Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Oberlo?
- What is Shopify?
- Oberlo and Shopify: The Link
- Functions, Features, and Ease of Use
- Cost Implications
- Unique Characteristics and Benefits
- Conclusion: Making the Distinction
Introduction
Are you considering stepping into the world of eCommerce, specifically into dropshipping, and can't decide between Oberlo and Shopify? Fret not! While these two names often pop up together in the eCommerce realm, they serve quite distinct functions within your online business operation. This comprehensive post is designed to clarify the differences and illustrate how these two platforms relate to one another, ultimately assisting you in making an informed decision for your dropshipping venture.
Initially, introducing dropshipping as an eCommerce model is crucial. Dropshipping is essentially a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product using this model, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer.
Now, let's delve deep into how Oberlo and Shopify function, both individually and in tandem, in this bustling eCommerce space.
What is Oberlo?
Oberlo was a popular app that allowed seamless product importation from suppliers to your Shopify store, specifically designed for dropshipping. It essentially acted as a bridge connecting Shopify store owners with suppliers, predominantly from AliExpress. Oberlo facilitated the ease of adding products to your store, setting product prices, and fulfilling orders with a few clicks but, as of June 15, 2022, Oberlo was discontinued and is no longer available in the Shopify App Store.
The app championed efficient transitioning for aspiring entrepreneurs from picking their niche market and products to setting up their store with the added convenience of the dropshipping business model. The essential characteristic of Oberlo was that it streamlined the process of adding products to your Shopify store, which was graphically represented by its simple and user-friendly interface.
What is Shopify?
Shopify, on the other hand, is much broader in scope. It’s a comprehensive eCommerce platform that enables users to build their own online stores and offers a suite of services including marketing, payments, and customer engagement tools. It's not only relevant to dropshipping but to the online retail process as a whole.
Think of it as a digital ecosystem where millions of merchants build, grow and manage their retail operations across multiple sales channels. Shopify reflects the dynamism of today's online commerce, showcasing tools for the creation and customization of an online store, inventory management, integrated payment systems, shipping partnership, and in-depth analytics.
Oberlo and Shopify: The Link
While Oberlo was an application focused solely on dropshipping, Shopify provided the broader platform where Oberlo was employed. Before it was phased out, online sellers could use Oberlo in conjunction with Shopify to flesh out their store with desirable products without the necessity for inventory management or handling deliveries.
Functions, Features, and Ease of Use
Oberlo offered features like automated product inventory and ordering; however, with its retirement from the Shopify ecosystem, dropshippers have turned to various alternatives that provide similar functionalities.
Shopify remains the foundational base for such dropshipping-related apps. There is no additional technical expertise required; Shopify ensures plug-and-play ease for anyone, which was ideal for accommodating Oberlo’s straightforward functionality.
Cost Implications
In terms of cost, Shopify operates on a subscription-based model, with different tiers to suit the size and scale of your business—from small setups to full-fledged enterprises—and they offer a free trial to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey. Oberlo had offered a free starter plan and two higher-tier plans which were budget-friendly and catered to the volume of transactions your store processed.
Unique Characteristics and Benefits
- Oberlo:
- Focused exclusively on dropshipping businesses.
- Simplified the search for products.
Automated order fulfilment.
Shopify:
- Offers a complete toolkit for online business creation and management.
- Supports various business models beyond dropshipping.
- Flexible and scalable to accompany your business growth.
- Extensive app integration with an ecosystem comprising thousands of apps.
Conclusion: Making the Distinction
The analysis underscores that Shopify is an all-encompassing platform where merchants not only create but also operate their online businesses. It remains instrumental for dropshippers even after Oberlo's retirement, as Shopify hosts an array of alternative apps that facilitate dropshipping processes.
As you gear up for launching your dropshipping business, understanding these insights about Oberlo’s function can guide your decision-making process in choosing a suitable alternative within Shopify's extensive app marketplace. Remember, despite Oberlo's absence, the dropshipping model persists, and Shopify continues to empower merchants with diverse tools for success.
For further details or to get started with your own dropshipping store, visit Shopify and explore their app store that now fills the void left by Oberlo.
