.
Who Might Find Dropshipping Less Ideal?
People Wanting Full Control Over Inventory and Branding
Dropshipping means you rely on suppliers for product quality and shipping. If having tight control over every aspect of your product and packaging is crucial, traditional eCommerce with your own stock might be better.Those Seeking Rapid, Large Profits
While dropshipping can be profitable, it usually involves slimmer margins and requires smart marketing. If your goal is quick bulk profits with high margins, other business models like wholesale or manufacturing may suit you better.
Factors to Consider Before You Start
Competition:
Dropshipping is popular, so niche selection and branding are key to standing out.
Supplier Reliability:
Choose trusted suppliers like Qikink that offer fast shipping and quality products.
Marketing Skills:
Success depends heavily on driving traffic and converting visitors, so be prepared to learn digital marketing.
Customer Service:
Since you don’t control shipping, you’ll need to handle customer inquiries and resolve issues diplomatically.
Patience and Consistency:
Dropshipping isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. Building a sustainable business takes time and effort.
Tools That Make Dropshipping Easier
Running a successful dropshipping business means juggling many moving parts from setting up your online store to managing orders and engaging customers. Thankfully, several powerful tools can help streamline these tasks, making dropshipping simpler and more efficient.
Shopify – Build & Manage Your Store
A beginner-friendly and powerful eCommerce platform to create and customize your dropshipping store.
- App integrations with Qikink, DSers, and more
- Handles product listings, payments, and order management
Ideal for both beginners and advanced sellers
Qikink – India-Based Print-on-Demand Fulfillment
Perfect for Indian entrepreneurs and global sellers targeting India.
- Offers white-label dropshipping with custom branding
- 2–7 day domestic delivery with 1-day rush dispatch available
- Seamless integrations with Shopify & WooCommerce
- No inventory, no minimums – just create and sell
Klaviyo – Smart Email Marketing Automation
- Automate welcome emails, cart recovery, and product updates
- Segment customers and personalize content
- Helps boost conversions and lifetime customer value
Tidio – Live Chat support & AI Chatbots
- Offer real-time support to visitors on your store
- Combine human + AI chat for faster customer service
- Increases trust and reduces bounce rates
Zapier – Workflow Automation
- Connect all your tools (Shopify, Google Sheets, Klaviyo, etc.)
- Automate repetitive tasks like order tracking updates or data sync
- Saves time and reduces manual errors
In summary:
Combining these tools creates a smooth, automated dropshipping experience—from storefront setup and product fulfillment to customer engagement and support. Using the right software stack like Shopify, Qikink, Klaviyo, Tidio, and Zapier can save time, reduce stress, and increase your chances of success.
Why Choose Indian Dropshipping Platforms?
Faster shipping:
Local fulfillment reduces delivery times drastically compared to international shipping.Lower shipping costs:
Domestic shipping costs are usually much less, helping keep prices competitive.Localized support:
Easier communication with suppliers and better resolution of issues.Simpler returns:
Handling returns and refunds is smoother with local suppliers.
How Dropshipping Works with Qikink
Qikink is an India-based print-on-demand and dropshipping platform. It allows you to launch and run an eCommerce business where you sell customized products (like t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, posters, etc.) without ever handling inventory or managing shipping.
This makes it ideal for creators, influencers, and small businesses looking to sell online with minimal upfront cost.
Step 1: Create Your Online Store
Platform:
Start by creating your eCommerce store using Shopify (or WooCommerce).
Customization:
Pick a theme, design your homepage, add product categories, and write essential pages (About, Contact, Policies).
Payment Setup:
Enable payment gateways like Razorpay, Stripe, or PayPal to accept customer payments.
This store will act as your customer-facing storefront.
Step 2: Connect Qikink to Your Store
- Go to the Qikink website and sign up for an account.
- Install the Qikink app from the Shopify App Store and connect it to your store.
- Once connected, Qikink does not automatically sync all products. You’ll need to manually push products from Qikink to your Shopify store.
- Only for those pushed products, stock updates and order syncing between Shopify and Qikink will be enabled.
Now you’re ready to start designing and adding custom products.
Step 3: Design & Add Products
Create Your Product:
Log in to your Qikink dashboard and go to Products → Create a Product.
