Introduction to AR Dropshipping and BigCommerce
Dropshipping is booming in 2025, and businesses of all sizes are tapping into it as a flexible, low-cost way to sell products online. But not all platforms are equal when it comes to launching a successful dropshipping store. One of the platforms gaining massive attention is BigCommerce.
If you’re thinking about launching a dropshipping business or want to scale an existing one, BigCommerce might be the solution you’re looking for. In this guide, we’ll explore whether BigCommerce is good for dropshipping and cover essential topics such as AR dropshipping, reverse dropshipping, time investment insights, and how ecommerce services can boost your results. Let’s dive in.
What is Dropshipping, and How Does It Work?
Dropshipping is a retail model where the seller doesn’t keep the products in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases it from a third-party supplier who ships it directly to the customer. This means:
- No inventory holding
- Lower upfront costs
- Flexibility to scale
Now, let’s see where BigCommerce fits into this model.
What Makes BigCommerce Suitable for Dropshipping?
BigCommerce is a cloud-based ecommerce platform designed for businesses that want to create, manage, and scale an online store. When it comes to dropshipping, BigCommerce offers the following advantages:
- Built-in integrations with popular dropshipping apps like AliExpress, Modalyst, Spocket, and Printful.
- Fast loading times and SEO-friendly infrastructure.
- Scalability: Whether you’re just starting or managing thousands of SKUs, BigCommerce supports your growth.
- No platform transaction fees, which is a big plus for profitability.
- Access to ecommerce development services that let you customize your store without needing to be a tech expert.
It’s designed for both beginners and enterprise-level sellers, making it versatile.
What Is AR Dropshipping?
AR dropshipping combines Augmented Reality (AR) technology with traditional dropshipping. Think of customers being able to preview how a product looks in real life before purchasing—like visualizing furniture in their room or seeing how glasses fit on their face.
Here’s how it enhances dropshipping:
- Improved customer experience with real-time product previews
- Reduced return rates as buyers get a better understanding of the product
- Increased engagement and conversions
Platforms like BigCommerce are evolving and, through third-party plugins and custom development, can support AR dropshipping features. Integrating AR might require help from advanced ecommerce development services, but it’s worth the investment.
What is the time commitment needed for dropshipping?
This is a very common question for beginners. The truth? Dropshipping isn’t totally hands-off.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
Time Investment (Weekly)
- Product research: 5–10 hours
- Customer service: 3–6 hours
- Order processing: 2–4 hours (unless automated)
- Marketing (TikTok, SEO, emails): 5–10 hours
- Store maintenance/updates: 2–3 hours
If you use platforms like BigCommerce, you’ll get tools that automate order syncing, email marketing, and even inventory management, which cuts down your manual efforts significantly.
That said, outsourcing certain tasks to ecommerce development services or virtual assistants can help you scale without burning out.
Dropship on BigCommerce: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to dropship on BigCommerce, follow this simplified roadmap:
- Sign up for BigCommerce and choose your plan.
- Select a dropshipping app from the BigCommerce app store (Modalyst, Printful, etc.).
- Connect your app and start importing products.
- Customize your store with themes or hire an ecommerce development service to do it.
- Set up payment gateways, taxes, and shipping rules.
- Launch your store and start promoting it via social media, SEO, and paid ads.
BigCommerce simplifies many of these steps with a drag-and-drop interface and built-in tools.
What is Reverse Dropshipping?
Reverse dropshipping is the opposite of traditional dropshipping. Instead of sourcing cheap products from abroad and selling them locally, you source high-quality products from developed countries and sell them in markets like Asia, Latin America, or Africa.
Why consider it?
- Less competition: It’s not yet saturated.
- Premium pricing: High-end markets allow for better profit margins.
- Focus on quality: Appeals to affluent buyers.
BigCommerce is a strong fit for reverse dropshipping because:
- It supports multiple currencies and international shipping setups.
- You can use custom ecommerce development services to build a localized storefront for international buyers.
- Integration with global logistics providers is easy.
Moreover, reverse dropshipping requires strong branding, which BigCommerce helps facilitate through its custom theme capabilities. You’ll need to invest more into your brand story, site aesthetics, and marketing strategy. But for entrepreneurs seeking a high-margin niche, reverse dropshipping offers a valuable path.
