GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Dropshipping Industry Statistics

The dropshipping industry is expected to continue growing rapidly, with a projected market size of over $550 billion by 2025.

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Highlights: Dropshipping Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the global market value of dropshipping was $102.2 billion.
  • The dropshipping market is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 28.8% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2027.
  • 22-33% of Internet retailers have adopted dropshipping as their primary method of order fulfillment.
  • The Fashion and Apparel industry is the most profitable niche in the dropshipping industry.
  • The biggest challenge for 84% of dropshippers is to find the right supplier and products.
  • 75% of dropshippers have used Facebook Ads for marketing.
  • In 2018, over 1.2 million people worldwide were directly involved in dropshipping.
  • China is the most popular location that dropshippers source their products from.
  • 28% of online retailers had adopted drop shipping in 2017.
  • 45% of product sold through dropshipping in the US were in the Electronics and Media category in 2020.
  • Only about 10% of dropshippers have an annual revenue that exceeds $500,000.
  • Over 60% of dropshippers are under the age of 35.
  • Nearly one third of online retailers has adopted dropshipping.
  • In 2018, dropshipping businesses in the US generated a total revenue of $85.1 billion.
  • 33% of dropshippers said that maintaining product quality is a key challenge.
  • By 2025, the global dropshipping market is projected to reach more than $557.9 billion.
  • In Q3 2020, 16% of US digital buyers reported purchasing an item via dropshipping.
  • The average profit of dropshipping retailers is between 20% and 30%.

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The Latest Dropshipping Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the global market value of dropshipping was $102.2 billion.

The statistic “In 2020, the global market value of dropshipping was $102.2 billion” indicates the total worth of the dropshipping industry worldwide during the year 2020. This figure represents the combined value of all dropshipping related transactions and revenue generated by companies operating in this sector across various countries. It signifies the economic significance and growth potential of the dropshipping industry, highlighting its increasing popularity as a business model for retailers looking to expand their online presence without the need to maintain physical inventory. The substantial market value suggests a strong demand for dropshipping services and products, propelling it to become a major player in the global retail landscape.

The dropshipping market is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 28.8% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2027.

The statistic indicates that the dropshipping market is expected to experience significant growth with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 28.8% over the forecast period from 2020 to 2027. This suggests that the industry is likely to expand rapidly in terms of market size and revenue, driven by factors such as increasing e-commerce activities, globalization, and the trend towards streamlined supply chain management. A high CAGR of nearly 30% implies a strong upward trajectory for the dropshipping market, making it an attractive industry for businesses and investors looking to capitalize on the potential growth opportunities in this sector over the next several years.

22-33% of Internet retailers have adopted dropshipping as their primary method of order fulfillment.

The statistic ’22-33% of Internet retailers have adopted dropshipping as their primary method of order fulfillment’ indicates that a significant portion of online retailers have shifted towards using dropshipping as their main strategy for fulfilling customer orders. Dropshipping is a business model in which retailers partner with suppliers who directly ship products to customers, eliminating the need for the retailer to store or manage inventory. The range of 22-33% suggests variability in the adoption rate among Internet retailers, with some sectors or companies more inclined towards implementing dropshipping compared to others. This statistic reflects a growing trend in e-commerce where retailers are leveraging dropshipping to streamline operations, reduce costs, and expand product offerings without the constraints of traditional inventory management.

The Fashion and Apparel industry is the most profitable niche in the dropshipping industry.

The statistic stating that the Fashion and Apparel industry is the most profitable niche in the dropshipping industry reflects the trend of consumers’ high demand for on-trend clothing and accessories. Dropshipping, a retail fulfillment method where the store does not keep the products it sells in stock, is particularly popular in the fashion industry due to the ever-changing styles and designs that appeal to a wide customer base. With dropshipping eliminating the need for inventory and warehousing costs, along with the ability to quickly adapt to new trends, the Fashion and Apparel niche proves to be the most profitable in the dropshipping sector, capturing the attention and purchasing power of consumers seeking the latest in fashion trends.

The biggest challenge for 84% of dropshippers is to find the right supplier and products.

