Blog, Freelance

How to Hire the Right Freelance Shopify Developer in India: A Global Brand’s Guide

Hey there! Priya here — your friendly Shopify developer based in India. If you’ve been wondering how to hire a Shopify developer in India who really understands your brand and can build a powerful, conversion-driven store, you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s worked with global brands and startups alike, I know that Shopify freelancer selection India can be overwhelming. There are tons of talented folks, but finding the right Indian Shopify expert for your project? That’s where many get stuck. So let me walk you through the exact steps you should follow to hire Shopify India talent that fits your needs — with zero guesswork and all clarity.

TABLE OF CONTENT 

  • Defining Your Shopify Development Needs: The First Step to Success
  • Where to Find Skilled Freelance Shopify Developers in India
  • How to Evaluate and Shortlist Freelancers: Quality Over Quantity
  • Interview Tips: Ask the Right Questions to Hire Indian Shopify Experts
  • Managing Contracts, Payments, and Deliverables: Protect Your Investment
  • Ensuring Smooth Collaboration and Long-Term Success
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Shopify Developer in India
  • Why Hire a Shopify Developer in India?
  • Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps to Hire Shopify India Talent

Defining Your Shopify Development Needs: The First Step to Success

Before you start your search, it’s essential to define what your Shopify project actually requires. This sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many businesses jump in without this clarity.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I building a brand-new Shopify store or upgrading an existing one?
  • Do I need a simple theme customization, or full-scale custom app development?
  • What’s my budget and deadline?
  • Will I need ongoing support and maintenance?

Knowing these helps you communicate clearly with any Shopify developer India you consider and sets realistic expectations upfront. This clarity makes the Shopify freelancer selection India process smooth and efficient.

Where to Find Skilled Freelance Shopify Developers in India

India is a massive hub for talented Shopify developers, but the challenge often lies in knowing where exactly to look. Whether you’re launching a brand-new store or optimizing an existing one, here are some tried-and-true platforms and methods I always recommend:

1. Freelance Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer

These global platforms are packed with Shopify experts from India. You can easily filter developers based on their location, skill set, hourly rate, and experience level.
One of the best parts? You get access to real client reviews, detailed portfolios, and project ratings — all of which help you make a more informed choice.
Once you find someone who stands out, you can message them directly to discuss your project needs.

2. The Shopify Experts Directory

This is Shopify’s very own directory of pre-vetted professionals. It’s a curated list of agencies and freelancers who specialize in different aspects of Shopify — from store setup and development to design and marketing.
Since it’s run by Shopify, you can trust the quality and professionalism of the experts listed there.
You can even filter by country to find Indian Shopify developers specifically.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an underrated but powerful tool for finding freelance developers. Just search for keywords like “Shopify developer India” or “freelance Shopify expert”.
You’ll find individuals and agencies, see their work experience, endorsements, and even mutual connections.
Pro tip: A quick message asking for availability and a portfolio often opens up great conversations.

4. Referrals and Networking

Sometimes, the best talent doesn’t come from platforms — it comes from people you trust. Ask peers, clients, or fellow entrepreneurs for recommendations.
A developer who comes through a referral often has a proven track record and understands the expectations from the get-go.

Wherever you find your freelancer, make sure to check if they’ve worked on projects similar to yours. Experience in your specific industry or store type can make a huge difference in execution, speed, and results.

How to Evaluate and Shortlist Freelancers: Quality Over Quantity

Once you have a list of potential candidates, it’s time to narrow down to the best ones. Here’s my checklist for evaluating Indian Shopify experts:

CriteriaWhat to Look For
Portfolio QualityDoes their past work align with your brand’s design style and functionality needs? Review for both aesthetics and usability.
Client FeedbackGo beyond the star ratings. Read detailed reviews to assess how they handle communication, timelines, and unexpected challenges.
Technical SkillsEnsure they’re proficient in Shopify Liquid, theme customization, API integrations, and building custom apps if needed.
CommunicationLook for developers who are responsive, clear, and transparent. Smooth communication is essential, especially when working remotely.
AvailabilityConfirm they have enough bandwidth to commit to your project and meet deadlines.

Being selective here pays off in the long run. Don’t rush — the right developer can elevate your entire ecommerce game.

Interview Tips: Ask the Right Questions to Hire Indian Shopify Experts

Interviewing freelancers can be intimidating, but it’s your best chance to gauge fit and expertise. Here are my favorite questions to ask when you want to hire Shopify India talent:

  • Can you walk me through a Shopify project you’re proud of? What challenges did you face, and how did you solve them?
  • How do you handle scope changes or urgent requests during a project?
  • Which project management and communication tools do you use?
  • How do you ensure that deadlines are met, especially when working with clients in other countries?
  • What’s your availability like? Will you be working on other projects simultaneously?

These questions reveal not only skills but also professionalism and reliability.

Managing Contracts, Payments, and Deliverables: Protect Your Investment

When you decide to hire a freelance Shopify developer in India, it’s essential to have clear agreements. Here’s what to include:

Project Terms Accordion

Key Project Terms

Project Scope and Deliverables ➤

Clearly outline what work will be done and what final outputs you’ll receive — from theme design to integrations and testing.

Timeline and Milestones ➤

Break the project into phases with realistic deadlines and checkpoints. This helps track progress and avoid last-minute rushes.

Payment Terms ➤

Decide between a fixed price or hourly rate. Define a clear payment schedule. Using escrow platforms (like Upwork) adds a layer of security for both parties.

Intellectual Property ➤

Ensure that you’ll own all store code, designs, and assets after the project is completed — this should be clearly stated in your agreement.

Confidentiality ➤

If needed, ask your developer to sign an NDA to protect sensitive brand information and future plans.

Documenting these terms protects both you and your developer — setting expectations and reducing chances of disputes.

Ensuring Smooth Collaboration and Long-Term Success

Finding the right Shopify freelancer in India is just the start. To make sure your project succeeds and your relationship lasts:

  • Use collaboration tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to keep everyone aligned.
  • Schedule regular check-ins and progress updates — don’t wait for surprises.
  • Be prompt and clear with feedback. And remember, your Shopify expert’s advice is valuable — listen!
  • Consider your Shopify developer a partner for the long haul — Shopify stores need updates and optimizations over time.

Building this kind of relationship ensures you get the best from your investment and can scale smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Shopify Developer in India

Hiring a Shopify developer can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. To make sure you don’t run into common pitfalls, here are some mistakes I often see and how to avoid them:

Mistake Why It’s a Problem What To Do Instead
Not Defining Clear Project Requirements Leads to scope creep, delays, and unexpected costs. Create a detailed brief with goals, features, and deliverables before hiring.
Choosing Based on Price Alone Cheap doesn’t always mean value — it may cost more later in fixes. Balance cost with skill, experience, and communication quality.
Ignoring Communication Style and Availability Can cause misunderstandings, misalignment, and project slowdowns. Choose a developer who’s responsive, clear, and available in your time zone.
Overlooking Portfolio and References You might hire someone not suited to your store’s needs. Review their work and ask for client testimonials or references.
Not Planning for Post-Launch Support You’re left stranded if issues come up after launch. Ask upfront if they provide support and maintenance packages.
Neglecting Contracts and Legalities Can lead to disputes over payment, ownership, and timelines. Use a written agreement with clear terms and deliverables.

Avoiding these pitfalls helps you build a successful, stress-free partnership with your Shopify developer in India.

Why Hire a Shopify Developer in India?

You might be wondering — why should I hire a Shopify expert from India over someone from elsewhere?
 Well, here are a few solid reasons that make Indian developers stand out:

1. A Deep Talent Pool
 India is home to a large number of highly skilled Shopify developers. Many of them have worked with international clients and are well-versed in global ecommerce standards.
Whether it’s theme customization, app integration, or performance optimization — there’s someone with the exact experience you need.

2. Competitive Pricing, High Value
 One of the most compelling reasons? Cost-effectiveness.
You’ll find that Indian developers typically offer more affordable rates compared to counterparts in Western countries — without compromising on quality.
This makes it easier to get more done within your budget, whether you’re a startup or scaling enterprise.

3. English Proficiency & Global Perspective
 Communication is rarely a barrier. Most Indian Shopify experts are fluent in English and are used to working with clients across the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and beyond.
They also stay up-to-date with global ecommerce trends, UX best practices, and conversion-focused strategies.

4. Time Zone Flexibility
 The time zone difference can actually be an advantage.
Many Indian developers are open to flexible schedules and overlapping hours to suit your time zone.
This means faster turnaround, efficient collaboration, and support when you need it.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps to Hire Shopify Talent from India

If you’re serious about taking your online store to the next level, partnering with a reliable, experienced Shopify freelancer from India can be a game-changer.

Here’s how to move forward with confidence:

Start with clarity. Know what you want — full store setup, theme customization, speed optimization, or app integrations.
Explore platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, and the Shopify Experts Directory. Also, ask peers for recommendations.
Review portfolios, client feedback, and communication style carefully.
Ask about timelines, challenges, Shopify best practices, and post-launch support.
Agree on deadlines, deliverables, payments, and revisions.
Build a partnership by sharing your vision and collaborating long-term.

If you’re looking for someone who not only understands the technical side of Shopify, but also genuinely cares about your brand’s success — I’m here to help.

Feel free to reach out. Let’s bring your ecommerce vision to life, together.

Blog

Why Global Brands Hire Freelance Shopify Developers from India

Meet Priya — Your Trusted Freelance Shopify Developer from India

Hi, I’m Priya from Mumbai, India, co-founder at Emerge Digital. With over 12 years of experience freelancing in website and eCommerce development, I specialize in custom Shopify store design and development for global brands. I’ve worked with clients from the US, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia to build scalable, high-performing Shopify stores that drive growth. If you’re wondering why international brands prefer hiring freelance Shopify developers from India, you’re in the right place.

Why Global Brands Prefer Hiring Freelance Shopify Developers from India

Global brands are increasingly outsourcing Shopify development to India because of the perfect mix of affordability, technical expertise, and cultural adaptability. Indian Shopify freelancers like me deliver professional, scalable solutions while helping brands save significantly on development costs. Moreover, Indian developers are familiar with the latest Shopify features, apps, and integration capabilities that help brands stay competitive globally.

