In eCommerce, dropshipping has become a popular business model for starting an online retail venture without the burden of inventory management or upfront investment. With the rise of digital platforms, finding the right dropshipping platform is crucial for success. In this article, let’s explore the best free dropshipping platforms to create, launch, and manage your online stores without any initial financial commitment.
In this article, we cover 4 main parts:
- Best free dropshipping platforms you shouldn't miss
- Best dropshipping platforms with free trials
- Top dropshipping suppliers & research tools you shouldn’t miss
- How free dropshipping platforms benefit your dropship business?
Without further ado, let's get cracking!
Best Free Dropshipping Platforms You Shouldn't Miss
Before selecting the best eCommerce platforms for dropshipping, there are several things you should consider. Do they offer essential features, customization options, and seamless integration with other dropshipping tools for running a successful business?
Let’s discover the best free dropshipping platforms we’ve tested and listed for you.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular and widely used eCommerce platform. It offers a lot of useful features like dropshipping themes or plugins, making it easy to set up and integrate with your WordPress website. With WooCommerce, you can easily create a fully functional online store, manage inventory, process payments, and handle WooCommerce shipping.
While WooCommerce itself is free, you may need to invest in additional plugins or themes for specific dropshipping features or advanced functionality. Overall, WooCommerce is a flexible and scalable platform suitable for small to large dropshipping businesses.
Check out our WooCommerce review to learn more about WooCommerce pricing, features, and what makes it one of the most popular eCommerce platforms.
Pros | Cons |
- High customization options - Extensive plugin options - Large user community | - Requires self-hosting and maintenance - Needs technical knowledge to set up - Provides limited support options |
Want to migrate to WooCommerce?
If you are intending to migrate to Shopify, LitExtension offers an excellent migration service that helps you transfer your data from the current eCommerce platform to a new one accurately with utmost security.
Square Online
Square Online is another excellent option for you to build and manage your dropshipping store easily. It supports dropshipping by enabling you to connect with various suppliers and automatically sync their products to your store.
Square Online also provides marketing tools, SEO features, and integration with other Square products, such as point-of-sale systems. While the platform is free, additional costs for certain advanced features and payment processing fees might be required.
Pros | Cons |
- User-friendly interface - Seamless integration with Square payments - Powerful built-in marketing tools | - Limited design options - Fewer third-party integrations compared to other platforms - Additional transaction fees for non-Square payments |
Ecwid
Ecwid is one of the cheapest dropshipping platforms for businesses of all sizes. It offers a free plan for you to set up an online store and start selling immediately. Ecwid integrates with various website builders, social media platforms, and marketplaces, making reaching customers across different channels effortless.
With Ecwid, you can manage inventory, process payments, and handle shipping effortlessly. It also provides various options for you to customize your store's design and layout to fit your preferences.
Pros | Cons |
- Can be set up easily - Supports multiple sales channels - Seamlessly integrate with existing websites - Support multilingual stores | - Limited design customization options - Additional transaction fees on the free plan - Require additional plugins for advanced features |
Mozello
Mozello is one of the most reliable and user-friendly eCommerce platforms that offers a free dropshipping business plan. With Mozello, you can easily create and customize your online store without any technical knowledge. Additionally, it offers integration with popular payment gateways, making it convenient for customers to make purchases.
One of the most outstanding features of Mozello is its multilingual support, allowing you to create a store that caters to customers worldwide. It also provides SEO optimization tools to improve your store's visibility in search engines and increase organic traffic.
While the free plan has some limitations, such as a limited number of products and a Mozello subdomain, it still offers a great starting point for small dropshipping businesses or those looking to test the platform.
Pros | Cons |
- Intuitive interface - Multilingual support - Mobile-friendly design - Good built-in SEO features | - Limited eCommerce features - Fewer integrations & fewer design templates compared to other platforms |
If you find the eCommerce platforms mentioned above do not meet your dropshipping business, you can consider the paid platform below. They have a free trial, so you can try using them before deciding to use them or not.
Best Dropshipping Platforms with Free Trials
Below are the best eCommerce platforms for dropshipping that provide a free trial for you to test before going for a paid plan.
Shopify
Shopify is considered the best dropshipping platform for beginners that offer a free trial period to help you explore its features and capabilities. With this platform, you can start a Shopify store, set up your dropshipping business, manage inventory, and accept payments.
It provides a user-friendly interface, a wide range of dropshipping themes, and numerous dropshipping apps for Shopify to enhance your store's functionality. It also offers excellent customer support and resources to assist you throughout the Shopify free trial period. After the trial ends, you can use this platform at $1 per month for the first 3 months.
