How to Build a Profitable One-Product Shopify Dropshipping Store

Anna Navolokova, Marketing Manager in Multi-Programming Solutions  •  13 min read

As an online business owner or a dropshipper, you may have already heard about the growing tendency to build and run a thriving single-item store. It gives customers unique and targeted shopping impressions, ensuring everyone will find exactly what they are looking for in the niche market.

This blog article will delve into the topic in more detail. Whether you are new to e-commerce sales or have some experience in this area, you’ll gain valuable insights on identifying the right opportunities and developing a prosperous brand.

Table of Contents

What Is A Single Product Store?

Benefits of a One Product Shopify Store

How to Find the Right Product to Sell

Top Practices for Successful Product Development:

The Best One Product Shopify Store Examples

Conclusion

What Is A Single Product Store?

Instead of merchandising tons of mass-market stuff to cover the needs of any client who visits your e-commerce website, you may focus on a solo item, develop a unique brand, and build a thriving business. A one-product dropshipping store offers a single solution (or sometimes related goods as an upsell) and highlights its outstanding value, which lies in solving customers’ pain points and delivering a superb shopping experience.

Many entrepreneurs think that selling multiple goods can benefit them more. Still, this statement might be false in some circumstances. At first sight, business owners may think offering hundreds of products among their online listings gives buyers greater choice. So they will probably find something that suits their personal needs and won’t leave the site without making a purchase. Still, things can differ in reality. As a well-known psychologist, Barry Schwartz points out in his book ‘The Paradox of Choice,’ individual freedom may, in some cases, be harmful to emotional well-being. In terms of e-commerce, choosing a product from a vast number of options can significantly decrease the level of user satisfaction.

Customers may feel they are missing out on other items they look through but don’t decide to purchase. It becomes psychologically uncomfortable for some people. Instead, single-product Shopify stores combat such conflicts by eliminating choices, reducing buyers' anxiety, stress, and time required to complete the deal. In other words, customers have fewer doubts when shopping online, spend less resources, and feel more confident while pressing the “Pay” button from their carts.

While you’re gradually becoming more designated in solo item dropshipping stores, let us introduce several advantages you may get by starting this retail business model. 

Benefits of a One Product Shopify Store

The stuff your online shop is built around refers to your main flagship. Your range of offerings may remain small, but you can still diversify it with a large number of variations, such as colors or sizes. Crocs is one of the excellent single-product store examples. They offer a plethora of specific footwear for grownups and kids and unique accessories (jibbits) to go with. Usually, the landing page of such websites acts like a miniature sales funnel. Visitors can get familiar with high-quality photoes and videos of merchandised stuff. There are also highly visible advantages of the brand, like free shipping offerings, warranties, hassle-free return policy, etc. Here, customers may find FAQ sections, social media links, blog publications, and client testimonials. Generally, the best one-product dropshipping stores are designed to create a perfect shopping experience and overcome any objections.

There are also other benefits that make operating an online shop and generating stable revenue easier:

• Entrepreneurs occupy a very defined market. They know exactly who their potential clients are, what they want from the product, and which features may simplify their choice.
• A branded one-product store can have high conversion rates. Almost all the traffic is explained by the audience’s preferences for that exact item. For example, if you sell phone cases, your online visitors qualify themselves as interested in the unique stuff you can offer.
• You get a chance to create better positioning. Selling multiple goods may be challenging because you send scattered messages to your buyers. However, building brand identity becomes more straightforward when it comes to a Shopify one-product store template.
• Shop owners create a feeling of scarcity, which may cause visitors to doubt that they’ll find the same stuff elsewhere. The desire to stand out from the crowd increases the chance of completing the purchase.
• Your website can get a higher ranking in online searches due to certain keywords that can’t be applied to other mass-market items.
• You can organize upsells for premium quality, limited design offerings, higher quantities, or additional accessories and services associated with a solo product.
• Making successful advertising becomes hassle-free as it’s easier to determine a winning strategy for a single item than try to pick a suitable one for multiple goods.

Even an entrepreneur with zero experience in e-commerce can organize a successful one-product Shopify store and gain revenue from selling stuff worldwide. The first task you should solve while developing a business plan is choosing the solo item you’ll build a brand around.

How to Find the Right Product to Sell

Let’s define why it’s essential to do good research and analyze vast amounts of data before launching a store. A wrong choice can significantly reduce your potential and cause risks of spending time and money. The correct item for a Shopify site should cater to a niche market, bring satisfaction, and solve customers’ problems. Additionally, it should have low competition and bring something distinct to stand out. 

Generally, the best solution for a one-product store template is stuff that can hardly be found on Amazon or other popular US marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. It should be easily shipped, meaning its sizes, weight, and materials won’t cause extra challenges if your volumes grow or you decide to offer wholesale. Higher-priced (over $100) items will help you generate more revenue while your customers will be ready to pay for the excellent quality and uniqueness. Self-explanatory, your products should be eye-catching to stand out and attract potential buyers.

So, without further delays, let’s get into the steps of finding the best Shopify theme for one product store.

