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Dropshipping is a popular method of building an online business. Many people have found great success by using dropshipping and creating dropshipping stores using Shopify and the Oberlo app.
I have used it myself, and the software is great! It’s easy to use the Oberlo app which allows you to import products directly from AliExpress into your Shopify store. Overall it’s a great experience, and the Shopify platform has a wide variety of options for different types of dropshipping and eCommerce.
However, it’s nice to have an alternative in case of any issues that may arise. In my experience, the best alternative is WordPress. If that’s what you’re looking for as well, there is a dropshipping plugin that works with WordPress.
Quick Answer: YES! AliDropship is a great way to do dropshipping without Shopify. Click here to get started!
Before we go into the solution, let’s cover a few important reasons to consider drop shipping without Shopify.
Why Would You Want to Dropship Without Shopify?
1. You’re signing away to the Shopify terms of service.
One of the major reasons to find a Shopify alternative is that when you use a third-party platform, like Shopify, you sign up and agree to their terms of service.
There’s nothing wrong with this, however, you’re giving up part ownership of your store. Your store can be closed at any time for any reason by Shopify.
There are horror stories online of people getting their stores shut down for whatever reason, without much recourse or anything they could do. Not only that, but many of those stores were making income every month, and like that it was gone.
That is the type of power you’re signing away when you’re using another platform for your eCommerce store.
2. The monthly fees can add up.
The second major reason to consider dropshipping without Shopify is their monthly fees. It’s not a huge deal since you’re used to paying monthly fees for a lot of software.
Their basic plan starts at $29 per month, and the Oberlo app (if you plan to use it) also has its own monthly fees of $29.90 per month after their free starter plan, which caps at 50 orders per month.
Right out of the gate between Shopify and Oberlo, you’re paying about $60 per month to maintain your dropshipping store.
As a new drop shipper, you’re likely wanting to save as much money as possible since you’ll also have marketing and promotion costs when getting started. These could range from Facebook ads or Instagram shoutouts, and saving any kind of money that could be put towards marketing efforts, it’s a huge plus.
How To Dropship Without Shopify
Dropshipping without Shopify is possible with a solution called AliDropship. This Shopify alternative dropshipping plugin turns your WordPress website into a fully functioning AliExpress dropshipping business.
The great part about this plugin is that you retain 100% ownership of your store because you are using WordPress and the plugin doesn’t have any ongoing monthly fees to use it. You buy it once, and it’s yours.
AliDropship Features
AliDropship also has a ton of features similar to Oberlo. Those features include:
- Search and import products
- Fulfill orders automatically
- Automatically update product inventory and pricing
- ePacket shipping filters (faster shipping method)
- Automatic order tracking
- Built-in themes
- Product customization
- Unlimited number of products
Dropshipping with WooCommerce
If you’re a WordPress user that prefers to use WooCommerce as your eCommerce platform, they have a WooCommerce compatible version called AliDropship Woo. This plugin has the same features as the default AliDropship plugin, but one of the advantages is that you can use any WooCommerce store theme that you want and the plugin will still work.
Whereas with the default AliDropship plugin, you’re limited to the theme options they have on their platform. These themes work great, but if you want more options then using the WooCommerce version may be better for you.
Get A Custom Store
Another great feature of AliDropship is that if you’re the type of person that doesn’t want to deal with building the store yourself, or maybe you’re still intimidated by the technical aspects of setting up a store. AliDropship does offer a custom store creation service.
The same thing applies for it is a one-time fee, regardless of whichever package you choose. There are no ongoing monthly fees and you still get all the benefits.
A huge plus is that they take care of all the technical stuff for you. They’ll even register your domain name and choose your niche if you’re having trouble what to decide on what to sell. In addition, they do on-site SEO, and the higher-level packages include marketing and promotional content.
Best of all you get a personal manager for the entire process of getting your store built. If you have questions or want feedback along the way, that personal manager is there for you.
To Conclude
AliDropship is a great alternative for Shopify if you don’t want to deal with Shopify at all. WordPress and AliDropship are a great combo because you’ll save money without the ongoing fees, and you can have complete ownership of your store which is an important factor to consider as an online business owner long term.
