Is Dropshipping Worth It in 2025? An In-Depth Analysis
There’s no question that it’s a popular business model. But with so much competition, is dropshipping still worth it?
The answer is yes – but not the way many people go about it.
Dropshipping is still worth it in 2025. If you choose high-quality products, maintain profit margins, and partner with domestic suppliers, it’s a viable and low-cost business model. The best strategy is to create your own Ecommerce site and tap into existing demand for high ticket dropshipping products in a targeted niche.
In our opinion, low ticket dropshipping, which is what most people are familiar with, just isn’t worth the headache and overhead cost.
Before we go any further, let’s define high ticket dropshipping as selling items worth $800 or more. You’re also using local suppliers, so you know that your products meet the standards in your country, and shipping to customers won’t take forever.
This is in contrast to low ticket dropshipping, where most items are cheaply made and shipped from foreign suppliers. Customers often receive their orders after weeks of waiting, and it’s not uncommon for said items to be low quality.
Not ideal, right? That’s why we’re breaking down whether or not dropshipping is worth it in 2025, with an emphasis on high ticket. That’s the strategy that has been – and still is – worth it for us!
So, whether you’re considering starting an Ecommerce business or you’re already in the game and wondering if you should stick it out, keep reading. We’ve got you covered.
Originally published on April 27th, 2023, this article was updated and republished on May 8th, 2024.
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The Appeal of High Ticket Dropshipping
Here are a few highlights of why high ticket dropshipping is a better choice than trying to ship low-end products from sites and services like AliExpress, Oberlo, or AutoDs:
- Instead of chasing trends, you’re selling established, high-quality products people are already searching for.
- You don’t need to make a lot of sales to hit your revenue targets.
- High-end products mean fewer headaches, like returns, chargebacks, and defective items.
- You build a strong brand around premium products – a valuable asset you can leverage for future growth.
- As you launch and scale your business, you’ll gain in-demand skills like SEO, copywriting, and Google Ads management.
If you’re looking for a long-term, profitable business, high ticket dropshipping is worth a serious look.
For an even closer look, check out our free training!
Is Dropshipping Still Profitable?
We often get asked, “Can you still make money with dropshipping?” and the answer is a resounding yes. The profitability of high ticket dropshipping has remained pretty stable over the past decade.
The follow-up question is usually, “How much does an average dropshipper make?” We don’t want to give revenue numbers because those vary widely, but on average, high ticket dropshippers can expect to take home around 15% of their revenue. The profitability of your dropshipping business will depend on your niche, product selection, marketing strategies, and how much you’re hustling.
Disadvantages of Dropshipping in 2025
As with any business model, dropshipping isn’t perfect. Though we still think it’s the best!
So, here are some of the disadvantages to keep in mind if you’re considering starting an Ecommerce business.
Market Saturation and Competition
As dropshipping rises in popularity, the market is becoming more competitive and saturated. It can be challenging to stand out from other dropshippers and attract customers to your store. You’ll need to invest time and effort into marketing your store and building a brand to differentiate yourself from competitors.
However, the high ticket dropshipping market is not too competitive if you take the time to pick a viable and unique niche. Of course, some niches and products will fluctuate, either becoming more or less competitive. For example, electric bikes, just no – don’t do it.
Another reason we think competition isn’t an issue, is that it can be used as an excuse – a mental barrier. People can say, “Oh, everyone’s talking about dropshipping, so it must be competitive. I’m not gonna do it.” Don’t let ideas like that stop you.
The Role of Third-Party Suppliers
Dropshipping involves relying on third-party suppliers to fulfill your orders. So you have no control over the quality of the products, the packaging, or the shipping times. If your dropshipping supplieris unreliable or provides poor-quality products, it can damage your business’s reputation and result in lost sales and low profits.
This is why high ticket dropshipping is the best model. You can partner with known, recognized, and trusted brands with an established reputation for providing fantastic products.
Also, your suppliers are local to your customer, so the product quality and standards will meet country-specific requirements, and shipping time is not an issue.
Dropshipping Complexity and Supplier Challenges
Is dropshipping hard? High ticket dropshipping does offer significant potential, but it comes with a few challenges.