The statistic that states “The biggest challenge for 84% of dropshippers is to find the right supplier and products” indicates that a significant majority of dropshippers struggle with sourcing reliable suppliers and high-quality products for their business. This statistic highlights the importance of supplier selection and product curation in the dropshipping industry, as these factors can heavily impact the overall success and profitability of a dropshipping business. It suggests that navigating the supplier landscape and product offerings effectively is a key aspect that dropshippers need to address in order to overcome a common hurdle and achieve success in their venture.

75% of dropshippers have used Facebook Ads for marketing.

The statistic “75% of dropshippers have used Facebook Ads for marketing” indicates that a significant majority of individuals or businesses engaged in dropshipping, a method of online retail fulfillment where products are shipped directly from the manufacturer to the customer, have utilized Facebook Ads as a marketing strategy. This suggests that Facebook Ads are a popular and potentially effective tool for promoting dropshipping businesses and reaching target audiences. The high prevalence of Facebook Ads usage among dropshippers may reflect the platform’s ability to target specific demographics, track performance metrics, and generate leads or sales. Overall, the statistic suggests that Facebook Ads hold a prominent position in the marketing strategies of dropshipping businesses.

In 2018, over 1.2 million people worldwide were directly involved in dropshipping.

The statistic that over 1.2 million people were directly involved in dropshipping worldwide in 2018 indicates a significant global presence and interest in this business model. Dropshipping involves selling products directly to customers without holding inventory, as the retailer only purchases items from a third party once it has been ordered by a customer. The large number of people engaged in dropshipping demonstrates its popularity as a method of entrepreneurship and income generation. This statistic suggests that dropshipping is a widespread and growing trend within the e-commerce industry, attracting a substantial number of individuals looking to start their own online businesses and take advantage of the potential profits and flexibility it offers.

China is the most popular location that dropshippers source their products from.

The statement “China is the most popular location that dropshippers source their products from” indicates that dropshippers, who operate by selling products to customers without holding inventory, commonly choose suppliers in China to fulfill their orders. This statistic implies that Chinese suppliers offer a variety of advantages to dropshippers including competitive pricing, a diverse range of products, and efficient shipping options. The popularity of sourcing products from China among dropshippers suggests that the country’s manufacturing capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility make it a highly attractive option for businesses seeking to leverage the dropshipping model.

28% of online retailers had adopted drop shipping in 2017.

The statistic “28% of online retailers had adopted drop shipping in 2017” indicates that nearly one-third of online retailers had incorporated drop shipping into their business model during the specified year. Drop shipping is a fulfillment method where retailers sell products to customers without having to keep inventory on hand, as the products are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer. The fact that a significant portion of online retailers had adopted this approach in 2017 suggests a growing trend towards leveraging drop shipping for its potential advantages, such as reduced upfront costs, expanded product offerings, and streamlined operations.

45% of product sold through dropshipping in the US were in the Electronics and Media category in 2020.

The statistic indicates that in the US market in 2020, 45% of products that were sold through dropshipping belonged to the Electronics and Media category. This suggests a significant consumer preference for electronic gadgets, media products, and related items when purchasing through dropshipping channels. This insight can be valuable for businesses involved in dropshipping, indicating a potential lucrative market segment to target with relevant products and marketing strategies. Understanding this statistic can help businesses align their offerings with consumer demand and capitalize on the popularity of Electronics and Media products within the dropshipping model in the US.

Only about 10% of dropshippers have an annual revenue that exceeds $500,000.

This statistic indicates that a small proportion, specifically about 10%, of dropshippers are able to achieve significant levels of annual revenue exceeding $500,000. The implication is that the majority of dropshippers do not reach this high revenue threshold, suggesting that achieving such levels of success in dropshipping is relatively rare. This information underscores the challenges and competitive nature of the dropshipping industry, where only a select few are able to achieve exceptional financial success. It also highlights the importance of effective business strategies, marketing techniques, product selection, and operational efficiency in order to stand out and succeed in this highly competitive space.

Over 60% of dropshippers are under the age of 35.

