In this post I’ll explain what dropshipping is, how it works on BigCommerce and why it might be good for your ecommerce business.

We’ll look at the pros and cons of this model and some tips to get started. Whether you’re new to ecommerce or looking to add dropshipping to your existing store you’ll find helpful info here.

What Is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is a business model that’s becoming more and more popular in the eCommerce world. I’ve seen it grow alongside online retail, with over a quarter of online sellers using this method. It’s a great option for entrepreneurs and startups looking to minimize upfront costs.

Here’s how it works:

1. A customer orders from my store
2. I forward the order to my supplier
3. The supplier ships the product to the customer

This eliminates the need for me to hold inventory or manage a warehouse. I don’t have to buy in bulk or worry about unsold stock. I can focus on marketing my store and customer service instead.

Dropshipping allows me to offer many products without the upfront financial risk of buying inventory. It’s a flexible model that’s good for new businesses or testing new product lines.

What is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is a powerful eCommerce platform that’s changing the face of online retail. As a web-based solution I can create and manage my online store from anywhere without needing special software. I love the flexibility of this.

One of BigCommerce’s best features is its user friendly interface. Even as someone with no design skills I can easily customize my store using their range of professional templates. I can create a beautiful digital storefront that matches my brand.

The platform is subscription based which I like for its flexibility. I can choose a plan that suits my current needs and change it as my business grows. Here’s a quick summary of what BigCommerce offers:

• Web-based platform
• Customizable templates
• Monthly plans
• Physical and digital product selling
• Service based businesses

BigCommerce is going head to head with the big boys like Shopify and Magento. It’s got all the features to be a major player in the eCommerce world.

I like BigCommerce’s scalability. As the eCommerce market grows – 95% of all purchases will be online by 2040 – having a solid platform like BigCommerce will set me up for long term success.

If you’re not sure which platform to choose I’d recommend comparing BigCommerce to others. This will help you figure out which features match your business needs and goals.

Dropshipping for Your BigCommerce Store

Cost Savings

Drop shipping can save BigCommerce store owners a lot of costs. I don’t have to buy inventory upfront or rent warehouse space to store products. This frees up capital for me to invest elsewhere in my business. I also save on labor costs as I don’t have to hire staff to pack and ship orders. These cost savings means I can start and grow my online business with less financial risk.

Inventory Management

With drop shipping I don’t have to deal with the hassle of physical inventory. I don’t have to track stock levels, reorder products or handle returns. This saves me time and I don’t need special inventory management software. I can focus on marketing and growing my business instead of worrying about logistics.

More Products

Drop shipping allows me to offer many products without the space constraints of physical storage. I can add new products to my store and test different product categories without financial risk. I can pivot to market trends and customer demand quickly. I can also sell products that are hard to stock like large or heavy products without worrying about shipping logistics.

Business Flexibility

Drop shipping gives me the ultimate flexibility to run my BigCommerce store. I can run my business from anywhere with an internet connection so I can travel or relocate without disrupting operations. I can change my product offerings based on season or trends.

If my sales increase I can scale up my business without worrying about warehouse space or hiring more staff. I can respond to market changes and pounce on new opportunities as they arise.

Dropshipping with BigCommerce

1. Find Your Target Market

I found out that market research is key when starting a dropshipping business on BigCommerce. You need to analyze current retail trends and consumer preferences to choose products wisely. But I don’t recommend jumping into oversaturated markets. Instead I recommend focusing on niche markets that cater to specific demographics or interests. This will reduce competition and attract a dedicated customer base.

For example instead of selling general chocolates I might specialize in vegan chocolate products. This narrows down the competition and appeals to a specific audience. When I choose products from dropshipping marketplaces I always keep this niche focused approach in mind.

2. Choose Reputable Dropshipping Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers is key to a successful dropshipping business. I always check product quality, shipping costs and policies before committing to a supplier. Here’s my checklist:

• Product condition matches description
• Shipping costs and timeframes
• Return policies and order fulfillment process
• Customer support quality
• Insurance coverage

I also make sure to research supplier reviews and testimonials. If multiple users report issues with reliability or compliance I look elsewhere. Some popular dropshipping suppliers I’ve found are Spocket, DSers, AutoDS, SaleHoo, and Printful.

3. Build Your BigCommerce Store

Once I’ve chosen my products and suppliers I focus on building my BigCommerce store. The process is easy:

1. Sign up for a BigCommerce account
2. Create a store profile
3. Add product categories
4. Upload product listings
5. Design the store

More details below.

For store design BigCommerce has customizable templates for those without design experience. I can either upload a custom theme or browse the BigCommerce Theme Marketplace for a template.

4. Marketing

Just having a store isn’t enough – active marketing is key to success. I focus on digital marketing to reach my target market and build my brand. Here are some strategies I use:

• Create and maintain active social media accounts
• Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility
• Post product updates and engage with followers
• Run interactive content like giveaways or polls
• Use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques

I find social media marketing not only promotes products but also allows for direct customer interaction and collecting social proof through customer photos and reviews.