Table of Contents

  1. Benefits of Hiring Freelance Shopify Developers from India
  2. Comprehensive Shopify Services Offered by Indian Freelancers
  3. What Makes Indian Shopify Freelancers Stand Out Globally
  4. Proven Success Stories: How I Help Global Brands Build Shopify Stores
  5. Essential Tips for Hiring Freelance Shopify Developers from India
  6. Typical Costs and Project Timelines for Shopify Store Development
  7. FAQs: Hiring Indian Shopify Developers for Global Brands
  8. How to Hire a Reliable Shopify Developer from India: Step-by-Step Guide

Benefits of Hiring Freelance Shopify Developers from India

CriteriaFreelance Shopify Developers (India)Western Agencies/Freelancers
Hourly Rate$15–$40/hour$100–$200+/hour
Cost-EffectivenessHigh value for money due to lower overheadsExpensive; may strain budgets
Quality of WorkExpert-level development (themes, Shopify Plus, headless)High quality, but at a premium
CommunicationFluent English; adaptable to client time zonesFluent English; limited time zone flexibility
Time Zone CollaborationFlexible overlap for North America, Europe, AustraliaOften limited to standard working hours
Shopify ExpertiseDeep knowledge: Setup, customization, API integrationsStrong, but varies based on individual/team
Tech Innovation (e.g., Headless)Early adopters of Hydrogen, custom tech stacksAvailable, but often premium service
End-to-End ServicesFull-stack ecommerce: Design, SEO, CRO, Email, etc.Often segmented across departments or agencies
Personalized AttentionDirect access, consistent collaborationMay involve multiple handoffs across team members
Scalability & FlexibilityEasily adjustable scope; agile workflowsMore rigid processes, change requests may incur delays
Maintenance & SupportLong-term collaboration and dedicated maintenanceAvailable, usually at a higher retainer cost

Comprehensive Shopify Services Offered by Indian Freelancers

At Emerge Digital, and through my independent consulting work, I provide a complete range of Shopify services tailored to the specific needs of modern D2C brands and global ecommerce businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling a multi-store setup, my offerings cover everything from design to deployment—and beyond.

  • Custom Shopify Theme Design & UI/UX Development

Design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making them work. I create custom Shopify themes that are not only visually aligned with your brand but are also optimized for user behavior, mobile responsiveness, and conversion performance. Every layout, interaction, and design decision is made to improve the customer journey and drive results. Leveraging tools like Figma and Adobe XD, I ensure that your Shopify store stands out with a sleek, modern, and intuitive design.

  • End-to-End Shopify Store Development

Whether you’re building a store from scratch, migrating from WooCommerce or Magento, or setting up a Shopify Plus store for enterprise-level needs, I handle it all. My process includes everything from domain setup and theme configuration to payment gateway integration and product uploads. I work closely with you to align your store’s structure with your business goals—be it cross-border selling, subscription models, or multi-vendor marketplaces.

  • App Integration & Shopify Customization

Today’s ecommerce brands rely heavily on apps and third-party tools to scale. I help you integrate the right set of Shopify apps—whether it’s for payments, CRM, inventory management, shipping, loyalty programs, or AI-based personalization. Need custom API development or app modifications? I can build or tweak Shopify features to suit your exact workflow. From Klaviyo to Recharge, Judge.me, or any ERP integration—you name it, I can plug it in.

  • SEO & Digital Marketing for Shopify Stores

Your Shopify store isn’t just a website—it’s a growth engine. I provide on-page SEO, technical SEO audits, and content optimization to help you rank better on Google and drive organic traffic. This includes schema markup, image alt-tagging, URL structuring, and meta optimization. I also work on marketing automation and performance marketing integrations so your store doesn’t just exist—it thrives. If you’re looking for Shopify email marketing, Facebook Pixel setup, or retargeting campaign support—I’ve got it covered.

  • Ongoing Store Maintenance & Technical Support

Ecommerce success doesn’t stop at launch. I offer retainer-based support to ensure your Shopify store stays secure, updated, and blazing fast. Whether it’s fixing bugs, optimizing speed, managing version control, or adding new features—I stay available post-launch to evolve your store as your business grows. Clients love the flexibility of monthly retainers or on-demand tasks based on need.

  • Email Marketing & Shopify Automation

Using tools like Klaviyo, Omnisend, or Shopify Email, I help you build high-converting email marketing funnels that automate customer engagement and boost revenue. From welcome flows and cart abandonment sequences to post-purchase feedback loops and win-back campaigns—these automations work 24/7 to nurture your leads and increase average order value (AOV).

What Makes Indian Shopify Freelancers Stand Out Globally

  • Boutique Experience: Unlike large agencies, freelancers offer personalized, focused attention.
  • Speed & Agility: Fast turnaround times and flexibility to adapt to urgent needs.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Indian developers are known for dedication, long working hours, and continuous learning.
  • Global Market Exposure: Freelancers like me have hands-on experience working with international clients and understand different market dynamics.

Proven Success Stories: How I Help Global Brands Build Shopify Stores

One of my clients, a UK-based fashion brand, saw a 35% increase in sales after I redesigned their Shopify store with a custom theme optimized for mobile and speed. Another US D2C brand benefited from my Shopify SEO services, resulting in a 50% boost in organic traffic within six months.

How to Hire a Freelance Shopify Developer from India: 5 Essential Tips

Hiring the right Shopify expert can make or break your ecommerce success. Here’s a simple 5-step guide to help global brands hire freelance Shopify developers from India effectively:

  • Review Portfolios and Client Testimonials

    Always begin by evaluating the developer’s portfolio. Look for projects similar to yours in industry, scale, or functionality. Testimonials from past clients—especially international ones—offer insight into the developer’s reliability, communication skills, and ability to deliver results.

  • Define Your Project Scope and Expectations

    Before hiring, have a clear understanding of what you need. Whether it’s custom theme development, Shopify Plus setup, or ongoing SEO support, communicate your goals early. The clearer your brief, the smoother your project execution will be.

  • Assess Shopify Platform Expertise

    Not all Shopify projects are the same. Make sure the developer is well-versed in Shopify Plus, headless commerce, or app integrations if your project requires it. Ask for relevant experience or case studies during your initial call.

  • Confirm Communication and Time Zone Alignment

    India’s time zone often overlaps well with global working hours. Still, ensure that your developer is flexible with scheduling meetings and uses tools like Slack, Zoom, or Trello to keep you in the loop.

  • Clarify Payment Terms and Milestones

    Agree on pricing, payment schedules, and deliverable milestones upfront. Whether it’s hourly, milestone-based, or a retainer model, transparency on both sides helps avoid surprises and builds trust.

Typical Costs and Project Timelines for Shopify Store Development

Project TypeEstimated TimelineTypical Cost Range (USD)
Small Projects / Store Fixes1–3 weeks$300 – $2,000
Full Shopify Store Development4–8 weeks$2,000 – $8,000+
Shopify Plus / Custom Integrations8+ weeks$5,000 – $15,000+ (depending on scope)

Hourly Rate Range: $15 – $40/hour for Indian Shopify freelancers.
These estimates vary based on the developer’s experience, complexity of features, and project requirements.

FAQs: Hiring Indian Shopify Developers for Global Brands

Are Indian freelancers reliable for Shopify development?

Yes, Indian freelancers are known for delivering high-quality Shopify development services at competitive rates. With over 12 years of experience, I’ve consistently met international client expectations, offering long-term reliability, transparent communication, and on-time project delivery.

How do Indian Shopify developers manage time zone differences?

Most Indian developers adapt to global clients by maintaining overlapping working hours. I regularly schedule calls during US, UK, and Australian business hours to ensure smooth collaboration, quick turnaround, and effective communication.

Do Indian freelancers offer post-launch support for Shopify stores?

Yes, many experienced freelancers, including myself, provide ongoing Shopify maintenance, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and performance monitoring after launch. Support packages are tailored to fit your brand’s scale and evolving needs.

What makes Indian Shopify developers a cost-effective option?

Indian developers offer world-class skills at a fraction of Western agency prices. You benefit from expert-level service in custom theme design, Shopify Plus, app integrations, and digital marketing — without the inflated costs.

How can I verify a Shopify freelancer’s credibility before hiring?

Always check portfolios, client reviews, case studies, and verified testimonials. I maintain a transparent track record with links to previous projects, client feedback, and measurable results to help you evaluate before you commit.

Final Thoughts: Why Hiring a Freelance Shopify Developer from India is a Smart Business Move

Hiring a skilled freelance Shopify developer from India combines cost savings with high-quality ecommerce solutions tailored for your brand’s growth. With a strong tech ecosystem, dedicated professionals, and a proven track record, India continues to be the top choice for global Shopify development outsourcing.

ultimate-guide-to-build-seo-strategy
Blog, SEO

The Ultimate Guide to Building an SEO Strategy for 2025?

As businesses enter 2025, staying competitive in the digital space requires a robust SEO strategy. With search engines continuously evolving, understanding how to adapt is crucial. Effective SEO services can help businesses gain visibility, attract organic traffic, and achieve higher rankings. This guide provides actionable insights to build an effective SEO strategy for 2025.

Understand Your Audience and Their Search Intent

The foundation of any successful SEO strategy is understanding your target audience. Research their preferences, needs, and the keywords they frequently use. This step ensures your content aligns with what your audience is searching for, which improves engagement and search engine rankings.

Key Points:

  • Use tools like Google Analytics to gather audience data.
  • Identify high-value keywords related to your products or services.
  • Focus on long-tail keywords for better conversion rates.

Optimize for Mobile-First Indexing

In 2025, mobile optimization is non-negotiable. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites, making it critical to ensure your site performs well on mobile devices.

Tips for Mobile Optimization:

  • Use responsive web design.
  • Improve page loading speed by compressing images and using fast hosting.
  • Ensure easy navigation and accessible content on smaller screens.

Focus on High-Quality, Engaging Content

Content remains the backbone of SEO strategies. Search engines value quality content that provides value to users. Invest time creating engaging blog posts, videos, and infographics addressing your audience’s pain points.

Best Practices for Content:

  • Use SEO services to identify trending topics in your industry.
  • Incorporate keywords naturally, including “SEO services.”
  • Update existing content to ensure relevance and accuracy.

Prioritize Technical SEO

Technical SEO plays a significant role in improving a website’s overall health. Fixing errors, ensuring crawlability, and optimizing metadata contribute to better rankings.

Checklist for Technical SEO:

  • Fix broken links and redirect issues.
  • Create an XML sitemap and submit it to search engines.
  • Optimize robots.txt files to guide search engine crawlers effectively.

Leverage Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO strategies can make a significant difference for businesses targeting specific geographic areas. With the rise of “near me” searches, optimizing for local queries ensures your business stands out.

Steps for Local SEO:

  • Claim and optimize your Google My Business profile.
  • Use location-specific keywords.
  • Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews online.

Measure and Analyze Performance

An SEO strategy is incomplete without tracking its effectiveness. Regular analysis allows you to identify what works and make necessary adjustments.

