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Best Ecommerce Platforms for Dropshipping

Best Ecommerce Platforms for Dropshipping

The AliDrop Team
Published on
November 11, 2024
Last updated on
November 11, 2024
9

Looking for the best dropshipping websites to build your business? I get it—it’s tough to choose the right platform with so many options out there. The good news? I’ve already done the hard work for you and put together a list of the top sites you should consider. 

I personally tested these platforms before adding them here. With over five years of dropshipping experience, I knew exactly what features matter the most. Each site offers ease of use, supplier integration, and the customization you need to grow your business efficiently.

So, set aside 10-15 minutes to explore these dropshipping sites. They’ll save you hours of research and give you the tools you need to get started.

What Are the Best Ecommerce Platforms for Dropshipping?

1. AliDrop

AliDrop all-in-one dropshipping platform

AliDrop is an all-in-one platform that simplifies sourcing products for dropshipping. You can order products directly from AliExpress suppliers, with options to source non-branded, private-label or white-label items. This flexibility helps you find the right products for your store and manage your inventory efficiently.

Pros:

  • Winning products from AliExpress  
  • Access to high-quality US and EU suppliers
  • AliExpress tracking

Cons:

  • Doesn't integrate with every marketplace

Verdict: AliDrop is an excellent choice for ecommerce entrepreneurs looking to launch successful dropshipping sites.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce platform

WooCommerce turns any WordPress site into a dropshipping store. It’s a free plugin, but you’ll need to pay for hosting. The flexibility WooCommerce offers is great for customizing your store. You can add hundreds of extensions to streamline everything from inventory management to marketing.

Pros:

  • Free plugin for WordPress users
  • High level of customization
  • Works with many dropshipping extensions

Cons:

  • Requires some technical knowledge
  • Hosting and plugins can add up
  • Support depends on the community, not a dedicated team

Verdict: WooCommerce is one of the best dropshipping websites for merchants accustomed with WordPress.

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers built-in features that streamline the process of creating dropshipping websites. You can easily manage large inventories and sell across multiple channels, all from one platform. BigCommerce also integrates with popular dropshipping suppliers, so product management is simple.

Pros:

  • All-in-one solution with built-in tools
  • No transaction fees
  • Multi-channel selling options

Cons:

  • The platform can feel complex for new users
  • Few free design templates
  • Prices increase as your sales grow

Verdict: BigCommerce is a great fit for businesses wanting a platform that can handle growth without relying on too many third-party apps.

4. Wix

Wix ecommerce

Wix lets you create a beautiful store without needing any technical skills. Its drag-and-drop builder is perfect for beginners. You can choose from hundreds of templates, and it integrates with dropshipping apps, so you can start selling right away. The platform works well for small to mid-sized businesses.

Pros:

  • Super easy drag-and-drop interface
  • Lots of design templates to choose from
  • Affordable pricing plans

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large, high-volume stores
  • Changing templates means rebuilding your site
  • Fewer advanced ecommerce features

Verdict: Wix is a good choice for those who want a visually appealing, easy-to-use platform for their dropshipping store.

5. Square Online

Square Online best dropshipping platforms

Square Online makes sense for small businesses that already use Square payments. It’s easy to set up and allows you to manage both online and in-person sales from one dashboard. With no upfront costs, it’s ideal for smaller stores or businesses that want a smooth transition into ecommerce.

Pros:

  • Simple integration with Square’s POS system
  • No initial fees for creating a store
  • Mobile-friendly and easy to navigate

Cons:

  • Limited design flexibility
  • Basic ecommerce features compared to other platforms
  • Best for small stores, not high-volume sellers

Verdict: Square Online is a smart choice for small businesses using Square who want to expand online without any complicated setup.

6. Ecwid

Ecwid dropshippingbest dropshipping platforms

Ecwid is a flexible plugin that turns any existing website into a dropshipping store. Whether your site runs on WordPress, Joomla, or even a social platform, Ecwid handles the integration seamlessly. It’s easy to manage multiple sales channels, which makes it a favorite for those expanding their online presence.

