E-Commerce, Online Business, Selling

Is Dropshipping A Good Way To Make Money Online?

September 25, 2024
By itssophiebiggerstaff.com

Share this post:

Is Dropshipping a Good Business Model to Make Money Online? (This Is My Honest Opinion)

Let’s talk about something that’s been all over social media lately – dropshipping.

If you’ve ever searched “how to make money online”, you’ve probably come across videos or posts telling you dropshipping is the easiest business model in the world. Low startup cost, no inventory, instant income – sounds dreamy, right?

Well, here’s my honest take as someone who’s spent years in the online business world:
Dropshipping can work short-term, but it’s not a reliable or sustainable way to build long-term freedom or income.

What Even Is Dropshipping?

In case you’re new to it – dropshipping is a business model where you sell products online without holding any inventory. When someone places an order on your site, you buy it from a third-party supplier who ships it straight to your customer.

It’s appealing because it sounds like an easy way to start a business without risk — no warehouse, no stock, no big investments. But here’s the thing: easy doesn’t always mean sustainable.

Why Dropshipping Isn’t the Golden Ticket It Appears to Be

From the outside, dropshipping looks like the fastest path to online success. But behind the scenes, there are a few major downsides that most “make money online” videos gloss over.

1. You Have No Control Over Quality or Delivery

When you rely on third-party suppliers, you can’t control product quality or shipping speed.
Late deliveries, damaged items, or poor packaging can ruin your customer experience — and your reputation.

2. You’re Building Someone Else’s Brand, Not Your Own

Most dropshippers sell trending products from generic suppliers. The problem? Anyone can sell the same items — and many do. That means you’re competing on price, not value, and it’s nearly impossible to build brand loyalty when your customers don’t even remember your store name.

3. The Market Is Flooded

The barrier to entry is low, which means the competition is sky-high. Thousands of people are running ads for the same products. Margins are tiny, and ad costs keep rising.

4. Trends Fade Fast

What’s “hot” today might be irrelevant in three weeks. You end up in a constant cycle of chasing trends, changing suppliers, rebuilding websites, and starting over. That’s exhausting — and it’s not freedom.

5. You’re Probably Not Passionate About What You’re Selling

If you don’t genuinely care about your products, your audience will feel that. Passion fuels purpose — and purpose is what keeps you going when business gets tough.

So… Can You Still Make Dropshipping Work?

Sure — but not in the traditional “buy cheap, sell fast” way.
If you want to make real money online, you need to think bigger than dropshipping.

Here’s how to build something more sustainable:

1. Build a Brand, Not Just a Store

The future of online business belongs to brands with a story and mission.
Whether you’re selling digital products, services, or physical goods — your brand needs to stand for something. Create connection, not just conversion.

2. Focus on Quality and Customer Experience

People will always pay more for trust and reliability. If you decide to sell products, carefully choose suppliers, sample everything, and make sure your customer journey feels seamless from checkout to delivery.

3. Diversify Your Income Streams

Don’t rely on one platform or one product. The most successful online business owners I know build multiple streams of income — through coaching, digital products, affiliate income, or brand partnerships.

4. Learn Real Marketing Skills

Instead of chasing trends, learn sustainable marketing — content strategy, SEO, community building, email marketing. These skills build long-term trust and bring consistent leads, no matter what you sell.

5. Think Long-Term Freedom, Not Quick Cash

Dropshipping can give you a taste of online business, but it rarely leads to lasting freedom. Building something that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and goals is the real win.

Need a soundboard or coaching to support you in your dropshipping business venture? Find out more about how I can help you here!

My Final Thoughts On Dropshipping

If your goal is to create freedom — financial, time, or location — you need a business model that grows with you, not one that burns out when the next TikTok trend fades.

Dropshipping might be a good starting point to learn the basics of e-commerce, but it’s not a stable foundation for long-term success.

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs jump into it hoping for quick results, only to end up frustrated and broke a few months later.

So before you start your next “make money online” side hustle, ask yourself:
Do I want to build something fast — or something that lasts?

Want to hear more about business models that actually create freedom?
Tune in to an episode of my podcast The Remote CEO Life where I dive into the truth behind popular online business trends — and what really works to make money online in 2025 and beyond.

meet the writer

I'm Sophie

Online business coach, podcast host, mental health advocate, speaker, founder of TINAH, community builder, full-time digital nomad, and general trailblazing, rule breaker…

I tried to live a “normal” life: I spent 11+ years working my way up in the fashion industry, working for brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry. I had the apartment in the city, I lived for going out at the weekends, spent money on designer bags and holidays – until I realized this lifestyle DID NOT FULFIL ME – I was waking up with anxiety every day – surviving, but definitely not thriving.

So I quit. I left my 9-to-5 behind to start an online business that supported the lifestyle I actually wanted. Now that looks like slow mornings, daily beach walks, co-working with like-minded entrepreneurs, yoga, meditation, and lots of social connections.

Since 2020, I’ve built multiple online business offers – from online business coaching and consulting to online courses, digital products, and a mental health marketplace – all while travelling the world and living life, and earning money on my own terms.

Now… I’m on a mission to help more people break free from lives that don’t feel good for them and create more freedom through starting and growing an online business.