5. Take Supplier Issues into Your Own Hands

As a dropshipper I know I’m the face of my business so I take responsibility for supplier mistakes. When issues arise I:

• Apologize to the customer
• Take responsibility
• Provide a clear solution
• Offer compensation when necessary (e.g. discounts or free shipping)
• Follow up with supplier to prevent future occurrences

This way I can maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty even when things go wrong.

6. Provide Great Customer Service

I know customer service can make or break a dropshipping business. To manage customer inquiries I use eCommerce automation tools. BigCommerce integration with eDesk for example allows me to:

• View all messages, orders and order information in one place
• Prioritize customer tickets
• Access information quickly
• Respond to customer queries

By doing this I can provide faster and more efficient customer service which is key to building a good reputation and repeat business.

How to Build Your BigCommerce Dropshipping Store

Step 1. Sign up for BigCommerce

I’ll start by signing up for BigCommerce. I’ll go to their website and fill out the registration form with my name, email, phone number and desired store name. After clicking “Create your store” I’ll select my niche and sales channels. This is quick and gets me access to the platform.

Step 2. Design My Online Store

Now I’ll make my store look good. I’ll go to the “Storefront” section in my dashboard and head to the Theme Marketplace. BigCommerce has free and paid templates. I’ll choose one that matches my brand and customize it to make my store unique.

Step 3. Set up My Domain

To establish my brand I need a professional domain. In the “Settings” menu I’ll click on “Domain name”. Here I can either buy a new domain or connect one I already have. This is important for a memorable web address for my customers.

Step 4. Complete My Store Profile

Trust is key so I’ll fill out my store profile completely. I’ll add:

• Display name
• Physical address
• Support email
• Phone number
• Default country

This will make customers feel comfortable shopping with me.

Step 5. Payment and Shipping Settings

In the “Settings” menu I’ll set up:

• Accepted currencies
• Payment gateways
• Shipping options
• Tax settings
• Order notifications
• Return policy

These are important for smooth transactions and customer satisfaction.

Step 6. Add Products to My Store

With my supplier partnership in place I can now populate my store. I’ll import product listings and make sure each product has:

• Accurate descriptions
• High quality images
• Competitive pricing

If my supplier doesn’t provide all this information I’ll create it myself to showcase the products.

Step 7. Add Apps

To make things easier I’ll go to the BigCommerce App Marketplace. I can install apps that:

• Automate tasks
• Improve customer service
• Enhance marketing
• Optimize inventory management

I’ll choose apps that add value without cluttering my workflow.

Step 8. Search Engine Optimization

SEO is important for visibility. I’ll focus on:

1. Product listings:
   • Use relevant keywords
   • Write descriptive text
   • High quality images
2. Blog content (if applicable):
   • Targeted topics and keywords
   • Customer pain points
3. Website copy:
   • Targeted keywords naturally
   • Readability and relevance
4. URL structure:
   • Keep URLs short and descriptive
   • Use keywords where possible

Step 9. Go Live

Once I’m happy with my setup I’ll publish my store. If I’m still on a free trial I’ll need to select a paid plan to make my store public. This will turn my project into a live business.

Step 10. Marketing Strategy

To get customers I’ll create a multi-channel marketing approach:

1. Social Media:
   • Create content
   • Engage with followers
   • Use platform specific features (e.g. Instagram Stories, TikTok challenges)
2. Email Marketing:
   • Build a subscriber list
   • Design newsletters
   • Offer exclusive deals to subscribers
3. Content Marketing:
   • Start a blog with valuable content
   • How-to guides and product comparisons
   • Customer success stories
4. Paid Advertising:
   • Set a budget for Facebook, Instagram and Google Ads
   • Target specific demographics and interests
   • Monitor and adjust campaigns based on performance
5. SEO:
   • Regularly update content
   • Build quality backlinks
   • Monitor and improve site speed

By following these steps I’ll have a solid BigCommerce dropshipping store setup. Success will be about continuous improvement, adapting to the market and great customer service.

Top BigCommerce Dropshipping Apps

I’ve found several top BigCommerce dropshipping apps that can help with operations and product offerings. These apps integrate with BigCommerce stores to automate, source and manage products.

1. DSers: AliExpress Dropshipping Solution

DSers is an AliExpress dropshipping app that integrates with BigCommerce stores. It’s a way to import and manage products from AliExpress.

Key features I like:

• Bulk order processing
• Automated price and inventory updates
• Supplier optimizer

The DSers Chrome extension allows me to add products from AliExpress to my store. I can customize product details, set pricing rules and manage variants before importing.

One of the best features is the ability to order hundreds of products with just a few clicks. It speeds up the fulfillment process so much. The app also provides real-time inventory and price syncing so my store data is always up-to-date.

