Published: September 2, 2025 | Last updated: September 2, 2025
Dropshipping in 2025 remains highly popular in e-commerce, mainly due to low startup costs, operational flexibility, and the potential for rapid business scaling. However, due to increasing price competition as well as logistical and return handling challenges, running a store in this model requires a strategic approach and appropriate tools.
In this guide, you'll learn: how dropshipping works, what opportunities and risks this sales model entails, how to optimize logistics and customer service operations, and which API integrations and automations will help you maintain a competitive edge.
If you're thinking about entering e-commerce or want to improve the efficiency of your online store, this article is for you. We focus on practical examples and solutions tailored to the realities of SMEs operating in Poland and abroad.
Table of contents
- What is dropshipping and how does it work?
- Advantages of dropshipping in e-commerce
- Main challenges and risks of the dropshipping model
- First steps in dropshipping – how to get started?
- Automation and API integration – the key to scaling
- Logistics and returns handling – a practical approach
- Customer service quality as a competitive advantage
- Is dropshipping still profitable in 2025?
- FAQ – frequently asked questions
- Dropshipping: key takeaways
- Dropshipping is an e-commerce model based on selling without holding inventory – logistics are handled by the supplier.
- Low startup costs, automation, and scalability are the main advantages of this sales method.
- Dropshipping risks include limited control over logistics, pricing pressure, and return handling challenges.
- Automation and API integration help avoid operational errors and increase the efficiency of order management.
What is dropshipping and how does it work?
Dropshipping is a fulfillment model in which the seller does not physically possess the items sold – products are stored in the supplier's warehouse, who ships them directly to the end customer.
The seller is responsible for marketing, customer service, and formal sales, while the supplier physically fulfills the order. This solution allows for launching an e-commerce business practically "from scratch" without investing in warehousing or stock.
What does the process look like step by step?
- The customer places an order in your online store.
- The order is automatically forwarded to the supplier (e.g., via API integration).
- The supplier picks and packs the item, which is sent directly to the end customer.
- You, as the seller, receive the payment and are responsible for customer service, including handling complaints and returns.
Advantages of dropshipping in e-commerce
Why is this model so popular?
- Low startup costs: You don't need capital to purchase stock upfront or to rent warehouse space.
- Wide assortment: You can offer hundreds (or even thousands) of products without physically storing them.
- Flexibility: Quickly test new categories or product niches.
- No issues with excess stock: You don’t worry about stock rotation or unsold inventory.
- Work from anywhere: Dropshipping is ideal for e-commerce owners who operate fully online.
Main challenges and risks of the dropshipping model
Although this model is appealing, it also has many challenges.
- Lack of control over logistics: As the seller, you can't control when and how the product is shipped.
- Price competition: Dropshipping has a low barrier to entry, leading to fierce competition and low margins.
- Risk of incomplete inventory: Products may be out of stock even though they appear available in your store.
- Handling returns: Becomes complicated if the supplier doesn’t handle returns on behalf of the seller.
- Limited ability to build your brand: Customers often don’t associate your brand with the product, especially if packages are not branded.
First steps in dropshipping – how to get started?
Setting up a dropshipping-based store is a process that can be broken down into several stages:
- Choose a product niche: Focus on an area with sales potential and moderate competition.
- Find trusted suppliers: Ideally those with APIs and positive reviews from other e-sellers.
- Create an online store: Build a platform on WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Shopify, or Shoplo.
- Connect your store with the supplier: The best solution is automatic API integration.
- Start marketing activities: PPC ads, content marketing, influencers, email marketing.
Automation and API integration – the key to scaling
Effective e-commerce automation is your best support in daily operations.
API integration between your store and the supplier’s system allows for:
- Automatic updates of product availability and prices.
- Automatically placing orders with the supplier.
- Generating shipping labels directly in the store system.
- Tracking and updating order fulfillment status.
Convenient payment handling? Check out payment solutions from Przelewy24
Logistics and returns handling – a practical approach
Returns handling in the dropshipping model can be challenging. The two most common scenarios are:
- Return to the supplier: Nothing changes for the customer, but the supplier must accept the return and confirm it.
- Return to an intermediate warehouse in the country of sale: This solution is preferred by customers and can significantly increase conversion rates.
According to ClickPost research, over 65% of customers check the return policy before making a purchase.
Therefore, it's important to:
- Clearly define your return policy on the website.
- Offer local returns or partner warehouses.
- Respond quickly and transparently to return and complaint requests.
Customer service quality as a competitive advantage
Technology is just one part, but the human experience at the end of the process – the customer – determines your future success.
- Respond quickly and substantively – ideally within 24 business hours.
- Offer multichannel contact: email, chat, phone, social media.
- Support in the customer’s language – especially crucial for international sales.
- Be transparent about complaints and delays.
Is dropshipping still profitable in 2025?
Yes, provided you correctly assess market potential and effectively manage logistics, quality, automation, and customer service.
According to Grand View Research, the dropshipping market in 2025 will reach a value of USD 464.44 billion. With a yearly growth rate of 22%, it is one of the fastest-growing segments of e-commerce.
Key profitability factors:
- Well-selected product assortment with real demand.
- Automation and minimizing errors in order processing.
- Professional returns and complaints handling.
- High quality customer service and buyer satisfaction.
- Avoiding price wars by building added value, e.g., through branding or a unique offer.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
1. Is dropshipping legal?
Yes, as long as you operate in compliance with commercial and consumer laws.
2. How much does it cost to start selling via dropshipping?
Low startup costs are a strength – it’s possible to start with a few hundred PLN, but realistically a budget of 2000-5000 PLN is recommended for the site, integrations, and marketing.
3. How to find a good supplier for dropshipping?
Check reviews, API availability, order fulfillment time, and return policy. Use B2B platforms and industry recommendations.
4. Is dropshipping passive income?
Not entirely. While many operations can be automated, you still need to manage the store, marketing, and customer service.
5. Does dropshipping work on international markets?
Yes, but it requires language, logistics, and legal adaptation – local return addresses and language support are very helpful.
Dropshipping: key takeaways
Dropshipping remains a profitable sales model in e-commerce, especially for SMEs looking to start with a limited budget. Its success, however, depends on several key factors: niche selection, efficient logistics, high-quality customer service, and automation through API integrations.
By managing your e-business wisely and monitoring changing customer needs – you can not only maintain but even grow your advantage in a competitive market.
Convenient payment methods for your customers are an opportunity to grow your business.
Sources:
- “Ecommerce Return Statistics: Key Trends & Insights for 2025”, ClickPost
- The Business Research Company – Global Dropshipping Market Report 2025
- Grand View Research – Dropshipping Market Forecast 2025-2030
- Paxy Sp. z o.o. – API integration and return handling in the dropshipping model
