Dropshipping Business: Can it really replace your day job in 2025?

What Is a Dropshipping Business?

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products online without stocking them. When a customer buys from your store, you forward the order to a supplier who ships directly to the customer. You focus on marketing and customer service, while the supplier handles inventory and shipping. This low-overhead approach appeals to beginners, especially those drawn to Wix’s ads promising easy store setup.

How to Get Started

Starting a dropshipping business is straightforward but requires effort. You’ll need to choose a niche, find reliable suppliers, set up a store (e.g., on Wix), and market your products. Wix’s drag-and-drop editor and integrations with suppliers like Printify make it beginner-friendly, though you’ll need time to learn the platform.

Economics and Feasibility

Initial costs are low ($100–$1,000), covering a domain, hosting, and ads. Profit margins are typically 10%–15%, with average earnings around $40,000/year. Replacing a day job (e.g., $50,000/year) is possible but challenging due to competition and time investment. Success stories exist, but most beginners earn modest incomes initially.

Why Choose Wix?

Wix’s ads highlight its ease of use and affordability, which are true for simple stores. Its templates and apps streamline dropshipping setup, but advanced features may require coding or higher-tier plans. If you’re starting small, Wix is a great choice; for complex needs, other platforms or custom solutions might be better.

Comprehensive Guide to Starting a Dropshipping Business

Introduction

Dropshipping has exploded in popularity, with the global market projected to reach $476.1 billion by 2026, according to Oberlo. It’s a retail model where you sell products without holding inventory, making it appealing for beginners with limited capital. Wix’s advertisements, showcasing easy-to-build online stores, have drawn many to this model, particularly for its promise of simplicity. This guide is designed for someone with no prior knowledge, offering a brutally honest look at how dropshipping works, how to start, the economics involved, and whether it can replace a day job. We’ll use hard numbers and real-world insights to set realistic expectations, with a focus on using Wix as a platform.

What Is Dropshipping?

Dropshipping is an ecommerce strategy where you, the retailer, sell products without physically stocking them. When a customer places an order, you forward it to a supplier who handles inventory, packing, and shipping directly to the customer. You act as the middleman, responsible for marketing, pricing, and customer support, while the supplier manages logistics. This model eliminates the need for warehouses or upfront inventory purchases, reducing financial risk. However, it comes with trade-offs, such as lower profit margins and reliance on suppliers, which we’ll explore later.

The Dropshipping Process

1. Partner with a Supplier: Choose a supplier offering products in your niche, such as AliExpress or Spocket.
2. Set Up an Online Store: Use platforms like Wix, Shopify, or WooCommerce to create your storefront.
3. List Products: Import products from your supplier’s catalog to your store with descriptions and prices.
4. Receive Orders: Customers purchase products through your store.
5. Forward Orders: Send order details to the supplier, who ships directly to the customer.
6. Manage Customer Service: Handle inquiries, returns, and refunds, even though you don’t control shipping.

Roles in Dropshipping

• Dropshipper (You): Markets and sells products, manages the store, and handles customer interactions.
• Seller of Record: You set prices, process payments, ensure tax compliance, and provide support.
• Supplier: Stores, packs, and ships products, often providing branded invoices or packaging.

Getting Started with Dropshipping

Starting a dropshipping business is accessible, especially with platforms like Wix, but it requires strategic planning. Below are the steps to launch your store, tailored for beginners.

Step 1: Choose a Niche

Selecting a niche is critical to stand out in a crowded market. A niche is a specific market segment, like eco-friendly pet supplies or minimalist home decor. Use tools like Google Trends to identify demand and avoid oversaturated niches like generic clothing. Popular niches in 2025 include:

• Home decor (projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2032, per Wix)
• Fitness equipment
• Tech accessories
• Pet supplies

Tips:

• Research demand using Google Trends or social media platforms like TikTok.
• Avoid highly competitive niches like watches or generic lifestyle products.
• Ensure suppliers offer products in your chosen niche.

Step 2: Find Reliable Suppliers

Finding trustworthy suppliers is a major hurdle, with 84% of ecommerce merchants citing it as their biggest challenge (Wix). Use supplier directories like:

• AliExpress: Offers a vast product range, ideal for beginners.
• Spocket: Focuses on US and EU suppliers for faster shipping (Spocket).
• Shopify Collective: Integrates seamlessly with Wix or Shopify stores.
• Modalyst: Provides US/EU suppliers with fast shipping (Modalyst).

Tips:

• Order product samples to verify quality.
• Check supplier reviews and shipping times.
• Avoid suppliers with hidden fees or poor communication.

Step 3: Set Up Your Store

Wix is a beginner-friendly platform with drag-and-drop tools and 900+ templates, making it ideal for those inspired by its ads. The Wix App Market offers dropshipping integrations like Printify and Spocket. Other platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce are also viable, but Wix’s simplicity suits novices.

Steps:

• Sign up for a Wix account and choose a template.
• Customize your store with your brand’s colors and logo.
• Integrate a dropshipping app to import products.
• Set up payment gateways (e.g., Wix Payments, PayPal).

Step 4: List Products

Import products from your supplier’s catalog, adding compelling descriptions and high-quality images. Set prices to cover costs and ensure a profit margin (typically 10%–15%).

Step 5: Market Your Store

Marketing is the backbone of dropshipping success. Use:

• SEO: Optimize product pages with keywords (e.g., “eco-friendly pet toys”).
• Social Media: Promote on TikTok, Instagram, or X with targeted ads.
• Paid Ads: Use Google Ads or Meta Ads, budgeting $50–$500/month initially.

