Dropshipping is an already low-cost way to start your own online business. Fees can quickly add up depending on which eCommerce software you use.
You could soon be spending $200 per month just to keep your dropshipping business afloat. Dropshippers starting out can expect to pay a lot more.
There is an affordable way to start dropshipping. Let me share with you the best way to dropship today.
Shopify and Oberlo: Why I stopped using them
Dropshipping was something that I was interested in, so I looked into the Shopify platform as well as the Oberlo app. They were both very popular options.
But I knew I could save money on my monthly WordPress fees while still having all the same features.
Both Shopify as well as Oberlo charge monthly fees. Shopify charges $29 per month as the basic fee. Oberlo offers a limited free option, but it is not unlimited. Oberlo charges $29.90 per Month for its basic plan.
Dropshipping software costs $60 per month. This does not include any additional features you might need or want for your store.
This image was taken from a Shopify dropshipping shop that was on sale. This particular store used additional apps to add $250 per month on top of the $30 per-month store fee.
You are at risk of your account being closed
Although it has not happened to me personally, I have heard of other Shopify users experiencing this. Shopify’s terms of service state that they can close accounts at their sole discretion.
WordPress makes it easy to build your online store.
Dropshipping is easy with the AliDropship Plugin
Fortunately, I was able to discover an amazing WordPress dropshipping plugin called AliDropship.
This plugin allows you to set up and manage dropshipping stores. It will import unlimited products from AliExpress.com, and fulfill unlimited orders.
You don’t have to do this manually as all the imported products will automatically be synchronized for price and inventory levels.
Even more important, there is no monthly fee for software and you retain 100% ownership over your store.
How to get started with AliDropship
AliDropship comes in three flavors. There are three options for AliDropship. You can either install the plugin on your WordPress site, or install the WooCommerce plugin to use with WooCommerce. Or you can order a customized dropshipping store.
Host Your Store on Web
Next, you will need web hosting. AliDropship works with all commercial web hosting providers.
My store is hosted by SiteGround. I selected the Grow Big plan.
Regardless of which web hosting provider you choose, make sure that they have the ionCube loading program installed. AliDropship offers its own web hosting if you don’t want to deal with any other web hosting provider.
My website had the wrong version of ionCube loader. SiteGround support was available via live chat. They quickly updated the version.
Install WordPress
After you have set up your web hosting account, you can install WordPress with one-click installation. The one-click installation can be found in your CPanel.
Next, you will need to install the AliDropship plugin. It is just like any other WordPress plugin. This video explains how to do it:
Choose a theme and import products
AliDropship offers a variety of store themes that can be downloaded from their website. My favorite theme is the Da Vinci. You can use any WooCommerce theme you want if you are using the WooCommerce plugin.
FYI – The AliDropship plugin includes the WooCommerce version.
Then you can import products from AliExpress to your store. Everything can be accessed from your WordPress admin area.
You can also customize the appearance of your store by changing the colors and images (add logo, banner graphics, etc.).
There are no restrictions on how many products you can import.
What is the total cost of AliDropship?
Here’s what you can expect from WordPress and the AliDropship plugin.
Option 1 – Use a separate web hosting service
- WordPress = $0
- Web hosting = $5.95 per month (average)
- AliDropship Plugin = $89 One-time Fee
- Total: $160
Option 2 – AliDropship Hosting
- WordPress = $0
- Hosting = $48/year
- AliDropshp plugin = $89 (one time fee)
- Total: $137
You should also know that AliDropship plugins can be purchased with the option of adding their hosting service at checkout.
AliDropship can install WordPress and the plugin if you combine them.
Additional Monthly Fees That You Can Expect
Except for a web hosting fee, which is not required if you use AliDropship’s hosted service, your monthly fees may include advertising fees or payment gateway fees.
AliDropship plugin fees are not an issue. It is a one-time fee and your plugin is yours. You get lifetime updates and support.
A lower quality option does not necessarily mean a lower quality product
Dropshipping is cheaper when you use AliDropship and WordPress. It is not necessarily a lower-quality alternative but it does mean it is less expensive.
AliDropship plugin for WordPress is the strongest dropshipping software. Alternative dropshipping options for WordPress often require recurring monthly fees.
Some alternatives do not offer customer service or lifelong support. AliDropship makes it easy to open your own store.
You can start your eCommerce business quickly and at an affordable cost, whether you do it yourself or hire the AliDropship team to build your store.
Quora Discussion – Cheapest Budget for Dropshipping
What is affordable? It all depends on how much you are willing to invest upfront. Dropshipping is more expensive than other methods. You must first learn by watching videos and reading articles. A course is necessary if you are to be truly successful. This course costs money. Consider it an investment in your self.
Once you’ve learned the basics, you can start. You will need money to open a store, money to make ads, money to test ads and money to test products. 99 percent of the 100 products you will not be able to sell aren’t interesting enough, or aren’t getting clicks from people.
How can you dropship for less?
- This will increase the likelihood that people will buy it. Remember that the more expensive your product is, the greater the risk for your customer. This means that you must build a trusting relationship with your customer.
- If you are trying to sell products for dog owners, then narrow it down three or four times. Instead of goods for dog owners, specify dog leashes > longer dog leashes > leashes for multiple dogs. You might feel that narrowing down your options will result in losing a lot more customers. People who come to your store now are more likely buy because it is focused on what they need so they will believe that you are a specialist in that.
- Your customer should be able to pay as quickly as possible. Customers simply need to click on the product that interests them and be directed to the payment page.
- Do not create a store that has 10 tabs, dropdowns menus, pop-ups, and 30 buttons. Show them only what they really need.
Yes! Yes! Dropshipping is the best way to get your business started, as long as it’s not more expensive than 0$. But, remember that being cheap does not necessarily mean it is easy. The opposite is true: the less money you invest, the harder it will be. Earning money is not easy, but who said it was?
Here’s how it works:
- Research. Research is key. Do your research on what you are selling and how you plan to do it. Plan every step and what you will do if it goes wrong. Start looking for potential customers.
- You can create your website on any platform, free of charge or with a trial period. Shopify, Wix, and WordPress are all good options. Wix and WordPress allow you to design your website immediately, with no time limits. Shopify will give you 14 days to design your website. Make sure you’re ready when you begin the trial. Although it would be nice to purchase a domain for 2$, this is not necessary.
- Start marketing before you start your website. This is the most difficult and important step. You can open all kinds of social media accounts. Start posting daily, engaging with people, and gaining likes, followers, and comments. This is a long-term, free and stable option. It is not easy. To keep going, you need to be motivated.
- Start your free trial once you have an audience. You should make at least two sales to be able to pay the next month’s site. Then, you can use any remaining profits to pay for ads. Your site will begin to grow after that.
However, you must never stop working on your business. You must keep up with SEO, social media accounts and ads. It might seem like it isn’t working at first, but you will soon see results!
Host your e-commerce website at the lowest price. You can also set up your own website with a payment gateway. You are on the right track if hosting and managing the site costs less than $30 per month. You could also consider starting a local dropship company. This business doesn’t require a website and you can do all your sales in person. Technically, this could be a free way to go.
Your advertising should be free (word of mouth and irl hustle, as well as any social media posts or forum posts). You are heading in the right direction if you don’t have to spend money advertising (for more affordable ways to dropship).
That’s it. You will only pay $30 per month to manage your business. If you can find a way to host your company for free (either online or in person), it’s completely free.
It is unlikely that it will be worth the extra effort to reduce the $30/month hosting fees and $50 for basic advertising. You will be working hard and hustling to do it all by yourself.