Pros:

  • Smooth integration with any website
  • Multichannel support for web, mobile, and social
  • Free to start, with paid plans for added features

Cons:

  • Design customization is limited
  • Advanced tools only available on higher plans
  • Depends on the hosting platform's functionality

Verdict: Ecwid is great for turning an existing site into a store and managing sales across different channels

7. Squarespace

Squarespace best dropshipping platforms

Squarespace is a great fit for creatives running a dropshipping store. It’s known for clean, professional templates that let you show off products in style. No need for tech skills—just pick a design and customize. You also get built-in marketing tools to help with promotion and customer engagement.

Pros:

  • Beautiful, design-focused templates
  • Integrated marketing tools for email and social media
  • User-friendly interface for quick setup

Cons:

  • Limited customization compared to other platforms
  • Advanced ecommerce features are lacking
  • Transaction fees apply on lower-tier plans

Verdict: Squarespace works best for creatives who want a sleek, easy-to-manage store with essential marketing tools.

8. Etsy

best dropshipping platforms etsy

Etsy is a beginner-friendly dropshipping platform with a vast customer base and minimal startup costs. Sellers can list products without inventory, and traffic is built into the platform. It's easy to set up and manage with no upfront investment required. To get started, learn how to start dropshipping on Etsy.

Pros:

  • Built-in audience with millions of users
  • No setup costs, only pay when you sell
  • User-friendly listing process

Cons:

  • High competition with limited differentiation
  • Minimal control over store customization

Verdict: eBay is ideal for beginners looking for a hassle-free way to sell online 

9. Weebly

Weebly dropshipping

Weebly (now owned by Square) is perfect for creating a dropshipping site without hassle. Its drag-and-drop builder makes setting up a store a breeze. You can integrate dropshipping tools easily and start listing products right away. Plus, with built-in SEO and marketing features, it’s easier to bring in customers.

Pros:

  • Simple drag-and-drop builder
  • Supports dropshipping app integrations
  • Built-in marketing and SEO tools

Cons:

  • Limited design flexibility
  • Advanced features locked behind paid plans
  • Not suited for large-scale operations

Verdict: Weebly’s ease of use and basic tools make it an ideal starting point for novice drophipping entrepreneurs.

10. PrestaShop

Prestashop ecommerce platform

PrestaShop is a great platform for small businesses looking to create customizable dropshipping websites. It’s open-source, which means it offers a lot of flexibility and control. The marketplace is packed with themes and modules to enhance your store’s look and features.

Pros:

  • Open-source, highly customizable
  • Advanced SEO tools for better visibility
  • Free to use, with hosting starting at €24/month

Cons:

  • Requires technical knowledge
  • Modules can add up in cost
  • Limited support for non-tech users

Verdict: PrestaShop is a great fit for those wanting control and customization

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Dropshipping Platform

What exactly should you look for in a dropshipping platform? There are a few things every solid platform needs to cover. Let’s break down the key factors you don’t want to miss.

Ease of Use

Dropshipping websites should be easy to navigate. No one has time to fumble through clunky interfaces. A simple, intuitive setup means you can spend less time managing tech issues and more time focusing on running your store.

Setup Speed

Getting your store live quickly is a huge plus. Some platforms let you get started within a few hours, while others might drag out the process. The quicker your store is up, the sooner you can test your products, run ads, and make sales. But don’t let a fast setup be the only thing that sells you—balance it with features that fit your long-term goals.

Design and Customization

Your store’s look and feel can set you apart. A customizable platform lets you create something unique. You don’t want a cookie-cutter website that looks like a hundred others. The more you can tweak your site to match your brand, the better you’ll connect with your audience.

