Automated dropshipping is a modern twist on the traditional dropshipping business model. It leverages technology to streamline the process of selling products online without holding inventory. As you explore this innovative approach, you'll discover that it's not just about eliminating the hassle of stock management, it's also about optimizing your eCommerce operations for efficiency and scalability.
Why consider automated dropshipping?
Starting a business with automated dropshipping is cheaper – no need for a warehouse or buying inventory upfront. Automation tools handle tasks like orders and customer service, freeing up your time to focus on business growth or marketing. Essentially you can run your business from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, as your business grows, automated dropshipping adapts easily to your business growth without needing more staff or resources, making scaling up a breeze.
12 products to sell via automated dropshipping
When it comes to automated dropshipping, selecting the right dropshipping business idea is crucial for success. We’ve put together a list of 12 automated dropshipping products that are not only popular but potentially profitable too.
01. Eco-friendly personal care items
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, items like bamboo toothbrushes and biodegradable hair ties are in demand. Beauty dropshipping is a well-known niche.
02. Smart home devices
Products like smart plugs and LED light strips that can be controlled via smartphone are becoming household staples.
03. Fitness trackers
With health being a top priority, wearable devices that monitor fitness metrics are on the rise.
04. Wireless charging stations
As more devices support wireless charging, these stations are becoming a must-have accessory.
05. Portable blenders
Health enthusiasts love the convenience of making smoothies on the go with these compact appliances.
06. Reusable food storage bags
Another win for eco-friendly products, these bags help reduce plastic waste and are a hit with eco-conscious shoppers.
07. Yoga mats
The wellness trend continues to grow, making yoga mats a consistently popular product.
08. Beard grooming kits
Men's grooming products, especially for beard care, have seen a surge in popularity.
09. Pet accessories
Items like personalized collars and automatic feeders cater to pet owners who want the best for their furry friends. If this is a niche you're very into, consider pet dropshipping.
10. Minimalist jewelry
Simple and elegant jewelry pieces are timeless and have broad appeal. Jewelry dropshipping is a highly regarded, profitable niche.
11. Blue light-blocking glasses
With screen time at an all-time high, these glasses help reduce eye strain from digital devices.
12. Travel organizers
For those bitten by the travel bug, organizers for electronics, toiletries and clothing keep everything in place while on the move.
Top suppliers for automated dropshipping
Choosing the right supplier is a critical decision in setting up an automated dropshipping business. Here's a review of the top four dropshipping suppliers (including some print on demand companies), each with its own set of advantages and considerations.
Modalyst
Pros:
Wide selection of high-quality products from independent brands and trending items.
Seamless integration with eCommerce builders and platforms like Wix. Learn more about the Wix/Modalyst integration.
Cons:
Some products have longer shipping times, which may affect customer satisfaction.
Printify
Pros:
Extensive catalog of customizable print-on-demand products.
User-friendly interface that simplifies the product design process.
Competitive pricing, allowing for better profit margins.
Cons:
Limited to print-on-demand items, which may not suit all dropshippers.
Quality can vary depending on the chosen printing partner.
Printful
Pros:
High-quality print-on-demand products with reliable fulfillment services.
Offers warehousing and fulfillment services for non-printed products as well.
No upfront costs; you only pay when a customer places an order.
Cons:
Customization options might be overwhelming for new users.
Make a website, then integrate it with Printful to get started.
AliExpress
Pros:
A vast array of products across various categories at competitive prices.
No minimum order quantity, making it ideal for testing new products without risk.
Many suppliers offer ePacket shipping, which is faster and often free or low-cost.
Cons:
Shipping times can be lengthy unless using ePacket, which isn't available for all products or countries.
The quality of products can be inconsistent and thorough vetting of suppliers is absolutely necessary.
How to start automated dropshipping
Starting an automated dropshipping business can be an exciting venture. Here's a simple 5-step guide to help you launch your own dropshipping business with ease.
Market research
Begin by identifying a niche market with high demand and low competition.
Use tools like Google Trends and social media platforms to understand consumer interests.
Analyze competitors to see what products are selling well and identify potential gaps in the market.
Setting up your online store
Choose an online store builder that supports dropshipping, such as Wix.
Design your store with a clean, user-friendly layout that reflects your brand identity. For best results, consider using professionally-designed eCommerce website templates.
Ensure your website is optimized for search engines to improve visibility.
Selecting your products
Decide on the products you want to sell based on your market research.
Look for suppliers that offer those products with good quality and reasonable shipping times.
Consider starting with a small selection of products to test the waters before expanding your range.
Automating your business
Implement dropshipping automation software to connect your store with suppliers.
Set up automated order processing, inventory management and tracking updates to streamline operations.
Use email marketing tools and chatbots (like Tido Live and automated chatbots) to automate customer service and engagement.
Marketing your store
Develop a marketing strategy that includes SEO, content marketing and social media advertising. Engage with your audience through social media, blogs, or newsletters to build brand loyalty.
Create compelling product descriptions and high-quality images or videos for your listings.
Automated dropshipping FAQ
What is the best way to find automated dropshipping products?
To discover good products for automated dropshipping, use tools like Google Trends for trends, check out trade shows or online marketplaces and follow industry newsletters and influencers for ideas. This mix of strategies can help you find products with solid potential for success in your business.