Reverse dropshipping is a twist on the traditional dropshipping business model that's gaining traction among entrepreneurs. Unlike conventional dropshipping, where you sell products from domestic suppliers to customers in your own country, reverse dropshipping involves selling products from suppliers located in more developed countries to customers in less developed markets. This approach offers unique advantages, such as access to high-quality goods.
Why consider reverse dropshipping?
Access to premium products: You can offer products that are often of higher quality than those available through traditional dropshipping channels.
Brand recognition: Leverage well-known brands that customers in emerging markets aspire to own.
Less competition: Since reverse dropshipping is still relatively new, there's less competition compared to traditional models.
Higher profit margins: Premium products come with the potential for higher profit margins.
Reverse dropshipping stands out as a viable business opportunity for those looking to enter the eCommerce space. With the right dropshipping products and reliable suppliers, you can build a successful business that caters to an international customer base seeking quality and brand-name products.
29 reverse dropshipping products
When venturing into reverse dropshipping, selecting the right products is crucial. Here's a list of 30 products that are ideal for starting this business type.
01. Smart home devices
As technology advances, smart home devices remain in high demand, especially in emerging markets. Some examples to sell include:
Smart thermostat: these devices allow you to remotely control and automate your home's heating and cooling systems. They can learn your preferences over time and adjust settings to optimize energy efficiency.
Smart lighting: like the Phillips Hue, LIFX. Smart light bulbs and lighting systems enable you to control the brightness, color and scheduling of your lights through a mobile app or voice commands.
Smart security cameras: such as the Ring Video Doorbell and Arlo Pro. These cameras offer features such as motion detection, night vision and two-way communication. They can be monitored remotely through a smartphone app for added security and peace of mind.
Smart locks: for example the August Smart Lock, Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely using a mobile app. Some models offer additional features like keyless entry, temporary access codes for guests and integration with other smart home systems.
02. Fitness trackers
With health consciousness on the rise, fitness trackers are popular for customers looking to monitor their activity on a consistent, often daily basis either while exercising or living day to day. Some popular types of models include:
Fitbit offers various fitness trackers and the Charge series is one of their popular lines. The Fitbit Charge devices typically track steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate and sleep. They also often feature smartphone notifications and have a variety of exercise modes.
Garmin is well-known for its GPS and fitness-focused devices. The Vivosmart series combines fitness tracking with smart features. These trackers monitor steps, heart rate, stress levels and can provide notifications for calls, messages and calendar events. They are also water-resistant and have a sleek design.
Xiaomi's Mi Band is a budget-friendly fitness tracker that offers impressive features. It typically tracks steps, distance, calories burned, heart rate and sleep patterns. Despite its affordability, the Mi Band often includes a water-resistant design, long battery life and can sync with a smartphone for additional functionality.
03. High-end fashion accessories
Branded accessories like watches and sunglasses are sought after for their quality and status symbol in developing countries. They’re also practical items, often in consistent, high demand. Some popular brands to sell include:
Ray-Ban is a well-known brand for high-quality sunglasses. They’re known for their classic aviator and Wayfarer styles. Ray-Ban sunglasses often feature premium materials and advanced lens technology.
Persol, an Italian luxury eyewear brand, is recognized for its elegant and sophisticated sunglasses. They’re known for their distinctive silver arrow hinge design and high-quality materials.
Rolex is one of the most iconic and prestigious watch brands globally. Known for its precision and craftsmanship, Rolex watches are often considered status symbols. Popular models include the Rolex Submariner, Rolex Day-Date and Rolex Daytona.
Audemars Piguet is a Swiss manufacturer known for its prestigious and innovative watches. The Royal Oak collection, with its distinctive octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, is particularly iconic and sought after by watch enthusiasts.
04. Organic beauty products
Eco-friendly and organic beauty products are trending as consumers become more environmentally conscious and as they think more carefully about what they use on their skin. Some popular beauty ideas to consider dropshipping include:
Dr. Bronner's is known for its commitment to organic and fair-trade ingredients. Their organic lip balms are made with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, jojoba oil and avocado oil. They come in various flavors and are free from synthetic ingredients.
Coconut oil is a versatile beauty product that has gained immense popularity for its natural moisturizing properties. Brands like Nutiva offer organic virgin coconut oil, which can be used for skincare, haircare and as a makeup remover.