Essential Metrics to Monitor:

  • Organic traffic growth.
  • Keyword rankings.
  • Bounce rate and average session duration.

AAMAX: Helping Businesses Thrive in the Digital Landscape

AAMAX specializes in empowering businesses with tailored digital solutions. From advanced SEO services to innovative website development and local SEO strategies, AAMAX delivers impactful results. By enhancing online visibility, driving organic traffic, and creating exceptional user experiences, AAMAX ensures businesses achieve sustainable growth in the ever-changing digital world.

Choosing the Right UX Agency for Your Startup
Blog, UI/UX

Choosing the Right UX Agency for Your Startup: A Founder’s Guide from India

Choosing a user experience (UX) design agency can feel overwhelming, especially for startup founders in India. In bustling cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, where tradition meets cutting-edge innovation, a new wave of UX agencies is making waves. With so many options out there, how do you find the one that’s just right for your startup?

Let’s figure it out together! 

But before we dive in, let’s explore why great UI and UX are crucial for your SaaS products, websites, and any other digital experiences.

Why UX Design is a Game-Changer

User experience (UX) design is all about boosting user satisfaction by refining how we interact with websites, apps, and devices. Essentially, UX design simplifies complexity, making things more intuitive and easier to use.

Although “UX” as a term is fairly recent, the idea of designing for usability and user-friendliness has been around for a long time. As early as 1973, Thomas J. Watson, the second president of IBM, emphasized this when he told Wharton students, “Good design is good business.” He strongly believed that thoughtful design could significantly help a good product achieve its full potential.

Let me kick things off with an eye-opening stat

Research from Forrester shows that, on average, every dollar invested in UX brings 100 in return. That’s an ROI of 9,900%.

Isn’t that HUGE?

This clearly shows just how important a well-crafted user experience is for your startup’s success. It can turn a good product into a great one, significantly boosting user satisfaction and driving business growth.

Hey wait , do you need more reasons to for this?

Then check this out

Why Investing in UI/UX Design is a Game-Changer

So, why should you really care about putting your money into UI/UX design? Let me tell you—it’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Here’s why I believe investing in great design is crucial for your business:

1. Enhanced User Satisfaction: Great design isn’t just about looking good; it’s about making things work seamlessly. An intuitive and visually appealing interface leads to a better experience for your users. Did you know that 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience? That’s huge! You don’t want your users walking away because your design didn’t hit the mark.

2. Positive Brand Perception: Your website or app design speaks volumes about your brand. In fact, 48% of users say that the design of a website is the number one factor in deciding a brand’s credibility. If you want to be seen as professional and reliable, investing in top-notch design is non-negotiable.

3. Increased User Engagement: A solid UI/UX strategy doesn’t just attract users; it keeps them engaged. Companies that prioritize UX can see conversion rates jump by up to 200%! That’s the kind of impact thoughtful design can have—it turns casual visitors into engaged users and, ultimately, loyal customers.

4. Building Brand Loyalty: A great user experience isn’t just a one-time thing—it builds trust and keeps users coming back for more. Happy users are repeat users, and repeat users become brand loyalists. And who doesn’t want that?

5. Competitive Advantage: Let’s be real—your competition is just a click away. About 89% of consumers are willing to switch to a competitor after a bad experience. That’s why having a superior design isn’t just important; it’s a competitive advantage. Don’t give your users a reason to go elsewhere.

6. Reduced Bounce Rates: When users find your website easy to navigate and interact with, they stick around longer. Intuitive design minimizes bounce rates and keeps visitors engaged. And the longer they stay, the better your chances of converting them.

7. Optimized Conversion Rates: Here’s a striking stat—one negative experience can decrease the chances of a future purchase by 62%. On the flip side, a positive user experience can boost conversions by up to 200%. It’s clear: investing in UI/UX isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about driving real business results.

In short, good UI/UX design is more than just a pretty face for your digital products—it’s a powerhouse that drives user satisfaction, boosts engagement, builds loyalty, and ultimately, fuels your business growth. If you want to stand out and succeed, investing in UI/UX is one of the smartest moves you can make.

So, I think I’ve given you plenty of reasons to seriously consider bringing in a UI/UX agency, right? If you’re nodding along, thinking, “Yeah, I need this,” then you’re on the right track!

So, How Do You Get Started?

First things first, you need to know where to look. There are several great places to find top-notch UI/UX agencies:

  1. Online Directories: Websites like Clutch, GoodFirms, and DesignRush have extensive listings of UI/UX agencies. You can filter by location, budget, and client reviews to find one that suits your needs.
  2. Freelancer Platforms: Platforms like Upwork and Toptal not only feature individual freelancers but also boutique design agencies. This is a great option if you’re looking for something more flexible or budget-friendly.
  3. LinkedIn: Never underestimate the power of LinkedIn. Search for UX design agencies or browse through recommendations in your network. Sometimes the best agencies are just a connection away.
  4. Design Communities: Sites like Dribbble and Behance showcase portfolios of agencies and designers. You can see their work firsthand and reach out directly if something catches your eye.
  5. Word of Mouth: Sometimes, the best recommendations come from those who’ve been there. Ask your peers, colleagues, or other founders in your network about their experiences with UX agencies.

Finding the right UX agency is about more than just a Google search; it’s about doing your homework and finding a partner who aligns with your vision. So, roll up your sleeves, dig in, and start exploring these options. Your perfect UI/UX partner is out there, and with the right approach, you’ll find them!

So next step is lets compare the shortlisted agencies.

What You Need to Look for in a Top UX Agency

When you’re choosing a UX agency, it’s not just about finding one with a shiny portfolio or impressive-looking designs. It’s about finding a true partner—one that understands your vision and is tuned into your unique needs. So, let me break down what I believe you should be looking for:

1. A Diverse Portfolio: Look for agencies that showcase a variety of design styles and solutions. A diverse portfolio shows they’re adaptable and capable of handling different types of projects. You don’t want a one-trick pony; you want a team that can think outside the box and tailor their approach to suit your specific needs.

2. A User-First Philosophy: Make sure they live and breathe user-centric design. The right agency will prioritize understanding user needs and behaviors through deep research. UX isn’t just a buzzword or a box to tick; it should be at the core of their entire process. After all, if they don’t get your users, they won’t get your product.

3. Clear and Open Communication: You want a partner who knows how to communicate—plain and simple. They should be able to take your goals and turn them into a clear, actionable plan. And, importantly, they should keep you in the loop every step of the way. No one likes to be left in the dark, especially when it comes to something as crucial as your product’s user experience.

4. End-to-End Services: Look for agencies that provide a full range of services—from initial concept and user research to final design , application development and post-launch support. This ensures the process is seamless and integrated. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when you have a team that can handle everything from start to finish without dropping the ball.

5. A Strong Track Record of Client Satisfaction: Dive into their client reviews and case studies. Don’t just take their word for it—see what their clients have to say. Positive feedback and successful case studies speak volumes about their ability to deliver.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a UX agency that aligns with your vision and values. I’ve been through this process enough to know that the right partner can make all the difference. So take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. Your product (and your users) will thank you for it!

One more crucial step to see if agency UI/UX design costs are a good fit for you:

Before making a final decision on a UX agency, it’s essential to dig deeper what UI UX design cost in India and see if it aligns with your budget and expectations. Remember, investing in UI/UX design is not just about finding the cheapest option but about getting the best value for your money.

Here’s what you need to consider:
  • Understand What’s Included: Ensure you know what the pricing covers—are you getting end-to-end services like research, prototyping, testing, and post-launch support? Make sure there are no hidden costs.
  • Compare Pricing Models: Different agencies have different pricing structures—some might charge hourly, others may offer project-based or retainer models. Understand which model works best for your needs.
  • Evaluate Return on Investment (ROI): Think about the potential ROI. A higher initial investment in a great UX design can lead to significant gains in user satisfaction, engagement, and conversion rates down the line.
  • Negotiate and Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarity on costs or negotiate for a package that best fits your needs. A good agency will be transparent and open to discussing pricing that aligns with your budget.

Taking these steps will help you determine whether the cost of hiring a particular UX agency is justified and whether it will bring the right value to your business. After all, it’s about finding a partner who not only fits your budget but also delivers quality that drives growth.

You might also want to check out Emerge Digital.

If you’re on the hunt for a top-tier UX agency in India, let me tell you about Emerge Digital. They’re not just another UX agency; they’re known for their evidence-based approach to crafting user experiences. Emerge Digital is all about creating engaging and profitable experiences that are rooted in data and real insights—not just guesswork.

With over five years of experience under their belt, they’ve collaborated with some amazing startup brands. Their range of services covers everything from UX research and usability testing to accessibility testing and UX strategy. What sets them apart is their commitment to sharing their knowledge, empowering their clients, and giving back to the industry.

If you’re looking for a team that doesn’t just deliver, but also helps you grow and understand the UX process, Emerge Digital is worth considering.

Reach out to them at: [email protected] or visit at www.emergedigital.co

Now that you’ve chosen your UX agency, it’s time to set expectations and understand what a great partnership looks like. Here are five key things you should expect from your UX design agency

Need to know more top agencies in India, do check UI UX agencies in India with a strong track record of successful projects.

What to Expect from Your UX Design Agency

  1. Deep Research and Understanding: A strong UX agency will begin with comprehensive research into your industry, target audience, and competitors. This foundation helps them design solutions that truly meet your users’ needs and align with your business goals.
  2. A User-Centric, Customized Approach: The best agencies prioritize your users, focusing on their needs and behaviors to create designs that are both functional and engaging. Expect solutions that are specifically tailored to your brand and objectives—not one-size-fits-all templates.
  3. Prototyping and Iterative Testing: Look for agencies that provide interactive prototypes and conduct user testing to gather real feedback. This approach ensures the final product is refined and optimized for the best user experience.
  4. Transparent Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication is key. Your agency should involve you in workshops, brainstorming sessions, and regular check-ins to keep you informed and aligned throughout the process.
  5. Ongoing Support and Measurable Results: A great UX agency doesn’t just disappear after launch. Expect post-launch support for enhancements based on user feedback, along with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes to ensure your investment is driving real business value.

With these expectations in mind, you’ll be set up for a successful collaboration that leads to a standout user experience for your product.

Final Takeaway

Now that you have a clear idea of what to look for in a top UX agency and what to expect from your collaboration, you’re well on your way to creating a stellar user experience that aligns perfectly with your brand and business goals. Remember, the right UX partner is more than just a service provider—they’re an extension of your team, helping you shape your product’s future.

So, take your time, do your homework, and choose wisely. The journey to a great user experience starts with the right partnership. And who knows? This could be the start of something amazing for your business. Happy designing, and here’s to building something incredible together!

