How to start a dropshipping site with PrestaShop?

Contents

Dropshipping is an online sales method where the retailer doesn't need to stock the products he sells. Instead, he sends the customer's order to his supplier or manufacturer, who then ships the product to the end customer. This is an attractive option for many entrepreneurs due to its simplicity and low initial investment. Among the many e-commerce platforms available, PrestaShop stands out as a popular choice for dropshipping due to its advanced functionality and flexibility. In this guide, we'll take a step-by-step look at how you can start your dropshipping site with PrestaShop and some tips to help you succeed. Let's get started.

What are the steps involved in creating a dropshipping site with PrestaShop?

Creating a PrestaShop Dropshipping store or site involves several key steps.

Step 1: Choosing a hosting provider

To start creating your store with PrestaShop, you must choose between the following 3 plans: 

  • CLASSIC
  • HOSTED
  • CUSTOM

The first"CLASSIC" plan is totally free and allows you to select a reliable hosting provider that meets PrestaShop's requirements. Some of the most popular hosting providers you can try are Cloudways and Bluehost. So make sure they offer good server performance, adequate storage and reliable customer support.

The second plan,"HOSTED", costs €24/month and includes hosting with Gandi. By opting for this plan, you will also have access to many other features. To access the last plan, you need to request a quote to benefit from the help of PrestaShop specialists in creating a customized store.

Step 2: Install PrestaShop

If you choose the free option, you need to download the latest version of PrestaShop. Follow the installation instructions provided by PrestaShop or your hosting provider to set up your store on the domain of your choice.

Step 3: Customize your store

Access the PrestaShop back office, where you can customize the look and functionality of your store. Then choose an appropriate theme from the available options, or consider purchasing a premium PrestaShop theme for a more unique look. Customize the logo, colors, fonts and other design elements to match your brand identity.

Step 4: Configure payment gateways

Integrate payment gateways to facilitate smooth transactions. PrestaShop supports a wide range of payment providers, such as PayPal, Stripe and Authorize.Net. Configure payment options and ensure they are secure and reliable for your customers.

Step 5: Install and configure Dropshipping modules

Install the necessary modules or extensions to enable dropshipping functionality in your store. Choose the modules that match your specific needs and configure them according to your suppliers' instructions. Here are two PrestaShop dropshipping modules you should consider:

AliExpress modules for dropshipping on PrestaShop

This module collects import products from AliExpress to PrestaShop. After placing the order on PrestaShop, the automation process helps you place an order on AliExpress with one click. To do this, you need to install the AliExpress PrestaShop dropshipping extension on your Google Chrome browser to import items into your PrestaShop e-commerce site. The installation process for the PrestaShop module remains standard:

  • Go to the back office.
  • Go to modules, then download the module.
  • Download the zip file of AliExpress Dropshipping.
  • The module is automatically installed on your PrestaShop.

The PrestaShop Amazon dropshipping module

This enables you to integrate your PrestaShop platform with one of the world's leading marketplaces. This will significantly increase your sales. What's more, the module enables you to manage your PrestaShop/Amazon inventory efficiently and fulfill your Amazon orders quickly. With the PrestaShop dropshipping Amazon module and custom chrome extension, you can quickly import products from Amazon. 

Sales and costs are managed according to controllable pricing rules. The development of the Amazon module is based on initial experience as a PrestaShop and Amazon e-tailer. This ensures ease of use and maximum efficiency. Purchasing is assured by free technical support until the products are put online. 

Step 6: Import products and manage inventory

Once you've chosen the module of your choice, the next step is to import products into your store. To do this, connect with your dropshipping suppliers and import their product catalogs into your PrestaShop store. Make sure that product descriptions, images, prices and stock levels are accurate and up-to-date. 

Next, set up automated processes to synchronize inventory information with your suppliers. This will give your customers access to the latest product availability.

Step 7: Define shipping methods and costs

Configure shipping methods and costs according to your suppliers' shipping policies. PrestaShop offers various options for configuring shipping zones, carriers and pricing rules. Consider offering multiple shipping options to meet different customer preferences.

