I’ve been hearing the same thing since 2016:
“Dropshipping is dead.”
And honestly, I get it — the business model has taken a beating in the media, and there have been a lot of changes over the years.
But from my experience, saying dropshipping is dead is usually something people say after they tried it and failed… or they’re frustrated seeing others succeed when they haven’t yet.
The truth is: Dropshipping isn’t dying. It’s changing and will continue to do so. And personally? I love that.
Dropshipping Should Already Be Dead, Shouldn’t It?
There’s been no shortage of events that people thought would be the final nail in the coffin for dropshipping. I remember when:
- Ad prices skyrocketed
- Epacket shipping was removed
- Chinese tariffs were introduced
- Dropshipping got way more competitive
- Ad account bans started hitting everyone
- And the media dragged dropshipping through the mud
Each time, people claimed it was the end. But every single time, the sellers who stuck with it adapted, evolved, and thrived.
People are still making millions of dollars with dropshipping today, literally whilst you’re reading this.
What’s Actually Changing (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
Let’s be honest, low-ticket dropshipping from China to the U.S. isn’t what it used to be. Trump’s tariffs have destroyed that for the time being. And I’ve felt as if that model of dropshipping has been dead for some time anyway.
But that doesn’t mean the entire model is broken. It just means the old tactics are becoming less effective, and smarter, more sustainable strategies are taking their place.
Things like:
- High-ticket dropshipping products are still viable
- Working with local suppliers
- Work with agents based in China
- Building branded stores
- Unique marketing strategies
- Offering a better customer experience
I love changes in the industry, it always provides new opportunities for those who think creatively and reduces a lot of the competition.
Why Dropshipping Won’t Die!
There is no way such an amazing business model will just die and become obsolete. Think about it:
- Low startup costs — You don’t need $10k to get started.
- Scalability — You can scale fast without needing a warehouse or team.
- Low risk — No need to buy inventory upfront or rent retail space.
- Minimal barriers to entry — Anyone with a laptop and Wi-Fi can get started.
Even with the challenges, those fundamentals still make it one of the most accessible online businesses out there.
AI Will Make Dropshipping Even Easier!
Here’s what gets me really excited:
AI is changing everything.
We’re already seeing tools that can:
- Find winning products
- Build entire stores
- Write product descriptions and ads
- Automate customer service
- Manage email marketing
And that’s just the beginning.
Soon, we’ll see self-driving delivery trucks, drones dropping off parcels, and AI-powered warehouses managing inventory and fulfillment.
One of the biggest costs in dropshipping right now is last mile delivery, which is getting the product from a local warehouse to the customer.
Once that becomes cheaper and more efficient (which it will), the profit margins get even better.
Conclusion
People will always say dropshipping is dead — but the reality is, it’s just not the same as it was five years ago. And that’s a good thing.
Because every new “challenge” is actually an opportunity for those willing to evolve, think creatively, and play the long game.
So no — dropshipping isn’t dead.
It’s just waking up to a smarter, faster, more exciting future.
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