I kept getting these DMs on Instagram and Twitter. Teenagers, college girls, even a few women in their 30s, all saying the same thing: “Didi, drop shipping ke baare mein bhi likho na!”
It wasn’t just one or two messages. It had become a regular request. So I finally sat down, opened my laptop, and started figuring it out for all of you.
Truth is, I hadn’t tried drop shipping myself. But I know many of you are searching for side hustles that don’t need coding, stock, or too much upfront cost. So I spent the last few weeks researching, creating demo stores, testing tools, and mapping a step-by-step path.
This blog is everything I’ve learned. If you’re curious about drop shipping, but don’t know where to start, let’s figure it out together.
What is Drop Shipping? (aka Drop Ship Meaning)
Drop shipping is an online business where you sell products without holding any inventory. When someone places an order, it’s shipped directly from a third-party supplier to your customer.
That means:
- No stock
- No packaging
- No delivery hassles
You handle marketing and customer service. The supplier handles the rest. Sahi hai, right?
1. Pick Your Niche
A niche is the specific category of products you choose to sell. Picking the right niche is what sets your store apart. Instead of trying to sell everything, start small and specific. For example, don’t just sell baby products , focus on eco-friendly baby feeding tools or Montessori toys. This helps you target the right audience and makes marketing easier. Browse platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or Amazon’s bestsellers to spot what’s trending. Tools like Google Trends or Exploding Topics can show what buyers are searching for. Don’t skip this step. It’s your foundation.
2. Choose a Drop Shipping Platform
Your platform decides how you’ll manage products, payments, and delivery. Shopify + DSers is great for creating your own custom store , ideal if you want full control. Meesho is simpler and free, great for testing waters. WooCommerce with AliDropship works well if you’re already comfortable with WordPress. Here’s a comparison:
| Platform | Best For | India Friendly? | Free Plan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify + DSers | Custom stores | ✅ | Free trial |
| Meesho | Indian products, no website | ✅ | ✅ |
| WooCommerce + AliDropship | WordPress users | ⚠️ | No |
For beginners who want to grow fast and stay flexible, Shopify + DSers is the best place to start.
3. Create Your Store (Even a Basic One!)
Don’t wait till your store looks perfect. Start small. Sign up on Shopify, install the DSers app, and import 5–10 products from verified suppliers. You can edit names, add descriptions, and customize pricing. Keep your design clean and user-friendly. Use Canva to design a basic logo. Stick to neutral colors and clear product categories. Many drop shippers delay launching because they get stuck on design , don’t make that mistake. Your store should be simple but functional. Launch first, polish later.
4. Add Real Product Descriptions
Many beginners make the mistake of copying product details from AliExpress. This feels robotic and turns buyers away. Instead, write in your voice. Describe how the product helps someone’s life. For example, if you’re selling a lunchbox, write something like, “No more soggy rotis or curry spills , this leak-proof lunchbox is mom-approved and office-friendly.” Use phrases that show you understand your customer. Keep it short, clear, and warm. If writing isn’t your strength, try AI writing tools or take inspiration from Amazon reviews.
5. Set Up Payment & Delivery
To collect money in India, set up Razorpay or Instamojo , both support UPI, debit cards, and more. Make sure your store clearly shows return/refund policies. For delivery, pick suppliers that offer tracking and realistic timelines. DSers lets you see supplier ratings and delivery speeds. Never choose a product with bad reviews or unknown shipping details. Always test your own checkout process , place a sample order to see how smooth the process is. Your buyer’s trust depends on this.
6. Market Smartly (Not Expensively)
You don’t need paid ads to get your first customers. Start with what you have , friends, family, WhatsApp, Instagram. Record a short product demo or unboxing video. Post it as a reel or story. Ask a friend to try your product and share a review. Offer a tiny discount for referrals. Keep your link in bio and mention it regularly. Consistency beats perfection. Every reel, post, or DM brings your product in front of someone new. Be patient and keep experimenting.
7. Handle First Orders Like Gold
Your first few customers are precious. When someone places an order, confirm it fast. Message them, thank them, and give updates. Choose suppliers who provide tracking so you can keep the customer informed. After delivery, check in to ask how they liked it. This builds trust and encourages reviews. A happy first buyer is more likely to come back and refer you to others. These early experiences shape your brand’s reputation, so treat them like gold.
Bonus: Drop Shipping Without a Website
Yes, it’s possible! You can start drop shipping directly through Instagram or WhatsApp without creating a full store.
Here’s how:
- Pick 1–3 trending products (like jewellery, home decor, or kitchen tools)
- Post clean photos and reels on Instagram
- Take orders via DMs or WhatsApp
- Place the order with your supplier only after receiving payment
Use payment links from Razorpay or Instamojo. Share tracking once dispatched. This is perfect if you want to test the waters with zero setup costs.
Drop Shipping Examples You Can Learn From
- Meesho Resellers who build side income selling ethnic wear and kitchen tools , without any website
- First-time entrepreneurs who used Kindle publishing profits to test a Shopify-based store (check out my full guide here: Kindle Book Publishing)
- Niche sellers using print-on-demand drop shipping for mugs, planners, or t-shirts (explained in my print-on-demand blog)
Quick Checklist to Start Drop Shipping
| Step | Tool/Tip |
| Pick a niche | Google Trends, Pinterest |
| Set up store | Shopify + DSers |
| Add products | Focused, trending, tracked |
| Design assets | Canva |
| Payment gateway | Razorpay or Instamojo |
| Market the product | Reels, friends, stories |
| Fulfill orders | Follow up + support |
Conclusion
A lot of women ask me, “But will it work for me?”
Here’s what I always say , drop shipping is not a quick-get-rich scheme. If that’s what you’re expecting, you’ll be disappointed. Like anything meaningful, it takes time, trial, and real understanding.
But if you treat it like a small time SIP , invest a little learning every week, test one product at a time, and stay focused , it can absolutely grow into something real and steady.
That’s how I built my own freelance income. And if you ever need personal guidance, I’m always just one DM away. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Start with one step. Keep going. You’ve got this.
There is always a side hustle that suits your time, passion, and skills. All you need to do is find it and nurture it with consistent effort. To discover such ideas, explore the Work & Worth segment where I regularly share honest, doable side hustles tailored for women like us.
Extra FAQs on Drop Shipping
Q1: Do I need to register a business to start?
No, you can begin casually, but if you’re serious about your drop shipping journey, a registered business adds credibility and ease with payment gateways.
Q2: What’s the best way to pick a product?
When starting drop shipping, choose simple products people actually need. Avoid electronics or complicated items. Go for easy-to-ship, low-return-risk items.
Q3: Can I run everything from my phone?
Yes, your drop shipping operations can be managed via apps. But designing, writing descriptions, and managing suppliers are easier on a laptop.
Q4: What’s the initial cost involved?
You can start drop shipping for free via Meesho. If using Shopify, budget ₹1500–₹3000 for basic setup. Add marketing spend based on your goals.
Q5: Is drop shipping risky?
Yes, drop shipping involves supplier delays, refund issues, and margin pressure. But with smart tools, clear policies, and constant learning, risks can be managed
Meet Anam Syed — a freelance writer, side hustle strategist, and full-time mom to little Amara. Based in Pune, Anam started freelancing during her pregnancy and never looked back. With over 5 years of experience in blogging, podcasting, and digital work, she now helps women like you turn their spare time into something powerful. Her mantra? Do one thing every day that builds your “time SIP” — a side project that grows into freedom.
