How to create a dropshipping website: a step-by-step guide

Dropshipping has become one of the most popular and successful ecommerce models in recent years, primarily because it allows you to start an online business without needing a significant investment. In fact, with very little money and time, you can have your dropshipping store ready to receive orders and generate income. 

We’ve already created an article about what dropshipping is, but here we’ll dive deeper into the practical side: we’ll explain how to get started, what to consider when choosing your supplier, and guide you through the necessary steps to create your own dropshipping website. Let’s begin! 

How to start dropshipping: the basics 

The dropshipper must set up an online shop offering the supplier’s products. When a customer places an order, it is sent directly to the supplier, who then handles the packaging and shipping of the product to the customer. 

This means that, unlike other retail e-commerce models, the dropshipper does not manage inventory or shipping logistics. Their primary responsibilities are to build the website, promote the products, and manage the online store. 

The customer pays the final retail price shown in the online store, and the dropshipper earns a profit from the difference between that price and what they pay the supplier. For example, if the customer pays €10 for a T-shirt, and the wholesale price is €7, the dropshipper keeps the remaining €3. 

With that in mind, there are two essential requirements to start dropshipping: 

• A dropshipping supplier. 

• A website with an online shop. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these. 

How to choose a dropshipping supplier 

Having a reliable supplier is essential to the success of your dropshipping store. If the supplier fails to meet product quality standards or delivery times, you risk losing customers and damaging your store’s reputation.  

At the same time, you need to pay attention to the fees charged by the supplier to make sure your profit margin on each sale is enough to keep your business sustainable. 

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your dropshipping supplier: 

• Product variety and quality: Review the supplier’s catalogue to ensure their products fit your target audience. It’s also important that high quality is guaranteed, since the customer will associate their buying experience with your store, not the supplier. 
• Shipping and geographic coverage: Check shipping costs, delivery times, and which countries the supplier ships to. Unexpected issues with shipping, like high costs or long delivery times, are one of the leading causes of cart abandonment in ecommerce. 
• Additional fees: Ensure your supplier doesn’t charge you unexpected extras, such as handling fees, packaging costs, or extra commissions. 
• Returns and warranty policies: It’s essential to understand how your supplier handles returns, exchanges, defective items, or lost packages, since this directly impacts your customer service. 
• Customer support: A responsive supplier can save you from many headaches. Make sure they offer agile communication channels like live chat, and support in your language if possible. 

Research is key! When looking for your dropshipping supplier, we recommend taking the time to explore different options, read reviews from other dropshippers, and check that the service has a solid reputation. 

Which are the best dropshipping suppliers? 

If you’re looking for a guide to help you find the right dropshipping supplier for your business, here are some of the most well-known companies today: 

Spocket

Spocket isn’t a traditional dropshipping supplier. Rather, it’s a digital service that aggregates suppliers from around the world. Around 80% of them are based in the United States and Europe, which means faster delivery times for customers in those regions. 

CJdropshipping

CJdropshipping offers automatic order import, quality control, and shipment tracking with updated tracking numbers. Its warehouses are in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, allowing for optimised delivery times across a wide service area. 

Printful

If you want to offer print-on-demand products in your online shop, such as t-shirts, mugs, posters, phone cases, and more, Printful is one of the most recognised suppliers globally, with warehouses in the U.S. and Europe. The main downside is that profit margins are relatively low, but it can be a great starting point for your dropshipping business. 

SaleHoo

Like Spocket, SaleHoo isn’t a direct dropshipping supplier but a directory of verified suppliers. It currently lists over 8.000 suppliers, all of whom have been vetted by the platform, ensuring that the products are legal and authentic. 

Modalyst

Are you thinking of starting an online clothing store? Modalyst could be a great starting point. Its catalogue primarily focuses on fashion and beauty products, including items from major brands and independent manufacturers. It’s also partnered with the Chinese giant AliExpress, greatly broadening its product range. 

AliExpress

Speaking of AliExpress, we can’t leave it off this list. Thanks to its massive catalogue spanning dozens of product categories, it’s one of the most popular platforms among dropshippers. It offers competitive prices and international shipping options. 

The platform can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re starting out. Delivery times are generally longer than on other platforms, and product quality isn’t always guaranteed. If you still want to try out AliExpress, we recommend using DSers, a digital service that automates order processing and lets you compare multiple suppliers to find the best option for your needs. 

Step-by-step guide to building a dropshipping website 

Once you’ve found the right dropshipping supplier for your business, it’s time to bring your online store to life. Let’s break it down step by step. 

Step 1: Register a domain 

First, you’ll need to register a domain for your website. A domain includes a name and an extension. In our case, the domain name is one, and the extension is .com. 

At this stage, you can get creative: your domain could be the actual name of your business or brand, or something directly related to your product niche (e.g. YogaClothing.com, ElectronicsOutlet.uk, or Sunglasses.shop). 

When it comes to domain extensions, you have dozens of options. If you want something traditional and global, go with the classic .com; for a localized feel, choose a country-specific extension (like .uk for the United Kingdom); and if you’re after something more creative, opt for original extensions like .shop, .store, or .boutique. You can check available extensions and their prices. 

