What’s the Real Cost of Starting a Shopify Dropshipping Business in 2025

You’d have seen the viral videos of people claiming to have started a successful dropshipping business with $0. 

Let’s start right there. It’s a compelling fantasy, but it’s a fantasy nonetheless.

If you’re serious about building a real, profitable business, you need to be prepared to invest.

That said, the question is – How much money do you need to start Shopify dropshipping in 2025?

Talking in riddles, it’s less than you think for a traditional business, but more than you hope for a “side hustle.”

The truth is, while you don’t need money for inventory, you absolutely need it for everything else.

This is a common pitfall. People think no stock means no cost. It’s a rookie mistake. A dropshipping business is a real business, and every real business incurs costs.

Let’s break down where the money is required for your dropshipping business to take off.

The Non-Negotiable Essentials

These are the costs you cannot avoid. Think of them as the foundation of your digital storefront.

Shopify Plan

This is your operating system. Shopify is the gold standard for a reason—it’s reliable, scalable, and user-friendly. Yes, you get a free trial, but you’ll need a paid plan to start selling.

Cost: The Basic Shopify plan is your best bet, currently around $24 per month. Budget for at least a few months to give yourself time to get momentum.

Domain Name

Your domain name is your brand’s online address. A custom domain like yourbrandname.com looks professional and builds trust.

Cost: Starts around $10 to $15 per year. Easy.

Essential Apps

Shopify has a massive app store. While many are free, some of the most powerful tools come with a monthly subscription.

You’ll need apps for things like sourcing products (DSers, Zendrop), adding reviews, and improving your store’s user experience.

Cost: This can range from $20 to $50+ per month, depending on your needs. Start with the free versions. Only upgrade when you absolutely need to. Keep it lean. 

Supplier Platforms – Monthly Plan Costs

Besides Shopify apps, you’ll also need supplier platforms to connect you with products and manage fulfillment. Here are the most popular ones:

Platform	Free Plan?	Paid Plan Features	Cost Range
Zendrop	Yes (limited)	Faster shipping, branded invoicing, more products	$49/month (Pro)
CJ Dropshipping	Free	Optional paid services like product videos, private sourcing, warehousing	Free–Varies
Spocket	Yes (basic limited)	Access to U.S. & EU suppliers, fast shipping, branded invoicing	$39–$99/month

Pro Tip: Start with free plans if possible. Upgrade only when you validate products and need faster shipping or branding options.

The Bare Minimum Starting Budget

The cost above covers your first few months of Shopify, a domain name, and a couple of paid apps. 

This is the bare minimum when calculating how much money you need to start Shopify dropshipping.

And, it’s not recommended.

Why?

Because it leaves you with no money for the single most important part of your business: getting customers.

Revenue Generating Money: Investing in Marketing

This is where the real entrepreneurs separate themselves from the dreamers.

Your store could be the most beautiful website on the internet, but without marketing, it’s just a house in the desert. Nobody’s going to find it.

Get Ready for Paid Advertising

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Google Ads are going to be your best friends. They put your products in front of thousands of people in a matter of hours.

So… keep them close! 

Cost: This is where you should allocate the bulk of your budget. Run ads for at least $15 – $20 per day. Start with a small test budget and scale up as you find what works. A good starting budget is around $300 – $500 for the first month.

That’s still lean. And please be specific. The more general you go, the more ad spend you need. 

Your Backup Capital: Contingency Fund

You’ll need money for returns, refunds, and chargebacks. Customers are unpredictable. Products can be lost in transit. 

Don’t be caught off guard.

Cost: Set aside at least 10% of your initial budget for these unexpected costs.

Expect this number to be usually between $500 and $1000 for the budget discussed. It allows you to cover your essential costs and, most importantly, invest in paid advertising to start generating your first sales. This is where you’ll start to learn what works and what doesn’t.

A Realistic Breakdown of Your First Month

Let’s put it all together. Here’s the typical spend for someone serious about starting dropshipping in 2025, considering they know the basics:

• Shopify Plan: $24
• Domain: $15
• Product Sourcing App: $20
• Review App: $10
• Paid Ads (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok): $400 ($13.33/day)
• Contingency Fund: $100 (just in case)

Total First Month Cost: $569

A manageable investment for a business that has the potential to generate thousands, but that’s considering the best-case scenario. 

This budget is enough to get you off the ground, test a few products, and validate your idea without betting the farm.

But if you add a little more budget and choose a niche product with lower media buying costs, you have better odds of success.

The Real Cost Isn’t Just Money

Money is only half of the equation. The other half is time, effort, and knowledge.

The most successful dropshippers are the ones who treat their business like a real job. They’re constantly learning, optimizing, and adapting.

Helping sprouting e-commerce businesses from ideation to e-commerce training and their first sale, One32 Solutions has generated multiple 6-figure e-commerce brands across the UAE, KSA, and the USA.

Now that you know exactly how much money you need to start Shopify dropshipping, the next step is building a winning strategy. 

Setting Up for Your Shopify Store for Success

Seeing firsthand, the businesses that succeed are the ones with a solid foundation.

It’s not about luck; it’s about strategy.

Knowing your numbers is just one piece of the puzzle. You also need a killer brand, compelling copy, and a strategic approach to marketing.

You need to understand the entire process from start to finish. And that’s where One32 Solutions has helped our clients establish successful e-commerce businesses. 

If you want a DIY solution and the step-by-step process of building your store from the ground up, here’s How to Start Shopify Dropshipping in 2025: A No-Nonsense Guide.

This is where you’ll find the full blueprint for turning your money and effort into a real, sustainable e-commerce business.

And if you’re looking for a done-for-you solution, reach out to our team of e-commerce experts.