My 6-Month Journey in Shopify Dropshipping
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- My Journey in Shopify dropshipping
- Getting Started with Dropshipping
- Choosing a General Store vs Niche Store
- My First Sale and Advertising Mistakes
- Testing Different Products
- Month-by-Month Progress and Results
7.1 June
7.2 July
7.3 August
7.4 September
7.5 October
7.6 November
7.7 December
7.8 January
- Future Plans and Recommendations for Dropshipping
- Challenges and Business Models
- Conclusion
My Journey in Shopify Dropshipping
In this article, I will be sharing my journey and experiences with Shopify dropshipping. I understand that many people, including yourself, have either tried or are interested in trying dropshipping but may be hesitant due to financial constraints or lack of time. As someone who has been actively involved in dropshipping for the past six months, I hope to provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to get started, learn from my mistakes, and achieve better results in a shorter period of time.
Introduction
My name is Marko, and I have been actively involved in dropshipping since June of 2020. Although I had an interest in dropshipping for a couple of years prior, I faced challenges such as not having a payment processing system in place and lacking the motivation to start. However, in June of 2020, I finally took the plunge and began my dropshipping journey with a general store.
Getting Started with Dropshipping
When it comes to dropshipping, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to choose a general store or a niche store. While niche stores focus on selling products within a specific category, general stores offer a wider range of products. As a beginner, I opted for a general store as it allowed for easier setup and management without the need to create an entire store from scratch for each product.
Choosing a General Store vs Niche Store
Many beginners wonder whether they should start with a general store or a niche store. From my experience, a general store is a great option for beginners as it eliminates the need to build multiple stores and allows for easy testing of different products. Although some argue that niche stores can be more profitable, a general store provides a versatile platform to find winning products and understand the market.
My First Sale and Advertising Mistakes
I still remember the excitement when I made my first sale in June of 2020. The product I was advertising was a pill reminder, targeting older individuals or those with specific health conditions. However, despite the initial success, I quickly realized that I had made several advertising mistakes. My lack of experience with ads resulted in unoptimized campaigns and poor profitability. Nevertheless, I learned from these mistakes and sought to improve my advertising strategies.
Testing Different Products
Throughout my journey, I experimented with numerous products to find winning ones. I tested various ads, targeting options, and ad spends to gauge their impact on sales. While some products performed well, others failed to generate any sales. It is important to embrace a trial-and-error approach and continuously test new products to find the ones that resonate with your target audience.
Month-by-Month Progress and Results
Let's dive into the month-by-month progress and results of my dropshipping journey. Each month presented its own challenges and opportunities, impacting my overall experience and profitability.
June:
In June, I made my first sale but struggled to maintain profitability due to unoptimized ad campaigns. Despite the initial setback, I remained optimistic and focused on improving my strategies.
July:
July was a successful month for me, with revenue reaching $10,000. I experienced the joy of hitting my first major milestone in dropshipping. However, profitability remained a challenge, leading to negative returns after deducting expenses.
August:
August was a slower month as I decided to test new products and discontinued my main winner from July. This experimentation resulted in lower revenue and minimal profits. It was a learning experience in understanding the importance of product selection and maintaining consistency.
September:
In September, I purchased a course on Facebook ads to enhance my advertising skills. Despite making progress in revenue, profitability remained low. Challenges and setbacks tested my resilience, but I was determined to find success in dropshipping.
October:
October was a month filled with ups and downs. Revenue reached a new high, but the profit margins were disappointingly low. I decided to turn off my ads for the main product as the costs outweighed the profits.
November:
November proved to be a challenging month as none of the products I tested showed promising results. I experienced the reality of loss and faced negative returns in terms of revenue and profits.
December:
December brought no relief as my losses continued and profits remained elusive. Despite consistent efforts in testing new products, the results didn't align with my expectations.
January:
As of January, I continue to face difficulties in generating sales and profitable returns. The struggle to find another winning product persists, but I am hopeful and devoted to improving my strategies.
Future Plans and Recommendations for Dropshipping
Moving forward, my plans involve continuous testing of products, analyzing and learning from mistakes, and enhancing my overall dropshipping skills. I remain motivated to achieve success and share my experiences transparently with others. However, dropshipping may not be suitable for everyone, especially those without a substantial budget or alternative income streams. It requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources to navigate the challenges and achieve profitability.
Challenges and Business Models
Dropshipping is just one of many business models available in the online world. It is essential to consider other options and evaluate their suitability based on your circumstances. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, but with perseverance, proper guidance, and access to valuable resources, success in dropshipping is attainable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dropshipping can offer both excitement and challenges. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability. While I have yet to achieve substantial profitability, I remain committed to honing my skills and finding winning products. Dropshipping is not a guaranteed path to quick riches, but with the right mindset, perseverance, and willingness to learn from mistakes, it can be a viable business venture.