Step 8: Test and launch your store

Before launching your store, thoroughly test its functionality and user experience. You can place test orders and check payment processing to ensure that the dropshipping process is seamless. Examine your store's performance and correct any problems or bugs that may arise. Once you're confident of its functionality, officially launch your PrestaShop Dropshipping store.

PrestaShop's essential features for dropshipping

In this section, we'll take a look at the different features offered by PrestaShop to help you grow your business.

Product and supplier management

PrestaShop offers a user-friendly interface for easy management of products and suppliers. Thanks to its intuitive dashboard, users can add, modify and delete products in just a few clicks. What's more, PrestaShop lets you assign products to different suppliers, making it easy to manage multiple sources of supply. 

This feature is crucial for dropshippers, as it enables them to accurately track the products available from each supplier. For example, a dropshipper using PrestaShop can import products from different suppliers. He can then specify selling prices and adjust product descriptions to suit his needs. If one of the suppliers is out of stock, the dropshipper can quickly switch to another supplier without interrupting business.

Integration with online sales platforms

Another key feature of PrestaShop is its ability to integrate with various online sales platforms, such asAmazon, eBay and Etsy. This integration enables dropshippers to maximize their reach by selling on multiple channels simultaneously. As a dropshipper, you can list your products on PrestaShop and automatically synchronize them with other marketplaces using the integration modules available in the system. This ensures maximum product visibility and increases the chances of sales.

Order tracking and inventory management

Order and stock management are crucial to the success of dropshipping, and PrestaShop offers advanced features in this area. Users can track customer orders and supplier stock levels in real time. This visibility enables dropshippers to effectively manage delivery times and quickly resolve product availability issues. What's more, PrestaShop offers automatic notification tools to inform customers of order updates, enhancing the shopping experience and customer satisfaction.

Dropshipping is an online sales method where the retailer doesn't need to stock the products he sells. Instead, he sends the customer's order to his supplier or manufacturer, who then ships the product to the end customer. This is an attractive option for many entrepreneurs due to its simplicity and low initial investment. Among the many e-commerce platforms available, PrestaShop stands out as a popular choice for dropshipping due to its advanced functionality and flexibility. In this guide, we'll take a step-by-step look at how you can start your dropshipping site with PrestaShop and some tips to help you succeed. Let's get started.

What are the steps involved in creating a dropshipping site with PrestaShop?

Creating a PrestaShop Dropshipping store or site involves several key steps.

Step 1: Choosing a hosting provider

To start creating your store with PrestaShop, you must choose between the following 3 plans: 

  • CLASSIC
  • HOSTED
  • CUSTOM

The first"CLASSIC" plan is totally free and allows you to select a reliable hosting provider that meets PrestaShop's requirements. Some of the most popular hosting providers you can try are Cloudways and Bluehost. So make sure they offer good server performance, adequate storage and reliable customer support.

The second plan,"HOSTED", costs €24/month and includes hosting with Gandi. By opting for this plan, you will also have access to many other features. To access the last plan, you need to request a quote to benefit from the help of PrestaShop specialists in creating a customized store.

Step 2: Install PrestaShop

If you choose the free option, you need to download the latest version of PrestaShop. Follow the installation instructions provided by PrestaShop or your hosting provider to set up your store on the domain of your choice.

Step 3: Customize your store

Access the PrestaShop back office, where you can customize the look and functionality of your store. Then choose an appropriate theme from the available options, or consider purchasing a premium PrestaShop theme for a more unique look. Customize the logo, colors, fonts and other design elements to match your brand identity.

Step 4: Configure payment gateways

Integrate payment gateways to facilitate smooth transactions. PrestaShop supports a wide range of payment providers, such as PayPal, Stripe and Authorize.Net. Configure payment options and ensure they are secure and reliable for your customers.