Supplier Integrations

Having integrations with suppliers makes everything easier. From product imports to order tracking, well-integrated dropshipping sites do all the heavy lifting. Choose dropshipping websites that sync directly with suppliers and handle the back-end work for you.

Built-in Marketing Tools

You’ll need more than a pretty site to draw in customers. Marketing tools like SEO optimization, email campaigns, and social media integrations are essential for driving traffic. The best platforms offer these features built-in, saving you the hassle of juggling multiple tools.

Transparent Pricing

Always check the price tag. Some dropshipping websites charge a flat fee, while others take a percentage of your sales. Either way, you’ll want to avoid hidden costs that eat into your profits. Subscription fees, transaction charges, and added costs for premium features are common, so do your homework.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is a lifeline. When things go wrong, you want quick answers and real help. Look for platforms with 24/7 support, whether it’s via live chat, email, or phone. 


Conclusion

AliDrops is our top recommendation for dropshipping websites, thanks to its robust features and user-friendly setup. Shopify’s ease of use and WooCommerce’s flexibility are also strong contenders. However, AliDrop excels for those looking to make money with AliExpress dropshipping.


FAQs

  • Q: What are the best ecommerce platforms for dropshipping with AliExpress?
    A: Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Wix offer robust integrations with AliExpress, making them ideal choices for dropshipping.
  • Q: How does AliExpress dropshipping work on Shopify?
    A: Shopify integrates with apps like Oberlo or DSers, which connect to AliExpress and allow easy product import and order automation.
  • Q: Is WooCommerce a good platform for dropshipping via AliExpress?
    A: Yes, WooCommerce is popular among dropshippers for its flexibility and compatibility with plugins like AliDropship, simplifying AliExpress dropshipping.
  • Q: What makes BigCommerce suitable for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: BigCommerce offers powerful tools for scaling and integrates with several AliExpress dropshipping apps, making it ideal for larger businesses.
  • Q: Can I use Wix for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: Yes, Wix has dropshipping apps compatible with AliExpress, enabling a simple setup for small to mid-sized online stores.
  • Q: Which platform is the most beginner-friendly for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: Shopify is often considered beginner-friendly, with intuitive tools and comprehensive support for AliExpress dropshipping integrations.
  • Q: Do I need technical skills to dropship with AliExpress on WooCommerce?
    A: While WooCommerce may require some setup, plugins like AliDropship make the process user-friendly, even for beginners.
  • Q: How does AliDropship work with platforms like WooCommerce?
    A: AliDropship is a dedicated plugin for WooCommerce, allowing users to directly import products from AliExpress and automate order fulfillment.
  • Q: Are there any free ecommerce platforms for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: WooCommerce (with WordPress) is free to use, though plugins and hosting will require investment. It’s a cost-effective option for dropshippers.
  • Q: Which platform offers the most automation for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: Shopify, through apps like DSers, provides extensive automation for AliExpress dropshipping, from product import to order tracking.
  • Q: Is there a specific platform best for fashion dropshipping with AliExpress?
    A: Shopify and WooCommerce are excellent for fashion dropshipping, offering numerous AliExpress product options and marketing tools for fashion-focused stores.
  • Q: Can I use multiple suppliers on these platforms, including AliExpress?
    A: Yes, platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce support multiple suppliers, allowing you to combine AliExpress with other dropshipping sources.
  • Q: How does order fulfillment work with AliExpress on these platforms?
    A: AliExpress integration apps, like Oberlo or AliDropship, automatically send orders to AliExpress suppliers, streamlining the fulfillment process.
  • Q: Which platform is most scalable for AliExpress dropshipping?
    A: BigCommerce is known for its scalability, making it a great choice for those looking to grow their AliExpress dropshipping business.
  • Q: What are the main costs involved in setting up an AliExpress dropshipping store?
    A: Costs typically include platform fees (if applicable), app or plugin subscriptions (like AliDropship), hosting (for WooCommerce), and advertising expenses.
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