DSers’ supplier optimizer helps me choose the best supplier based on price, shipping time and reliability. This feature has been super helpful in maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.

2. Spocket: US and EU Suppliers

Spocket connects BigCommerce stores with US and EU suppliers. That means faster shipping and better quality products.

I like Spocket’s supplier vetting process. They assess: • Product quality • Shipping reliability • Customer service

The app has a wide product catalog across multiple categories. I can filter products by country of origin, shipping time and profit margin.

Spocket’s order processing is simple. I can fulfill orders with one click and the app updates tracking info. They also offer branded invoicing which helps to look more professional for my store.

3. Printful: Print-On-Demand

Printful is a print-on-demand service for BigCommerce stores. I like it for custom apparel, accessories and home decor.

Key features I like: • No upfront inventory costs • Wide range of products to customize • High quality printing and fulfillment

The app’s mock-up generator allows me to create product images without physical samples. I can upload designs, select product colors and generate realistic previews.

Printful handles production, packaging and shipping. When an order comes in, they print the item and send it to my customer. No inventory management for me.

4. Modalyst: Premium Brands

Modalyst is unique in that it offers premium and name-brand products. I like it for BigCommerce stores targeting a higher end market.

The app has: • Fashion accessories • Beauty products • Home goods

Modalyst’s pricing structure allows for automated markup rules. I can set different profit margins for different product categories or price ranges.

The platform offers both dropshipping and wholesale. I can choose which one to use for each product line.

5. Spreadr App: Amazon Importer

Spreadr makes importing Amazon products into BigCommerce stores easy. I like it for adding products fast.

Key features I use: • Bulk product import • Automatic price and inventory updates • Customizable product info

I can import products by ASIN or Amazon URL. It pulls product info, images and customer reviews automatically.

Spreadr’s automation keeps my store in sync with Amazon’s inventory and pricing. So I don’t oversell or price incorrectly.

6. Dropified: Dropshipping Automation

Dropified has automation tools for BigCommerce dropshipping. I like it for managing multiple suppliers and product lines.

Key features: • Product research • Profit margin calculator • Order fulfillment automation

The app’s product research tool helps me find trending products and potential best-sellers. I can see competitor pricing and set my own prices accordingly.

Dropified’s order routing system allows me to assign suppliers to specific products. So I can optimize fulfillment based on shipping time and product availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I ship internationally with dropshipping?

International shipping for dropshipping varies by supplier. It’s often more complex and expensive due to customs, duties and extra paperwork. I recommend talking to potential suppliers to get quotes that include all extra costs. Be prepared for longer processing times on international orders.

Is dropshipping a profitable business model?

Dropshipping is a quick way to profitability with lower risk than traditional eCommerce. The lower overhead makes it easier to turn a profit sooner. But success is not guaranteed – it requires planning and execution.

What can I do to make my BigCommerce store more successful?

Dropshipping is one strategy but I’ve found several other ways to boost a BigCommerce store:

• Build a strong social media presence
• Prioritize great customer service
• Use live chat for faster response times
• Use integrated tools to streamline customer communication
• Focus on getting reviews

These will create a positive feedback loop and get more customers and sales.

What are the cons of dropshipping?

I’ve found a few downsides:

1. Less control over product quality and fulfillment
2. Can’t address customer complaints directly
3. Hard to build a unique brand

To fix these:

• Set customer expectations correctly
• Monitor order fulfillment closely
• Keep customers updated
• Focus on the shopping experience

How much to start a dropshipping business?

There’s no exact amount but I always recommend having a financial buffer. While dropshipping has lower upfront costs than traditional retail you’ll still need to budget for:

• BigCommerce subscription fees
• Marketing costs
• Product samples
• Website design and branding
• Legal and accounting services

It’s good to have several months of operating costs saved before you launch.

Can I dropship on BigCommerce?

Yes BigCommerce supports dropshipping. You’ll need to install a third party app like Spocket to connect with suppliers. Here’s a quick how to:

1. Sign up for BigCommerce
2. Choose your store type (general, niche or single product)
3. Research winning product characteristics
4. Select your product range
5. Find dropshipping suppliers
6. Install a dropshipping app on your BigCommerce store
7. Import products and customise listings
8. Set up payment and shipping
9. Launch and market

Remember success in dropshipping is about choosing the right products, great customer service and good marketing. Don’t rush – take your time to research and plan before you start.

In summary

Dropshipping is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who want flexibility and growth. I’ve found that this model allows store owners to focus on marketing and growth not order fulfillment. To succeed on BigCommerce I recommend prioritising customer service.

Having a dedicated support tool can be a game changer, to get quick responses and easy access to order information. With a solid business plan and strategic marketing this is the foundation for a successful dropshipping business. I believe by using these you can have a business that runs from anywhere.