Learn more: How to start a beauty business
05. Designer shoes
High-quality designer shoes are a staple luxury item with a dedicated customer base making them a good business idea for reverse dropshipping. Popular shoe designers that work with some dropshipping suppliers include, Dolce and Gabbana, Jimmy Choo and Prada.
06. Gaming consoles
As the gaming industry continues to grow, consoles are a profitable dropshipping idea for reverse dropshipping. In 2022 the gaming industry was estimated to be worth around US$224.9 billion and growing all the time. Potential options include;
PlayStation consoles: always partner with authorized distributors to guarantee the authenticity of the products and provide necessary warranty support.
Xbox consoles: such as the Xbox Series X or other Xbox models, can be a lucrative option. Establish relationships with authorized suppliers or distributors to ensure the legitimacy of the products.
Nintendo Switch: this is a highly popular gaming console. Dropshipping Nintendo Switch consoles, accessories and games could be a viable niche. Always make sure to work with authorized suppliers to maintain product authenticity.
07. Drones with cameras
Drones are not just for hobbyists; they're increasingly used for professional purposes too which makes their target audience broader than it’s ever been. Some examples to consider (be sure to check with each brand that dropshipping is allowed) are:
DJI is a well-known brand in the drone industry and their Mavic series is highly popular. Models like the DJI Mavic Air, Mavic Mini, Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic Air 2 are known for their compact design, advanced camera capabilities and intelligent flight features.
The Parrot Anafi is a foldable drone with a 4K HDR camera. It's known for its portability and unique ability to tilt its camera vertically, providing versatile shooting angles. Parrot is a reputable brand in the drone market.
Autel Robotics offers the EVO Lite+ drone, equipped with a high-quality camera that can shoot 6K video. This drone is known for its obstacle-avoidance technology and various intelligent flight modes.
08. Premium kitchen appliances
Customers abroad often seek out high-end kitchen appliances that aren't available locally. Tap into this demand by reverse dropshipping the following eCommerce business ideas:
Vitamix is a well-respected brand known for its high-performance blenders. Their blenders are often used in both professional and home kitchens for tasks such as blending smoothies, soups and nut butter.
Breville offers smart ovens that combine convection cooking with various smart features. These ovens are designed to perform multiple cooking functions, such as baking, roasting and toasting, with precision.
KitchenAid is renowned for its premium stand mixers, known for their durability and versatility. They are often used for baking and come with various attachments for tasks like mixing, kneading and whipping.
09. 3D printers
As technology becomes more accessible, 3D printers are becoming popular among tech enthusiasts, either to create projects at home or for work. Consider some of the following models to sell:
The Creality Ender series, particularly the Ender 3 and Ender 5 models, are known for being affordable yet reliable 3D printers. They’re widely used by hobbyists, makers and enthusiasts for various printing projects.
The Anycubic i3 Mega is a well-regarded 3D printer known for its ease of use and reliability. It features a touchscreen interface and a large build volume and is suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
The Prusa i3 MK3, developed by Prusa Research, is a highly regarded 3D printer known for its quality and open-source design. It has advanced features, such as a magnetic bed, automatic bed leveling and a direct drive extruder.
10. Luxury bedding sets
High-quality bedding sets offer comfort and luxury that appeal to discerning customers. You can specialize in dropshipping certain types, such as all silk or Egyptian cotton, or those used by 5-star hotel brands. Some well-known luxury bedding brands to consider partnering with include Frette, Yves Delorme and Matouk.
11. Electric bicycles
E-bikes provide an eco-friendly mode of transportation and are gaining popularity worldwide. If you’re thinking of reverse dropshipping this product, it’s worth checking regulations around the shipment of e-bikes and their batteries as these may vary by country. Some well-known ebike brands include:
Juiced Bikes is known for its powerful electric bikes, particularly in the commuter and cargo bike categories. Their products often feature long-range batteries and robust construction.
Espin focuses on creating stylish and user-friendly electric bikes. Their models are designed for city commuting, with features like integrated batteries and step-through frames.
Gazelle is a Dutch brand known for its high-quality electric bikes with a focus on comfort and ease of use. They offer a range of models, including city and trekking e-bikes.
12. Portable solar panels
With the push towards renewable energy, portable solar panels have become a desirable commodity both for use by homeowners in their private homes and for offices, schools and other organizations looking to generate their energy in an environmentally friendly way.
13. Laptop and tablets
The latest laptop and tablet models from reputable computer brands such as Apple, Dell and Lenovo often have a global market. Just make sure the computers you sell are compatible with energy standards and quality assurance control in your target markets. They are also eligible for import taxes as well.
14. Smartwatches
Smartwatches combine functionality with style, making them a top choice for tech-savvy consumers. They’ve also become a must-have accessory for most people.
Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches globally, known for its integration with the Apple ecosystem, fitness tracking features and a wide range of apps. Dropshipping various models from the Apple Watch Series could cater to a broad audience.
Samsung's Galaxy Watch Series offers a variety of smartwatches with features like fitness tracking, sleep monitoring and integration with Android devices.
Garmin is well-known for its fitness-focused smartwatches. The Garmin Venu and Forerunner series, for instance, offer advanced health and fitness tracking features suitable for sports enthusiasts.
15. Professional photography equipment
Quality cameras and accessories remain in demand among photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. Some types you could consider reverse dropshipping include:
Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras:
Mirrorless cameras
Professional lenses like the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM:
Lighting equipment
Tripods
16. Wireless earbuds
The convenience of wireless earbuds makes them a constant hit across various markets. Popular brands include:
Apple AirPods
Samsung galaxy buds
Jabra Elite series
Bose quiet comfort
17. Specialty coffee machines
Coffee lovers around the world are willing to invest in machines that deliver a superior brew at home, making coffee machines a good business idea to consider selling online. Some of the most well-known specialty coffee machines include:
While not a traditional coffee machine, the Hario V60 scale is an essential tool for pour-over coffee enthusiasts. It helps measure coffee grounds accurately and ensures precision in the brewing process.
Similar to the Hario V60 scale, the Acaia Pearl is a high-end coffee scale with advanced features, including a built-in timer and Bluetooth connectivity for data logging.
The Chemex pour-over coffee maker is an iconic piece of coffee brewing equipment. It's known for its elegant design and the ability to produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee.
18. Outdoor gear and apparel
High-quality outdoor gear is essential for adventurers who rely on durability and performance making it a good reverse dropshipping idea. Examples of this type of gear that you may be able to sell online include:
ENO hammocks
Merrell hiking boots
Yeti coolers
Black diamond headlamps
19. Home automation systems
Automating home functions is becoming increasingly popular for its convenience and energy-saving benefits. The rise of smart homes means demand for the technology and products that make it possible to automate functions such as turning lights on and off. Some of the most popular automation systems include:
Smart lighting
Smart thermostats
Smart door locks
20. Advanced skin care devices
Skincare gadgets that offer spa-like treatments at home are becoming must-haves as part of many people’s at-home beauty routines. This demand can make it a good beauty business idea to consider reverse dropshipping. Some well-known examples of these are:
The Foreo Luna is a facial cleansing device that uses pulsations to cleanse the skin deeply. It comes in different models, including ones designed for sensitive skin and anti-aging benefits.
The Clarisonic Mia Smart is a versatile device that offers cleansing, firming and makeup application capabilities. It uses sonic technology to cleanse the skin effectively.
The NuFACE Trinity is a microcurrent facial toning device designed to improve facial contour and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It's used for at-home facial workouts.
21. Premium pet products
Many pet owners look for high-quality products for their furry friends, from toys to health items. In 2022 the pet care industry was worth an estimated US$235.32 billion. Types of premium pet products to dropship include:
Premium pet food - organically sourced, or all-natural ingredients.
Designer pet accessories - collars, leads and clothing
Pet grooming products - brushes and shavers.
Smart pet technology - tracking collars.
Customized pet products - name tags, clothing and accessories.
