Today, I’ll talk about free dropshipping and how to start dropshipping with no money.
A dropshipping business is an excellent way to start an online store because of its low startup costs.
And by following the right strategies, it’s possible to start dropshipping with NO money at all…
But… what are the best free dropshipping suppliers and research tools?
Are there any free dropshipping courses available?
How do you start a dropshipping business without money?
Let’s find out in this guide about free dropshipping in 2023!
What is Free Dropshipping?
Free dropshipping is a business model where a store owner can list products for sale on their online store without having to keep the products in stock. When an order is placed, the store owner forwards the order and customer information to the dropshipping supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.
This eliminates the need for the store owner to handle inventory or manage shipping logistics and allows them to focus on marketing and growing their store.
Some dropshipping companies may offer free dropshipping services, which means there is no monthly subscription fee to the store owner for using their services. Researching and finding the best free dropshipping suppliers that offer quality products and reliable shipping is essential to ensure a successful dropshipping store.
However, while the dropshipping supplier may offer free services, there will still be costs associated with the products and shipping fees. It is also essential to research and carefully select the right dropshipping suppliers to ensure they are reliable and offer high-quality products.
Overall, free dropshipping can be a great way for entrepreneurs to start and grow an online store with no money. Let’s continue this free dropshipping guide by reviewing how to start your dropshipping business…
How to Start Dropshipping With No Money
Starting a dropshipping store with no money is similar to starting with some money, but there are a few key differences. I’ll go through each step you need to follow to start dropshipping successfully with no money. Let’s get started…
1. Pick a Product to Sell
Finding the best dropshipping products to sell is the first step, regardless of how much money you have. When starting with no money, choosing a product in high demand and low competition with low cost (< $10) is crucial. This will increase your chances of making a profit and help you to break even as quickly as possible.
Researching the market and finding out what dropshipping products are trending and popular can help you make a good decision. Once you have identified a product, you can then start looking for the best dropshipping suppliers that offer that product.
2. Find a Free Dropshipping Supplier
Once you have chosen a product to sell, the next step is to find a free dropshipping supplier. Many suppliers offer free dropshipping services, which means there is no monthly subscription fee to use their dropshipping platform.
However, it is vital to research and finds the best dropshipping suppliers that offer quality products and reliable shipping to ensure a successful dropshipping business.
I’ll go over some of the best free dropshipping suppliers later on…
3. Choose Your E-commerce Platform
The next step for free dropshipping is choosing an eCommerce platform to build your online store. Many eCommerce platforms offer free trials or low-cost options for starting an online store, such as Shopify or WooCommerce.
These platforms allow you to quickly set up your store and sell products without substantial upfront costs. While Shopify isn’t completely free, there is a 3-day free trial, then pay only $1/month for 3 months (Try Shopify here).
It is also a good idea to compare different eCommerce platforms to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Build Your Online Store
Once you have chosen your e-commerce platform (Shopify is recommended), the next step for free dropshipping is to build your online store. This includes creating your Shopify store design, adding products, setting up payment and shipping options, and creating your legal pages.
While it may take some time and effort, it is possible to build professional-looking online stores without spending any money. Shopify includes many free themes and apps you can add to your store. Also, consider shipping costs and return policies when building your Shopify store.
5. Promote Your Dropshipping Store
The last step in this free dropshipping guide is promoting and driving traffic to your store. The best way to market your dropshipping store with no money is with TikTok.
The social media platform has a large and active user base, and it is a great way to reach new customers and promote your products.
You can use the platform to create engaging and creative videos to showcase your products and use hashtags to get organic traffic and sales.
In conclusion, starting a dropshipping store with no money can be challenging, but it is not impossible.
Best Free Dropshipping Product Research Tools
Starting a dropshipping career can be an excellent way for entrepreneurs to sell products online without handling inventory or shipping logistics. However, finding the right products to sell can be challenging, especially for those on a tight budget.
Several free product research tools are available to help dropshippers find the best products to sell on their e-commerce stores.
Sell The Trend
Sell The Trend is one of the best dropshipping product research tools that offers a 7-day free trial. This tool allows store owners to search for products, view product information, and spy on competitors.
Sell The Trend also offers a feature that allows store owners to view the top-selling products in different niches, which can help identify profitable products.
This tool also offers a feature that allows store owners to filter products by shipping times, which can be helpful when looking for products that provide fast shipping.
However, while Sell The Trend can help you find the best dropshipping suppliers, it is still important to thoroughly research and carefully select suppliers to ensure they offer fast shipping and quality products.
While it’s not a free dropshipping tool, Sell The Trend is a great resource for finding dropshipping products and suppliers.
Ecom Hunt
Ecom Hunt’s free plan offers dropshippers a powerful product research tool to search for products, view product information, and spy on competitors.
