The appeal of starting an online business without dealing with inventory is a dream for many. Dropshipping makes that dream a reality, offering a low-risk way to enter the world of e-commerce.
With dropshipping, you sell products online without physically stocking them. When a customer orders, you forward the details to your dropshipping supplier, who ships the product directly to the customer. No warehousing, no packing boxes, no upfront investment in stock – just pure selling.
While Shopify often dominates the “Shopify vs BigCommerce for dropshipping” discussions, BigCommerce presents unique advantages that make it a powerful choice, particularly for ambitious dropshippers.
This guide takes you step-by-step through building a successful dropshipping business on BigCommerce, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to thrive.
Table of Contents
- Setting Up Your Store
- Finding Products
- Customizing Your Store
- Marketing Your Store
- Managing Orders and Customer Service
- Advanced Tips
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Setting Up Your BigCommerce Store for Dropshipping
Your BigCommerce store is the heart of your business. Setting it up strategically is essential for smooth operations and sustainable growth. Let’s break it down:
1. Choosing the Right BigCommerce Plan
BigCommerce offers plans designed for various business stages. For newcomers to dropshipping, the “Standard” plan provides a solid starting point, with unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth. As you scale, seamlessly transition to higher-tier plans, unlocking features like abandoned cart recovery, customer segmentation, and priority support.
2. Connecting Your Domain Name
A custom domain name (yourstore.com instead of yourstore.bigcommerce.com) instantly makes your store look professional and helps customers remember you. You can either buy a domain directly through BigCommerce or connect one you already own from another registrar.
3. Selecting a Dropshipping-Optimized Theme
BigCommerce offers a range of free and paid themes. Choose one that reflects your brand personality and is built for dropshipping. Prioritize mobile responsiveness (your site looks good on phones), fast loading speeds, and clear product presentation.
Finding and Importing Dropshipping Products
Your product selection is the backbone of your dropshipping business. Here’s how to source winning products and integrate them into your store:
1. Exploring Dropshipping Marketplaces
Directories and marketplaces like Worldwide Brands, SaleHoo, and Doba connect you with vetted dropshipping suppliers across various categories.
2. Vetting Dropshipping Suppliers
Finding reliable suppliers is non-negotiable. Look into a supplier’s reputation, product quality, shipping times, and customer service. Requesting product samples is a smart move to personally assess quality.
3. Importing Products into Your BigCommerce Store
You can either add products manually (descriptions, images, prices) or use dropshipping apps to automate this process. These apps sync product info and stock levels with your store, making your life much easier.
Customizing Your BigCommerce Dropshipping Store
Turn your BigCommerce store into an experience that converts browsers into buyers:
1. Crafting Compelling Product Pages
- Use high-quality product images.
- Write detailed descriptions highlighting features and benefits.
- Include customer reviews to build trust.
- Add clear “Buy Now” buttons.
2. Setting Up Shipping Options
Define your shipping strategy. Consider:
- Shipping zones (where you ship to)
- Carriers (USPS, FedEx, etc.)
- Order weight
- Free or discounted shipping as incentives
3. Configuring Payment Gateways
- Choose trusted payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net.
- BigCommerce offers seamless integration.
4. Building Essential Pages
- About Us: Tell your story.
- Contact: Make it easy to reach you.
- Shipping & Returns: Be transparent.
- Privacy Policy: A legal requirement.
Marketing Your BigCommerce Dropshipping Store
Get your store in front of the right people:
1. Optimizing for Search Engines (SEO)
- Use relevant keywords throughout your site.
- Optimize product descriptions and meta tags.
- Submit your sitemap to search engines.
2. Leveraging Social Media
- Engage with your audience on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Create shareable content.
- Run targeted ads.
3. Exploring Paid Advertising
- Consider Google Ads and Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience.
- Monitor campaign performance and make adjustments.
4. Building Customer Relationships with Email Marketing
- Collect email addresses and build your list.
- Segment your audience.
- Send targeted emails with promotions and updates.
Managing Orders and Customer Service
Keep your customers happy for repeat business:
1. Seamless Order Processing
- Automate workflows using apps and integrations.
- Quickly forward orders to your suppliers.
- Keep your inventory information accurate.
2. Responsive Customer Support
- Respond to inquiries promptly and professionally.
- Go the extra mile to solve problems.
3. Handling Returns
- Have clear return policies.
- Work with your suppliers to ensure smooth returns.
Advanced Tips for Dropshipping Success on BigCommerce
Level up your dropshipping game:
1. Harnessing Data Analytics
- Use BigCommerce’s analytics to track performance, find growth opportunities, and improve your marketing.
- Analyze sales, customer behavior, and product performance.
2. Automating Tasks for Efficiency
- Automate order fulfillment, email marketing, and inventory management using apps and tools.
- BigCommerce integrates with various automation solutions.
3. Scaling for Growth
- As your business expands, BigCommerce offers the tools to keep up.
- Upgrade your plan to access more features.
- Optimize your site’s speed and security.
FAQ
Is BigCommerce good for dropshipping?
BigCommerce is an excellent choice, especially if you’re serious about growth. It’s known for its built-in features that are designed for scaling and its lack of transaction fees, which can save you a significant amount of money as your sales increase.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees for dropshipping?
No. Unlike many other platforms, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees, no matter which payment gateway you use or how much you sell.
What are the best dropshipping apps for BigCommerce?
Spocket, Printful, and Wholesale2B are popular choices. They provide features like product sourcing, automated order processing, and print-on-demand capabilities.
How much does it cost to start dropshipping on BigCommerce?
Costs depend on your plan and the apps you choose. The entry-level plan starts at $29 per month, and you may also want a custom domain and theme.
Can I use multiple dropshipping suppliers on my BigCommerce store?
Absolutely! BigCommerce supports integration with multiple suppliers. You can find apps that make managing multiple suppliers a breeze.
How do I handle returns with dropshipping on BigCommerce?
Clear return policies are key. Communicate them clearly to your customers. Coordinate returns with your suppliers and strive for a smooth and efficient refund or exchange process.
Conclusion
Dropshipping on BigCommerce provides a powerful path to building a successful online business. By following these steps, you can establish a strong foundation, source great products, customize your store, attract customers, and manage orders seamlessly.
BigCommerce’s scalability, robust features, and zero transaction fees make it a top contender in the “bigcommerce dropshipping” space. Take advantage of the platform’s flexibility and unlock your entrepreneurial potential.