P.S: Thinking of expanding your online business beyond dropshipping? Take a look at this guide on how to start a food delivery business. It walks you through the essentials of building a successful delivery platform, from market research to app development great for entrepreneurs who want to diversify their digital ventures.
BigCommerce vs. Other Platforms for Dropshipping
Let’s compare BigCommerce to Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix:
| Platform | Best For | Dropshipping Apps | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | Scale & customization | Spocket, Printful | No |
| Shopify | Beginners & mid-size stores | Oberlo (discontinued), DSers | Yes |
| WooCommerce | Developers & control | AliDropship, Spocket | No |
| Wix | Small sellers & DIY creators | Modalyst | Yes |
BigCommerce stands out with no transaction fees, enterprise-level scalability, and developer-friendly options, especially when paired with a skilled ecommerce development team.
Another benefit is that BigCommerce doesn’t force you into using its own payment gateway, unlike Shopify, which charges additional fees unless you use Shopify Payments. This allows for more flexible financial control.
P.S: If you’re exploring smarter ways to manage leads and customer interactions for your dropshipping store, it’s worth checking out this detailed eLeads CRM review and modern CRM alternatives. The article breaks down how eLeads CRM stacks up against today’s most intuitive and automation-friendly CRM platforms, which can help streamline your customer service, sales pipelines, and marketing workflows key aspects for any ecommerce business aiming to scale efficiently.
Challenges of Dropshipping with BigCommerce
No platform is perfect. Here are a few potential downsides:
- Learning curve: BigCommerce has more features, which can overwhelm beginners.
- AR dropshipping and reverse dropshipping might need advanced development.
- Some apps cost extra, unlike platforms with free app alternatives.
But with the help of ecommerce development services, you can overcome these hurdles and make your BigCommerce store stand out.
One tip: Take advantage of BigCommerce’s free trial and knowledge base. Their support and partner ecosystem are strong, and you don’t need to go it alone.
Dropshipping Market Report 2025: Growth, Trends, and Opportunities
The global dropshipping market is projected to exceed $621 billion by 2028, growing at a 23.4% CAGR. This growth is driven by low startup costs, rising smartphone use, and user-friendly platforms like BigCommerce. While the U.S. leads the market, countries like Pakistan, China, and Brazil are quickly catching up. Niche and reverse dropshipping are also gaining traction, offering a great opportunity for businesses to sell globally without managing inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need a business license to start dropshipping?
Not always. While some platforms and suppliers may require one, many people start dropshipping as a sole proprietor. However, getting a business license can help you appear more professional and access wholesale deals.
Q2. How do I choose the right supplier?
Look for suppliers with good reviews, fast shipping times, and responsive customer service. Platforms like AliExpress, Oberlo, or private suppliers can be good starting points, but always test their reliability first.
Q3. What are the biggest challenges in dropshipping?
The biggest challenges are finding winning products, handling customer expectations, and managing supplier issues like out-of-stock items or shipping delays.
Q4. Can I run a dropshipping business on a part-time basis?
Yes, many people start part-time and scale up as they gain experience. Just make sure you set aside time consistently to manage orders, update your store, and run marketing campaigns.
Q5: What do ecommerce development services include?
Ecommerce development services typically cover everything needed to build, launch, and maintain an online store. This includes website design, platform setup (like Shopify or BigCommerce), custom features, payment gateway integration, mobile optimization, performance tuning, and ongoing technical support. Many service providers also offer SEO, security upgrades, and third-party app integration to help businesses scale effectively.
Final Thoughts: Is BigCommerce Good for Dropshipping?
Absolutely. With its robust features, scalability, third-party integrations, and support for global selling, BigCommerce is an excellent platform for modern dropshipping models including AR dropshipping and reverse dropshipping.
Still, success depends on the effort you put into product research, marketing, and customer service. Remember, tools like BigCommerce just make it easier they don’t do all the work for you.
Need help building or scaling your store? Consider working with AppVertices, a trusted expert in ecommerce development services, to tailor your BigCommerce setup exactly the way you need.
Whether you’re looking to tap into dropshipping, want to know how much time to invest in dropshipping, or simply need guidance on how to dropship on BigCommerce successfully this guide gives you a solid foundation to begin your journey.