The Importance of Product Research
Product selection is the single most important factor in dropshipping success. The right product can mean the difference between 5% and 50% ROI. Here's how to find winners.
Criteria for High-ROI Products
Look for products that meet these criteria:
- Price Point: $25-$100 retail price (allows for good margins)
- Product Cost: Should be 20-30% of retail price
- Size/Weight: Small and light (under 2lbs ideal)
- Emotional Appeal: Solves a problem or fulfills a desire
- Not Commoditized: Not easily found on Amazon or Walmart
Research Methods
1. AliExpress Best Sellers
Browse AliExpress categories and look for:
- Products with 500+ orders
- Good feedback (4.5 stars or higher)
- Multiple suppliers offering the same product
2. Facebook Ad Spy Tools
Use tools like AdSpy or BigSpy to find products that:
- Have been running ads for weeks/months (indicates profitability)
- Have good engagement (comments, shares)
- Are being advertised by multiple stores
3. Amazon Movers & Shakers
Check Amazon's "Movers & Shakers" section for trending products that:
- Have seen recent sales spikes
- May not yet be saturated in the dropshipping space
Validating Product Potential
Before committing to a product:
- Check competition on Google Shopping
- Search for the product on Facebook to see ad volume
- Test demand with a small ad budget ($10-20/day)
- Verify supplier reliability with sample orders
Red Flags to Avoid
Products to steer clear of:
- Electronics with high return rates
- Items with strict regulations (FDA, FCC, etc.)
- Products with known intellectual property issues
- Extremely fragile or difficult-to-ship items