UI/UX Agency in India
Blog, UI/UX

Hiring a UI/UX Agency in India: Your Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital landscape, a strong user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design are critical to the success of any online platform. Whether you’re developing a website, mobile app, or any digital product, the right UI/UX design can make all the difference. Hiring a UI/UX agency in India is a smart move for businesses looking to leverage cost-effective, skilled talent without compromising on quality. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about hiring UI/UX designers in India, from understanding the advantages to selecting the right agency for your project.

Why Choose a UI/UX Agency in India?

Cost-Effective Solutions

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a UI/UX agency in India is the cost-effectiveness. Indian agencies offer high-quality design services at a fraction of the cost you might pay in Western countries. This allows you to allocate your budget more effectively, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment without cutting corners.

Access to Skilled Talent

India is home to a vast pool of skilled UI/UX designers who are up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. These designers bring creativity, technical know-how, and a deep understanding of user behavior to the table, ensuring that your project is not only visually appealing but also highly functional.

Time Zone Advantages

Working with a UI/UX agency in India can offer time zone advantages, particularly if you’re based in Europe or the Americas. The overlap in working hours facilitates real-time communication and collaboration, making the design process more efficient and responsive.

Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a UI/UX Agency in India

Experience and Portfolio

When evaluating a UI/UX agency, their experience and portfolio should be your top considerations. A strong portfolio showcasing similar projects to yours is a good indicator of the agency’s capability. Take the time to review their previous work to ensure their style aligns with your vision.

Team Expertise and Skills

It’s important to understand the expertise of the team working on your project. Ask about their specific roles and experience with UI/UX design. The right team should have a mix of creative and technical skills to handle all aspects of your design needs.

Design Process and Methodology

A well-defined design process is essential for successful UI/UX outcomes. Ensure the agency follows a user-centered design approach, which involves thorough research, prototyping, user testing, and iterative design to create a product that truly meets user needs.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication is key to a smooth working relationship. The agency should be responsive and open to feedback throughout the project. Clear and consistent communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the project stays on track.

Project Management

Strong project management ensures that your project is delivered on time and within budget. Ask about the agency’s project management practices, including how they set timelines, manage deliverables, and handle revisions.

Client References and Testimonials

Client references and testimonials provide valuable insights into the agency’s reliability and quality of work. Reach out to past clients to learn about their experiences and satisfaction with the agency’s services.

Types of UI/UX Agencies in India

Full-Service UI/UX Agencies

Full-service UI/UX agencies in India offer end-to-end design services, covering everything from user research and wireframing to visual design and usability testing. These agencies are ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of your project.

Design-Focused Agencies

If your primary need is to enhance the visual appeal and usability of your product, design-focused agencies specialize in creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. These agencies excel in crafting designs that not only look great but also provide a seamless user experience.

Consulting and Strategy Agencies

For businesses needing strategic guidance, consulting and strategy agencies provide expert advice on optimizing user experience. They focus on aligning your design strategy with business goals and improving overall user satisfaction.

Niche-Specific Agencies

Niche-specific UI/UX agencies focus on particular industries or markets, such as healthcare, eCommerce, or finance. Their specialized knowledge allows them to design user experiences that are particularly well-suited to the unique needs of your industry.

Pricing Structure for Hiring a UI/UX Agency in India

Factors Influencing Cost

The cost of hiring a UI/UX agency in India can vary based on several factors:

  • Project Scope: Larger, more complex projects will naturally incur higher costs.
  • Agency Experience: Established agencies with a strong track record may charge more for their expertise.
  • Location: The cost can vary depending on where the agency is based within India.
  • Service Package: Additional services like user testing or post-launch support can increase the overall cost.

How to Choose the Right UI/UX Agency for Your Project

Aligning Agency Capabilities with Your Needs

When choosing a UI/UX agency, it’s crucial to ensure that their capabilities align with your specific project needs. Whether you’re looking for a complete redesign, a mobile-first approach, or industry-specific expertise, the right agency should demonstrate a deep understanding of your goals and requirements.

Balancing Budget with Quality

Finding the right balance between cost and quality is key to a successful project. While it’s important to stay within budget, investing in a quality agency can pay off in the long run by delivering a product that truly resonates with your users and drives business results.

Evaluating Long-Term Partnership Potential

Consider whether the agency is a good fit for a long-term partnership. A strong working relationship can lead to ongoing support, future projects, and a better understanding of your brand over time. Look for an agency that shows commitment to your success beyond just the initial project.

Conclusion

Hiring a UI/UX agency in India offers numerous benefits, from cost-effective solutions to access to a pool of highly skilled designers. By carefully evaluating agencies based on their experience, communication, and alignment with your project needs, you can find the right partner to create a user experience that drives success. Take the time to do your research, and don’t hesitate to reach out to potential agencies for consultations to find the best fit for your project.

Introducing Emerge: Your Premier UI/UX Agency in India

At Emerge, we are dedicated to transforming your digital vision into a stunning reality. As a leading UI/UX agency in India, we specialize in crafting intuitive and engaging user experiences that resonate with your target audience. Our team of skilled designers and strategists is committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only enhance your brand’s online presence but also drive meaningful user interactions. Whether you’re looking to refine your existing design or start a new project from scratch, Emerge is here to help you every step of the way. Partner with us to elevate your digital product and achieve exceptional results with the expertise of a top-tier UI/UX agency.

Ready to elevate your digital product with top-notch UI/UX design? Reach out to us today for a consultation and discover how our team of expert designers in India can bring your vision to life.

Blog, ecommerce

Hiring a Shopify Agency in India: A Comprehensive Guide

The e-commerce landscape is booming, and India is at the forefront of this digital revolution. As more and more businesses establish their online presence, the demand for skilled Shopify developers is surging. This guide equips you with everything you need to know about harnessing the expertise of Shopify developers in India to propel your online store to success.

When you’re looking to build or enhance your Shopify store, choosing the right agency can make all the difference. The type of agency you select should align with your specific needs, whether it’s creating a visually stunning site, tackling complex technical challenges, or scaling up with Shopify Plus. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the different types of Shopify agencies so you can find the perfect fit for your business.

Here are the top types of Shopify agencies to consider, tailored just for you

1. Full-Service Shopify Agencies

These agencies take care of everything for you—from design and development to marketing and ongoing support. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to build and grow your Shopify store, this is the way to go.

2. Design-Focused Shopify Agencies

 If you want your store to look stunning and offer a seamless shopping experience, these agencies specialize in creating beautiful, user-friendly designs. They focus on making your online store visually appealing and easy to navigate.

3. Development-Focused Shopify Agencies

These agencies handle the technical side of things, building custom features, integrating apps, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. If you need complex functionality, this is your best bet.

4. Shopify Plus Partners 

For those with larger businesses or advanced needs, Shopify Plus Partners are certified experts in the enterprise version of Shopify. They provide you with top-tier, custom solutions to scale your business.

Why Indian agencies are the Preferred Choice

India has emerged as a leading hub for Shopify development, offering several compelling advantages:

  • Cost-Effective: Hiring a Shopify agency in India can significantly reduce development costs compared to Western countries.
  • Skilled Talent Pool: India boasts a large pool of highly skilled developers with expertise in Shopify and related technologies.
  • Time Zone Alignment: The overlapping time zones between India and many Western countries facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.
  • Cultural Compatibility: Indian developers often demonstrate a strong work ethic, cultural adaptability, and a commitment to delivering quality results.

What to Look for in a Shopify Agency before hiring

When evaluating Indian Shopify agencies, consider the following key factors:

  • Portfolio: Review the agency’s portfolio to assess their experience in handling projects similar to yours.
  • Team Expertise: Inquire about the agency’s team members, their roles, and their experience with Shopify development.
  • Technical Skills: Ensure the agency has proficiency in Shopify’s theme development, app integration, and customization capabilities.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Evaluate the agency’s communication style, responsiveness, and ability to collaborate effectively.
  • Project Management: Assess their project management methodologies, including timelines, milestones, and reporting processes.
  • References: Request references from previous clients to gain insights into their experience working with the agency.

Hiring Models: Which One Suits You Best?

  • Fixed-Price Model: Suitable for projects with well-defined scopes and requirements, offering a predictable budget.
  • Time and Material Model: Ideal for projects with evolving requirements or uncertain timelines, providing flexibility.
  • Retainer Model: A long-term partnership where the agency is dedicated to your ongoing needs, ensuring consistent support.
  • Dedicated Team Model: For large-scale projects or ongoing development, this model offers a dedicated team of developers.

Pricing Considerations for Shopify Projects

The cost of a Shopify project can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

  • Project Scope: The complexity and size of the project, such as the number of products, customization requirements, and integrations, will directly impact the cost.
  • Agency or Freelancer Experience: More experienced and established agencies or freelancers may charge higher rates due to their expertise and reputation.
  • Location: Geographical location can influence pricing. Agencies and freelancers in regions with lower labor costs may offer more competitive rates.
  • Hiring Model: The chosen hiring model (fixed-price, time and material, retainer, or dedicated team) will determine the pricing structure.
  • Additional Services: Any additional services required, such as design, marketing, or ongoing maintenance, will contribute to the overall cost.

Here’s a general breakdown of potential pricing ranges:

  • Freelancers:
    • Entry-level: $15-$30 per hour
    • Mid-level: $30-$50 per hour
    • Senior-level: $50-$80 per hour
  • Online Marketplaces:
    • Prices can vary widely depending on the freelancer’s ratings and experience.
  • Shopify Experts:
    • Hourly rates typically range from $50-$100 per hour.
  • Agencies:
    • Prices can vary significantly depending on the agency’s size, reputation, and location. However, you can expect hourly rates to range from $75-$200 per hour or more.

It’s important to note that these are general estimates, and actual pricing can vary depending on specific project requirements.

When evaluating pricing, it’s crucial to consider the overall value that the agency or freelancer brings to the table. Factors such as experience, quality of work, communication skills, and project management capabilities should also be taken into account.

To get a more accurate estimate for your specific project, it’s recommended to request proposals from multiple agencies or freelancers and compare their pricing, scope of work, and qualifications.

Red Flags to Avoid while Selecting Shopify Agency

When hiring a Shopify agency in India, it’s crucial to be aware of potential red flags to avoid pitfalls and ensure a successful partnership.

  • Lack of Experience: Look for agencies with a proven track record of successful Shopify projects. Check their portfolio for examples of similar work to your needs.
  • Unclear Communication: Effective communication is key. Avoid agencies that are unresponsive or struggle to understand your requirements.
  • Limited Expertise: Ensure the agency has a team with in-depth knowledge of Shopify’s platform, features, and best practices.
  • Unrealistic Timelines: Be wary of agencies that promise unrealistic project timelines without considering the scope of work.
  • Lack of Transparency: A reputable agency should be transparent about its pricing, processes, and team structure.

