How To Start Dropshipping In Colombia In 2025
Why start dropshipping
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Colombia
Starting a dropshipping business in Colombia presents a unique and promising opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the rapidly expanding ecommerce market. As the population becomes increasingly comfortable with online shopping, the potential for substantial growth is evident. The ecommerce value in the country will increase from US$13.3 billion in 2023 to reach US$18.6 billion by 2028, showcasing a robust annual growth rate that signals a fertile ground for dropshipping. This business model allows retailers to sell products without the overhead of managing inventory, significantly reducing the initial investment and operational complexities.
Colombia’s strategic location further enhances its appeal, providing access to both local and international markets. The country is home to a young, tech-savvy population, with over 70% of Colombians regularly using the internet. This high level of connectivity facilitates smooth communication with suppliers and customers, ensuring efficient business operations. Additionally, the surge in mobile commerce in Colombia opens up multiple digital platforms for entrepreneurs to reach a broader audience without substantial upfront costs.
The appeal of dropshipping goes beyond the numbers; it offers a low-risk entry point into entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to start a business with minimal capital. Entrepreneurs can focus on curating a unique product selection that resonates with local consumers, leveraging Colombia’s rich cultural diversity. Building strong brands through personalized service and targeted marketing strategies can foster customer loyalty and drive business growth.
All things considered, the combination of a burgeoning ecommerce market, a tech-savvy population, and low barriers to entry makes Colombia an attractive destination for dropshipping ventures. With the right strategies, entrepreneurs can effectively navigate this dynamic market, turning their business dreams into reality while contributing to the growth of Colombia’s digital economy.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Colombia
Advantages of dropshipping in Colombia
1. Low initial investment
One of the most significant advantages of dropshipping is the low initial investment required. Entrepreneurs can start a business with minimal capital, as they do not need to purchase inventory upfront. This makes it an attractive option for individuals looking to enter the ecommerce market without significant financial risk.
2. Minimal overhead costs
Dropshipping eliminates the need for physical storage space, reducing overhead costs such as rent, utilities, and insurance. This allows businesses to operate lean and focus resources on marketing and customer service, which are crucial for growth in the competitive ecommerce landscape.
3. Scalability
The business model is highly scalable. As demand increases, entrepreneurs can easily add more products or suppliers without the burden of managing additional inventory. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in a market like Colombia, where ecommerce is rapidly growing and consumer preferences can change quickly.
4. Access to a wide range of products
Dropshippers have access to a vast array of products from various suppliers, allowing them to offer a diverse selection to their customers. This can help attract a broader customer base and increase the likelihood of repeat business.
5. Focus on marketing and customer service
Since dropshippers do not handle inventory or shipping, they can focus more on marketing and customer service. Effective marketing strategies and excellent customer service can differentiate a business in a crowded market and build a loyal customer base.
6. Global market access
Colombia’s strategic location and growing ecommerce market provide access to both local and international customers. Dropshippers can leverage this to expand their reach and tap into new markets, increasing their potential for growth.
7. Young, tech-savvy population
Colombia has a young, tech-savvy population, with over 70% of Colombians using the internet regularly. This high level of connectivity facilitates seamless communication with suppliers and customers, ensuring smooth business operations and a strong online presence.
8. Rise of mobile commerce
The increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping in Colombia presents a significant opportunity for dropshippers. By optimizing their online stores for mobile devices, entrepreneurs can reach a broader audience and capitalize on the growing trend of mobile commerce.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Colombia
1. Limited control over product quality
One of the main drawbacks of dropshipping is the limited control over product quality. Since the products are sourced from suppliers, there is a risk of receiving low-quality items, which can lead to customer dissatisfaction and negative reviews.
2. Shipping delays and issues
Dropshippers rely on suppliers to handle the shipping process, which can sometimes result in delays or other issues. These problems can negatively impact the customer experience and damage the business’s reputation.
3. Competition
The low barrier to entry in dropshipping means that the market is highly competitive. New businesses must find ways to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded field, which can be challenging and require significant marketing efforts.
4. Profit margins
The profit margins in dropshipping can be relatively thin, especially for new businesses. The cost of products, shipping, and platform fees can eat into profits, making it essential to find ways to optimize costs and increase revenue.
5. Supplier reliability
Finding reliable and trustworthy suppliers is crucial for the success of a dropshipping business. Unreliable suppliers can lead to stockouts, delays, and other issues that can harm the business. Building strong relationships with suppliers takes time and effort.
6. Customer service challenges
Handling customer service issues can be more challenging in a dropshipping model. Since the business does not have physical control over the products, resolving issues such as returns or exchanges can be more complicated and time-consuming.
7. Brand differentiation
Building a strong brand in the dropshipping industry can be challenging. Many dropshippers offer similar products, making it essential to find unique ways to differentiate the business and stand out from the competition.
Although some may doubt the effectiveness of dropshipping, the countless success stories of entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses from the ground up demonstrate that with the right mindset and strategies, this model is indeed worth pursuing.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
