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Shopify Dropshipping in Mexico: All You Need To Know

May 03, 2024
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Shopify dropshipping in Mexico, providing you with all the information you need to get started. 

Is Dropshipping Available In Mexico?

Yes. Dropshipping is available in Mexico and is a growing trend within the country’s e-commerce sector. Here are some key points to consider if you’re interested in starting a dropshipping business in Mexico:

  • Market Potential: Mexico is one of the largest e-commerce markets in Latin America, with a growing number of internet users and an increasing comfort level with online shopping. This trend presents a great opportunity for dropshipping businesses.
  • Local Suppliers: While many dropshippers in Mexico use international suppliers, there is a growing trend toward partnering with local suppliers to reduce shipping times and costs. This also helps deal with fewer customs issues and supports local economies.
  • Logistics: Mexico’s logistics infrastructure is continuously improving, but it can still present challenges, especially in more remote areas. Choosing reliable shipping services that can manage timely deliveries is crucial.
  • Supported policies: Mexico has established many policies to support entrepreneurship, particularly for small businesses, including favorable tax regulations. For instance, if your business earns less than $100,000 annually, you can declare these earnings as personal taxes, simplifying the tax process and reducing the burden on small business owners.

How to Get Started With Shopify Dropshipping in Mexico

How to Get Started With Shopify Dropshipping in Mexico

If you’re considering diving into dropshipping in Mexico using Shopify, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you take the first step:

Step 1: Find Your Niche

While food and personal care are popular, the evolving market dynamics suggest that electronics, fashion, toys, or hobbies will be the most promising niches for dropshipping in Mexico by 2027.

  • Electronics Accessories: In Mexico, there’s a high demand for affordable electronic accessories like USB cables, phone cases, and Bluetooth speakers. These items are low-cost, high-turnover products that cater to Mexico’s tech-savvy consumers without needing significant capital investments.
  • Fashion: Fashion items, including clothing, shoes, and trendy tech accessories, remain evergreen in Mexico’s style-conscious market. Engage customers through print-on-demand services or by selling branded goods, which can be adapted quickly to changing trends at minimal risk.
  • Toys & Hobbies: Target specific age groups within the toys and hobbies market to cater to diverse preferences. For example, drones are popular among teenagers and hobbyists, offering a focused niche that aligns with the interests of Mexican consumers.

Step 2: Source Your Products and Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers is a make-or-break when setting up your Shopify dropshipping store in Mexico. Here’s a quick guide to some of the best dropshipping suppliers tailored to different needs:

  • Eprolo: Best overall for Mexican dropshipping, offering a wide range of products and reliable service.
  • Spocket: Ideal for general dropshipping stores with local and international products.
  • AppScenic: Recommended for toys and hobbies, providing a diverse selection for various age groups.
  • Printify: Great for print-on-demand electronics, allowing customization that appeals to tech enthusiasts.
  • Printful: Best for print-on-demand fashion goods, offering quality printing on various clothing and accessories.
  • SaleHoo: Perfect for Shopify users, featuring an extensive directory of suppliers and products.
  • Shein Mexico: Trendy clothing supplier with fast fashion items that appeal to a younger demographic.
  • Dropified: Excellent for sourcing high-end toys, including premium and specialty items.
  • CJDropshipping: Useful for accessing Chinese suppliers, facilitating a broad selection of goods at competitive prices.

Step 3: Register Your Business

To operate legally in Mexico, you need:

  • RFC Registration: Register for your Federal Taxpayers Registry to comply with tax requirements.
  • IMSS Enrollment: Enroll in the Mexican Social Security Institute to handle contributions for any employees.
  • Local Business Permits: Check with local municipalities for additional permits or licenses.

