Whether you're a total business newbie or have been in business for a while now, you may have heard of dropshipping more or less. The global COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the shift towards online shopping, which likely boosted the dropshipping market in 2020 and 2021.

As a clever business mode easy to start up with, dropshipping has attracted many new entrepreneurs to jump on board in the past few years. You may want to know if it's really that good, right? Maybe you're wondering if it's still a golden ticket to financial freedom in 2024, or if the market is already oversaturated. Some may even feel like the dropshipping industry is dead!

Well, no worries! I will give you an honest look below at all the related topics about dropshipping to support our opinions and help you make correct decisions. I'll put in the extra effort to ensure everything is considered.

<details open>
    <summary><strong>Table of contents</strong></summary>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="#chapter1">What is Dropshipping?</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter2">The Dropshipping market in 2024</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter3">Pros of Dropshipping</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter4">Cons of Dropshipping</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter5">Is Dropshipping profitable?</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter6">Essential Elements of Successful Dropshipping</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter7">Conclusion</a></li>
    </ul>
</details>

## 1. What is Dropshipping? {#chapter1}

Let's get started with the basics. What is dropshipping? 
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you, the store owner, don't keep products in stock yourself. Instead, when a customer orders something from your online store, you forward the order details and shipping information to a third-party supplier.  The supplier then packages and ships the product directly to your customer.

Have a quick look at this infographic to understand how dropshipping works:

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/CUSTOMER_2e54e1c9ad.png)

Learn more:

[What is dropshipping and how does it work?](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/blog/what-is-dropshipping-and-how-does-it-work-2024-version-1)

## 2. The Dropshipping Market in 2024 {#chapter2}

The dropshipping market size has grown exponentially in recent years. According to 
[Drop Shipping Global Market Report 2024](https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5766743/drop-shipping-global-market-report), it will grow from $257.37 billion in 2023 to $340.57 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32.3%. Even despite inflation and global economic disruptions, the industry is expected to reach $724.26B in 2027.
The dropshipping market's continued growth in 2024 means there's still plenty of space for new businesses to thrive.

But it’s not just about market growth, there’s also continued interest from online users on the topic. Let's take a look at the searching data of dropshipping in the past five years on Google trends. As you can see, consumers are consistently searching for the term, most likely to learn more about it.

While interest in dropshipping might have been at its peak around 2022, data suggests it was already established before 2019. The current level of popularity seems to be a sustainable medium, indicating dropshipping remains a relevant e-commerce strategy.

So we can say starting a dropshipping business in 2024 is still a great idea.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/2_c1d221a451.JPEG)

## 3. Pros of dropshipping {#chapter3}

- **Low Startup costs & risk:**
 
Unlike traditional retail, you don't need a huge investment in inventory upfront. Instead, you only purchase products from suppliers when you receive orders from customers. Since you’re not stocking inventory, you don’t need to rent or buy a physical space to store your products. This significantly reduces your overhead costs. Operational costs are low since you’re relying on a third-party supplier who handles the logistics.

This makes dropshipping easier on your wallet and allows you to test the waters with minimal risk. Anyone with a laptop and Wi-Fi connection can potentially become a dropshipper.

- **Wide Product Variety:**

The beauty of dropshipping is the ability to offer a vast selection of products without having to manage any physical stock yourself. You can cater to different niches and experiment with various offerings to see what attracts your audience.

- **Flexibility and scalability:**
 
Dropshipping is a flexible business model. As your business grows, you can easily scale up your product offerings or sales volume without needing to worry about additional storage space or managing a larger inventory.

- **Location Independence:** 

The beauty of the internet! You can run your dropshipping business from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of location and lifestyle.

- **Simple testing:**
 
Since other tasks—like order fulfillment and shipping—are taken off your plate, your main focus is testing which products sell best. It’s why some entrepreneurs consider dropshipping a crash course in ecommerce marketing.

## 4. Cons of dropshipping {#chapter4}

While dropshipping offers some attractive advantages, there are also downsides to consider before diving in. Here are some of the cons of dropshipping:

- **Lower Profit Margins:**
 
Since you're not buying products in bulk and eliminating some middlemen, your profit margins tend to be lower compared to traditional retail models. You'll likely be competing with other dropshippers selling similar products, putting pressure on prices.

