Dropshipping coffee is more than just a trend, it's a thriving e-commerce business model that allows you to sell coffee products without holding inventory. The primary step involved in dropshipping is that the customer places an order on your online store. The order is then forwarded to your chosen supplier, who is often the manufacturer or wholesaler. The supplier then ships the order directly to your customer from the information you’ve collected.
Why choose coffee dropshipping?
Always in demand: Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide, ensuring a constant and reliable demand.
Profitable variety: With a wide range of coffee-related products available for dropshipping, from beans to brewing gear, you can diversify your offerings. This helps prevent depending too much on a single product and boosts your business's resilience.
Hassle-free operations: The dropshipping model lets you offer customers a broad coffee selection without dealing with the headaches of physical storage or with the amount of investment it takes to start a coffee shop, for example. This simplicity enhances your business's efficiency and scalability.
14 coffee dropshipping product types
When it comes to starting a dropshipping business, you'll find plenty of dropshipping ideas and dropshipping products that can appeal to a wide range of customers. Here's a list of 14 coffee-related product types (and 30 actual products) that are perfect for you to sell online.
01. Whole bean and ground coffee
Single-origin beans: Offer coffee aficionados a taste from specific regions known for their unique flavors.
Organic coffee: Cater to health-conscious consumers with coffee that's grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Fairtrade certified coffee: Support ethical sourcing by selling coffee that ensures fair payment to coffee producers.
Espresso blends: Provide blends specifically designed for a rich and creamy espresso shot.
Decaffeinated coffee: Include options for those who love the taste of coffee but want to avoid caffeine.
02. Coffee pods and capsules
Biodegradable pods: Appeal to eco-friendly customers with compostable coffee pods.
Flavored capsules: Offer a variety of tastes, from vanilla to caramel, for those who enjoy flavored coffee.
Reusable pods: Sell reusable pods that can be filled with any ground coffee, reducing waste.
03. Coffee brewing equipment
French presses: A classic brewing method that's beloved by many for its rich and full-bodied flavor.
Pour-over cones: Perfect for those who appreciate the art of manually brewing a clean and aromatic cup.
Cold brew makers: Cater to the crowd who loves their coffee cold and smooth with dedicated cold brew equipment.
Espresso machines: Offer both entry-level and professional-grade machines for espresso enthusiasts.
04. Coffee accessories
Grinders: Sell burr grinders that provide a consistent grind for the perfect brew.
Milk frothers: Allow customers to create their own lattes and cappuccinos at home with easy-to-use frothers.
Travel mugs: Provide busy customers with insulated mugs that keep their coffee hot on the go.
Coffee scales: Precision scales are essential for those serious about their brewing ratios.
05. Specialty coffee products
Flavored syrups: Expand your offerings with syrups that add sweetness and flavor to any cup of coffee.
Non-dairy creamers: Include plant-based creamers as an alternative to traditional dairy products.
CBD-infused coffee: Tap into the wellness market with CBD-infused options for a relaxing cup.
06. Tea products
Loose leaf teas: Not everyone is a coffee drinker; offer high-quality teas as an alternative.
Tea infusers: Essential tools for tea lovers, these make steeping loose leaf teas easy and mess-free.
07. Coffee-themed merchandise
T-shirts and apparel: Create or source designs that resonate with the coffee-loving community.
Art prints and posters: Decorate your customers' walls with artwork celebrating their favorite beverage.
08. Subscription boxes
Monthly coffee box: Keep customers coming back with subscriptions that deliver new flavors each month.
09. Health-focused products
Green coffee bean extracts: Market supplements known for their potential health benefits.
10. Snacks and pairings
Gourmet biscotti or cookies: Perfect complements to any cup of coffee, these treats are great upsells.
11. Educational materials
Barista training guides: Help your customers improve their skills with educational content.
12. Customizable beverage products
Personalized mugs: Offer mugs that can be customized with names or messages as unique gifts.
13. Eco-friendly options
Sustainable utensils: Bamboo stirrers or recycled-material coasters can attract environmentally conscious buyers.
14. Tech gadgets
Smart mugs: High-tech mugs that keep coffee at the perfect temperature through smartphone apps are ideal for tech-savvy consumers.
Dropshipping suppliers for coffee
Choosing the right supplier is a critical step in starting your business. Here's a closer look at four major dropshipping suppliers that could be the backbone of your operation, each with its own set of strengths.
Modalyst
Modalyst specializes in connecting online stores with suppliers of premium and unique products, including coffee and other related items. It also easily integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Wix, making it simple to add products to your store. They also vet suppliers to ensure high-quality products and reliable fulfillment.
Learn more about Wix and Modalyst for coffee dropshipping.
Printify
Printify allows you to sell personalized coffee mugs, t-shirts and other customizable merchandise. They also grant you access to a vast catalog of items that can be branded for your store. They operate on a print-on-demand basis, meaning products are only printed once an order is made, making this a good low-investment business idea.
Learn more about getting started with Printify and Wix for dropshipping.
Other coffee dropshipping suppliers to consider:
Limini Coffee
Temecula Coffee Roasters
Aroma Ridge
Old Chicago Coffee Co.
How to get started dropshipping coffee
Starting a coffee dropshipping business is an exciting journey. Here's a simple guide to help you set up your business and begin selling coffee online, step by step.
Research and plan your business
Determine what type of coffee products you want to sell. Will you focus on organic, single-origin beans, or perhaps coffee-making equipment?
Know who your customers are. Are they connoisseurs, casual drinkers, or maybe environmentally conscious consumers?
Be inspired by this coffee shop business plan.
Set up your online store
Start an online store by selecting a platform like Wix.
Make a website with clear product categories and high-quality images of your products.
Select your supplier
Consider factors like product quality, shipping times and costs when choosing between suppliers like Modalyst, Printify, Printful, or AliExpress.
Order samples to ensure the quality meets your standards and expectations.
Create product listings
Write descriptive product titles and descriptions, use keywords that not only describe the product but also match what potential customers might search for.
Research competitor pricing to ensure your prices are competitive while still allowing for a good profit margin.
Market your business
Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as part of your marketing strategy, to reach out to coffee lovers and showcase your products.
Start a blog related to coffee culture or offer brewing tips to drive traffic to your site.
Collect email addresses from visitors for newsletters and promotions to keep them engaged.
Manage orders and your customer service
Set up automatic forwarding of customer orders to your supplier for fulfillment.
Respond promptly to customer inquiries and resolve any issues quickly to build trust and loyalty.
Dropshipping coffee products and suppliers FAQ
What makes coffee dropshipping profitable?
Coffee is a must-have in many homes, ensuring a steady flow of potential customers. Since people drink coffee regularly, it leads to repeat sales and customer loyalty. With a wide range of coffee products available, you can offer something for everyone, catering to different tastes and preferences.