How to Start a Private Label Dropshipping Business

Here’s the quick verdict: if you want to start a business with low upfront costs, minimal risk, and the ability to build your own brand, private label dropshipping is the move.

Combine it with print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify, and you can create custom-branded products like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags without ever touching inventory.

It’s simple, scalable, and perfect for anyone looking to enter e-commerce the smart way.

Let’s break down exactly how to do it step by step.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started—from choosing your niche to marketing your brand. Let’s break it down step by step.

What is Private Label Dropshipping?

Private label dropshipping lets you sell products that a supplier creates and ships for you, but here’s the twist: these products carry your brand.

Think of it as a hybrid between traditional dropshipping (no inventory) and building a legitimate brand (your logo and design on the products).

The beauty of this model is the flexibility. With suppliers like Printful and Printify, you don’t need to buy inventory upfront or worry about shipping logistics.

You simply design your product (add your logo, artwork, or message), list it on your store, and when someone places an order, the supplier prints it, packages it, and ships it under your brand.

Why does this matter?

Branding is king. Customers are loyal to brands they love—not generic products.

If you can create a memorable product line and pair it with great marketing, you’re setting yourself up for better profit margins and long-term success.

Why Start a Private Label Dropshipping Business?

There are two key reasons this business model is blowing up:

1. Low Risk, Low Investment: With print-on-demand suppliers like Printful and Printify, you only pay for the product after a customer orders it. This means no upfront costs for inventory, which is a game-changer for beginners.
2. High Customization: Unlike traditional dropshipping, print-on-demand services allow you to create truly unique products. You can design custom t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more—each showcasing your brand’s identity.

For example, let’s say you’re starting a fitness brand. You can create a line of gym gear like t-shirts and hoodies with motivational slogans or minimalist designs.

These become your unique products—ones that customers can’t just buy anywhere else.

Plus, the demand for personalized products is growing. A study by Research and Markets predicts the global print-on-demand market will hit $39 billion by 2030, driven by the rise of personalized shopping experiences.

It’s a massive opportunity if you focus on building your brand and targeting the right audience.

Steps to Start a Private Label Dropshipping Business

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche

Your niche will define everything—from your branding to the customers you attract. The key is to focus on a specific audience with products that appeal directly to their needs or interests.

For example:

• Fitness Enthusiasts: Offer custom-printed activewear or gym accessories.
• Pet Owners: Sell branded pet bandanas, bowls, or tote bags.
• Eco-Friendly Shoppers: Create a line of reusable water bottles, tote bags, or clothing made from sustainable materials.

To validate your niche, use tools like Google Trends or check trending products on platforms like Etsy.

The goal is to ensure there’s enough demand while keeping competition manageable.

Step 2: Partner with a Print-on-Demand Supplier

This step is critical because not all suppliers are created equal. Printful and Printify are two of the top platforms for private label dropshipping. Here’s why they’re game-changers:

• Printful: Known for its premium quality and wide product range, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, and even phone cases. It also integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy.
• Printify: Offers competitive pricing and access to multiple suppliers worldwide, which can help you choose the fastest or cheapest option for your customers.

Both platforms allow you to:

• Add your logo or custom designs to hundreds of products.
• Create mockups for your online store without needing physical inventory.
• Brand the packaging with your logo, giving your customers a fully branded experience.

Ordering samples is a must. You’ll get to see the quality firsthand and can make tweaks before you start marketing.

Build Your Online Store

The next step is setting up a storefront where your customers can easily shop for your branded products. Shopify is hands-down one of the best platforms for this (see details about pricing here).

It’s beginner-friendly, integrates seamlessly with print-on-demand suppliers like Printful and Printify, and offers endless customization options to make your store truly yours.

But here’s the thing—building a store can be time-consuming and overwhelming if you’re doing it on your own.

That’s where we come in. We offer a service that takes care of the entire setup for you.

• We’ll design your Shopify store with a professional, on-brand theme.
• Find reliable suppliers (like Printful, Printify, and more).
• Add private-labeled products to your store, complete with SEO-optimized descriptions that sell.

You’ll get a fully functional Shopify store ready to start making sales, without lifting a finger.

Focus on These Key Elements for Success:

1. Design and Branding:
   Keep your store clean, simple, and visually consistent. Choose colors, fonts, and imagery that align with your brand’s vibe. For example, a fitness brand might use bold colors and action shots, while an eco-friendly store might lean into earthy tones and minimalist design.
2. SEO-Optimized Product Listings:
   The words you use matter. Instead of a generic description like “100% cotton hoodie,” write something that speaks directly to your customer’s needs: “Stay cozy and stylish with our ultra-soft, breathable cotton hoodie—perfect for workouts or lounging.”
3. Mobile Optimization:
   Over 60% of online shopping happens on mobile devices. Your store needs to load fast and look flawless on any screen. Test every page on mobile before you launch.

Ready to skip the hassle and start selling fast?

👉 Let us build your Shopify store for you. Save time, avoid headaches, and get a professionally designed store that’s built to convert.

Market Your Brand Like a Pro

Once your store is live, the real work begins. You need traffic to make sales, and that means marketing your brand. Here are a few proven strategies:

1. Social Media Ads:
   Platforms like Facebook and TikTok are perfect for targeting niche audiences. If you’re selling custom mugs for dog lovers, you can run ads targeting people who follow pet-related pages.
2. Influencer Marketing:
   Reach out to influencers in your niche who can showcase your products. A fitness influencer could wear your branded activewear in their workouts, driving traffic to your store.
3. Email Marketing:
   Use tools like Klaviyo to build an email list and send regular updates. Offer discounts or showcase new products to keep customers engaged.
4. Create Content:
   Start a blog or YouTube channel related to your niche. For example, if you’re selling eco-friendly products, write blog posts about sustainability or make videos showing how your products are made.

Challenges to Watch Out For

No business is perfect, and private label dropshipping has its hurdles. The good news? Most of these are manageable with a bit of planning:

1. Shipping Times: Print-on-demand products can take longer to ship, especially if your supplier is overseas. Be transparent with your customers and offer tracking to keep them informed.
2. Quality Control: Since you don’t physically handle the products, quality can vary. Always test samples from your supplier before listing anything in your store.
3. Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Focus on branding and storytelling. Customers will connect with a strong brand and pay more for a product that feels unique.

FAQs About Private Label Dropshipping with Print-on-Demand

How much money do I need to start?

With platforms like Printful and Printify, you can start with as little as $100 for logo design, Shopify subscription, and a few sample orders.

What are the best-selling print-on-demand products?

Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, hats), home decor (pillows, mugs), and accessories (tote bags, phone cases) are always popular.

Can I scale this business?

Absolutely. Once you’ve built a strong brand, you can scale by expanding your product line, running ads, and even outsourcing tasks like customer service.

Conclusion

Starting a private label dropshipping business with print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Printify is one of the easiest ways to create a profitable, scalable brand.

The key is focusing on your niche, building strong branding, and delivering value to your customers.