- **Less Control Over Quality and Shipping:**
 
You rely on your supplier to ensure product quality and manage shipping times. If they drop the ball, it can negatively impact your customer satisfaction and brand reputation. Limited control over these aspects can be frustrating.

- **High Competition:**
 
Dropshipping's popularity has led to a saturated market in many niches. You'll face stiff competition, making it crucial to have a solid marketing strategy and unique selling proposition to stand out from the crowd.

- **Inventory Management Challenges:**
 
While you don't physically hold inventory, you still need to be mindful of stock availability from your suppliers. Out-of-stock situations can lead to disappointed customers and lost sales. It's important to stay up-to-date on your supplier's inventory levels.

- **Reliance on Suppliers:**
 
Finding and maintaining reliable suppliers is crucial for your dropshipping business's success. Unreliable suppliers with poor communication or slow shipping times can damage your brand and customer trust.

**Remember**, dropshipping can be a viable business model, but it's not a guaranteed path to riches. Building a successful dropshipping business requires significant marketing efforts to drive traffic to your store and attract customers. You'll need to invest time and resources into marketing strategies to compete effectively.

## 5. Is Dropshipping Profitable? {#chapter5}

Is the dropshipping business profitable? Definitely yes, based on our previous expectations for the overall market volume growth of dropshipping, this business is certainly profitable. The continued high search volume for 'dropshipping' on Google reflects strong interest in this business model.

If we go straightly, how much can you actually make from dropshipping? Most data sources suggest that the average profit margin for dropshipping businesses falls between 15% and 20%. However, some successful dropshippers achieve much higher margins.

Let's see an example of dropshipping income with the infographic below.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/3_f27e5d3335.png)

Of course, the above situation is an ideal case. It's important to be realistic about your expectations. The 80/20 rule applies to most industries, including dropshipping. This means that the top 20% of businesses will make the majority of the profits.

When newcomers first start making sales, they often earn a few hundred dollars monthly. By gaining experience and learning how to scale our operations, advanced dropshippers can make anywhere between **$1,000 to $10,000** monthly.
  
Dropshipping experts can reach impressive income levels. They earn between **$10,000 to $50,000** monthly and even higher. They often have well-established brands and marketing channels that drive consistent sales.

Many factors influence profitability, and some businesses may only achieve average profits, while others may struggle. Only a select few achieve above-average profits. While there are no official figures, industry experts estimate that around 10-20% of dropshipping businesses succeed.

In the end, how much money you make with dropshipping depends on how good you are at it and how hard you work. By choosing the right products, building a strong brand, and effectively marketing your store, you can increase your chances of profitability.

## 6. Essential Elements of Successful Dropshipping {#chapter6}

Dropshipping remains an attractive option for those looking to start an online business. However, to truly thrive, it's crucial to understand the key ingredients for success. Let's dive into these essential elements below:

-**Find Your Niche:**

Research profitable products and choose a niche you're passionate about. Use Google Trends and social listening to identify trends.

-**Build Your Store:**

Select a user-friendly platform (Shopify, Wix). Create high-quality listings with clear descriptions and photos. Prioritize a smooth checkout and appealing design.

-**Source Reliable Suppliers:**

Research and choose trustworthy suppliers with high-quality products and timely shipping. Maintain good communication.

-**Find Winning Products:**

Focus on in-demand, unique, and easy-to-ship products with high perceived value.

-**Market Your Store:**

By implementing a combination of below strategies, you can effectively market your dropshipping store and attract a steady stream of customers.
- Optimize relevant keywords to rank higher in search results. 
- Create engaging content to connect with customers through social media. 
- Partner with influencers for broader exposure. 
- Target ads and track results for optimal investment.
- Reach customers directly through emails with targeted offers.

-**Prioritize Customer Service:**

Respond promptly to customer inquiries. Resolve customer issues quickly to build trust. Establish a clear policy for customers' returns & refunds.

We **[CrossBorderStudio](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/)**, as a one-stop service provider for launching a successful branded dropshipping & wholesale business, will guide you step by step through the setup process, and give you all the tools and information you need to be successful.

