E381:🎙️IS ECOMMERCE DROPSHIPPING DEAD? | RUSH W - SELL THE TREND

Is eCommerce Dropshipping Dead in 2024? Insights from Rush W of Sell The Trend

Dropshipping is one of those industries that has seen tremendous highs and challenging lows, especially in recent years. As COVID-19 created an online shopping boom, countless entrepreneurs dove into dropshipping, only to later struggle as the market recalibrated. But is dropshipping truly dead in 2024, or does it just need a smarter, more sustainable approach? We spoke to Rush W., Founder and CEO of Sell The Trend, to get the real scoop on how dropshipping can still be a profitable and legitimate business model today.

The Evolution of Dropshipping

Dropshipping has drastically evolved since its initial surge in popularity. During the early 2020s, countless people were drawn to the model for its low startup costs and promises of easy riches. But many of these businesses, especially those launched during COVID-19, have since fizzled out.

Rush explained that early on, dropshipping was often portrayed as a shortcut to financial success: set up a basic Shopify store, sync it with a supplier like AliExpress, run cheap Facebook ads, and boom—make millions. Unfortunately, that myth set many entrepreneurs up for failure. In reality, dropshipping is just like any other business—it takes real work, strategy, and persistence to succeed.

“What separates those who thrive from those who quit is treating this like an actual business,” Rush said. “You can’t skip the foundational work—building a trustworthy website, creating high-quality content, and serving your customers well.”

What Is Sell The Trend?

Sell The Trend is an all-in-one SaaS (Software as a Service) platform built for dropshippers. It provides a range of tools, including:

* Product Discovery: Identify trending, high-demand products.

* eCommerce Store Builder: Create a fully functional store without needing Shopify or WooCommerce.

* Integrated Dropshipping System: Sync with suppliers like AliExpress and CJ Dropshipping for automated inventory and order management.

* Marketing Tools: Tap into AI-powered product descriptions, social media tools, and a video ad creator.

What stands out about Sell The Trend is its versatility. Whether you’re entirely new to dropshipping or someone who already uses a platform like Shopify, Sell The Trend offers solutions to fit where you are in your journey.

The Key to Long-Term Success

Many first-time dropshippers fail because they skip the "boring" steps of building a legitimate business. Rush emphasized that success comes from focusing on the basics and not chasing overnight riches. Here are a few core tips from his experience:

1. Treat It Like a Real Business

Successful dropshipping stores start with foundational work:

* Invest time in building a unique, professional-looking website.

* Write your own product descriptions (don’t just copy from suppliers).

* Have a clear "About Us" page to build trust with customers.

“Doing the minimum effort will only get you minimum results,” Rush said.

2. Be Honest About Shipping Times

Many dropshipping products ship directly from suppliers in countries like China, leading to longer delivery times. While this might sound like a deal-breaker, transparency is key. Managing customer expectations up front—while also working to find faster local suppliers—can make all the difference.

Rush noted that Sell The Trend offers tools to filter suppliers who ship from local warehouses, cutting delivery times significantly in many cases.

3. Focus on Customer Trust

Why would someone buy from your store instead of Teemu, Amazon, or another major marketplace? Simple: your brand. A strong, trustworthy brand creates loyalty and drives repeat business. Rush highlighted the importance of:

* Adding customer reviews to product pages.

* Offering a responsive support system.

* Including trust signals like quality logos, satisfaction guarantees, and clear contact information.

“People are naturally lazy,” Rush explained. “They see something they like, and they want it now—if your store looks legit, they’ll likely buy from you, even if they could find the product elsewhere.”

Cutting Through the Get-Rich-Quick Noise

One of the biggest challenges today is countering the unrealistic expectations many people have about dropshipping. Rush acknowledged this head-on. Sell The Trend’s courses, led by Rush himself, aim to reframe dropshipping as a long-term business opportunity—not a Lamborghini lifestyle shortcut.

“Our courses are designed to teach people how to build sustainable businesses, not just make a quick buck,” he said. “It takes effort, yes, but the rewards are real for those who stick with it.”

How AI is Transforming Dropshipping

AI is revolutionizing the eCommerce world, and Sell The Trend is fully embracing these advancements. Rush explained how the platform uses AI to:

* Help users find winning products through advanced data analysis.

* Generate professional product descriptions and social media posts.

* Equip sellers with tools like video ad creators to enhance marketing efforts.

“The best part of AI tools,” Rush said, “is they handle the tedious tasks, freeing sellers up to focus on strategy and growth.”

The Dropshipping Roadmap

For new sellers, Rush outlined a clear progression:

* Start small: Use dropshipping to test products and validate demand without holding inventory.

* Evolve: Add private labeling (branding your packaging).

* Scale: Transition to holding inventory or custom manufacturing once you’ve built a strong customer base.

“Dropshipping doesn’t have to be the end goal,” he pointed out. “It can be the stepping stone to something much bigger.”

What’s Next for Sell The Trend?

In 2024, Sell The Trend aims to level up even further. From faster shipping solutions to new integrations with platforms like TikTok Shop and Amazon, Rush is focused on helping sellers adapt and grow. Additional AI-powered features and expanded eCommerce tools are also in the works.

“Innovation keeps us moving forward,” Rush said. “We’re always listening to our customers and improving what we offer.”

Conclusion

So, is dropshipping dead? Hardly. It’s simply maturing. The get-rich-quick days are over, but for those willing to put in the effort, dropshipping remains a viable business model.

With platforms like Sell The Trend providing all-in-one solutions, sellers have the tools they need to build lasting businesses. But, as Rush put it, “The success of your store ultimately comes down to you. It’s not about skipping steps or taking shortcuts—it’s about building something real.”

To learn more, check out the related THE eCommerce EDGE Podcast episode below: