Dropshipping, How it Works, Which Platforms are best, how to create account, how to hunt products, how to link accounts
A practical, step-by-step 2025 guide for entrepreneurs in Asia who want to start dropshipping: how it works, best platforms, account setup, product hunting tactics, and linking supplier & store accounts.
What is Dropshipping & How it Works
Dropshipping, How it Works, Which Platforms are best, how to create account, how to hunt products, how to link accounts — at its core, dropshipping is a low-risk e-commerce model where you sell products online without storing inventory. When a customer places an order, your supplier ships the product directly to the customer. You act as the storefront, marketing engine, and customer support hub.
Key stages in the dropshipping flow
- Find a supplier & product (product research).
- Create a storefront (Shopify, WooCommerce, or marketplace listing).
- Link supplier and store accounts (API, apps, manual CSV).
- Receive orders — supplier fulfills and ships.
- You handle payments, customer service, and returns policy.
Which Platforms are best (2025) — Platforms & Marketplaces
For Asia, platform choice influences speed, fees and local reach. Popular picks:
- Shopify — fastest way to launch branded stores and connect to apps and payment gateways. (Good for TikTok Shop cross-promotion.)
- WooCommerce — flexible self-hosted WordPress stores (low cost if you already use WordPress).
- Shopee & Lazada — local marketplaces with huge traffic in Southeast Asia. Great when targeting SEA audiences.
- TikTok Shop — social commerce growth means direct product discovery and live selling (see our TikTok Shop guide).
- Amazon (FBA alternatives) — not classic dropshipping but hybrid models exist; be careful with policies.
Helpful resources: Shopify docs — shopify.com, AliExpress for suppliers — aliexpress.com, and marketplace pages for Shopee / Lazada.
How to Create Account — Step by Step (Store & Supplier)
1. Setting up your online store (example: Shopify)
- Create an email for the business (use separate email like shop@yourdomain.com).
- Sign up at shopify.com and choose a plan after trial.
- Pick a domain (use Shopify domain or connect an external one).
- Add products (manually or via an app like DSers / Spocket).
- Set up payments (Stripe, PayPal or local gateways like PayTabs, Payoneer depending on country).
2. Creating supplier accounts (AliExpress / local wholesaler)
- Register on the supplier marketplace (AliExpress or local B2B).
- Verify business details where required (helps with higher daily limits).
- Contact shortlisted suppliers and request sample orders to test quality & shipping times.
Pro tip: keep a short checklist for legal compliance — business registration, VAT/GST rules, and returns policy per your target markets in Asia.
How to Hunt Products — Product Research for Dropshipping
Product research separates winners from losers. Use a mix of data, trend signals and manual vetting.
Tactics that work in 2025
- Trend platforms: Google Trends, TikTok Discover, and Shopee/Lazada trending lists.
- Marketplace research: Check best-seller ranks and reviews on AliExpress, Shopee, Lazada & Amazon.
- Competitor stores: Spy on competitors using tools (product pages, FB ads libraries, TikTok ads).
- Profit margin math: Target 30–60% gross margin after ad & shipping costs.
- Sample orders: Always buy 1–2 samples to test product & shipping speed.
Use the linked article about trending products for deeper workflows and tools: How to Find Trending E-commerce Products (2025).
How to Link Accounts — Integrations & Order Flow
Connecting supplier and store accounts automates orders, inventory and tracking updates. Below are common linking patterns.
Common linking methods
- Apps/Plugins: Shopify apps (DSers, Spocket, CJdropshipping) connect suppliers and auto-fulfill orders.
- API integration: For custom stores, use supplier API endpoints to push orders and receive tracking numbers.
- CSV import/export: Manual but useful for smaller volumes — export order CSV and send to supplier.
- Marketplace connectors: Shopee/Lazada sellers use their seller centers to manage orders directly.
Important: test the end-to-end flow (order → supplier confirmation → tracking → delivered) before marketing at scale.
SEO, Logistics & Local Tips for Asia
When targeting Asia, tailor product pages, shipping options and payment methods for each country. Use localized keywords (e.g., “dropshipping in Philippines”, “Shopee dropship Singapore”), currencies, and return addresses.
SEO & content tips
- Write product descriptions in local tone and include local slang where appropriate.
- Use structured data (Product, FAQ) — we include an FAQ schema below to help search visibility.
- Internal link to related content: our TikTok Shop guide and e-commerce starter articles can boost topical authority.
FAQ — Dropshipping Questions (Quick Answers)
A: Yes — but you must follow local business registration, tax rules, and marketplace policies. Check your country’s e-commerce regulations.
A: For a brand store use Shopify or WooCommerce. For fast market entry in SE Asia use Shopee or Lazada. Combine both for omnichannel reach.
A: Depends on supplier and shipping option. AliExpress standard shipping to Asia can be 7–20 days; local suppliers can ship in 2–7 days.
A: Vet suppliers with reviews, order samples, verify business documents, and maintain backup suppliers.
Get our step-by-step checklist to launch faster (includes account setup & sample email templates).