Learn more:

[How to find winning dropshipping products in 2024?](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/blog/how-to-find-winning-dropshipping-products-in-2024-part-1)

 [What are the best dropshipping products? (+Examples)](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/blog/what-are-the-best-dropshipping-products-examples)

## 7. Conclusion {#chapter7}

At this point, you already know quite a bit about dropshipping. We explained what it is, what is the market like in 2024, and pros & cons, as well as how to address potential challenges.

If you’re looking for a low-startup-cost business with a scaling potential, dropshipping is definitely a good idea. However, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive year after year. That means you’ll have to put in a lot of effort in finding an unsaturated dropshipping niche, maintaining good profit margins, and finding the right ways to differentiate your business from competitors.

Now, simply go ahead and get started! The best time for the dropshipping industry is still ahead of us, so don’t waste a minute.

Click [here](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/) to start a dropshipping business now with CrossBorderStudio.

Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2024?

**Thinking of jumping into dropshipping?**  Dropshipping is a popular starting point for new entrepreneurs. You don't need a lot of money upfront to get started, unlike businesses that require keeping inventory.  However, building a successful dropshipping store from scratch can be challenging.  
The good news? Many experienced dropshippers have created resources to help you navigate the process.  Consider it insider knowledge – like getting advice from someone who's already walked the path.  
However, with so many dropshipping courses out there, choosing the right one can be tricky. Some cater to complete beginners, while others target those with some experience. Here we want to provide you with the best options for free courses.

<details open>
    <summary><strong>Table of contents</strong></summary>
    <ul>
        <li><a href="#chapter1">Shopify Academy</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter2">Meta Blueprint</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter3">AutoDS Free Course</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter4">Udemy</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter5">YouTube</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter6">Google Digital Garage</a></li>
        <li><a href="#chapter7">Articles & Blogs</a></li>
    </ul>
</details>

## 1.Shopify Academy {#chapter1}
Shopify offers a free course titled "[Dropshipping 101: Build your first online store](https://academy.shopify.com/dropshipping-101-build-your-first-online-store)". This course walks you through the process of setting up a Shopify store, finding winning dropshipping products, and marketing your business.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/1st_eb6aa2ba13.jpg)

This dropshipping 101 course contains 29 lessons which covers all the essentials you need to know from start to finish. 

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/2nd_e89a7304df.png)

Additionally, the dropshipping course is not the only free course they have! You can take more courses for other hot topics:

- [Email Marketing Strategies for Ecommerce](https://academy.shopify.com/email-marketing-strategies-for-ecommerce)
- [SEO training for Beginners](https://academy.shopify.com/seo-training-for-beginners)
- [Foundations: Introduction to Marketing](https://academy.shopify.com/foundations-introduction-to-marketing)
- [Print on Demand](https://academy.shopify.com/build-a-print-on-demand-empire)  
Shopify Academy is free and open to you, even if you currently don’t have a store on the Shopify platform.

## 2.Meta Blueprint {#chapter2}
Meta Blueprint, formerly known as Facebook Blueprint, is an online platform designed to help you develop your skills and knowledge on Meta's family of platforms. This includes Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/3rd_acefa04239.png)

The courses Meta Blueprint offers cover a wide range of topics related to marketing and advertising on Meta's platforms. By passing exams, you can earn certifications that validate your skills in using Meta's advertising platforms.
If you're looking to improve your marketing efforts on Facebook, Instagram, or other Meta platforms, Meta Blueprint can be a valuable resource. 

## 3. AutoDS Free Course {#chapter3}
AutoDS, a dropshipping automation tool, offers a free course that guides you through navigating dropshipping with various platforms.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/4th_0d040b3c8a.png)

You can select the courses based on the platform you will use, such as Shopify, eBay, Amazon,  TikTok, Facebook, Esty etc..

## 4. Udemy {#chapter4}
Udemy is a large online learning platform that functions as both a marketplace and a course creation tool. You can search for dropshipping courses using the "Free" filter (be aware that some free courses may become paid later).

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/5th_782706b990.png)

Since anyone can create a course on Udemy, the quality of the content can vary. It's important to read reviews before enrolling in a course.