Step 5: Install and configure Dropshipping modules

Install the necessary modules or extensions to enable dropshipping functionality in your store. Choose the modules that match your specific needs and configure them according to your suppliers' instructions. Here are two PrestaShop dropshipping modules you should consider:

AliExpress modules for dropshipping on PrestaShop

This module collects import products from AliExpress to PrestaShop. After placing the order on PrestaShop, the automation process helps you place an order on AliExpress with one click. To do this, you need to install the AliExpress PrestaShop dropshipping extension on your Google Chrome browser to import items into your PrestaShop e-commerce site. The installation process for the PrestaShop module remains standard:

  • Go to the back office.
  • Go to modules, then download the module.
  • Download the zip file of AliExpress Dropshipping.
  • The module is automatically installed on your PrestaShop.

The PrestaShop Amazon dropshipping module

This enables you to integrate your PrestaShop platform with one of the world's leading marketplaces. This will significantly increase your sales. What's more, the module enables you to manage your PrestaShop/Amazon inventory efficiently and fulfill your Amazon orders quickly. With the PrestaShop dropshipping Amazon module and custom chrome extension, you can quickly import products from Amazon. 

Sales and costs are managed according to controllable pricing rules. The development of the Amazon module is based on initial experience as a PrestaShop and Amazon e-tailer. This ensures ease of use and maximum efficiency. Purchasing is assured by free technical support until the products are put online. 

Step 6: Import products and manage inventory

Once you've chosen the module of your choice, the next step is to import products into your store. To do this, connect with your dropshipping suppliers and import their product catalogs into your PrestaShop store. Make sure that product descriptions, images, prices and stock levels are accurate and up-to-date. 

Next, set up automated processes to synchronize inventory information with your suppliers. This will give your customers access to the latest product availability.

Step 7: Define shipping methods and costs

Configure shipping methods and costs according to your suppliers' shipping policies. PrestaShop offers various options for configuring shipping zones, carriers and pricing rules. Consider offering multiple shipping options to meet different customer preferences.

Step 8: Test and launch your store

Before launching your store, thoroughly test its functionality and user experience. You can place test orders and check payment processing to ensure that the dropshipping process is seamless. Examine your store's performance and correct any problems or bugs that may arise. Once you're confident of its functionality, officially launch your PrestaShop Dropshipping store.

PrestaShop's essential features for dropshipping

In this section, we'll take a look at the different features offered by PrestaShop to help you grow your business.

Product and supplier management

PrestaShop offers a user-friendly interface for easy management of products and suppliers. Thanks to its intuitive dashboard, users can add, modify and delete products in just a few clicks. What's more, PrestaShop lets you assign products to different suppliers, making it easy to manage multiple sources of supply. 

This feature is crucial for dropshippers, as it enables them to accurately track the products available from each supplier. For example, a dropshipper using PrestaShop can import products from different suppliers. He can then specify selling prices and adjust product descriptions to suit his needs. If one of the suppliers is out of stock, the dropshipper can quickly switch to another supplier without interrupting business.

Integration with online sales platforms

Another key feature of PrestaShop is its ability to integrate with various online sales platforms, such asAmazon, eBay and Etsy. This integration enables dropshippers to maximize their reach by selling on multiple channels simultaneously. As a dropshipper, you can list your products on PrestaShop and automatically synchronize them with other marketplaces using the integration modules available in the system. This ensures maximum product visibility and increases the chances of sales.

Order tracking and inventory management

Order and stock management are crucial to the success of dropshipping, and PrestaShop offers advanced features in this area. Users can track customer orders and supplier stock levels in real time. This visibility enables dropshippers to effectively manage delivery times and quickly resolve product availability issues. What's more, PrestaShop offers automatic notification tools to inform customers of order updates, enhancing the shopping experience and customer satisfaction.

Launch winning products in 3 clicks

Discover winning products for sale today.

FREE Trial

Our Free Adspy

  • Find winning products on our adspy Tiktok

  • Find winning products on our Facebook adspy

  • Find winning products on our Pinterest adspy

1 winning product every day.
Follow us!