Not having money to invest in a business doesn’t mean you can’t start one! Print-on-demand (POD) dropshipping business model allows you to create a store and sell products to customers worldwide with minimal to no upfront investment . . . if you know how to go about it.
In this article, we’ll cover how to start dropshipping with no money in 6 steps so you can start your entrepreneur journey.
Let’s begin!
How to start dropshipping with no money in 6 steps
Starting a business with no money is entirely possible, but it requires time to find free versions of the apps and tools you need. Aside from that, the steps to starting a dropshipping business are very similar to starting any other online business. The pillars of all businesses are the same: well-researched audience, high quality, and skillful advertising.
Let’s start with the audience and your niche.
1. Decide on a niche and find products
The first rule of business is to know who you’re selling to. 2 things in particular: your audience and your niche.
To define your target audience, do market research and look at other dropshippers to see who they’re targeting and find any gaps you can fill. Create a clear picture of your ideal customer— their age, job, values, shopping habits, and favorite social media. Imagining them as a specific person could help you better understand their needs and preferences. Find these patterns to connect with potential customers and create messages that resonate.
Regarding niche, ideally, look for a niche with high demand, minimal competition, and a profitability perspective. We recommend picking a niche you’re personally interested in or knowledgeable about. That way, it’s much easier to sustain your motivation, establish yourself as a trustworthy brand, and connect with your shoppers.
Valuable read: 15 Profitable Dropshipping Business Ideas to Try in 2024
You can start with something broad and narrow it down by researching market demand with free tools like Google Trends to ensure there’s sufficient interest in your niche.
Source: Google Trends
Look for consistent or rising interest over time, which indicates steady demand. Choose a niche that’s popular in multiple regions to ensure a broad market. Compare related terms to see which has more traction, and explore the Related Queries section for additional niche ideas.
Source: Google Trends
Valuable read: 15 Print-on-Demand Niches to Watch in 2024
Free research methods you can use:
Pinterest: Search for popular design trends in your niche, such as typography styles, graphic themes, or color schemes. Observe which designs are getting the most shares and saves.
Etsy: Browse the best-selling print-on-demand products like custom mugs, t-shirts, and art prints. Focus on what’s popular in specific categories, noting design styles that resonate with buyers.
Instagram: Follow hashtags related to print-on-demand products (e.g., #customtshirts, #walldecor) and monitor influencer posts and design trends that capture people’s attention.
As for the products, there are multiple routes you can take to choose them. First, you can design trending POD products (this will allow you to sell products that shoppers are currently looking for). Then, you can customize tried-and-tested best-selling products. Alternatively, look at what your competitors don’t offer and bring something fresh to your niche.
If you want to design best-selling products, you can check out the Bestseller category in the Printful Product Catalog.
Source: Printful
Once you know what products you want your new business to have, it’s time to find the right supplier that’ll make the products for you.
2. Select a reliable supplier
Here’s what choosing a supplier boils down to:
How fast they can create products—most global customers want to receive their orders in 2–3 days
What’s the product quality—products can make or break your reputation, so order samples to gauge the product and print quality
What’s the reach they offer you—their network of fulfillment centers will determine what markets your online business can reach
How’s the customer support—solving issues is part of running a business, so choose a partner that’ll help you resolve them fast
Valuable read: The 14 Best Print-on-Demand Companies
Printful’s has been an industry leader for 11+ years and is completely free to use. And customer reviews back it up as one of the best options on the market.
Source: Printful
3. Get samples
As we mentioned before, product quality is a dealbreaker. It can either turn shoppers into regulars or make them never return to your store. So, ensure you partner with a dropshipping supplier who takes it seriously. The best way to check the quality is to see the products in real life, so get product samples. It’s an expense you shouldn’t skip out on.
With Printful, you can order product samples with a 25% discount. You get 5 sample orders each month, with a maximum of 5 items per order.
Here’s what you can do with the samples:
Evaluate quality: Inspect the samples to assess the fabric, print quality, colors, and overall craftsmanship
Create marketing content: Use the samples to take high-quality, authentic photos and videos for your store and social media to help attract customers
Get feedback: Share the samples with friends and family to gather honest feedback on the product’s quality and appeal
To order samples with Printful, go to Product Catalog, select a product, and click Start new order. Then, choose the Test your designs option.
Source: Printful
4. Build your online store
There are multiple ways to create a dropshipping store: an ecommerce marketplace, ecommerce platform, or Printful’s Quick Stores. Let’s start with the quickest, easiest option.
