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Online Business
Dropshipping
A business model where you sell products online without holding any inventory — the supplier ships directly to the customer when you make a sale.
Dropshipping is popular for beginners because you don't need much money upfront or space for stock. Success depends on good supplier relationships, fast shipping, and strong marketing (often via TikTok, Instagram, or Google ads). Margins can be tight, so volume and repeat customers matter.
Common challenges: shipping delays, quality control, and returns. Many successful stores combine dropshipping with their own branded products later.
It's like running a shop window without a storeroom. You show products on your website, a customer orders, and the supplier packs and ships it for you. You focus on marketing and customer service instead of warehousing.
Real world: Many Shopify stores sell gadgets or clothing this way. A customer buys a wireless charger for £25. You pay the supplier £12, keep the difference, and the supplier ships it straight to the buyer. Low startup costs, but competition is high.
💡 Dropshipping lowers the barriers to starting an online store — but winning requires great marketing and reliable suppliers.