Anyone can start a dropshipping business in Kenya with just a few clicks. But creating a successful dropshipping business is not that easy.
To start a dropshipping business, you must have a clear plan and execution strategy.
Dropshipping is the fastest way to enter the e-commerce business in Kenya because it requires little capital, no logistics, storage, or holding inventory.
In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to start a dropshipping business.
What is Dropshipping Business, and How Does it work?
Dropshipping is a business model in which ecommerce entrepreneurs sell products without having to carry any inventory.
When a store owner receives an order from a customer, they contact the supplier, who will then ship the products directly to the customer’s door.
Dropshipping is a popular business model because it’s easy to set up and manage and doesn’t require a significant up-front investment.
The Pros and Cons of Starting a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is a type of business in which e-commerce entrepreneurs sell products without carrying any inventory.
When a customer places an order on their website, the entrepreneur contacts the supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.
Dropshipping can be a great way to start e-commerce with minimal start-up costs, but there are also some potential downsides to consider.
One of the most significant advantages of dropshipping is that it’s relatively easy to start.
You don’t need to invest in any inventory, and you can often use existing platforms like Shopify to set up your store. Dropshipping can also be a flexible way to do business, as you’re not tied to any location or product.
However, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
One of the biggest challenges of dropshipping is that it can be difficult to stand out from the competition.
With so many people using the same suppliers and selling similar products, it can be hard to differentiate your store.
Additionally, because you don’t control the inventory or shipping process, you may have less control over the quality of your products and the delivery times.
Dropshipping can be a great way to start e-commerce, but it’s essential to understand the pros and cons before starting your store.
Steps to Starting a Profitable Dropshipping Business in Kenya
Now that you know what dropshipping is and the pros and cons of starting a dropshipping business, you’re ready to create your store.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a dropshipping business:
Step 1: Choose a Niche
The first step to starting a dropshipping business is to choose a niche.
When choosing a niche, it’s essential to consider its profitability, the product demand, and whether you’re passionate about the products.
For example, if you’re interested in selling pet supplies, you might choose to focus on a specific type of pet, like cats or dogs.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a dropshipping niche, but the most important thing is choosing a place you’re passionate about.
Step 2: Find a Supplier for Your Dropshipping Business?
Once you’ve chosen a niche, the next step is to find a supplier for your products.
There are many ways to find dropshipping suppliers, but the easiest way is to use a platform like AliExpress or Alibaba.
Both platforms offer a wide variety of products and suppliers, making it easy to find the products you’re looking for.
When choosing a supplier, it’s essential to consider the quality of the products, the shipping times, and the price.
You should also ensure that the supplier has a good reputation and is willing to dropship to your country.
Step 3: Choose a Platform
The next step is to choose a platform for your store.
There are many different ecommerce platforms, but the two most popular options for dropshipping stores are Shopify and WooCommerce.
Shopify is the most accessible platform to use, and it’s what we recommend for most dropshipping stores.
It’s easy to set up and use and has all the features you need to run a successful store.
WooCommerce is an excellent option if you’re already using WordPress for your website.
It’s a bit more complex to set up and use, but it’s an excellent platform for dropshipping stores.
Step 4: Set Up Your Store
Once you’ve chosen a platform for your store, it’s time to set up your store.
If you’re using Shopify, this process is straightforward.
You can use the Shopify themes to customize the look and feel of your store, and you can use the Shopify apps to add features to your store.
If you’re using WooCommerce, the process is a bit more complex.
You’ll need to find a WordPress theme and plugin compatible with WooCommerce, and then you’ll need to set up your store.
Step 5: Add Products to your Platform
The next step is to add products to your store.
If you’re using Shopify, you can use the Oberlo app to add products from AliExpress to your store.
Oberlo will automatically add the product images, descriptions, and prices to your store.
If you’re using WooCommerce, you can use the AliExpress plugin to add products to your store.
You’ll need to manually add the product images, descriptions, and prices to your store.
Step 6: Set Up Shipping
The next step is to set up shipping for your store.
If you’re using Shopify, you can use the Shopify shipping app to set up shipping for your store.
You can choose from a variety of shipping options, and you can also offer free shipping to your customers.
If you’re using WooCommerce, you can use the WooCommerce shipping plugin to set up shipping for your store.
You can choose from a variety of shipping options, and you can also offer free shipping to your customers.
Step 7: Set Up Your Payment Processing System
The next step is to set up your payment processor.
If you’re using Shopify, you can use the Shopify payments app to set up your payment processor.
You can choose from a variety of payment processors, and you can also offer discounts to your customers.
If you’re using WooCommerce, you can use the WooCommerce payments plugin to set up your payment processor.
You can choose from a variety of payment processors, and you can also offer discounts to your customers.
Step 8: Promote Your Dropshipping Business
The final step is to promote your store.
There are many ways to promote your store, but the most effective way is to use social media.
You can use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your store and pay advertising to reach a wider audience.
Conclusion
Dropshipping is a great way to start an online business with little to no upfront investment.
All you need is a domain name and hosting, and you can start a dropshipping store in just a few clicks.
Dropshipping is the perfect option if you’re looking for a more hands-off approach to starting an online business.