Shopify Agency in India

Looking to build a successful Shopify store? Emerge is a leading Shopify agency in India, ready to transform your eCommerce vision into reality. Whether you’re looking to hire Shopify Partners in India, hire Shopify developers for specific needs, or hire a dedicated Shopify developer in India, Emerge has the expertise to deliver results. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to crafting customized Shopify solutions that drive growth and maximize your online potential. With Emerge, you get a partner who understands your business and is dedicated to helping you succeed in the competitive eCommerce landscape.

References:

Blog, Dropshipping

100+ Dropshipping Business Ideas to Inspire You

100+ Dropshipping Business Ideas to Inspire YouHow to Start Dropshipping: The Easiest Way to Sell Online

Dropshipping is a profitable business model for new entrepreneurs to make money on the side.

It isn’t free to start a dropshipping business (there are non-inventory costs), but it’s much lower risk and less complex, since you don’t need to stock products or handle order fulfillment.

Finding a dropshipping business idea is as simple as finding a product to sell. Yet with so many dropshipping businesses out there, the hardest part is finding the right product—one that’ll set you apart.

Here’s how to find and validate a dropshipping business idea, with 100+ trending products to look into. We’ll cover:

How to find a dropshipping idea

Social media

Social media platforms are a major shopping channel for young consumers. Discover your next dropshipping idea by scanning hashtags, accounts, and trend pages that appeal to your target demographic.

 

Marketplace bestsellers

The biggest online marketplaces sell millions of SKUs from thousands of brands. By 2027, they’ll play a role in 59% of purchasing journeys, making them a great source of data to uncover trending products and dropshipping ideas.

Start by looking at “top product” pages on Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart. Pay close attention to top products in any given category, or those with a “selling fast” icon.

Continue your search on wholesale marketplaces like AliExpress, Alibaba, and SaleHoo. Because most of these marketplaces double up as dropshipping websites, top products are also available for dropshipping (versus something you find on eBay that may not be drop-shippable).

 

Amazon bestsellers for handmade and automotive products.

Amazon’s bestseller lists provide great dropshipping business ideas.

 

Pinterest Trends

Pinterest is a social media/search engine hybrid that allows users to save pins to a virtual mood board. Use Pinterest Trends to see what users have saved the most during the previous week/month, and dropship similar products through your own online store.

 

Pinterest Trends shows fall fashion, nails, and bedroom ideas are the most-pinned topics this week.

Use Pinterest Trends to discover trending pins within the last week.

 

Trendhunter

Trendhunter uses page view data, artificial intelligence, and research teams to discover trending products. Recent examples include compostable menswear and muted pink sneakers, though you can browse its website to find online business ideas before they become saturated.

 

Trendhunter’s recent trend articles for Barbie paint collabs, cool-toned low sneakers, and sci-fi dart toys.

Trendhunter analyzes data to find trending products, like these cool-toned low sneakers.

 

100+ dropshipping ideas for 2023

  • Beauty and skin care
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Jewelry
  • Books
  • Art
  • Coffee
  • Baby products
  • Fitness products
  • Pet products
  • Car Accessories
  • Home tools
  • Furniture
  • Electronics

Beauty and skin care

 

Graph showing beauty and personal care industry growth from 2013 to 2026.

The size of the beauty and personal care market is increasing.

 

The global beauty and personal care industry is set to be worth $679.79 billion by 2025. People spend big bucks managing their appearance and solving cosmetic-related health issues. Claim your stake by working with a dropshipping supplier to source cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products. Sell them at a higher price through your own online store.

Popular dropshipping business ideas in the beauty and skincare industry include:

  • Moisturizer
  • Cleanser
  • Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Fragrances
  • Nail clippers
  • Makeup bags
  • Cooling eye masks
  • Facial rollers
  • Acne treatment
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm

Clothing and accessories

 

Google Trends graph showing how searches for “athleisure” increased during the pandemic.

The number of people searching for “athleisure” increased during the pandemic.

 

The global apparel industry is one of the biggest markets in the world, valued at $1.5 trillion. Fashion niche markets come within the clothing and accessories umbrella—products you can dropship and make money from online.

“Since a few years ago, tank tops, sports bras, and leggings have all become popular athleisure items. Even among those who simply want a comfy suit for sitting and are hoping to participate in a little more leisure than athleticism.” – Colton Horn, co-founder of Breinfuel

Popular items to dropship in this category include:

  • Hats
  • Socks
  • T-shirts
  • Sports bras
  • Hoodies
  • Swimming trunks
  • Cargo pants
  • Bridesmaid dresses
  • Fashion accessories
  • Fancy dress costumes

Read more: The 19 Best Dropshipping Clothing Suppliers to Grow Your Business in 2022

Jewelry

 

Google Trends graph showing increasing search volume for “gold hoop earrings,” with spikes around the festive season.

Search volume for the keyword “gold hoop earrings” is on an upward trend.

 

Consumers spend $28.68 billion on jewelry each year. If you want to start a jewelry business but don’t have the time or skill to handcraft your own products, consider drop shipping those another manufacturer has already made.

The chunky gold jewelry trend, in particular, is one worth considering if you’re looking to use this online business idea. Block gold rings, necklaces, and earrings are back in fashion, with searches for “gold hoop earrings” steadily increasing.

Other notable jewelry products to dropship include:

  • Rings
  • Necklaces
  • Fine jewelry
  • Costume jewelry
  • Anniversary jewelry
  • Wedding rings
  • Gemstones
  • Bracelets

Books

 

Line graph showing the number of US adults who’ve read a print, ebook, or audiobook in the past 12 months.

Statista data shows that 65% of adults have read a print book in the past year.

 

Reading is still one of the most popular activities, with almost two-thirds of US consumers having read at least one print book in the past year, spending an annual total of $25.71 billion

Instead of dropshipping any book you can find, the key is to specialize in one specific type of book. Take academic course materials, for example. Consumers spend $339 per year on higher education books (compared to the global population’s $113.87 average).

Other types of books to dropship include:

  • Fiction
  • Non-fiction
  • Language books
  • Religious books
  • Large-print books
  • Autobiographies
  • Pre-K books

Art

 

Manufacturer selling a 3D artwork sculpture on Alibaba’s wholesale marketplace.
Find art-related dropshipping products from suppliers on Alibaba.

 

Online sales in the art market top $13.3 billion each year. The industry experienced a 7.3% annual growth rate in 2021.

The best thing about dropshipping art is that it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of how knowledgeable you are of the field. You’ve got the option to dropship fine art, which can fetch thousands of dollars per piece or handcrafted drawings that are printed and sold at scale for a lower cost.

Find your next dropshipping business idea with products like:

  • Prints
  • Art pencils
  • 3D statues
  • Wall Decor
  • Coloring books
  • Enamel pins
  • Phone cases
  • Greeting cards
  • Children’s art kits

Coffee

 

Bar chart showing how the average American drinks 1.87 cups of coffee daily.
Statista data shows Americans are major coffee drinkers.

 

Dropshipping coffee is a great way to take your slice of this spend. Find a coffee dropshipping supplier like Dripshipper or Aroma Ridge. Add custom labels to coffee-related products and list them on your e-commerce website for a higher price.

Popular items to sell on your coffee business’s online store include:

  • Coffee beans
  • Sachets
  • Coffee pods
  • Coffee machines
  • Coffee bags
  • Coffee grinders
  • Flavored syrups

Baby products

 

Google Trends graph showing an uplift in searches for “gender reveal balloons” from 2016 onward.
Searches for “gender reveal balloons” have become more consistent.

 

Parents and caregivers spend $67.35 billion on baby care products each year—a figure set to hit $88.72 billion by 2026.

Niche markets are emerging in the baby space. Take the gender reveal industry as an example. An increasing number of soon-to-be parents are hosting parties to announce the gender of their baby. According to Google Trends, searches for “gender reveal balloons” have steadily been increasing since 2016.

Here are some other baby products you can use to spark a dropshipping business idea:

  • Kids’ toys
  • Diapers
  • Strollers
  • Stair gates
  • Breast milk pumps
  • Organic baby food
  • Baby monitors
  • Changing mats
  • Baby carriers
  • Booster seats

Fitness products

 

Bar chart showing the annual end-user spending on wearable fitness devices.
Fitness trackers generate $93.86 billion in sales per year.

 

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced employees to work from home, exercise levels increased. House-bound consumers had no choice but to exercise at home. To do that, they needed fitness equipment.

Fitness trackers are one dropshipping niche that’s exploded in popularity. Some 553.6 million fitness trackers were shipped last year, with global consumers predicted to spend $93.86 billion on wrist-wearing activity trackers in 2022.

Aside from fitness technology, consider dropshipping the following exercise products:

  • Yoga mats
  • Foam rollers
  • Gym gloves
  • Jump ropes
  • Protein powders
  • Fitness trackers
  • Trampolines
  • Step blocks
  • Resistance bands

Pet products

 

Google Trends data showing an increase in searches for dog and cat vitamins.
Vitamins for both cats and dogs are popular dropshipping niches.

 

More than half of American households own a pet, contributing to a $123.6 billion industry.

To capitalize on our love for furry friends, find a lucrative business idea in the pet industry. Dog vitamins, for example, are just one huge area of spend. Owners splash $81 per year on supplements to keep their dogs healthy.

Other pet-related items to dropship include:

  • Food
  • Leashes
  • Collars
  • Cat litter
  • Raw bones
  • Bird seeds
  • Cage water bottles
  • Drying coats
  • Pet ID tags
  • Slow feeding bowls
  • Grass patches

Car Accessories

More than 65 million cars are sold each year. Give the millions of consumers who own one the chance to make their driving experiences more enjoyable by dropshipping car accessories.

The product you might consider selling could be:

  • Air fresheners
  • Car mats
  • Car cleaning kits
  • Cup holders
  • Steering wheel covers
  • Dash cams
  • Car hoovers
  • Neck pillows
  • Tablet holders
  • Trunk organizers
  • Wiper blades

Home tools

 

Bar chart showing how the home improvement market size increases each year.
The home improvement market is set to reach $621.3 billion by 2025.

Home improvement sales are predicted to reach $621.3 billion by 2025, making it one of the largest consumer markets. Dropship home gadgets, hardware, and decorating accessories to build a profitable business in this niche.