Quick Stores is completely free and allows you to create a store in 10 minutes or less with just a few clicks. Here’s how easy it is:
Source: Printful
The benefits of launching a store this way:
Quick setup: Open your online store and start selling within minutes, allowing you to get started with minimal effort
Ease of use: Launch your store without worrying about technical difficulties or spending time on store design
Simple management: Manage all your products and business operations from a single, user-friendly dashboard
Cost-effective: Don’t spend money to start your dropshipping store
If you want to sell on a marketplace like Etsy or an ecommerce platform like Shopify, you must know the difference between the 2:
Source: Printful
To start your dropshipping business with as little investment as possible, you must also research if the platform you want to use has a free version.
For example, Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for an online store, but it doesn’t have a free version.
Source: Shopify
Marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay typically don’t have monthly subscription costs, but you must pay fees to sell your products. Weigh out which costs you’re willing to pay.
Valuable read:
Marketplace vs. Ecommerce Platform: Which Is the Best?
Top 10 Best Online Marketplaces for Print-on-Demand Sellers
Best Ecommerce Platforms in 2024: Top 10 Contenders
Once you have your store, it’s time to fill it up with beautiful, custom products.
5. Add products to your store
Now you have to put the products on your store. If you’re running your dropshipping store with Printful, you can do this from your Printful Dashboard. Select Product templates on the left sidebar, hover over the product you want to add to your store, and click Add to store. Choose your store, and follow the instructions.
Source: Printful
When adding products to your store, you must write an informative product title and description and have eye-catching, detailed photos. One of the best ways to nail these things is to look at competitors and figure out how you can do it better. Plus, you must follow the guidelines of the platform you’re using.
6. Make use of free marketing channels
If you don’t want to use paid advertising, you must advertise your print-on-demand product with free marketing channels.
Groups, communities
Join Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or forums related to your niche. You can start by sharing valuable insights, answering questions, and subtly promoting your products when relevant (and allowed). Building a reputation as a helpful member can increase visibility and trust. Ensure you understand the group rules to avoid spammy behavior and add value to the conversations.
Social media
Use social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to show your products and connect with your audience. Create photos, videos, and stories to highlight your products, their benefits, and use cases. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience and participate in trends to gain visibility. Consistent posting and interaction with followers can help build a loyal community around your brand.
Blogging
Start a blog on your ecommerce website to attract organic traffic and establish authority in your niche. Write informative and engaging articles related to your products and the interests of your target audience. Use SEO (search engine optimization) best practices to rank higher in search engines, driving readers to your site that you can turn into customers.
Valuable read: What Is SEO and How It Works—a Beginner’s Guide
Influencers
Collaborate with influencers in your niche to reach their audience. We recommend connecting with micro-influencers to promote your products in exchange for free samples. Influencers can create authentic content showcasing your products, providing social proof, and driving traffic to your store. Be clear about your goals and select influencers whose audience aligns closely with your target market.
Valuable read: 5 Steps for Running the Perfect Microinfluencer Campaign
Frequently asked questions
Put it all together, and you have your store!
Contrary to what others might say, starting a dropshipping business won’t be 100% free. But you have many options to keep costs at a minimum. If you combine the steps we’ve covered in this article and are consistent, you can profit in a couple of months.
Happy selling!
Read next: How to Start a Dropshipping Business in 2024
Find out how to start dropshipping with no money in 6 easy steps, so you can start making money soon.
Amazon’s Impact on Global Supply Chains and Logistics
Amazon, the global e-commerce behemoth, has transformed not only the way consumers shop but also the intricacies of global supply chains and logistics. Since its inception in 1994, Amazon has grown from a small online bookstore to a trillion-dollar enterprise that has disrupted industries across the globe. Its influence extends far beyond retail, profoundly impacting supply chains, logistics, and even the environment. This article explores Amazon’s multifaceted impact on global supply chains and logistics, examining how the company has reshaped these industries and what this means for the future.
The Evolution of Amazon’s Supply Chain
Amazon’s supply chain is one of the most sophisticated in the world, characterized by its efficiency, speed, and scale. The company has invested heavily in technology and infrastructure to build a supply chain that can deliver millions of products to customers in a matter of hours or days. This rapid delivery is made possible by a vast network of fulfillment centers, sophisticated inventory management systems, and a logistics arm that rivals traditional carriers like FedEx and UPS.
One of the key innovations Amazon has introduced is its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. FBA allows third-party sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, with Amazon handling the picking, packing, and shipping of these products. This service has not only made it easier for small businesses to reach a global audience but has also significantly increased the volume of goods flowing through Amazon’s supply chain. As a result, Amazon has become a central hub in the global supply chain, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and customers across the world.