With Ecom Hunt, store owners can also view the top-selling products and find new, profitable niche products.
You can also use Ecom Hunt to find dropshipping suppliers for your store.
AliExpress Dropshipping Center
The AliExpress Dropshipping Center is a 100% free tool that allows store owners to search for products, view product information, and track shipping times on AliExpress.
The tool offers a wide range of features that can help dropshippers find the best products to sell in their e-commerce stores, such as the ability to filter products by category, price, and shipping times.
The AliExpress DS Center can also be used to find the best free dropshipping suppliers on the platform.
Best Free Dropshipping Suppliers
When starting a dropshipping store, one of the most crucial factors is the cost of working with the best dropshipping suppliers. While many suppliers are available, not all offer free services. This section discusses some of the best free dropshipping suppliers for e-commerce store owners.
CJDropshipping
CJDropshipping is a popular free dropshipping supplier that offers various products in various categories, such as beauty products, jewelry, consumer electronics, t-shirts, and more.
They also offer a built-in order management system that automatically fulfills orders. They also offer a free Shopify App to import products directly to your online store.
One of the best things about partnering with CJDropshipping is that they are one of the only dedicated dropshipping suppliers that offer free services.
They do not charge monthly subscription fees, making it a great option for e-commerce store owners looking to start their dropshipping business with no money. CJDropshipping is easily one of the best free dropshipping suppliers.
AliExpress
Another great free dropshipping supplier is AliExpress. They offer a wide range of products in various categories, such as clothing, cosmetic products, consumer electronic appliances, pet supplies, and more.
They are an online marketplace based in China with a wide range of products from dropshipping and wholesale suppliers. They also offer a built-in order management system that allows you to place orders directly from their website.
When working with AliExpress, there are several benefits to enjoy, one of which is free services. This is because they are an online marketplace rather than a dedicated dropshipping supplier.
It’s important to note that not all sellers on AliExpress are free dropshipping suppliers. You can send the seller a message to see if they offer a free dropshipping service. The seller will also sometimes have “Dropshipping” in their name.
AliExpress is great if you’re looking for free dropshipping suppliers, but I recommend using AliExpress alternatives instead if you have some money.
Best Free Dropshipping Store Providers
With starting a dropshipping business, another of the most important things to consider is the cost of setting up and maintaining an online store. While many eCommerce platforms are available, not all offer free services. I’ll discuss some of the best free dropshipping store providers available. Let’s get started…
Shopify
Shopify is a popular eCommerce platform that is often used by dropshippers. They offer a free trial allowing eCommerce store owners to test their platform before committing to a paid plan.
Shopify’s platform offers a range of features, including customizable templates, an app store, and a built-in order management system.
One of the best things about using Shopify is that they have a wide range of tools and resources available to help you succeed with your own dropshipping business.
For example, they have a blog full of articles, tutorials on starting and growing your business, and a community forum where you can connect with other entrepreneurs.
Shopify also offers a range of apps and plugins that can help you automate different aspects of your business, such as inventory management and customer service. Using Shopify is a great way to get started with free dropshipping.
Square Online
Square Online (previously Weebly) is a fantastic free eCommerce solution. They provide a free plan that enables entrepreneurs to use their platform (they still charge transaction fees).
Numerous features are available through Square Online, including adaptable themes, an app store, and an integrated order management system.
The fact that Square Online has a wealth of tools and resources at your disposal to support your own dropshipping business success is one of the best things about using the service.
They provide a selection of plugins and programs that can automate several operations in your company, including inventory control and customer support.
Additionally, Square Online provides various marketing tools, including email marketing and social media integration, to aid in the promotion of your company.
Best Free Dropshipping Courses
Starting a dropshipping business can be daunting, especially if you are new to the industry and lack experience. However, taking courses can be a great way to learn about the process and gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. I’ll review two of the best free dropshipping courses available to e-commerce sellers…
Shopify Learn
Shopify Learn is a free learning platform offered by Shopify, the popular e-commerce platform. It provides a wide range of free dropshipping courses that cover topics such as setting up your online store, product research, and marketing. The courses are designed for both beginners and more advanced users and are self-paced.
One of the best things about Shopify Learn is that it is directly connected to the Shopify platform, so you can easily apply what you learn to your own online store. The courses are designed to help you understand the process of setting up a Shopify store, how to find profitable products and how to market them.
It also offers a range of free apps and resources that can help you automate different aspects of your business, such as inventory management and customer service. This makes it an excellent resource for entrepreneurs who want to get started with free dropshipping.
YouTube Tutorials
YouTube is another fantastic platform to learn about free dropshipping. Many channels offer free courses on dropshipping and e-commerce. These courses cover various topics, including product research, marketing, and setting up your online store.
You can also find videos on the best dropshipping suppliers, how to use dropshipping apps, and how to optimize your Shopify store.