22. Ergonomic office furniture
As remote work persists as a work trend post-pandemic, there's a growing market for comfortable and supportive home office furniture. Popular products include:
Ergonomic chairs - these are probably the most popular office furniture item
Adjustable desks - including standing and walking desks
Monitor stands and mounts
Task lighting
23. High-quality cookware sets
Food enthusiasts seek out professional-grade cookware for the best cooking experience at home. Many of these brands become collectibles and cooks collect entire collections of pans and sets. Some of the most well-known collections include:
All-Clad D3 stainless steel cookware set
Calphalon Signature nonstick cookware set
Le Creuset signature enameled cast Iron cookware set
24. Innovative baby products
Parents worldwide invest in innovative baby products that promise safety and convenience. Some of the most popular in recent years, to consider for reverse dropshipping include:
Smart baby monitors
WIFI-enabled bottle warmers
Hospital-grade breast pumps
Digital thermometers
25. Sustainable fashion items
Clothing made from sustainable materials caters to the eco-conscious consumer base looking to reduce their carbon footprint, making it a potentially in-demand reverse dropshipping business idea. Consider some of the following for your eco-friendly business idea:
Organic cotton clothing
Hemp apparel
Bamboo fiber clothing
Recycled polyester activewear
Recycled or upcycled denim
Pinatex accessories (made from pineapple leaf fibers)
Cork accessories
Vegetable-tanned leather
Econyl swimwear (made from recycled fishing nets and fabric scraps
Seaweed fiber clothing
26. Tech gadgets
Many professionals seek out popular tech gadgets to increase their productivity or save time during their working and everyday lives. These are easy items to reverse dropship if you choose wisely. Examples to sell include:
Smart or portable speakers
Instant cameras
Robot vacuum cleaners
Digital assistant, think Amazon Echo or Google Home
27. Travel tech accessories
Travel gear with built-in tech features like GPS tracking or USB charging ports add convenience for globetrotters and can prove popular items to sell online.
28. Luxury cosmetics
High-end makeup brands offer quality ingredients and prestige, attracting beauty aficionados globally. Make use of this demand to sell them online via your dropshipping website.
29. Advanced home exercise equipment
With the rise of home workouts, advanced exercise machines that save space while providing an effective workout have become highly desirable. Some well-known types of fitness equipment include:
Peloton bikes
Hyrdrow rower
FightCamp
Dropshipping suppliers for reverse dropshipping
Choosing the right suppliers is a cornerstone of a successful reverse dropshipping business. Here are some to consider when getting started bearing in mind that you’ll need to find dropshipping suppliers that manufacture goods in the US, UK or Canada as examples of developed markets and then ship to less developed countries, or developing ones, such as China or India. This can be slightly more tricky than finding traditional dropshipping suppliers.
Modalyst connects you with suppliers of high-quality products from all over the world, including luxury brands and eco-friendly options. They also offer a handpicked selection of products, ensuring you have access to items that are in demand and of high quality. Get started dropshipping with Wix and Modalyst.
Other options include Sprocket, US Direct or Easyship.
How to get started with reverse dropshipping
Starting a reverse dropshipping business means getting customer orders before buying products from suppliers. It cuts financial risks and lets you be flexible with your product range. Let's explore how to succeed with this approach.
Market research
Determine which products are in demand in your target markets and have the potential for high-profit margins.
Learn about the preferences and buying habits of your target market.
Choose what products to sell
Opt for products that offer value and quality as this is an essential criterion for reverse dropshipping.
Select items with brand recognition that will attract customers in your target market. This usually involves choosing well-known brands.
Find reliable suppliers
Research suppliers to ensure they have a track record of reliability and quality.
Order samples to personally assess the quality of the products you plan to sell.
Set up your online store
Choose an eCommerce platform: Select a platform that supports dropshipping and is user-friendly, like Wix.
Create a professional-looking online store that provides a seamless shopping experience.
Develop your business plan
Define your business goals, marketing strategies and operational procedures.
Establish a system for handling customer inquiries and issues promptly and effectively.
Reverse dropshipping FAQ
What makes a product ideal for reverse dropshipping?
Products should be durable and well-made to justify the higher price point. Items from recognized brands often sell better due to established trust and quality. Products that offer something unique or innovative can stand out in the market.
How do I choose the right supplier for reverse dropshipping?
Can I use multiple suppliers for my dropshipping business?
What are some challenges associated with reverse dropshipping?
How can I ensure customer satisfaction as a reverse drop shipper?
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that dropshipping designer goods, especially without proper authorization from the brands, themselves can potentially infringe on intellectual property rights and lead to legal issues. Most high-end designer brands have strict policies regarding the sale and distribution of their products. They often work with authorized retailers and do not allow their items to be drop shipped without explicit permission.
Engaging in dropshipping with designer or high-end items without proper authorization may violate terms of service and intellectual property laws and could harm your business reputation. In light of this, you must explore legitimate reverse dropshipping avenues such as partnering with authorized retailers, becoming an authorized reseller or working directly with the brands through official channels. This ensures that you are complying with legal and ethical standards while providing authentic products to your customers. If in doubt, contact the brands directly and seek professional legal advice.