Step 4: Price Your Products

Your pricing can decide your competitiveness. Here are some tips for pricing your products properly in Mexico:

  • Understand the Market: Before setting your prices, look at your competitors’ pricing and understand what similar products are selling for. This will give you a benchmark and help you identify a price range that is competitive yet profitable.
  • Calculate Costs: Include all your costs when determining your price, including the cost of goods sold (COGS), shipping fees, customs duties (if importing goods into Mexico), and any other operational costs.
  • Monitor Currency Fluctuations: If you are sourcing products from abroad, keep an eye on exchange rates, as fluctuations can affect your costs and pricing. It may be necessary to adjust your pricing to reflect significant changes in currency value.
  • Test and Adjust: Pricing isn’t set in stone. Test different price points to see what works best for your target market. Be responsive to feedback and willing to adjust prices if your products are priced too high or too low.

Step 5: Build Your Shopify Store

  • Start by selecting a Shopify plan that suits your business size and needs.
  • Design your Shopify store with a mobile-first approach, considering many Mexicans use smartphones for internet access. The store interface should be available in Spanish with culturally relevant content. 
  • Integrate popular local payment solutions like MercadoPago, which facilitates credit card, debit card, and cash payments through OXXO, a widely-used convenience store chain in Mexico. Ensure your shipping options are clear, showcasing reliable domestic shipping services.
  • Create key pages that your customers expect to find, such as ‘About Us’, ‘Contact’, ‘FAQ’, ‘Privacy Policy’, and ‘Return Policy’. These pages should provide detailed information about your business and help build trust with your customers.

Step 6: Use Apps To Automate Your Shopify Dropshipping Store

Incorporate Shopify apps that enhance operational efficiency. Sprocket or Dropified can simplify product importation and inventory updates. Apps like Aftership help manage the logistics and allow customers to track their purchases in real-time. Marketing automation tools like Klaviyo can be used to segment your audience and tailor marketing campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences.

Step 7: Launch And Marketing Your Store

Effective marketing is crucial for a successful launch. Use SEO techniques to target Mexican-specific queries and set up PPC campaigns focusing on key cities and regions. Leverage social media platforms popular in Mexico, such as Facebook and Instagram, and consider working with local influencers to increase brand visibility. Ensure your marketing messages resonate with local culture to build a strong connection with your audience.

Step 8: Manage Orders and Make Adjustments

Once your store runs, actively manage orders and customer service to maintain high customer satisfaction. Monitor logistics closely, mainly if you rely on cross-border shipping, to swiftly handle any delays or issues. 

Regularly analyze your sales data, customer feedback, and market trends to refine your product offerings and improve your business processes. Adjustments may include changing marketing strategies, updating pricing, or switching suppliers to meet customer demands better.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Shopify dropshipping in Mexico offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs eager to tap into the e-commerce space. Adhering to the guidelines and strategies discussed can set the foundation for a thriving online business.

FAQs

Yes, you can dropship from Amazon to Mexico. Amazon allows sellers to list products on its platform and ship them directly to customers in Mexico. However, it's essential to consider shipping costs, delivery times, and compliance with local regulations to ensure a smooth operation.

Mexico is an increasingly popular dropshipping location due to its growing e-commerce market and strategic location near major manufacturing hubs in the United States and Asia. The country offers a sizable consumer base that is becoming more accustomed to online shopping, which can be advantageous for drop shippers. However, it's important to consider challenges such as logistics, payment processing, and local consumer preferences to maximize success.

Yes, Shopify dropshipping in Mexico can still be profitable, especially as the ecommerce sector continues to expand rapidly in the region. Success depends on identifying niche markets, optimizing logistics, and adapting to local shopping behaviors and preferences. However, competition is increasing, so maintaining profitability requires updating trends, refining marketing strategies, and providing exceptional customer service.

Yes, you can open a Shopify store in Mexico. Shopify supports sellers in Mexico with features like local payment gateways, integration with shipping carriers, and the ability to sell in Mexican pesos. Setting up your store involves choosing a suitable theme, configuring your payment and shipping options, and localizing content to resonate with the Mexican market.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.