Step 2: Choose a hosting plan 

You’ll need a hosting service to store your website and its files on a server so it’s accessible to users online. If you’re starting, shared hosting will be more than enough—it’s the most affordable option. Later, as your business grows, you can upgrade to more advanced solutions like a Virtual Private Server (VPS). 

Step 3: Choose an ecommerce platform 

Several platforms are available to design and launch your dropshipping store. If you’re a beginner, we recommend choosing services that offer all-in-one ecommerce solutions, including secure payment gateways with SSL certificates and intuitive design tools. 

At one.com, we offer complete plans that include a domain, hosting, and access to Website Builder, an easy-to-use online shop builder. You can just drag and drop elements like images, buttons, and text. It includes dozens of pre-designed templates and AI integrations that generate entire pages in seconds. 

If you use WordPress, you can also build your online store on that platform. We recommend using the WooCommerce plugin, which allows you to add products, track orders, configure payments, and more. 

Step 4: Design your online shop 

Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time for one of the most exciting steps: designing your online shop. 

Visual design is key to attracting customers, building trust, and converting visits into sales. We recommend: 

• Using a professional template and customising it to match your brand’s visual identity (colours, fonts, logo, etc.) 
• Organising products into categories 
• Including high-quality images with clear, persuasive descriptions 
• Ensuring the design is responsive so it looks great on mobile devices 

If you don’t want to spend too much time designing, one.com’s Website Builder includes integrated AI tools to create a website and write content for your store instantly. Just answer a few basic questions about your business, and the system will generate visual and written content for you. 

Step 5: Upload your products and connect with your supplier 

Now it’s time to upload the products you’re going to sell. If you’re working with dropshipping suppliers like Spocket, Modalyst, or DSers, you can import products directly to your store with just a few clicks. 

When uploading products, pay close attention to the following: 

• Product title: Make sure it’s clear and SEO-optimised to help it rank on search engines. 
• Complete product description: Include technical information (size, weight, etc.) and highlight key benefits. 
• Final price: Don’t forget to include your profit margin. 

Step 6: Set up payment and shipping options 

To allow your customers to shop without issues, you must enable payment gateways with SSL certificates that encrypt user information. This is essential for preventing banking data theft and fraud.  

We also recommend offering multiple payment options to give your customers flexibility and boost conversion rates. 

There are solutions that manage multi-channel payments: Website Builder is integrated with Stripe, which allows you to accept payments via credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, SeQura, and more. The system itself creates a secure payment gateway with an SSL certificate. 

For shipping, clearly state your delivery zones, estimated times, and costs based on your dropshipping supplier’s information. This will help avoid surprises or customer complaints. 

Step 7: Launch your store and start promoting 

Have you finished designing your dropshipping store? Once you’ve tested everything and confirmed the website is working correctly, it’s time to go live and launch it to the world. 

This is just the beginning of the adventure—you’ll need to promote your store through various online marketing channels. 

Here are some methods to get your first visitors: 

• Social media campaigns (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Ads) and partnerships with influencers in your niche. 
• SEA advertising on search engines. 
• SEO content for ecommerce like blog posts and buying guides to attract organic traffic from search engines. 
• Affiliate marketing. 
• Email marketing through a newsletter. 
• Discount campaigns, promo codes, and loyalty programs. 

Is dropshipping legal? 

Yes, dropshipping is a legal business model. However, like any online business, you must meet specific legal and tax requirements: 

• Tax registration: You need to register as a sole trader or set up a company (depending on your country) to issue invoices and report your income legally. 
• Tax obligations: You must pay the appropriate taxes on your earnings, such as VAT or personal income tax, according to local regulations. 

Your website must comply with e-commerce, consumer protection, and data protection laws. This includes: 

• A privacy policy. 
• Legal notice and terms of use. 
• Clear shipping and return policy. 
• Compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). 
• Cookie banner with consent options. 

Pro tip: If you’re unfamiliar with legal requirements or want to save time, you can use services like Termly, which automatically generate customised legal policies and help your online store comply with current data protection and e-commerce laws. 

Final tips before getting started with dropshipping 

Before fully diving into your dropshipping project, keep in mind these important tips to build a strong and profitable store from the start: 

• Choose a specific niche: Dropshipping is highly popular and competitive due to its low entry costs. Going too broad can be tricky—as they say, jack of all trades, master of none. Instead of selling ‘a bit of everything’, focus on a specific niche and stand out through specialisation, unique value, or style. Choose something you know well: your personal interests are a great place to start. 
• Start small and scale gradually: There’s no need to upload hundreds of products or make a significant investment immediately. Starting with a small, focused catalogue will help you test demand, adjust pricing, and improve the user experience before expanding. 
• Build a brand with a strong identity: Even if you don’t manufacture your products, you can build a strong brand by creating a clear aesthetic, consistent communication style, and thoughtful customer experience. This is key to standing out, gaining trust, and fostering loyalty. 
• Organise your finances from day one: Keep a detailed record of your income, expenses, and profit margins. Price your products carefully, considering supplier costs, payment processing fees, taxes, and other charges. 
• Don’t expect big profits immediately: Dropshipping isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, patience, and continuous learning. Early sales may be small, but they’re essential for gaining experience and scaling your business. 
• Invest in learning and stay updated: Like any digital business, staying informed about trends, tools, and marketing strategies will help you grow faster and make smarter decisions. 

Best of luck as you take the next step into ecommerce and dropshipping!