Disruption of Traditional Logistics
Amazon’s influence on logistics is equally profound. The company’s relentless focus on speed and efficiency has forced traditional logistics providers to rethink their strategies. In many cases, Amazon has bypassed traditional logistics networks entirely by building its own. Amazon Logistics, the company’s delivery arm, has grown rapidly in recent years, with a fleet of planes, trucks, and delivery vans that allow the company to control every aspect of the delivery process.
This vertical integration has enabled Amazon to offer services like same-day and two-hour delivery in many urban areas, setting a new standard for speed in the industry. Traditional logistics providers have struggled to keep up, leading to increased competition and innovation in the sector. For example, companies like FedEx and UPS have had to invest in new technology and infrastructure to remain competitive, while others have formed partnerships with Amazon to leverage its vast logistics network.
Amazon’s logistics network has also expanded globally, with the company establishing regional hubs and fulfillment centers in key markets around the world. This global expansion has allowed Amazon to offer faster and more reliable delivery services in regions where traditional logistics infrastructure is underdeveloped. In many cases, Amazon has played a role in building out this infrastructure, partnering with local logistics providers or investing in its own facilities.
Impact on Global Supply Chains
Amazon’s impact on global supply chains extends beyond logistics. The company’s demand for speed and efficiency has rippled through the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to suppliers to retailers. This has led to significant changes in how companies operate, with many adopting new technologies and strategies to keep up with Amazon’s pace.
One of the most significant changes is the increased reliance on automation and technology in supply chain management. Amazon has been at the forefront of this trend, investing heavily in robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize its supply chain operations. For example, the company’s use of robotics in its fulfillment centers has reduced the time it takes to pick and pack orders, while its AI-driven demand forecasting tools help ensure that the right products are always in stock.
This emphasis on technology has influenced other companies to follow suit, leading to a wave of digital transformation across the industry. Manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly using data analytics and AI to optimize their operations, while retailers are adopting new technologies like blockchain to improve transparency and traceability in their supply chains.
Another significant impact of Amazon on global supply chains is the shift towards a more customer-centric model. Amazon’s focus on the customer has forced companies to rethink their supply chain strategies, with many now prioritizing speed, convenience, and flexibility over cost. This has led to the adoption of new fulfillment models, such as just-in-time inventory and dropshipping, which allow companies to respond more quickly to changes in customer demand.
The globalization of Amazon’s supply chain has also had broader implications for international trade. By connecting sellers and buyers from different parts of the world, Amazon has made it easier for companies to access global markets. However, this has also led to increased competition, with companies now competing on a global scale. This has put pressure on manufacturers and suppliers to lower costs and improve efficiency, leading to changes in how goods are produced and distributed around the world.
Environmental and Social Implications
While Amazon’s impact on supply chains and logistics has been largely positive in terms of efficiency and convenience, it has also raised concerns about the environmental and social implications of its operations. The company’s emphasis on fast delivery and the constant movement of goods around the world has contributed to increased carbon emissions and environmental degradation. In response to these concerns, Amazon has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and has invested in initiatives like electric delivery vehicles and renewable energy projects.
However, critics argue that these efforts are not enough, and that Amazon’s business model is fundamentally unsustainable. The constant pressure to deliver goods faster and cheaper has led to concerns about the working conditions in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and the treatment of delivery drivers. Reports of long hours, high injury rates, and low wages have sparked protests and calls for better labor practices across the company’s global operations.
The Future of Supply Chains and Logistics
As Amazon continues to grow and evolve, its impact on global supply chains and logistics is likely to deepen. The company’s investments in technology and infrastructure will continue to set new standards for speed and efficiency, forcing other companies to innovate and adapt. At the same time, the environmental and social challenges associated with Amazon’s operations will require the company to rethink its approach to sustainability and labor practices.
In the future, we can expect to see more companies adopting Amazon-like supply chain strategies, with an emphasis on speed, technology, and customer-centricity. However, these changes will also require a greater focus on sustainability and ethical practices, as consumers and regulators increasingly demand more responsible business operations.
Conclusion
Amazon’s impact on global supply chains and logistics is undeniable. The company has reshaped the industry in its image, setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and customer service. While these changes have brought many benefits, they have also raised important questions about sustainability and labor practices. As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon will continue to play a central role in the future of global supply chains and logistics, driving innovation and change across the industry.