“I believe the best dropshipping products in 2023 will be anything in the off-the-grid living and homesteading space. These niches are continuing their upward trajectory trend and there are a ton of different supplies in these niches that can be targeted with high or low-ticket dropshipping.” – Thomas Sleeth, founder of Dropshipping Hustle

Popular home-related items to dropship include:

  • Extension leads
  • Doorbells
  • Step ladders
  • Security cameras
  • Lint removers
  • Wine fridges
  • Handheld vacuums
  • Carpet cleaners
  • Lights

Furniture

 

Google Trends report showing a sharp spike in the number of searches for “home office chairs” in 2020.
Google searches for “home office chairs” catapulted at the start of the pandemic and have remained high ever since.

If you’re looking for a high-ticket dropshipping business idea in the home improvement market, consider dropshipping furniture. Products are often priced higher than small home improvement gadgets. The average hybrid queen-size mattress, for example, sells for $2,050.

The hardest thing about dropshipping furniture is the fact customers can’t always see the product they’re thinking of buying. Solve any pre-purchase anxiety and build consumer trust with extensive product photography, reviews from happy customers, and size charts to scale.

Furniture-related items to dropship include:

  • Mirrors
  • Bean bags
  • Bookshelves
  • Rugs
  • Lamps
  • Bedside tables
  • Dining chairs
  • Shelving units
  • Home office chairs
  • Standing desks

Electronics

 

Portable sound and video, computers, and cameras are amongst the featured categories on Amazon's website.
Amazon’s featured subcategories under the electronics category.

From computers to cameras, global consumers spend $376 billion on electronics each year. This type of product isn’t in short supply—you’ll find manufacturers offering dropship electronics across all major dropshipping platforms.

However, the electronics industry is another highly regulated niche. Reputable suppliers will be happy to supply a portable appliance test (PAT) certificate that confirms their electronics have been rigorously tested and meet safety standards.

To turn this niche into a profitable dropshipping business, source trending products like:

  • Chargers
  • Cameras
  • Headphones
  • Sat navs
  • Printer ink
  • Screen cleaners
  • TV remote controls
  • Memory cards
  • Smart speakers
  • Phone cases
  • Kettles

How to choose a dropshipping business idea

Dropshipping is notoriously known for being a low-risk business model. However, you can increase the odds of ecommerce success by validating an idea before running with it.

Evaluate demand

Before running with your next idea, see whether people are already talking about the product you’re thinking of selling.

Do your own research with online tools like Google Trends. The platform shows historical data for how many people search for that dropshipping business idea. Pay especially close attention to keywords on an upward trend. This indicates the product is becoming more popular and demand is increasing. Try to get there before competitors cotton on.

“I always use Google Trends to see how the product is trending in various countries over the last five years and then use a keyword tool to check the monthly search volume.” – Thomas Sleeth, founder of Dropshipping Hustle

 

Google Trends data showing a sharp increase for “treadmill walking pad.”
Searches for “treadmill walking pad” are on the rise.

If you’re torn between two dropshipping business ideas, use Google Trends’ comparison tool to evaluate demand for each term. Knowing one keyword is much more popular than the other can sway you in that direction.

Check your competition

If you go into a niche that’s already popular, it’s going to be super competitive. Dropshipping requires a successful marketing strategy—and paid ads will cost more and keywords will be more competitive for top products.

Yet go the other way and there’s a risk of nobody wanting to buy the products you’re dropshipping. It’ll be an uphill struggle to build a profitable business.

Ultimately, there is no “ideal” demand when selecting the best dropshipping product. There are pros and cons when going niche versus hyper-competitive. The ideal competition level depends on the type of business you want to build.

Low competition

If you’re struggling to find retailers selling similar products to the one you want to dropship, it’s not a bad sign. Going after a niche market can be a smart business move.

Pros

  • It’s easier to stand out.
  • Build customer loyalty by being known as the go-to brand for a specific product.
  • You’re not at the mercy of competitors—many of whom are able to sway consumers with lower prices.

Cons

  • Demand might not be as high.
  • You often need to take the quality-over-quantity approach.
  • It can be more expensive to find and acquire customers in a niche market.

High competition

Hundreds of other dropshippers selling comparable products might make it harder to stand out, but it proves demand is there. Look at their product pricing strategy and see whether it’s worth competing.

Pros

  • Proven demand from customers.
  • Wider variety of suppliers to choose from.
  • A strong brand personality can help you charge a premium for comparable products.

Cons

  • It’s harder to stand out from established competitors.
  • Most often, you compete on price—even when profit margins are already tight.
  • You’ll need to define your unique selling proposition upfront (and heavily market it).

Find dropshipping suppliers

Dropshipping suppliers make or break your new business. They’re the ones responsible for manufacturing, packing, and shipping orders to your customers. Check that for whatever dropshipping business idea you choose there are suppliers to work with.

Most importantly, recruit a reliable supplier you can trust. Any customer complaints will fall in your hands since the dropshipping supplier acts as a silent partner. Ask for their order accuracy rate, previous customer reviews, and minimum order quantity upfront. It’ll minimize the chances of a supplier’s problems ruining your own brand’s reputation.

Order a sample

Dropshipping isn’t a business you can start with no money—people pay a premium for higher-quality products. Figure out whether it’s worth paying more for quality from your suppliers by ordering samples.

Let’s say your supplier stocks three different varieties of the resistance bands you want to dropship:

  • Product A: $2.49 cost price and made from low-quality rubber.
  • Product B: $3.69 cost price and made from high-quality rubber.
  • Product C: $6.29 cost price and made from recycled and sustainable materials.

If you’re looking for a dropshipping business idea that’ll make the most money, you might think Product A stands you in better ground to do that. Lower cost price means higher margins, right?

However, people pay premiums for sustainability. After ordering all three products to sample, you survey your target market and discover they’d pay $28 for Product C—a 79.68% profit margin (compared to 25% for A and 43% for B).

Ordering samples in advance also gives you first-hand experience dealing with a supplier before your customers are involved. You’ll have the delivery communication emails, unboxing experience, and first impressions your customers get.

Survey your target market

Your target market is the group of people who will buy your products. Instead of finding a dropshipping product idea and hoping there’s a market for it, survey your target audience to see:

  • Whether they’d buy the product
  • How they’d discover it (i.e., your best marketing channels)
  • How much they’d pay

There are two ways this process tends to go AWOL. First, people are notoriously awful at telling you what they would do or would buy. It’s difficult to get honest opinions when no real money is at stake.

Secondly, small business owners often turn toward their family and friends for market research. They ask if they’d buy a product, only to hear everyone say yes because they didn’t want to hurt a budding entrepreneur’s feelings.

Solve these issues and ask hard-hitting questions that allow you to verify whether what you think is a great business idea would make money. That includes:

  1. How would this product impact your life or daily routine?
  2. What products are you currently using to solve this problem?
  3. Which features do you find the most/least useful?

Calculate your profit margin

Once you subtract the wholesale price of a product and your overheads, are you left with any profit? Good business ideas are those where products are sourced at a low price and resold higher.

Use Shopify’s free profit margin calculator to see how much money you’re left with after buying the product from a supplier and paying their fee for picking, packing, and shipping.

 

Screenshot of how the item cost, markup, and sale price impact profit and gross margins.
If you buy a product at $3.57 and add a 50% markup, your profit would be $1.79.

 

One route is to find the absolute cheapest product and sell it at as high of a price as possible. But that strategy comes with risk. You often have to sell as many products as you can, rather than focusing on high-quality customers and building a sustainable business.

Invest in brand-building if increasing your profit margin is the ultimate goal. Consumers pay a premium to shop with brands that:

Even if cost prices and competitor RRPs are low, make your dropshipping brand the go-to e-commerce website for consumers who want more than the ordinary.

Start a dropshipping business today

The success of your dropshipping store depends on the product you choose.

Build a small, low-maintenance (and low-cost) online store with Shopify to validate your dropshipping business idea and test a marketing strategy. Choose three to five products in the same niche. Invest more time and effort into products proven to sell for the best chance of success.

Blog, Dropshipping

Shopify and GlowRoad: How to start a dropshipping business in India

Shopify and GlowRoad: How to start a dropshipping business in India

Ever thought of how to earn money from home?

With more time at hand now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the emergence of a new normal, we’re all exploring ways to earn from home. While some have taken a setback on the professional front, others just want to make the most of the time available to them.

Starting an online store has been one of the most success-proven ways to remain productive, and at the same time, earn from home. That’s why Shopify is partnering with GlowRoad to enable dropshipping in India and equip merchants to become more successful.

What is GlowRoad?

GlowRoad is a reseller platform and app in India that is providing millions of individuals including housewives and graduate students an opportunity to earn from home by starting their own online business. All they need to do is sign up on the platform as a reseller, choose the products they want to sell or think can sell, and submit their interest to the supplier.

Once the supplier reviews and accepts your request, the next step is for you to start promoting those products in your network over chat apps like WhatsApp or social media platforms like Facebook.

If someone places an order via the shared link, GlowRoad takes care of delivering the product collecting the money, and submitting the profits in your bank account. Simply put, the reseller gets to earn from home based on the number of sales they make for products sourced from suppliers, via their own channels.

To further enhance this business model, Shopify is stepping in to enable the resellers to start an online store and grow their drop shipping business using a robust eCommerce platform where the products they sell will become more discoverable, leading to more sales.

But at the same time, here’s what this partnership also does for other Shopify merchants in India who are running a dropshipping business – they get access to locally available products that they can add to their store from the suppliers registered on GlowRoad.

How does GlowRoad benefit the dropshipping business in India on Shopify?

With the need to earn from home increasing by the day, dropshipping is one of the most popular business models we’re seeing on Shopify.

The business model does not require one to keep products in stock. Instead, here, the store sells the product and passes on the sales order to the supplier. It is the supplier then who is responsible for shipping this order to the customer, and the overall order fulfilment experience.

Simply put, you get to start an online store and earn from home, all without having to risk stocking up on inventory of products. Or for that matter, even worrying about the logistics and order fulfilment.

So far, Shopify merchants running on the dropshipping model in India relied on suppliers from other countries. While reselling products from these suppliers was easier before, the new normal has slowed things down in terms of the availability of products as well as the efficiency of order fulfilment from the supplier’s end. As a result, this has resulted in Shopify stores in India having lesser stock available on their stores, leading to a dip in sales for their dropshipping business.

With GlowRoad, Shopify wants to address this issue and make online retail businesses less dependent on external factors, by giving them access to Indian suppliers.

Introducing their app on Shopify, GlowRoad will be taking the lead on expanding the dropshipping business in India. Online retailers running on the dropshipping model, will simply need to add the GlowRoad Shopify app to their store, to get access to suppliers who are selling products across different categories – fashion and apparel, jewellery, healthcare, pet supplies, local goods and more.

glowroad dropshipping shopify india

Benefits of using GlowRoad to start a dropshipping business in India

  • Access to more products
  • Lesser supply chain delays
  • Lesser logistics issues
  • Faster order fulfilment
  • Support for local brands and suppliers
  • Ability to offer cash on delivery (COD) to shoppers

TLDR; faster business growth and more revenue.