To know more about Shopify's pricing, features, pros, and cons, don't forget to check out our Shopify review.
Pros | Cons |
- Robust features - Extensive app ecosystem - Reliable customer support - Extremely easy to use and set up | - Monthly subscription fees - Transaction fees on some payment gateways |
Want to migrate to Shopify?
If you are intending to migrate to Shopify, LitExtension offers an excellent migration service that helps you transfer your data from the current eCommerce platform to a new one accurately with utmost security.
Wix
Wix is a popular dropshipping website builder that also offers a free trial for its eCommerce functionality. With this platform, you can create an online store and experience its dropshipping features firsthand.
Wix provides a drag-and-drop website editor, various templates, and apps & integration with multiple payment gateways. While the trial is limited, you can test the platform's suitability for your dropshipping business. Once the trial ends, you can upgrade to a paid plan to continue using Wix's eCommerce features.
To know more about Wix’s pricing, features, pros, and cons, you can take a look at our Wix review.
Pros | Cons |
- Easy drag-and-drop website builder - Visually appealing templates - Diverse apps and integrations for dropshipping | - Limited eCommerce functionality - Less customizability than other open-source platforms - Transaction fees on some plans |
After choosing a dropshipping platform to host your data, the next step is picking dropshipping suppliers and research tools to find your products to sell.
Best Dropshipping Suppliers & Research Tools You Shouldn’t Miss
Along with dropshipping platforms free, you also need to find the best dropshipping suppliers to achieve success with your dropshipping business.
Printful
Printful is a popular dropshipping supplier that specializes in print-on-demand products. They offer various customizable items, such as clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Pricing:
- Pay as you go.
- Free plan available
Pros | Cons |
- High-quality products - Automated order fulfillment - Worldwide shipping | - The pricing may be higher compared to other suppliers |
Printify
Printify is another prominent print-on-demand supplier. They have a vast network of printing partners worldwide, offering a wide range of products.
Pricing:
- Start from $24.99/month
- Free plan available
Pros | Cons |
- Large product selection - Competitive pricing - Easy to use | - Quality control may vary across different printing partners |
Salehoo
Salehoo is a dropshipping supplier directory that connects you with verified suppliers and wholesalers. They provide a wide range of product categories and offer competitive pricing.
Pricing: $67/year
Pros | Cons |
- Vast supplier network - Reliable customer support - Easy access to market research tools | - Some suppliers may have higher minimum order requirements |
Modalyst
Modalyst is a dropshipping platform that connects online retailers with trendy fashion and accessory suppliers. They offer a curated selection of products from reliable suppliers.
Pricing:
- $35-$90/ month
- Free plan available
Pros | Cons |
- Wide range of trendy products - Real-time inventory syncing - Automated order fulfillment | - Some suppliers may have limited shipping options |
AliExpress
AliExpress is a well-known online marketplace that offers various products from Chinese suppliers. Pricing on AliExpress is generally low, but it can vary significantly across different sellers.
Pricing: varies across different sellers.
Pros | Cons |
- Vast supplier selection - Competitive pricing - Buyer protection | - Shipping times may be longer compared to local suppliers |
DSers
DSers is a dropshipping platform that integrates Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix stores with AliExpress. It provides order management and automation tools for e-merchants. This app features bulk ordering and real-time inventory syncing. Pricing depends on the specific plan and features selected.
Pricing:
- DSers for Wix and WooCommerce: free
- DSers for Shopify: $19.9 – $499/month (free plan available)
Pros | Cons |
- Streamlined order processing - Automatic tracking number syncing - Competitive pricing | - It is primarily focused on working with AliExpress suppliers |
CJdropshipping
CJdropshipping is a platform that connects dropshippers with suppliers from China. They offer a wide range of products, including fashion, electronics, and home decor.
Pricing: depend on the product and suppliers.
Pros | Cons |
- Large product selection - Quality control measures - Fast shipping options | - Some suppliers may have higher prices and minimum order requirements |
Inventory Source
Inventory Source is a dropshipping automation platform that integrates with various suppliers and marketplaces. They offer features like product data uploads, order routing, and inventory syncing. Pricing depends on the specific plan and features chosen.
Pricing:
- $99 – $199/ month
- Free plan available
Pros | Cons |
- Automation tools - A wide range of supplier integrations - Order management features | - Some suppliers may require additional fees or minimum order quantities |
Doba
Doba is a dropshipping platform that connects retailers with suppliers and offers a large range of products across different categories.
