Oberlo and Shopify: A Farewell and a New Chapter

No, Oberlo is no longer available on Shopify. The app was officially shut down on June 15, 2022. This means that users can no longer access Oberlo’s services, import products, or fulfill orders through the platform. This shift has prompted many dropshippers to seek alternative solutions for their Shopify stores.

The Oberlo Sunset: Why Did It Happen?

Oberlo’s closure wasn’t a sudden event; it was a strategic decision by Shopify to streamline their offerings and encourage merchants to utilize their own, in-house dropshipping solution: DSers. Shopify acquired Oberlo in 2017, and over the years, its functionality became increasingly integrated with Shopify’s broader ecosystem. Consolidating resources and focusing on a single, more robust dropshipping solution was seen as the most efficient path forward.

The reasoning behind this decision can be summarized into three main points:

• Streamlining Services: Shopify aimed to simplify its app ecosystem, focusing on fewer, more comprehensive solutions. DSers offered a broader range of features and integrations directly within the Shopify environment.
• Centralized Support: Maintaining two separate dropshipping platforms (Oberlo and DSers) required significant resources. By consolidating into DSers, Shopify could provide more focused and efficient customer support.
• Enhanced Functionality: DSers offered functionalities beyond Oberlo’s capabilities, particularly regarding supplier management and automation, thus offering a more sophisticated solution for Shopify merchants.

Navigating the Post-Oberlo Landscape: Finding Your Feet

The disappearance of Oberlo might have felt like a seismic shift for many dropshippers, but the reality is that the ecosystem has adapted quickly. Numerous alternative apps and strategies have emerged to fill the void, providing various options to ensure your dropshipping business continues to thrive.

Transitioning to DSers: A Natural Progression

Shopify actively encouraged Oberlo users to migrate to DSers, making it the primary recommended alternative. DSers offers a free plan and advanced features in its premium plans, providing a smooth transition for former Oberlo users. With features like bulk order processing, supplier optimization, and advanced product analytics, DSers is a powerful tool for dropshippers.

Exploring Other Dropshipping Apps: Diversifying Your Options

While DSers is the “official” successor, the Shopify App Store is brimming with other alternatives worth exploring. Some popular options include:

• Spocket: Focuses on dropshipping products from suppliers located in the US and Europe, offering faster shipping times and higher-quality goods.
• SaleHoo: A directory of vetted suppliers and dropshippers, providing a reliable source for finding products and partners.
• AliDropship: A WordPress plugin that allows you to import products directly from AliExpress into your WordPress-based online store.
• CJDropshipping: Acts as both a product sourcing platform and a fulfillment service, allowing you to find products and have them shipped directly to your customers.

Beyond Apps: Building Your Own Dropshipping Infrastructure

For more advanced users, building a custom dropshipping infrastructure might be the best long-term strategy. This involves establishing direct relationships with suppliers, managing inventory (if necessary), and automating the fulfillment process through custom integrations. While this approach requires more technical expertise and upfront investment, it offers greater control and flexibility.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Oberlo and Its Aftermath

Here are answers to frequently asked questions to give you further clarification.

1. What exactly happened to Oberlo?

Oberlo was officially shut down by Shopify on June 15, 2022. Users can no longer access the platform’s features. This was a strategic decision by Shopify to consolidate its dropshipping services under DSers.

2. Can I still log into my Oberlo account?

No, you can no longer log into your Oberlo account. The platform is completely inaccessible. You should have downloaded any necessary data before the shutdown date.

3. What should I do if I was using Oberlo?

Your best bet is to migrate to an alternative dropshipping app, such as DSers, Spocket, or CJDropshipping. Shopify recommended that Oberlo users transition to DSers.

4. Is DSers a direct replacement for Oberlo?

Yes, DSers is intended to be the primary replacement for Oberlo. It offers similar functionalities and some additional features, such as advanced product analytics and supplier management tools.

5. Does DSers cost money?

DSers offers a free plan that allows you to manage up to 3,000 products. They also have various paid plans with additional features and higher product limits.

6. What are the benefits of using DSers over Oberlo?

DSers offers several advantages over Oberlo, including:

• Advanced product analytics
• Bulk order processing
• Supplier optimization tools
• More robust integration with Shopify

7. Can I transfer my Oberlo product data to DSers?

Shopify made it possible to migrate Oberlo product data directly to DSers, ensuring a smooth transition. If you did not complete this before June 15, 2022, data transfer is unfortunately no longer possible.

8. Are there other dropshipping apps besides DSers?

Yes, there are numerous other dropshipping apps available on the Shopify App Store, including Spocket, SaleHoo, AliDropship, and CJDropshipping. Each platform offers unique features and benefits, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best suits your needs.

9. Is dropshipping still profitable without Oberlo?

Absolutely! Dropshipping remains a viable business model despite the closure of Oberlo. The key is to adapt to the changes and utilize alternative tools and strategies.

10. What are some tips for succeeding in dropshipping after Oberlo’s shutdown?

Here are some tips:

• Focus on product research: Identify trending products with high-profit margins.
• Optimize your product listings: Create compelling product descriptions and high-quality images.
• Provide excellent customer service: Respond to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Market your store effectively: Utilize social media marketing, SEO, and paid advertising.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers: Establish reliable communication channels and negotiate favorable pricing.

11. What if I want to build my own dropshipping infrastructure?

Building your own infrastructure is an option, but it requires technical expertise and resources. This involves establishing direct relationships with suppliers, managing inventory, and automating fulfillment through custom integrations.

12. Where can I find reliable dropshipping suppliers?

You can find reliable dropshipping suppliers through various channels, including:

• Supplier directories: SaleHoo, Worldwide Brands
• Online marketplaces: AliExpress, Alibaba
• Direct outreach: Contacting manufacturers and wholesalers directly
• Dropshipping apps: DSers, Spocket, CJDropshipping often have pre-vetted supplier networks.

The closure of Oberlo marked the end of an era, but it also opened up new opportunities for dropshippers. By understanding the reasons behind the shutdown, exploring alternative solutions, and adapting to the evolving landscape, you can continue to build a successful dropshipping business on Shopify. The key is to stay informed, be proactive, and embrace the ever-changing world of e-commerce.