Finding reliable suppliers is one of the most crucial aspects of building a successful dropshipping business. Like any industry, there are excellent suppliers, average ones, and some that are not so great. But the good news is that you’ll be able to spot these suppliers when you work with them, and can cut ties when you need to.
The dropshipping market can be competitive, too. You can make your store stand out by keeping your target customer in mind at all times, writing your own product descriptions, and creating a unique store that’s easy for customers to use and has its own personality.
Can you make $1,000 per month dropshipping? Absolutely! In fact, many dropshippers earn significantly more than that. If you’re looking for a side hustle and are willing to put in some effort, making an extra $1,000 per month is a realistic goal (and many dropshippers go way beyond that!). With high ticket dropshipping, selling just one high-end product per month could potentially net you $1,500 in profit.
Factors to Consider Before Starting a Dropshipping Business
Before you start a dropshipping business (something our course can help with), there are several factors you need to consider. Here are some key considerations:
Market Research and Customer Identification
One of the key factors in the success of running a business with a full dropshipping model is selecting the right products to sell. This requires thorough market research and analysis to identify profitable niches and products with high demand.
At least, that’s what you’ll read everywhere else.
But really, the trick is to identify the people behind the screen. Who is it that you want to sell to? You can have a great product, but it doesn’t do you any good if you have no idea who wants it.
So take the time to do your market research and identify who you want to sell to. Who is on the other side of the screen looking for products? Once you know that, it’ll be easier to choose a product.
Ultimately, the key to success is knowing your customer better than anyone else and having an insatiable desire to solve their problem (with your products).
In our free training, we provide tips on how to do market research and customer identification the right way.
Developing a Brand Identity and Marketing Strategy
When you’re selling low ticket dropshipping items, especially on third-party Ecommerce platforms like Amazon or eBay, it’s nearly impossible to build a brand and long-term business.
That’s why we recommend high ticket dropshipping on your own Ecommerce site (like Shopify). That way, you can use marketing channels to tap into existing demand in your niche. For example, you could try:
- PPC: Pay-per-click ads will draw people already looking for your products to your website. We recommend Google Shopping Ads specifically. Don’t sleep on Bing either!
- SEO: We do love SEO around here! It’s another way to tap into existing demand, and draw the right people to your website.
- Email marketing: Sure, our email inboxes are full of junk. But email marketing works! With your own Ecommerce site, you can start building an email list of interested, primed potential customers.
The goal is to build your company brand and online presence – becoming a source of information and high-quality products in your niche.
Choosing Reliable and High-Quality Brands
When it comes to dropshipping, choosing reliable and high-quality brands is crucial for the success of your business.
This is where many dropshipping mistakes happen – trying to sell low-quality, cheap products from suppliers like Alibaba, etc. The better approach is to source products made in your country (for reasons mentioned already – quality, fast shipping, and lower shipping costs too).
It’s also important to consider the supplier’s communication and customer service. You want to partner with a responsive, transparent supplier willing to work with you to resolve any issues.
Once you’ve found a reliable supplier, make sure to maintain a good working relationship with them. A good supplier will also be willing to negotiate margins with you (once you prove to be a good retailer for their products).
By choosing reliable and high-quality brands, you’re ensuring your customers receive products that meet their expectations, ideally leading to positive reviews and repeat business.
Customer Service and Returns
While dropshipping can be a profitable business model, it’s important to understand that customer service and returns are crucial elements that can make or break your business.
When customers have a positive experience with your store, they’re more likely to buy from you again and refer others. However, if they have a negative experience – that means negative reviews and not-so-great word of mouth.
To ensure a positive experience:
- Have a transparent and easy-to-understand return policy
- Communicate this policy clearly on your website and in your order confirmation emails
Additionally, be responsive and courteous when handling customer inquiries or complaints.
- Respond to emails and messages promptly and professionally
- Address any concerns or issues that arise
Keep in mind that providing excellent customer service can help build a positive reputation for your store and increase customer loyalty.
How Competitive Is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is highly competitive in the obvious niches. But it can still be challenging to stand out and attract customers to your online store.
However, there are several strategies you can use to find profitable niches with low competition.