The statistic “Over 60% of dropshippers are under the age of 35” indicates that a majority of individuals engaged in dropshipping – a retail fulfillment method where the seller doesn’t keep the products in stock but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to a third party – belong to the younger age group. This suggests that dropshipping as a business model appeals more to the younger generation, possibly due to factors such as flexibility, lower start-up costs, and familiarity with e-commerce platforms. The statistic highlights a notable trend in entrepreneurship within the younger demographic and may have implications for marketing strategies and industry trends targeting this age group in the dropshipping sector.

Nearly one third of online retailers has adopted dropshipping.

The statistic suggests that a significant portion, nearly one third, of online retailers have embraced the business model of dropshipping. Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where the retailer does not keep goods in stock but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler, who then ships the goods directly to the customer. The adoption of dropshipping by a large number of online retailers indicates a growing trend towards minimizing inventory costs, reducing logistical complexities, and potentially expanding product offerings without the need for physical storage. This statistic highlights the evolution of e-commerce strategies as retailers seek to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in the competitive online marketplace.

In 2018, dropshipping businesses in the US generated a total revenue of $85.1 billion.

The statistic ‘In 2018, dropshipping businesses in the US generated a total revenue of $85.1 billion’ highlights the significant economic impact of dropshipping as a business model in the United States during that year. Dropshipping, a retail fulfillment method where the seller does not hold inventory of the products being sold but instead transfers orders and shipment details to a third party, has emerged as a popular and successful business approach due to its low entry barriers and flexibility. The reported revenue figure of $85.1 billion underscores the scale of operations and the overall financial success of dropshipping businesses, reflecting the growing trend of e-commerce and the opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs and consumers alike.

33% of dropshippers said that maintaining product quality is a key challenge.

This statistic indicates that one-third of dropshippers, individuals or businesses that sell products without holding inventory, identified maintaining product quality as a significant challenge. This insight implies that ensuring high-quality products reach customers is a major concern within the dropshipping industry, potentially impacting customer satisfaction and business success. Dropshippers may face hurdles such as quality control issues with suppliers, product consistency, or shipping times, all of which can affect overall customer experience and reputation. Addressing this challenge effectively is crucial for dropshippers to build trust with their customers and sustain long-term success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

By 2025, the global dropshipping market is projected to reach more than $557.9 billion.

The statistic presented indicates that the global dropshipping market is forecasted to grow significantly by the year 2025, with a projected value exceeding $557.9 billion. This suggests a substantial expansion of the online retail model of dropshipping, where businesses sell products without holding inventory, thus relying on third-party suppliers to fulfill orders. The impressive growth projected for the dropshipping market underscores the increasing acceptance and adoption of e-commerce by both businesses and consumers, as well as the ongoing trend towards streamlined and efficient supply chain management practices. This statistic highlights a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to capitalize on the evolving landscape of online retail and logistics.

In Q3 2020, 16% of US digital buyers reported purchasing an item via dropshipping.

In the context of Q3 2020, the statistic indicating that 16% of US digital buyers reported purchasing an item via dropshipping implies that a significant portion of consumers in the United States engaged in this relatively new retail fulfillment method during that period. Dropshipping is a retail model where the seller does not hold inventory but instead transfers customer orders and shipment details to a third party, typically the manufacturer or wholesaler, who then directly ships the product to the buyer. The fact that 16% of digital buyers participated in dropshipping suggests a growing trend towards this convenient and cost-effective approach to online shopping, reflecting the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers in the digital marketplace in Q3 2020.

The average profit of dropshipping retailers is between 20% and 30%.

This statistic suggests that, on average, dropshipping retailers are making a profit margin of between 20% and 30% on the products they sell. This indicates that, for every sale made, dropshipping retailers are retaining a profit that falls within this range after accounting for the cost of goods sold and other expenses. A profit margin in this range is considered healthy and indicative of successful operations, as it allows retailers to cover their costs and generate a solid return on investment. It also implies efficient pricing strategies, effective cost management, and strong sales performance within the dropshipping industry.

References

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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