But this isn’t a one-sided affair. Here’s how the Shopify and GlowRoad partnership will benefit retailers who have been using their reselling platform to run a dropshipping business.

Want to start your own dropshipping business in India? Start an online store with Shopify to benefit from GlowRoad.

Sign up for a free trial on Shopify today.

How does Shopify benefit the dropshipping businesses being run on GlowRoad?

So far, those who want to earn from home and start an online business, have signed up as resellers on GlowRoad. They then take a look at what kind of suppliers are wanting to sell their products to resellers.

Choosing the products they want to sell, the reseller then shares the link to purchase those products with their network. They do so by sharing this link on their social media channels, profiles or even chat apps. Most begin their online business by promoting the product links amongst their friends and family.

With the Shopify partnership, these resellers will be able to start an online store for their business. This will make it easier for their business to get discovered by a larger audience, equip them with an online presence they can market digitally beyond their own network and also make it easier for their target audience to explore more products from the range they have.

Benefits of using Shopify to grow your GlowRoad dropshipping business in India 

  • Easy online store setup
  • Access to 4,400+ apps to enhance the shopping experience for customers
  • Better marketing and product promotions
  • Easy online payment setup
  • Easy order fulfilment tracking
  • Access to customer data to boost engagement and retention

TLDR; faster business growth and more revenue.

Yes, the goal of the Shopify and GlowRoad partnership is to help those who want to start an online business and earn from home, and also equip those stores running on dropshipping models to grow without bounds.

Don’t have an online store for your dropshipping business yet? Get started on Shopify with a free trial.

Whether you’ve been in the dropshipping business for some time now or want to start exploring the industry by starting an online store, Shopify and GlowRoad are here to equip you with everything you need.

Right from setting up an online store to finding products that you’d like to sell, and a guarantee from verified suppliers to be able to fulfil orders in a timely manner, this partnership has it all lined up for you.

Already have a dropshipping business and want to expand the range of products available in your store? Install the GlowRoad app on your store today.

Blog, Dropshipping

What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work?

What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work?

If you’ve thought about starting an e-commerce store, you’ve heard of dropshipping. It’s a streamlined approach to order fulfillment where you don’t own or ship any inventory.

Gone are the days when retailers had to lease warehouse space, juggle supply chains, and manage inventory. Whether you’re an ambitious newcomer or an e-commerce veteran, understanding and using dropshipping could be the key to taking your online store to the next level.

Ahead, you’ll learn everything there is to know about dropshipping, from how it works to benefits, and how to start your own dropshipping business today.

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an order fulfillment method where a business doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, the seller purchases inventory as needed from a third party—usually a wholesaler or manufacturer—to fulfill orders.

The biggest difference between dropshipping and the standard retail model is that the selling merchant doesn’t stock or own inventory—they act as the middleman.

What is a drop shipper?

A dropshipper is a person or business that uses the dropshipping model of buying inventory and fulfillment logistics from a third party, instead of warehousing and shipping the products themselves.

Because dropshipping relies on a third-party supplier to handle inventory warehousing and order fulfillment, a dropshipping operation may be managed by dozens of employees or a single business owner.

How does dropshipping work?

The dropshipping process is essentially a relationship between a customer-facing store and a supplier.

There are two common approaches to adopting a dropshipping business model. The first is to seek out one or more wholesale suppliers located in North America (or anywhere else in the world) on your own using a supplier database. Examples of popular online supplier databases include AliExpress, SaleHoo, and Worldwide Brands.

If you’re not interested in finding suppliers for all of the products you plan to sell, you can use an app that connects you and your store to thousands of suppliers. For this, use DSers, a Shopify app that helps independent business owners find products to sell.

With DSers, you can browse AliExpress and import the products that pique your interest directly to DSers—which is connected to your Shopify store—with the click of a button. Once a customer buys a product, you’ll be able to fulfill their order in the DSers app.

Fortunately, DSers automates most of the dropshipping process. As the store owner, all you have to do is check that the details are correct and click the order button. The product is then shipped directly from the AliExpress supplier to the customer—wherever in the world they may be.

how dropshipping works

Dropshipping is often seen as a no-hassle, get-rich-quick scheme. But it’s not. Just like any other e-commerce website, it takes dedication to get your startup running and successful. Done well, dropshipping companies can become reliable and convenient partners to growing e-commerce businesses to expedite order and fulfillment processing.

Benefits of dropshipping

Here are a few other reasons why dropshipping is such a popular e-commerce business model for both large and small businesses.

1. Less upfront capital required

Probably the biggest advantage to dropshipping is that it’s possible to launch an e-commerce store without having to invest thousands of dollars in inventory. Traditionally, a brick-and-mortar or e-commerce retailer has to tie up huge amounts of capital purchasing inventory.

With the dropshipping model, you don’t have to purchase a product unless you’ve already made the sale and have been paid by the customer. Without significant upfront inventory investments, it’s possible to start dropshipping and become successful with very little money.

Additionally, because you’re not committed to selling through any inventory purchased upfront, like in other business models, there’s less risk involved in starting a dropshipping store.

2. Easy to start

Running an e-commerce business is much easier when you don’t have to deal with physical products. With dropshipping, you don’t have to worry about:

  • Managing or paying for a warehouse
  • Packing and shipping your orders
  • Tracking inventory for accounting reasons
  • Handling returns and inbound shipments
  • Continually ordering products and managing stock level

💡 TIP: With Shopify, it’s easy to start a dropshipping business and start selling without the hassle of managing inventory, packaging, or shipping. Orders are sent directly from your wholesaler to your customers, so you can work on what matters—your products, marketing, and customers.

3. Low overhead

Because you don’t have to deal with purchasing inventory or managing fulfillment centers, your overhead expenses are quite low. In fact, many successful dropshipping stores are run as home-based businesses, requiring little more than a laptop and a few recurring expenses to operate.

As you grow, these costs will likely increase, but will still be low compared to those of traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.

4. Flexible location

With dropshipping, a successful business can be run from just about anywhere with an internet connection. As long as you can communicate with suppliers and provide timely service and support that meets customer expectations, you can run and manage your business.

5. Wide selection of products to sell

Since you don’t have to pre-purchase the items you sell, you can offer an array of trending products to your potential customers. Plus, you can rotate or change your dropshipping products list without having to worry about unsold inventory. If suppliers stock an item, you can list it for sale on your online store at no additional cost.

6. Easier to test

Dropshipping is a useful fulfillment model for both launching a new store and for business owners looking to test the appetite customers have for additional product categories, e.g., accessories or wholly new product lines. The main benefit of dropshipping is, again, the ability to list and potentially sell products before committing to buying a large amount of inventory.

7. Easier to scale

With a traditional retail business, if you receive three times the number of orders, you’ll usually need to do three times as much work. By leveraging dropshipping suppliers, most of the work to process additional orders will be done by the suppliers, allowing you to expand with fewer growing pains and less incremental work.

Sales growth will always bring additional work—especially related to customer support—but businesses that utilize dropshipping scale particularly well relative to traditional e-commerce businesses. You can dropship on many platforms too, like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.

Drawbacks of dropshipping

All the benefits we mentioned make dropshipping a very attractive model for anyone getting started with an online store or for those looking to expand their existing product offerings.

But like all approaches, dropshipping has its downsides, too. Generally speaking, convenience and flexibility come at a higher price.

Here are a few shortcomings to think about when considering a dropshipping business.

1. Low profit margins

Low margins are the biggest disadvantage to operating in a highly competitive dropshipping vertical. Because it’s so easy to get started, and because the overhead costs are so minimal, many competing businesses will set up a dropshipping store and sell items at rock-bottom prices in an attempt to grow revenue. Since they’ve invested so little in getting the business started, they can afford to operate on minuscule margins.

Typically, these sellers will have low-quality websites and poor (if any) customer service, which can help you differentiate your dropshipping business. But that won’t stop customers from comparing their prices to yours. This increase in competition will quickly hurt the potential profit margin in a niche. If you’re concerned about your margins you can quickly calculate it with Shopify’s profit margin calculator.

Fortunately, you can do a lot to mitigate this problem by choosing the right products and selecting a niche/vertical that’s well-suited for dropshipping.

2. Inventory issues

If you stock all your own products, it’s relatively simple to keep track of which items are in and out of stock. But when you’re sourcing from multiple warehouses, which are also fulfilling orders for other merchants, inventory can change on a daily basis.

Fortunately, these days, there are a handful of apps that let you sync with suppliers. So dropshippers can “pass along” customer orders to a dropshipping supplier with a click or two and should be able to see in real-time how much inventory the supplier has.

DSers also lets merchants take automated actions when a supplier’s stock hits zero. For example, when a product is no longer available, you can automatically unpublish the product, or keep it published but automatically set the quantity to zero.

3. Shipping complexities

If you work with multiple suppliers—as most drop shippers do—the products on your online store will be sourced through a number of different dropshippers. This means you have no control over the supply chain.

Let’s say a customer places an order for three items, all of which are available only from separate suppliers. You’ll incur three separate shipping costs for sending each item to the customer, but it’s probably not wise to pass this charge along to the customer. And even when it does make sense to include these charges, automating these drop shipment calculations can be difficult.

4. Supplier errors

Have you ever been blamed for something that wasn’t your fault but had to accept responsibility for anyway?

Even the best dropshipping suppliers make mistakes fulfilling orders—mistakes for which you have to take responsibility and apologize. In addition, mediocre and low-quality suppliers will harm the customer experience via missing items, botched drop shipments, and packing or product quality issues, which can damage your business’s reputation<.

5. Limited customization and branding

Unlike custom-made products or print-on-demand, dropshipping doesn’t give you a lot of control over the product itself. Usually, the product drop shipped is designed and branded by the supplier.

Some dropshipping suppliers can accommodate your business’s product changes. Even then, however, the supplier has the most control over the product itself. Any changes or additions to the product usually require a minimum order quantity to make it viable and affordable for the manufacturer.

Start your dropshipping business with Shopify

Whether you’re interested in finding a side hustle, starting a new full-time enterprise, or changing the business model behind your existing online store, dropshipping may be the answer you’re looking for.

