Roadmap for how to start a dropshipping business with no money in 2025

1. Find a “Winning” Niche for Free

Without an ad budget, you cannot afford to sell generic items. You need a niche with high “viral potential” or a specific problem-solving angle.

  • Use Free Research Tools: Scour TikTok Shop’s “Top Products” and Google Trends to see what is currently spiking. Look for products that trigger an emotional “I need that” reaction.
  • The 2025 Favorites: Eco-friendly home goods, specialized pet gadgets, and “aesthetic” desk setups are currently high-demand, low-weight (cheap to ship) categories.

2. Source Suppliers with Zero Upfront Fees

Avoid platforms that ask for a monthly “membership fee” just to see their catalog.

  • AliExpress & CJ Dropshipping: These remain the industry standards for $0-startups. You can browse millions of products and only pay the supplier when an order comes in.
  • Print on Demand (POD): If you are creative, use Printful or Printify. You upload a design to a t-shirt or