Reviews of various dropshipping suppliers, websites, and service providers are also available. YouTube is great for those who prefer a hands-on approach and want to gain knowledge from other people’s experiences.
Ultimately, conducting thorough research and evaluating several platforms is crucial when looking for the best free dropshipping courses. You can access various materials and classes that will aid in the launch and expansion of your business by using a site like Shopify Learn or YouTube.
Start Dropshipping With No Money: Best Practices
While it’s possible to start dropshipping with no money, success is not guaranteed. Besides using the best free dropshipping suppliers, product research tools, and e-commerce platforms, you can do multiple other things to increase your chances of succeeding. Let’s get started…
Research Heavily Before You Start
Starting a dropshipping store with no money can seem unnerving, but it is possible with the right approach. Market research is one of the most important things to do before you sell online. This involves looking at Google Trends, products, and suppliers and learning the best practices for starting a dropshipping store.
When researching the market, it is vital to identify a niche that you are passionate about and has a high demand for products. Once you have identified a niche, it is essential to research different products within that niche.
This includes researching product prices, quality, and demand. It is also essential to research free dropshipping suppliers, including their reputation, shipping times, and product quality.
Another critical aspect of research is learning about marketing strategies, customer service, and handling returns and refunds.
In addition to researching, it is also important to be resourceful. This includes reducing costs by using free dropshipping companies and finding free marketing strategies. It is also important to network with other entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.
Choose a Low-Ticket Product
A low-ticket product is a product that is priced at a lower cost point, typically under $50. However, when using the free dropshipping strategy, you should aim for products under $5.
Firstly, low-ticket products tend to have a higher demand and sell online more frequently. This means you will have a higher chance of making sales and generating revenue, which is crucial when starting a dropshipping store with no money.
Low-ticket products also tend to have a lower return rate, which can help reduce costs and minimize financial risk.
Another advantage of choosing a low-ticket product is that it allows you to test the market and validate your product idea efficiently. This is important when you start free dropshipping because you can validate your product before investing more time and money into the business.
Knowing the shipping cost when choosing a low-ticket item is also important. Some free dropshipping suppliers may offer low product prices but have high shipping costs. In general, lightweight/small products will have low shipping fees.
It is crucial to factor in all the costs associated with the product and ensure that it will still be profitable to sell after all costs are considered.
Use Free + Shipping Method
One of the best practices when starting your online business with no money is to use the “free + shipping” method. This method involves offering a product for free and only charging for the cost of shipping. It provides an effective way to generate sales and revenue, even with a limited budget.
The “free + shipping” method is based on the principle that people are more likely to purchase if they perceive the deal as a good value, even if they have to pay for shipping. Offering a product for free and only charging for shipping can make the product appear more valuable and increase the chances of making a sale.
Remember that the “free + shipping” method can also provide a fantastic channel for generating leads and building an email list.
By offering a free product, online store owners can collect customers’ contact information, such as their email and shipping address, which can be used to market future products and services.
The “free + shipping” method also lets you test the market and validate product ideas. By offering a free product, online retailers can gauge customer interest and see which products are most popular before investing more money into the business.
When using the “free + shipping” method, it is crucial to be transparent about the cost of shipping and to make sure that the product is still profitable after accounting for all the costs associated with it, such as shipping and handling costs, packaging and any other costs associated with the product. When using this free dropshipping strategy, you should use dropshipping vendors that don’t require a monthly fee.
Free Dropshipping: FAQ
What are the best free dropshipping suppliers?
The leading free dropshipping suppliers are CJDropshipping, AliExpress, and Modalyst. If you’re interested in print-on-demand, the best print on demand companies also don’t charge a monthly subscription fee.
What are the best free dropshipping websites?
Besides the ones I went over earlier, some other helpful free dropshipping sites include Thieve, Shopify Tools, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest.
What are the best free dropshipping suppliers in the USA?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many free dropshipping suppliers in the USA. Some of the top dropshipping suppliers include Zendrop, Spocket, and Sellvia.
Is free dropshipping profitable?
Free dropshipping can be somewhat profitable. This is because it’s impossible to scale without at least some money…
How much does it cost to start dropshipping?
There’s no easy answer to this. The cost to start dropshipping depends on numerous factors, such as the products you sell, dropship suppliers you use, the country you’re selling in, and more.
Conclusion: Can You Start a Dropshipping Business With No Money?
After being in the dropshipping trenches for 5+ years, it is clear that you can make a TON of money with this business model.
However, your dropshipping store will probably NOT be profitable immediately unless you are already an expert marketer…
So it is possible to start dropshipping with no money, but you are unlikely to succeed this way.
I highly recommend saving at least a little money to afford better tools, suppliers, and courses.
In the meantime, you can start learning with my 100% free dropshipping course 👇