Getting started with an e-commerce platform like Shopify is easy:

  • Set up your Shopify account: Go to Shopify’s website and follow the instructions to set up a new account. You will need to provide some basic information about yourself and your business.
  • Choose a theme: Shopify has a variety of themes available. Choose one that fits your brand and products.
  • Customize your store: Add your logo, create product categories, set up your navigation, and add any necessary pages like “About Us” and “Contact”.
  • Setup DSers: Dsers is an AliExpress dropshipping tool that you can integrate with your Shopify store. Go to the Shopify App Store, find Dsers, and install it.
  • Link your AliExpress account: You’ll need to connect your AliExpress account to Dsers so you can import products.
  • Import products: Use Dsers to find products on AliExpress that fit your niche. You can import these directly to your Shopify store.

Yes, dropshipping comes with a number of built-in complexities you’ll need to address as an entrepreneur. But with careful planning and consideration, you can anticipate and resolve those issues to create a thriving, profitable dropshipping business

Blog, Dropshipping

Why and How to Start Dropshipping in India as an eCommerce Business

Why and How to Start Dropshipping in India as an eCommerce Business

Want to start an online business in India, but not sure where to begin?

If you’re someone who does not want to get into product manufacture and production or isn’t sure about what type of products to sell, there is still an opportunity for you – dropshipping in India.

And we’ll tell you why.

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping refers to a retail business where a store is not required to keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, it acts as the storefront to sell a product, which then gets directly shipped to the customer when an order is placed from the supplier/ manufacturer.

As a result, you as the seller don’t have to handle the product directly or have to store inventory in warehouses.

What is the difference between dropshipping in India and standard retail?

Well, when you are dropshipping in India (or anywhere), you as the selling merchant don’t have to stock or own any inventory. Instead, the purchase gets made and fulfilled by a third party – usually, a wholesaler or manufacturer; while you act as the middleman.

Here’s how dropshipping in India works:

Why start dropshipping in India?

Dropshipping in India is a cost-effective way to start an online store or an eCommerce business.

It allows you to sell products online without having to worry about carrying, storing, and maintaining inventory of products. It also removes the need to take care of shipping and order fulfillment.

All in all, dropshipping makes starting an online store in India, a low-risk business model.

India’s eCommerce sales are projected to grow at an annual rate of 51%, making it the biggest opportunity for business owners. Dropshipping in India is the perfect way to test the waters, irrespective of the products you want to sell.

India also happens to be one of the biggest suppliers of raw materials and products across various industries. So when you begin dropshipping in India, you can actually choose to work with a local supplier or manufacturer, who will also ensure a good delivery time on orders.

To summarize, here are the benefits of dropshipping in India:

  • Less upfront capital investment
  • Easy to get started with
  • Low overhead as compared to other models
  • Flexible location
  • Wide selection of products to sell
  • Easier to test out different markets
  • Easier to scale

With Shopify, thousands of entrepreneurs have been able to start dropshipping in India. Get started today.

Now if you’re exploring starting a business, you would have heard about wholesale in India. So let’s quickly go over why dropshipping in India is a better business model than wholesale.

How profitable is dropshipping in India?

Dropshipping is one of the most profitable business models across the globe. Since you are not responsible for the costs of product manufacturing and shipping, you can start profiting from every sale you make very early on.

Although, you do need to ensure you’re selling a product that people really care about and need, and have the right supplier by your side.

Not sure where to begin and what type of products you can start dropshipping in India? Fret not, we have a list.

How to start dropshipping in India?

1. Find your niche

The first step to building a dropshipping business is figuring out what you want to sell and who you want to sell to.

Choose a niche that you’re genuinely interested in and passionate about. But at the same time, also make sure that the niche and the product are in demand in the market.

You can start off by first creating a list of products you’d like to sell and how your potential customers could be searching for them. For example, keywords like “yoga pants”, “kitchen basket”, etc.

After that, look into how these keywords have been trending over the last few months. The goal is to understand if the interest in these products is sustained or tends to drop every now and then. A good way to do this is to type in the keyword in Google Trends and check for the last 3 months.

2. Identify a profitable product

While dropshipping gives you the flexibility to sell almost any product on your store, it is important to find products that are profitable.

Take into account the cost of doing business (running your store), shipping fees, marketing and the cut you will need to give to suppliers/ manufacturers. Make sure that you have healthy margins of about 40-70%, if not higher.

So in general, you want to look for low-cost products that you can sell at a premium price.

3. Set up your Shopify store

You need to give your business a name, identity, and address to begin selling drop-shipped products.

Set up a store on Shopify and get started with dropshipping in minutes. It provides you with an easy-to-use eCommerce platform that is packed with features.

Right from features that will help you design an impressive storefront to integration with dropshipping apps, payment gateways and more, Shopify makes it all a matter of a few clicks.

You can even get started with a free trial and then choose a plan that suits your business plan the best. Sign up here.

How does dropshipping work on Shopify?

Typically, you would have to first identify products you want to sell and then seek out a supplier in your location. Then you would have to find a way to integrate and connect your Shopify store to those suppliers to fulfill the demands of the orders you receive on the storefront.

But Shopify makes dropshipping in India easy.

All you need to do is set up a storefront on Shopify and then install a dropshipping app on your store.

Explore some of the apps that you can use for dropshipping in India here.

Once you install an app, you can browse through thousands of verified suppliers registered on the app based on products, location, price and other parameters.

Import the products you want to sell on your Shopify store. And you’re done!

All you need to ensure is that you have complete information about the products, including sizing guides, descriptions, care, etc. to display on your storefront. You will still need to help the end customer make an informed purchase to get a sale.

But when a customer does make a purchase from you, you’ll be able to fulfill their order with the dropshipping app you choose. The supplier you choose will be notified automatically when you receive an order and will take care of shipping and fulfilling the order placed.

What are the best products to dropship in India?

The demand for products continually varies based on seasonal trends and other factors. So make sure you validate the product’s interest by using tools like Google Trends and analyzing the market in general.

But here is a list of the 33 most trending products to sell online in 2022 as per our research:

Electronics & Accessories

  • Wireless charger
  • Power bank
  • Laptop cover
  • Smartphone videography equipment

Fashion, apparel, and accessories

  • Scrunchies
  • Nail extensions
  • Shapewear
  • Tote bags
  • Slip-on shoes

Beauty and self-care

  • Beard grooming kit
  • Personal hygiene essentials
  • Posture corrector belt

Nutrition

  • Ashwagandha fortified consumables
  • Protein bar
  • Multivitamins

Home Furniture & Decor

  • Workspace furniture
  • Kitchen furniture
  • Sofa bed
  • Blankets
  • Rugs

Home and Kitchen

  • Air fryer
  • Vegetable chopper
  • Planters
  • Air purifier

Exercise and outdoor

  • Resistance band
  • Bicycle
  • Yoga mat
  • Tent
  • Fitness band/watch

Other

  • Pet food
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Customised gifts

If you’re not able to niche down to an industry, you can also sell different types of products in your store. When you choose dropshipping, you get the flexibility to sell a wide range of items, including and excluding products based on demand easily.

Although, we do recommend following these tips on how to choose products to sell:

  • Identify products people are looking for to solve a problem
  • Find products that people (and you) are actually passionate about
  • Find products that have a branding potential
  • Keep a tab on market trends
  • Find products that are impulsively bought Identify and serve niche segments

Why is dropshipping in India better than wholesale?

Wholesale is a model that has been running in India for years. But wholesale in India can end up costing more upfront investment in goods or products, added cost of shipping them, and employee costs to manage the processes.

Now in the wholesale model, the cost of goods is high because a consumer needs to make a purchase in large quantities to get a good price. So you will have to stock up more inventory, without any guarantee that they’ll be sold.

When you do sell and you need to ship the order, you also have to incur high shipping costs as you may not have government deals such as ePacket.

On the other hand, starting dropshipping in India let’s you focus only on tasks like marketing your brand and offering good customer service to those who buy from you. The rest gets taken care of by the supplier/ manufacturer.

Start dropshipping in India with Shopify

Ready to get started with your online business?

It’s time to explore Shopify for dropshipping in India to open a business without the hassle of managing, packaging or shipping.

Step 1: Create an account on Shopify

The very first step you need to take is signing up on Shopify. Don’t worry, you start with a free trial and are not charged until you’re ready to take your business live.

Step 2: Fill in more information about your business

After signing up, you will be asked a few questions about your business. Start using the dropdown and provide your information to Shopify accurately.

start a dropshipping store in india - shopify set up

Once you have completed the signup process, you will receive an email from Shopify with your admin login information and URL. It will be in the format of your-store-name.myshopify.com/admin. Make sure you save this information safely.

Step 3: Add a dropshipping app

Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll be taken to your Shopify dashboard. If you have a new account, you will not see a dropshipping app just yet.

To install one, follow these steps:

  • Find a dropshipping app to install from the Shopify App Store
  • Click on Add App
  • In your Shopify admin, to authorize the use of the app, click Install App

Step 4: Add products from the dropshipping app

After installing the app, you will be able to add products to your storefront by following these steps:

  • From your dashboard, click “Products” on the left-hand side
  • Select “More actions” then click “Find more products to sell”
  • Click the dropshipping app you installed

You will then be taken to your dropshipping app’s interface, where you can search for products and suppliers.

Go through the results carefully and select the products you want to add to your Shopify storefront.

Step 5: Enter the retail price

On the product page, you’ll see the supply and shipping cost, along with a pricing field in which you need to enter your retail price of the item.

Click “Add product” when you’re done, and the dropshipping app will add the item to your Shopify store.

Step 6: Edit product details

Based on your target audience, make sure you tailor the product description to help them make an informed purchase decision.

Add a product title/ name, description, sizing guide, material information, and more. Ask the supplier for more information if it is not already available.

Step 7: Set up and design your Shopify store

Once you have the essentials ready, move to the next step – designing a good storefront.

Go to Online Store -> Themes from the left-hand side of your Shopify admin dashboard.

From here, you will be able to select free Shopify themes or even pick a more premium theme for the look and feel of your store.

Make sure you customize the theme by adding your logo, brand colors, and more!

Step 8: Set up payment gateways

Before taking your store live, you will need to ensure you offer payment gateways that Indian customers are comfortable transacting on.

From online payment gateways to third-party gateways like PayU, Razorpay, Cashfree, and others, cash on delivery, and popular wallets, Shopify supports them all. Learn more about payment gateways here.

You do not have to worry about setting up shipping in this case as the supplier you choose using the dropshipping app, will take care of the fulfillment.

Step 9: Choose a plan and go online!

With everything set up, the next step for you is to choose a plan. This will remove the password from your Shopify store and make your storefront public.

Now your customers can come to the store and make a purchase easily!

Easy, right?

Don’t think of another day and miss another opportunity to start your online business.

Sign up on Shopify to get started with dropshipping in India today!