Here are some key tips.
Look for Untapped Niches
Finding a unique niche can be the difference between success and failure in dropshipping.
While it may be tempting to go after popular niches with high demand, such as ebikes and standing desks, these niches are often oversaturated.
Dig deeper to find niches with less competition but still have a strong demand. It might require more extensive market research, but it pays off in the long run.
Look for emerging trends, hobbies, or specific interests that have not yet been fully capitalized on. By identifying and catering to a niche audience, you can establish yourself as a topical authority.
That way, you can build a loyal customer base – and a long-term business that pays off.
Differentiate Your Brand
If you want to stand out from the competition – differentiate your brand! Create a unique identity that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from other Ecommerce sites.
Here are some tips for differentiating your brand:
- Develop a unique brand story: Your brand story should convey your values, mission, and what sets you apart from competitors. Use storytelling techniques to make your brand more relatable and humanize your business.
- Create a distinct visual identity: Use design elements such as a logo, color scheme, and typography to create a memorable and recognizable visual identity. It will help customers associate your brand with a specific look and feel.
- Offer personalized customer experiences: Go above and beyond to personalize the customer experience, from personalized product recommendations to targeted marketing campaigns. It will help build a loyal customer base that values your brand.
- Focus on quality: Emphasize the quality of your products, customer service, and overall brand experience. It will help build trust with customers and establish your brand as a reliable and high-quality option in the market.
By differentiating your brand, you can create a unique position in the market and attract customers who value your brand identity and what you have to offer.
Successful Dropshipping Stories
So is dropshipping worth it in 2025? Snap up some inspiration from these dropshipping success stories.
Former 9-5 Employee Makes 500K in Sales in 5 Months
Holly, a former employee who followed the traditional path of working a 9-to-5 job, found herself questioning her career choices after a personal realization. After an initial Ecommerce attempt with a clothing boutique, Holly discovered high ticket dropshipping through the Dropship Breakthrough podcast.
She faced her fears and consistently put in the work, and just five months after she launched, Holly’s store hit the half-million-dollar mark and she was able to quit her job to pursue dropshipping full-time.
Brewer Turns to Dropshipping and Makes 750K in 9 Months
John, a former professional brewer, found himself at a crossroads when he lost passion for his career. He started dropshipping and faced some early challenges like Google Ads suspensions and inconsistent sales. But he persevered, focusing on SEO and writing targeted blog posts for his store, and his business began to take off. He brought in $750,000 in sales in just nine months.
Jon’s Journey from Corporate Job to Successful Entrepreneur
Of course I have to include my Dropship Breakthru co-founder, Jon Warren, in our rundown of dropshipping success stories. Jon used to be a mid-level manager with a six-figure salary, but he felt unfulfilled and unhappy in the corporate world. He decided to pursue entrepreneurship through high ticket dropshipping.
Jon grew his first high ticket dropshipping store to 7 figures in annual revenue in just 24 months, while still working his day job. Then he transitioned out of his corporate role to focus full-time on dropshipping.
Making Dropshipping Work for You in 2025
In 2025, dropshipping is still a viable business model, but it’s important to find the right customers to serve, partner with reliable suppliers, and be adaptable.
It takes time and hard work to get up and running. But if your goal is a flexible, profitable online business, high ticket dropshipping is worth it.
Ready to take the next step? Sign up for our free masterclass to discover the simple formula you can use to launch your own high ticket dropshipping business from scratch in just 30 days!
Want to start your own high ticket dropshipping business?
Watch this FREE, on-demand training session that will uncover the exact steps you need to take to launch your first high ticket dropshipping business in the next 30 days.
Article by Ben Knegendorf
Ben Knegendorf realized at 29 he needed to find another career path. Since then, he’s:
- Successfully exited a high-ticket drop shipping business that he helped take from $1 to $11M annual revenue in just 2.5 years
- Eliminated $40,000+ of personal debt
- Joined Dropship Breakthru as co-owner in 2021
Ready To Start Your Own High Ticket Dropshipping Business?
Book your complimentary call with one of our high ticket dropshipping experts who are also successfully running a business right now and are Dropship Breakthru members, to learn more about getting started.
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