Pick your product type (like t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, etc.), choose the color and size, and select where you want your design placed.
Add Your Design:
Upload your artwork, logo, or quote—or pick one from your saved designs.
Click Continue to move forward.
Save & Push to Store:
Once the product is created, save it under My Products.
Select the products you want to add to your Shopify store, enter your selling price, and click Push to Store.
Qikink will automatically publish it with:
- Mockup images
- Product description
- Size and color options
- Your selected pricing
That’s it! Your custom product is now live in your Shopify store.
Step 4: Customer Places an Order
- A customer visits your store and places an order for one of your custom products.
- Automatically: The order is sent to Qikink in real-time via the integration.
- You get notified but don’t need to take any action manually.
Step 5: Qikink Prints & Fulfills the Order
- Qikink begins processing the order:
- They print the product with your custom design.
- Pack the item in white-label packaging — your custom branding, not Qikink’s.
- Ship it directly to the customer using trusted courier partners across India.
Customers feel like they’re buying from your brand, not a third-party supplier.
Step 6: Automatic Tracking & Notifications
- Once shipped, Qikink uploads the tracking number.
- Shopify automatically:
- Updates the order status to “Fulfilled.”
- Sends an email to the customer with tracking information.
There’s zero manual work for you- it’s all handled by the Qikink-Shopify or Woocommerce integration.
Step 7: Automate the Backend (Optional)
To scale and streamline your business even further, connect automated tools like:
- Klaviyo: Automate email marketing (welcome emails, order follow-ups, offers).
- Tidio: Add live chat for customer support and lead generation.
- Zapier / Make: Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., sending order details to Google Sheets or syncing with accounting software).
Dropshipping doesn’t have to be complicated, not when platforms like Qikink take care of the heavy lifting. You focus on designing, branding, and marketing your store, and Qikink handles everything else behind the scenes. If you’re serious about building a lean, low-risk eCommerce business in 2025, Qikink is a great place to start.
Conclusion
Dropshipping offers an accessible, low-risk way to start an online business with minimal upfront investment and flexible operations. Its biggest advantages lie in easy product testing, no inventory hassles, and scalability. However, it also comes with challenges like lower profit margins, heavy reliance on suppliers, and increased competition.
Ultimately, dropshipping can be a great fit for beginners, side hustlers, and those who prioritize flexibility and lean startup costs. But success requires smart product selection, reliable suppliers, excellent customer service, and effective marketing.
By weighing the pros and cons carefully and adopting the right strategies, you can build a sustainable dropshipping business that grows over time.
Read More
- How dropshipping works for your online store?
- Top 10 Dropshipping Extensions to automate business in 2025
- 10 Profitable dropshipping business ideas to try in 2025
- Shopify Dropshipping: The Ultimate Guide To Sell Online In 2025
- AI Tools for Dropshipping: How to start and scale guide
- 15+ Trending Dropshipping products for high profit in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dropshipping actually worth it?
Yes, dropshipping can be worth it if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies. It’s ideal for beginners or entrepreneurs wanting to start with low upfront costs and minimal risk. However, like any business, success depends on choosing the right niche, reliable suppliers, effective marketing, and providing good customer service. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme but can be profitable with patience and effort.
What is the success rate of dropshipping?
The success rate varies widely—many beginners struggle initially, but with dedication, the right product choices, and marketing tactics, success is achievable. Industry data suggests that around 10-20% of dropshipping stores reach sustainable profitability. The key is learning from mistakes, optimizing continuously, and building a trusted brand.
Can I start dropshipping with no money?
Technically, yes—you can start with very little money since you don’t need to buy inventory upfront. However, you’ll still need some budget for essentials like setting up your online store (Shopify or WooCommerce), marketing ads, and perhaps apps for automation. Starting completely free is tough, but starting lean with minimal investment is definitely possible.
Can you make money dropshipping on Shopify?
Absolutely. Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for dropshipping because of its ease of use and extensive app ecosystem. Many successful dropshippers run profitable stores on Shopify by combining automated supplier integrations, smart marketing, and great customer experience. Like any business, making money requires effort in product selection, marketing, and customer support.