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Brainstorm

You may already have perfect and lucrative ideas in mind. Just write them down regardless of how crazy and wild they may look at first sight. Maybe the last thing you thought about is what thousands of your potential buyers may appreciate and highly rate. You can brainstorm insights on your own or ask friends and colleagues to discuss the topic together. Some client-oriented enthusiasts even create online polls on social media, asking the audience about their preferred products or alternatives for customizing already-existing things.

Don’t underestimate the impact of AI, which means tools like ChatGPT help pick up suitable solutions according to your detailed prompt. Just put some information into your query, like retail location, gender, or the age of your target audience, and you will wonder how many variations it can generate.

One of the most underrated methods of searching for fresh ideas to make a one-product Shopify store is using Reddit. You may write something like “presents ideas from Asia” and get an overwhelming list of items that are widely sold in the appropriate region but can hardly be found in the USA market. These goods can be used for your startup.

Once you’ve noted all your thoughts, you may add additional information, such as production costs, potential margin, etc. This will make your future decision-making easier.

Narrow down

When it seems like you described all the possible products for your future dropshipping site, it’s time to separate weak ideas from those promising great potential. You can use SEO tools like Ahrefs. It will help you discover related keywords with the largest number of internet searches.

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You may ask why you need this data for one product Shopify store theme. The reason is that you should think of your business growth in advance. Thus, you’ll identify niches (or other similar products) with low competition and high demand. You will ensure that the chosen item has good potential and can guarantee a positive start for the retail business. Moreover, you’ll note additional ideas you may incorporate when your brand becomes ready to expand.

Suppose you decide to sell kimono robes at the beginning of your e-commerce journey but later expand to a broader assortment like Asian traditional cloth. Choosing a general category during your first steps in building a store will be a wise solution. You’ll get a chance to create a reputable one product Shopify store and become recognizable even before branching out to other areas. In other words, you’ll form a space for further scaling.

Be passionate about what you do

Building an e-commerce business from scratch requires a lot of time and effort. It would be great if you really liked your job and enjoyed every minute spent improving it. Motivation will always be on your side if you are passionate about what you do. On the other hand, even if the niche promises an impressive profit but doesn’t respond to your interests, there is a high risk of failing at any stage.

But let’s stay on a positive wave and learn more about how to create a one product Shopify store that will win the hearts and souls of your clients.

Top Practices for Successful Product Development

Along with the challenging task of determining the right item to sell in the online e-commerce shop, entrepreneurs should take several steps to organize successful sales from concept generation to market release. Read more about the best practices you can utilize.

Finding the best suppliers 

One of the main differences between one product and a multi-product Shopify store is that it’s possible to work with a single partner to source the assortment for you. Of course, you may deal with a couple of suppliers to mitigate the risks of understocking. In any case, quite reasonably, you should take the following steps to find an ideal one:

• Create a list of requirements. Include your preferences in prices, production and shipping time, specifications, and quality standards here. This firm will ship goods to the final destination, so you must ensure everything is perfect.
• Search for potential applicants in supplier directories, trade shows, or specific forums. You need a reputable partner with positive reviews and industry experience.
• Test communication and responsiveness. A successful partnership requires quick reaction to suddenly occurring issues and their timely solution. Evaluate the supplier's readiness to address possible concerns and meet halfway.
• Order samples. Always check the quality of the stuff before placing it into listings for further Shopify sales. You should ensure that the reality corresponds with the declared description and that your clients get a high-quality product on hand. 
• Check terms and pricing. Identify whether the supplier offers minimum quantity limits or discounts. Numbers should align with your business requirements.
• Make a small deal. You can establish a trial period to see how your partner really works. If the sale ends without any claims on your part, you may enter into a more long-term contract. 

Even if you think you have found an ideal supplier, constantly monitor the performance to ensure the reliability of your partnership. Try to address all the issues promptly for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Focusing on scalability 

Whether you own a single product or a general store, you should consider creating new opportunities for business growth and scaling. You may plan to diversify the assortment, expand to another location, or increase the number of corporate workers. Here’s what can help you to cope with the increasing demands without losing productivity:

• Streamlining procedures. Automate routine processes, like order processing, invoice generation, and much more, with dedicated software like DropZa or PodZa for Shopify print on demand business. Thus, you’ll save resources and focus on more valuable tasks.
• Incorporating new technologies. Consider integrating CRM or using analytical tools to track store performance and apply optimization.
• Prioritizing customer. Place your client at the top by ensuring personalized experience, excellent support, and exceptional service. It’s always easier to keep loyal users coming than attract new ones.
• Improving your website. Develop a user-friendly interface that ensures seamless navigation. Make all the required information (about us, return policy, delivery, live chat, etc.) visible for a better shopping experience.

Prepare for growth from the first day of launching your online shop. You can forecast demands, gradually scale infrastructure, and build a flexible business model that can adapt to rapidly changing market needs.

