Fee Overview
| Fee Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | Basic Shopify at $29/month is sufficient for most dropshippers. Shopify at $79/month adds professional reports. |
| Oberlo | Free plan available. Starter plan at $5.90/month for 500 products. Pro plan at $17.90/month for 5,000 products. |
| Spocket | Starter at $16.80/month for 250 products. Pro at $44.40/month for unlimited products. Empire at $79.20/month for branded dropshipping. |
| DSers | Free plan available. Basic at $19/month for 3 suppliers. Standard at $39/month for 10 suppliers. Advanced at $99/month for unlimited suppliers. |
Key Takeaway
Plus app subscription costs
Pro Tips
ðĄ Tip: Start with DSers or Spocket's free plan to test products without upfront costs. Focus on finding winning products before investing in paid supplier plans â most new dropshippers waste money on expensive subscriptions for products that don't sell.
ðĄ Tip: Niche down instead of selling generic products. A store focused on "yoga mats for pet owners" will outperform a generic "sports equipment" store. Specific niches have less competition and higher perceived value.
ðĄ Tip: Use Oberlo's AliExpress integration for cheap product sourcing, but verify supplier ratings (95%+ preferred) and order samples before listing. Products with 4.5+ star ratings and 100+ orders from the same supplier are safer choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Shopify plan is best for dropshipping?
Basic Shopify at $39/month is the best plan for dropshippers starting out. It includes unlimited products, abandoned cart recovery, and 2 staff accounts. As your store grows, upgrade to Shopify at $105/month to unlock professional reports and gift cards which can boost average order value.
How much does Oberlo cost for Shopify dropshipping?
Oberlo offers a free plan with limited features. The Starter plan costs $5.90/month for 500 products and 100 orders/month. The Pro plan at $17.90/month allows 5,000 products and unlimited orders. The free plan is sufficient for testing, but serious dropshippers typically upgrade once they find winning products.
What are the hidden costs of Shopify dropshipping?
Hidden dropshipping costs include: supplier subscription apps ($5-100/month), product samples ($20-100 per supplier), advertising (start with $500-1000/month), and potential returns. Don't forget Shopify's transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments. Budget at least $200-500/month beyond your Shopify subscription.
Is dropshipping on Shopify still profitable in 2026?
Dropshipping is still profitable but more competitive. Success requires finding underserved niches, sourcing quality products, and effective marketing. Average profit margins are 15-30%, but can drop to 5-10% with heavy advertising costs. Focus on branding, customer service, and higher-margin products to succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Use Shopify Payments to eliminate the 2% external gateway fee â saves $200+/year at $10K revenue.
- Upgrade to Shopify Plan ($105/mo) once you exceed $1,000/month in sales â the 1% fee reduction pays for itself.
- Annual billing saves 25% vs monthly ($39 vs $49/mo on Basic). Use our Shopify calculator to compare plan costs.
Data Methodology & Disclaimer
Fee data and benchmarks in this article are sourced from official platform documentation and cross-referenced with publicly available rate schedules as of April 2026. Calculations use standard fee formulas; individual results vary based on product category and specific listing details.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Check the latest rates at each platform's official seller fees page. Fee structures reflect publicly available information as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Always verify current rates before making financial decisions.