Does Oberlo Still Work with Shopify? Step-by-Step Guide

For anyone involved in dropshipping, the name Oberlo is likely familiar. Oberlo was once a go-to platform for Shopify users looking to streamline their dropshipping businesses. It allowed entrepreneurs to easily import products from AliExpress into their Shopify stores and ship them directly to customers without the need for holding inventory. However, in recent years, many questions have arisen about whether dose Oberlo still works with Shopify. The dropshipping landscape has evolved, and so has the technology that powers it.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the current state of does Oberlo still work with Shopify. We’ll also explore alternatives, how dropshipping has changed, and what Shopify users should know if they are looking to start or continue their dropshipping business.

The History of Oberlo and Shopify

Before addressing the current status of Oberlo, let’s take a brief look at its history.

Oberlo was founded in 2015 and quickly became one of the most popular tools for Shopify users engaged in dropshipping. It enabled entrepreneurs to source products from suppliers, mostly from AliExpress, and sell them directly on their Shopify stores. The platform’s seamless integration with Shopify made it easy to import products, set prices, and automate the fulfillment process.

Shopify recognized the potential of Oberlo and acquired the platform in 2017, further cementing its role as the primary dropshipping tool for Shopify stores. For years, Oberlo was the go-to option for dropshipping entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses with minimal upfront investment.

Oberlo’s Shutdown: What Happened?

Despite its initial success, Oberlo was officially shut down on June 15, 2022. Shopify announced that they would be discontinuing Oberlo, much to the surprise of many users who relied on the platform to manage their dropshipping operations. The decision to sunset Oberlo left many Shopify users wondering why the platform was being shut down and what alternatives they should consider moving forward.

The official reason given by Shopify for Oberlo’s discontinuation was that they wanted to focus on building and supporting new features that would better serve Shopify users in the rapidly changing e-commerce space. It’s worth noting that while Oberlo was popular, it had certain limitations, such as reliance on AliExpress suppliers, which often meant longer shipping times, inconsistent product quality, and customer service issues.

Does Oberlo Still Work with Shopify?

Oberlo no longer works with Shopify. The platform was fully phased out, and Shopify has shifted its focus to other dropshipping tools and partners to enhance the experience for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Users who were previously relying on Oberlo were encouraged to migrate to alternative dropshipping apps, and Shopify even offered a direct migration path to a tool called DSers.

While Oberlo is no longer available, this doesn’t mean that Shopify users are without options for dropshipping. On the contrary, several other apps and platforms have emerged to fill the void left by Oberlo, offering enhanced features and more robust integrations.

DSers: The Successor to Oberlo

When Shopify announced the shutdown of Oberlo, they recommended DSers as the primary alternative for Shopify dropshippers. DSers is a dropshipping app that offers many of the same features as Oberlo, but with improved functionality and performance. It allows users to import products from AliExpress, automate order fulfillment, and manage multiple suppliers.

Key Features of DSers:

1. Bulk Order Processing: Unlike Oberlo, DSers allows users to process bulk orders more efficiently, which is especially useful for businesses with high sales volumes.
2. Supplier Optimization: DSers offers a feature that allows users to switch suppliers for a particular product without disrupting their store’s listings, helping users find better prices or faster shipping times.
3. Multiple Stores Management: DSers supports the management of multiple Shopify stores from a single account, making it easier for entrepreneurs who run more than one online store.
4. AliExpress Integration: Like Oberlo, DSers integrates seamlessly with AliExpress, allowing users to import products directly from the platform.

For users who relied on Oberlo, the transition to DSers has been relatively smooth, as the two platforms share many similarities. In fact, many Shopify users have found DSers to be a more flexible and scalable solution.

Other Alternatives to Oberlo for Shopify Users

While DSers has emerged as the top alternative to Oberlo, it’s not the only option available. Several other dropshipping tools have gained popularity, each with its own set of features designed to help Shopify entrepreneurs run successful dropshipping businesses.

1. Spocket

Spocket is a dropshipping platform that focuses on suppliers located in the United States and Europe, which allows for faster shipping times and higher product quality compared to AliExpress-based suppliers. Spocket offers a wide range of products, including fashion, home goods, and electronics.

Key Benefits of Spocket:

• Fast Shipping: Products sourced from US and European suppliers typically have shorter shipping times, improving customer satisfaction.
• High-Quality Suppliers: Spocket focuses on curating a list of reliable suppliers, which reduces the chances of receiving poor-quality products.
• Branded Invoices: Spocket allows users to include branded invoices with their shipments, adding a layer of professionalism to the customer experience.

2. Modalyst

Modalyst is another dropshipping platform that connects Shopify store owners with suppliers. One of Modalyst’s key selling points is its partnership with big-name brands, which allows users to sell high-quality, brand-name products in their stores.

Key Features of Modalyst:

• Access to Branded Products: Users can sell products from well-known brands like Calvin Klein, Puma, and Timberland, adding credibility to their stores.
• Automated Order Fulfillment: Like Oberlo, Modalyst offers automated order fulfillment to streamline the dropshipping process.
• Customizable Shipping Options: Modalyst allows users to offer different shipping options to their customers, including faster delivery times for an additional cost.

3. Printful

For entrepreneurs interested in dropshipping custom products, Printful is an excellent option. Printful specializes in print-on-demand services, allowing users to create and sell custom apparel, accessories, and home goods. This model is ideal for businesses focused on personalized or branded products.

Key Advantages of Printful:

• Custom Products: Users can design and sell custom products without the need to hold inventory.
• No Minimum Orders: Printful handles order fulfillment on a per-order basis, so users don’t need to worry about minimum order quantities.
• High-Quality Prints: Printful offers high-quality printing services, ensuring that custom designs come out looking professional.

The Future of Dropshipping on Shopify

The discontinuation of Oberlo might have come as a surprise to some, but it signals a shift in the dropshipping landscape. As e-commerce continues to evolve, businesses are looking for more robust, flexible, and scalable solutions to meet customer demands. This includes the need for faster shipping, better product quality, and enhanced user experiences.

Shopify remains one of the best platforms for starting and running a dropshipping business, thanks to its ease of use and integration with numerous dropshipping apps. Whether you choose DSers, Spocket, Modalyst, or another platform, the key to success in dropshipping lies in understanding your customers, sourcing high-quality products, and ensuring a seamless buying experience.

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Conclusion

Oberlo no longer works with Shopify, but that doesn’t mean the end of dropshipping for Shopify entrepreneurs. Shopify users now have access to a range of dropshipping platforms like DSers, Spocket, Modalyst, and Printful, each offering unique features that cater to different types of businesses.

While Oberlo may be gone, dropshipping is far from dead. In fact, it continues to grow and evolve with new technologies and tools designed to make the process easier and more efficient. If you’re considering starting a dropshipping business or already run one, there are plenty of options available to help you succeed in today’s competitive e-commerce environment.

Ultimately, the key to success in dropshipping is choosing the right platform, finding reliable suppliers, and offering excellent customer service. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, Shopify and its ecosystem of dropshipping apps provide everything you need to build a thriving online store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What replaced Oberlo for Shopify?

DSers is Shopify’s official recommended replacement for Oberlo, offering AliExpress order automation. Zendrop and CJdropshipping are also popular alternatives.

When did Oberlo shut down?

Oberlo officially closed on June 15, 2022. Shopify guided existing merchants to migrate their products and orders to DSers before the shutdown date.

Is DSers free like Oberlo was?

DSers offers a free plan suitable for beginners, with paid tiers for higher volume. It covers the core AliExpress dropshipping features Oberlo once provided.

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