Step 6: Handle Orders and Customer Service

When orders come in, forward them to your supplier via the dropshipping app. Monitor shipping updates and handle customer inquiries promptly. Be prepared to manage returns or refunds, even if supplier issues cause delays.

Economics of Dropshipping

Dropshipping’s low entry barriers make it attractive, but the financial reality is complex. Below is a detailed breakdown of costs, margins, and earnings.

Startup and Ongoing Costs

Total Initial Cost: $100–$1,000, depending on marketing budget and tools.

Profit Margins

Profit margins in dropshipping are typically 10%–15% due to high competition, though some achieve 20%–30% with strategic pricing or premium products (Oberlo). For example:

• Product Cost: $8 (from supplier)
• Sale Price: $15
• Gross Profit: $7 (46.7% margin)
• Net Profit: After expenses (e.g., ads, fees), ~$2–$3 per sale

Average Earnings

Earnings vary widely based on experience, niche, and marketing:

• Beginners: $200–$2,000/month (Alidropship)
• First Year: $1,000–$3,000/month (Ippei)
• Average: ~$40,000/year (Zippia)
• Top Earners: $5,000–$10,000/month, with some reaching $100,000+/year (Dropshipping.com)

Case Studies:

• Kate: Earns $32,000/month selling anime products and jewelry (Side Hustle Academy).
• Travis: Made $1 million in two years selling furniture.
• Irwin: Reached $1 million in 12 months via Oberlo products.

Brutal Truth: Most dropshippers don’t hit these numbers. The market is saturated, and only 10% succeed significantly (Ippei). You’ll likely earn less than a typical US salary ($50,000–$60,000/year) in your first year.

Can Dropshipping Replace a Day Job?

Replacing a day job with dropshipping is possible but not a sure bet. The average income of $40,000/year is below the US median salary of ~$60,000 (Zippia). Top earners make six or seven figures, but they’re the exception, not the rule.

Time and Effort

Dropshipping demands significant time, especially initially:

• Setup: 10–20 hours to build a store on Wix.
• Marketing: 10–20 hours/week on ads, SEO, and social media.
• Customer Service: 5–10 hours/week handling inquiries and issues.

It’s not passive income. You’ll work as hard as, or harder than, a day job, especially in competitive niches.

Realistic Expectations

• Year 1: Expect $200–$2,000/month with consistent effort.
• Year 2–3: With refined strategies, $2,000–$10,000/month is possible.
• Challenges: High competition, supplier issues, and low margins can derail success.
• Success Rate: Only ~10% of dropshippers achieve significant profits, per Ippei.

Brutal Truth: Dropshipping won’t replace your day job overnight. It’s a grind, and most quit before breaking even. If you’re not ready to hustle on marketing and customer service, stick to your 9-to-5.

Pros and Cons of Dropshipping

Pros

• Low Startup Costs: Start with $100–$1,000, no inventory needed.
• Flexibility: Run from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Scalability: Add products or scale without logistical headaches.
• Wide Product Range: Test new products with minimal risk.

Cons

• Low Margins: 10%–15% margins make profitability tough.
• High Competition: Saturated markets drive up ad costs.
• Supplier Dependence: Delays or quality issues hurt your reputation.
• Customer Service Burden: You handle complaints despite no control over shipping.

Why Wix for Dropshipping?

Wix’s ads tout its ease of use, and they’re not wrong for beginners. Its drag-and-drop editor, 900+ templates, and integrations with dropshipping apps like Printify and Spocket make it a solid choice. The Business plan ($36/month) supports ecommerce, including 25 dropshipping products. However:

• Limitations: Wix’s SEO tools are basic, and advanced customization requires coding or higher-tier plans.
• Alternatives: Shopify offers more robust ecommerce features but is pricier ($39/month).

Brutal Truth: Wix is great for quick, simple stores but can feel restrictive if your business grows complex. If you’re just starting, it’s a safe bet; if you aim for a large-scale operation, consider Shopify or a custom site.

Tips for Success

1. Niche Selection: Focus on underserved niches with steady demand (e.g., eco-friendly pet supplies).
2. Supplier Vetting: Order samples to ensure quality and reliable shipping.
3. Marketing Mastery: Invest in SEO, social media ads, and email marketing to drive traffic.
4. Customer Service: Respond promptly to inquiries and handle returns professionally.
5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on trends via resources like Oberlo.

Conclusion

Dropshipping offers a low-risk entry into ecommerce, especially with platforms like Wix, which simplify store setup for beginners. With startup costs as low as $100–$1,000 and potential earnings of $40,000/year on average, it’s an accessible business model. However, low margins (10%–15%), high competition, and supplier dependence make it a challenging path to replacing a day job. Success stories like Kate’s $32,000/month show what’s possible, but most beginners earn $200–$2,000/month initially. If you’re drawn to Wix’s ads and willing to invest time in marketing and customer service, dropshipping can be a rewarding venture—but it’s no get-rich-quick scheme. Start small, learn fast, and scale smart.

Key Citations

• What Is Dropshipping and How Does It Work?
• What Is Dropshipping: The Ultimate Guide [Updated for 2025]
• Average Dropshipping Income Explained With Stats
• How Much Do Dropshippers Make In 2025: Best Stories
• Average Dropshipping Income + Profit Margin [2023]
• [Dropshipping Salary: How Much Can You Make?](https:// dropshipping.com/article/dropshipping-salary/)
• 10 Most Profitable Dropshipping Niches
• How to Select the Perfect Niche for Your Dropshipping Store
• How to Choose a Niche for Your Dropshipping Store
• 15 Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2025
• Ultimate Dropshipping Guide: How to Find Dropship Suppliers
• 10M Dropshipping Products, US Suppliers, & Aliexpress
• How Much Do Drop Shippers Make on Average?