Pricing:
- $24.99 – $299.99/ month
- Free trial
Pros | Cons |
- Large supplier network - Product data automation - Real-time inventory syncing | - Some suppliers may have higher prices or limited product selection |
Commerce Inspector
Commerce Inspector is a free dropshipping product research tool that helps identify successful Shopify stores and their suppliers. It provides insights into product trends, pricing, and supplier information. Pricing depends on the specific plan and features selected.
Pricing:
- $29 – $299/year
- Free for Chrome extension
Pros | Cons |
- Competitive intelligence - Product trend analysis - Supplier identification | - It does not offer direct access to suppliers or order fulfillment |
How Free Dropshipping Platforms Benefit Your Dropship Business?
Free dropshipping platforms offer several benefits to your dropship business. It enables you to start and operate your online store with minimal financial investment.
Now, let's see how you can benefit from free dropshipping platforms:
#1. Cost-effective: Free dropshipping platforms eliminate the need for upfront costs or monthly subscription fees, allowing you to save money on your business's initial setup and ongoing expenses.
#2. Easy setup: Free platforms often provide user-friendly interfaces and intuitive tools, making it simple for beginners to set up their online stores without requiring technical expertise.
#3. Effortless Product management: Free dropshipping platforms typically offer features for managing your product inventory, such as adding or removing products, tracking stock levels, and updating product descriptions. This helps you streamline your operations and keep track of available stock.
#4. Efficient order processing: Free platforms often include order management functionalities, enabling you to efficiently process customer orders, track shipments, and handle customer inquiries and support.
#5. Secured Payment processing: Many free dropshipping platforms integrate with popular payment gateways, allowing you to accept customer payments securely and conveniently.
#6. High scalability: While dropshipping platforms free may have limitations in terms of features or customization options, they often provide opportunities to upgrade to paid plans or unlock additional functionalities as your business grows.
#7. Dedicated community support: Free dropshipping platforms typically have active user communities, forums, or support channels where you can seek guidance, share experiences, and learn from others in the dropshipping community.
#8. Low-risk entry: Free dropshipping platforms provide a low-risk entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing you to test your business idea and market viability without significant financial investment.
#9. Quick start: With free dropshipping platforms, you can quickly create your online store and start selling without coding knowledge.
#10. The ability to test and experiment: Free platforms allow you to test different products, marketing strategies, and pricing models without financial constraints, allowing you to experiment and refine your business approach.
Free Dropshipping Platforms: FAQs
Is there a free way to dropship?
Yes, there are free ways to dropship. Some e-commerce platforms offer free plans that allow you to set up and run your dropshipping business without upfront costs or monthly fees. These platforms often have limitations on features or may require upgrading to a paid plan for more advanced functionalities.
How much does dropshipping cost?
The cost of dropshipping can vary depending on several factors. Here are some potential expenses to consider:
- eCommerce platform fees (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce)
- Product costs from dropshipping suppliers
- Marketing and advertising expenses
- Website hosting and domain registration fees
- Transaction fees from payment processors
- Additional tools or services for automation, analytics, or customer support. It's important to budget and plan accordingly to ensure the financial viability of your dropshipping business.
What websites can I dropship on for free?
There are several free dropshipping websites to consider to set up your online store and start dropshipping without initial costs.
- WooCommerce (as a plugin for WordPress)
- Square Online
- Ecwid
- Mozello
- Shopify
- Wix
What is the easiest platform to dropship on?
The easiest platform to dropship on depends on your experience level and specific needs. However, platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Square Online have user-friendly interfaces and intuitive free dropshipping tools, making them popular for beginners.
Can you dropship on Shopify for free?
Shopify does not offer a free plan, but it does provide a 3-day free trial period. You can set up your dropshipping store during the trial and explore the platform's features. To continue using their services for dropshipping, you must subscribe to one of Shopify's paid plans.
However, it's worth noting that Shopify offers various pricing options and features tailored to the needs of dropshipping businesses, making it a popular and robust platform in the industry.
What Is The Best Platform For Dropshipping?
In conclusion, the quest for the best free dropshipping platforms depends on your requirements and experience. With free eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, Square Online, Ecwid, and Mozello, you can get essential features, user-friendly interfaces, and customization options to start a successful dropshipping site without breaking the bank.
By leveraging these free platforms, you can unleash your creativity, build thriving online stores, and set sail on a journey towards financial independence. Embrace the power of these free dropshipping platforms and unlock the door to limitless potential in the ever-evolving world of eCommerce. The time to thrive is now.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out our LitExtension blog and join our Facebook Community to receive helpful tips and tricks for your eCommerce growth.