## 5. YouTube {#chapter5}
You'll find a wide range of dropshipping content on YouTube, catering to different experience levels and covering various aspects of the business. This is a fantastic way to learn the basics for free. Some creators may use free content to promote their paid courses or affiliate products. Be mindful of this and do your own research before investing.  
You can subscribe below channels to get useful information: 
 
- [The Ecom King](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C51ZqE7iUjs)  
This YouTube channel offers a comprehensive FREE A-Z Blueprint course on creating a profitable dropshipping store on Shopify in 2024 . The course covers everything from finding a niche to product research and marketing strategies.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/6th_dade1e1608.jpg)

- [Learn With Shopify](https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithshopify)  
This is a Shopify authoriy channel for small business owners with big plans. Each week, they’ll bring step-by-step coaching on everything from generating business ideas, finding winning products to sell, marketing strategies, and advice on business finance, operations,  how to build a brand - plus so much more.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/7th_396c7b38b0.png)

- [Ac Hampton](https://www.youtube.com/@AcHampton)  
Ac Hampton appears to be an entrepreneur focused on e-commerce, particularly dropshipping. His channel is a resource for learning about dropshipping. However, it's important to do your due diligence before committing to any paid courses.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/8th_c6f127dc2c.png)

- [Arie Scherson](https://www.youtube.com/@ArieS1)  
This is a tutorial created by a dropship merchant named Arie Scherson. Well, just skip selling course part and focus on the rest of the content as he provides some great pieces of advice for dropshipping for beginners.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/9th_49f68a63a3.png)

YouTube tutorials are a fantastic way to learn dropshipping skills for free. YouTube's video format makes it ideal for visual learners who benefit from seeing demonstrations alongside explanations. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward videos as needed, allowing you to learn at a comfortable pace.   
Just type "dropshipping" into the searching bar, and find useful information. See what other viewers are saying about the tutorial and the channel. Channels with a large subscriber base and positive reviews are more likely to offer high-quality tutorials.
 
## 6. Google Digital Garage {#chapter6}
Google's Digital Garage is your one-stop shop to learn everything about successful online branding and digital marketing.  
This free learning platform offers a wide range of online courses, from branding to marketing, that will equip you with the knowledge to thrive online. Plus, you can even earn certificates and attend live webinars led by industry experts.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/10th_302fa8b403.png)

## 7. Articles & Blogs {#chapter7}
Another great place to learn dropshipping is blogs.  
Take as an example of the famous website: [Do Dropshipping](https://dodropshipping.com/dropshipping-checklist/). It contains a lot of detailed information you need to start a dropshipping business. While all the information is free, just a few ads.

![](https://strapi.crossborderstudio.com/uploads/11th_801b1f845b.png)

You know what? We can also provide another free source for you.   
Get the latest insights and strategies to boost your business delivered straight to you! Follow our continuously updated [blog](https://www.crossborderstudio.com/blog) - it's completely free!

## Conclusion

Based on the above information, you can start with free resources to build a foundation. But please remember, don't stick to one source! Gather information from various platforms for a well-rounded perspective. Be critical of what you learn and validate it with real-world experience.   
As you gain expertise, consider sharing your knowledge and becoming a dropshipping coach yourself!  
Click here to [start a dropshipping business](http://crossborderstudio.com/) now with CrossBorderStudio.

Top 7 Free Dropshipping Courses in 2024

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In the Dropshipping model, you don't need to hold inventory. Instead, you simply forward customer orders directly to the supplier, who is responsible for shipping the products. This flexible retail method allows you to easily start an online sales business.

A guide to Dropshipping, a retail fulfillment method without inventory. Learn how to run a successful Dropshipping business. Start with CrossBorderStudio.

Product sourcing refers to the process of identifying and selecting suppliers or manufacturers to obtain goods or raw materials for a business. It involves researching and evaluating potential suppliers, negotiating prices and terms, and ensuring the quality and timely delivery of products.

Inspiration is the process of being stimulated or influenced to think creatively or come up with new ideas. It can be triggered by various sources, such as experiences, observations, conversations, or exposure to new information. Inspiration often leads to creativity and innovation, enabling individuals to generate unique solutions or approaches to problems.

Marketing is the process of promoting and selling products or services to target audiences. It involves understanding consumer needs, developing strategies to communicate the value of a product or service, and creating engaging campaigns to attract customers.

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Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2024?

Top 7 Free Dropshipping Courses in 2024