Maintaining up-to-date software 

Regularly updating your e-commerce software is crucial for your online store's functionality, security, and performance. Here’s how you can keep up with times without extra spending on Shopify:

• Enable automatic updates. The platform regularly makes new releases with improved features and security. Ensure you’re running the latest version without any human intervention.
• Regularly back up your e-commerce store to avoid data loss.
• Implement strong password and SSL encryption to protect your online shop against cyber attacks.
• Audit and remove unnecessary integrations to increase website performance and prevent security vulnerabilities.
• If you utilize custom solutions, ensure they are compatible with the latest Shopify version.
• Learn about fresh innovations through the official platform channel.

Make regular updates a part of your business routine to ensure your Shopify single-product store remains secure, optimized, and capable of delivering the best customer experience and driving sales.

Choosing a suitable Shopify theme

Your store’s design should reveal the qualities and exceptional values of a single product. That’s why it's crucial to pick the correct theme that ensures simple navigation, reduces customers’ distractions, and maximizes conversion. Shopify offers several paid and free options that may perfectly suit your goals. Here are some of the best solutions:

• Debut, Boundless, and Streamline are brilliant minimalist templates offering story-focused pages with animated details that perfectly highlight your brand’s advantages and allow you to create visually attractive content.
• Fabulous ($34): With eight layouts, this theme offers advanced features like mega menu configuration, quick view pop-up, wishlist, and currency selector.
• Elomus ($56): Using one of 30+ available designs for different niches, shop owners get extra capabilities like quick view and add-to-cart, layered navigation, customer testimonials sector, video content, and social media feed.
• Startup ($240): For a one-time payment, you get access to advanced functionality like a cart page and drawer, quick buy, blog, FAQ, cross-selling section, sticky header, and much more.

Even if you already have an online store running but aren’t satisfied with its looks, you can change the theme to one that perfectly underlines your product benefits.

The Best One Product Shopify Store Examples

The following real-life examples can give you more valuable information on the topic and help you visualize what a one-product Shopify store is. Let’s look at several successfully working e-commerce websites and drive your inspiration. Looking ahead, we’d like to note that some of these brands merchandise more than a single item nowadays. That’s a result of their productive work and continuous scaling. However, they all start their business journey with a solo product idea.

Dryrobe

This brand began to conquer the online market 14 years ago and is still on the wave. In 2010, Dryrobe creators decided to sell insulated coats to water sports fans. Their assortment is still circulating around that core item. Warm, waterproof, and produced from 100% recycled fabrics, clothes quickly found their loyal buyers. You may ask what uniqueness and extra value the firm could offer to its clients. The secret is simple. They create a thing that never existed before. Their outdoor changing ponchos keep enthusiasts warm and healthy, enhancing satisfaction from their favorite hobby.

Tushy

The product itself, website design, slogans, and style provided by Tushy is more than simply brave. It’s cocky. The company started to merchandise a bidet attachment and flipped over the picture of modern marketing. The most amazing thing is that brand owners took already existing items and advertised them for the right (perhaps specific) audience. Just visit their website, read a couple of words, and you’ll understand what we mean. 

Myro

Pro-Planet, Pro-You. That’s how this company positions its work. A perfect example of a one-product dropshipping store, Myro stands for environmental safety, offering refillable deodorant kits. This online shop's main client is a young generation of eco-activists. Things to note for your own business strategy: the brand provides a subscription-based purchasing model for store users. It allows them to receive stable revenue and forecast future demands.

Mindjournal

If you think all the possible ideas for online sales have already been turned into life and you can’t find space for creativity, just look at MindJournal. They took one of the most straightforward products and made it a life changer for millions of its buyers. Simple notepad for men? Yes and no. Thanks to the inventive entrepreneurs, this item has become a mood-tracking, achievement-checking, and feeling-unlocking tool for individuals who need to reorganize their lives and become better versions of them.

Turned Yellow

Every next one-product Shopify store idea in our brand review seems better than the previous one. This print on demand company offers an outstanding service to its customers. They create unique Simpsons-like portraits of families (of course, if they dare to send a photo for this task), print, and deliver the picture to the final destination. Clients have several customizable options to choose from, such as background, style, number of people, etc. Turned Yellow has become a frequent choice for buyers searching for a funny present, corporate orders, and special event gifts.

Neos Smartcam

This firm sells only smart home cameras for progressive buyers. Clients who appreciate minimalism and care about a safe and secure home atmosphere choose Neos as a reliable one-product vendor that can satisfy their needs in comfortable and cozy places. The brand website is as straightforward as the product itself but is fully functional and client-oriented at the same time.

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Conclusion

Our one-product store Shopify guide revealed how you can use unlimited opportunities to build and popularize a brand with a single item at your disposal. It turns out that in a gigantic and competitive e-commerce world, business owners can succeed by making only one thing. However, they should do it better than rivals, providing an excellent customer experience, ensuring high quality, and offering one-of-a-kind value.

Selling hundreds of items to a great diversity of buyers may not always seem a good idea because the burden of choice often reduces customers’ satisfaction during the purchasing process. Luckily, solo product shops reduce the number of things entrepreneurs and clients should focus on. To organize sales and attract the target audience, the seller must find the right item and a reliable supplier, work on continuous scaling, and keep in touch with the latest technological innovations.