Want to start a dropshipping business but stand out from the crowd? Selling customizable dropshipping products is the way to go. Customers love unique items—custom mugs, t-shirts, phone cases, and even engraved jewelry.

But let’s be honest. We’ve been there—excited to launch, only to struggle with slow suppliers, complicated customization tools, and orders taking forever to fulfill. It’s frustrating. That’s why we learned what works (and what doesn’t).

In this guide, we’ll show you how to start dropshipping personalized products the right way. From choosing the best suppliers to scaling fast, we’ve got you covered.

What Are Personalized Dropshipping Products?

Personalized dropshipping products are items that customers can customize before purchasing. They can add names, messages, photos, or unique designs, making each product one of a kind. Popular examples include:

• Custom t-shirts
• Engraved jewelry
• Monogrammed phone cases
• Printed mugs.

Unlike traditional dropshipping, where products are sold as-is, personalized items create a stronger emotional connection. This makes them ideal for gifts, special occasions, or self-expression—plus, people are often willing to pay more for something unique.

The best part? You don’t need to hold inventory. A print-on-demand (POD) supplier handles the printing, engraving, or embroidery and ships the customized item directly to the customer. But not all suppliers offer the same experience.

We suggest working with suppliers that have fast fulfillment times and high-quality printing. Customers expect their custom orders quickly, and delays can lead to bad reviews and lost sales. A reliable supplier makes all the difference in keeping your business running smoothly.

How To Start Dropshipping Personalized Products?

As you go through this guide, think about what products your audience would love to customize and how you can make the ordering process smooth and hassle-free.

1. Choose Your Niche

Picking the right niche is the first step to success. Not all personalized dropshipping products sell well, so you need to focus on items people want to customize.

Think about what sells year-round. Custom jewelry, phone cases, mugs, and pet accessories are always in demand. Gifts for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries also do great because people love giving personal, meaningful presents.

You can use Google Trends to see what products are trending and how demand changes over time. Look for items with consistent interest, not just seasonal spikes. For instance, here’s a search on phone cases:

It shows that phone cases have a steady demand throughout the year, with slight fluctuations and occasional spikes, making them a reliable niche for dropshipping.

But researching manually can take time, and trends change fast—that’s where Sell The Trend comes in.

Use Sell The Trend’s Product Explorer to Find Winning Products

Sell The Trend helps you spot trending products before they go viral. It tracks top-selling items across Shopify, Amazon, and AliExpress, giving you real-time data on what’s selling.

Here’s how it works:

You just register for an account and get access to a 14-day free trial (confirm this if needed). Once inside, you can search for any product, and Nexus will provide detailed insights, including total orders, product costs, selling prices, and profit margins:

Going with our previous search, we entered “phone cases” into Sell The Trend’s Product Explorer to see what’s currently performing well.

From the screenshot, we analyzed a Square Anti-Slip Single-Sided Mat, which functions as a phone grip accessory.

Here’s what we found:

The Real Trends Chart in the screenshot tracks sales over time, helping you avoid dead products and focus on items with consistent demand. By using Sell The Trend, you can quickly identify customizable dropshipping products that have high profit potential before the market gets oversaturated.

Instead of guessing which products will sell, this tool gives you real sales data so you can make smarter decisions for your dropshipping business.

If you’re unsure which customizable dropshipping products to add to your store, this tool can save you time and help you launch products with proven demand. Instead of guessing, you’ll have data-backed insights to make smart decisions

We suggest choosing a niche that excites you and has a strong audience. If you love pets, go for custom pet products. If you enjoy fashion, personalized apparel could be your best bet. A niche you understand will make marketing easier and more effective.

Also, check the competition. If too many stores sell the same thing, it might be tough to stand out. But don’t worry—adding unique customization options or targeting a specific audience (like dog lovers or new parents) can give you an edge.

Take your time, research trends, and pick a niche that’s both profitable and enjoyable to work with.

2. Find A Reliable Supplier

Your supplier is the backbone of your business. A bad one can lead to slow shipping, poor product quality, and unhappy customers. That’s why choosing the right supplier is just as important as picking the right product.

Start with print-on-demand (POD) suppliers if you’re selling customized products. Printful, Printify, Gelato, and AOP+ are great options. They handle printing, packing, and shipping, so you don’t have to worry about inventory.

Let’s discuss each in detail:

2.1 Printul – Best for high-quality printing and branding

Printful is a top choice for businesses that want premium print quality and strong branding options. It offers a wide range of customizable products, from apparel to home decor. Printful also provides custom packaging, branded inserts, and embroidery services, making it a great option for those who want a professional look.

Key features:

• High-quality printing and embroidery options
• Fast fulfillment with global warehouses in the US, EU, and more
• Custom branding options like logo inserts and packaging
• Seamless integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and more

2.2 Gelato – Best for global fulfillment and fast shipping

Gelato is ideal for businesses that want fast worldwide shipping at lower costs. It has a network of printing partners across 30+ countries, ensuring products are made closer to customers, reducing shipping time and costs.

Key features:

• Print network in 30+ countries for faster delivery
• Lower shipping costs compared to other POD services
• Wide range of customizable products, including posters and apparel
• Eco-friendly printing and sustainable materials
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce

2.3 Printify – Best for low-cost and bulk orders

Printify is great for businesses looking for affordable pricing and multiple supplier choices. It connects with various print providers, allowing you to compare prices and choose the best one for your needs. This makes it ideal for scaling businesses that want to test different products without high upfront costs.

Key features:

• Large network of print providers to choose from
• Competitive pricing, often lower than Printful
• Wide product selection, including clothing, mugs, and accessories
• Free and paid plans available for different business needs
• Direct integration with Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and eBay

2.4 AOP+ – Best for unique, all-over print designs

AOP+ specializes in all-over print (AOP) products, which are perfect for businesses selling custom-designed apparel and accessories. Unlike other POD suppliers, AOP+ prints in-house instead of outsourcing, giving better control over quality and production times.

Key features:

• Focus on all-over print designs for a unique look
• In-house production for better quality control
• No minimum order requirements
• Eco-friendly printing with water-based inks
• Integrates with Shopify, Etsy, and other platforms

We suggest testing a supplier before adding their products to your store. Order samples to check quality, printing, and delivery times. If the product looks cheap or takes too long to arrive, your customers won’t be happy.

Also, look for a supplier that integrates easily with your store. Many POD companies connect with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, making the process smooth and automated.

If you’re using AliExpress or other dropshipping platforms, pick sellers with good ratings, fast processing times, and strong reviews. A product might look great in photos, but always check real customer feedback before trusting a supplier.

A reliable supplier means fewer refunds, better reviews, and repeat customers. Take your time to choose wisely.

3. Design Your Custom Products

Once you’ve chosen a niche and found a reliable supplier, it’s time to create designs that stand out. Customization is what makes your products unique, so putting effort into design is key.

Start by researching trends on platforms like Etsy, Pinterest, and Instagram. See what styles, colors, and personalization options are popular in your niche. If you’re selling custom mugs or t-shirts, look for trending phrases, typography, or artwork that customers love.

If you’re not a designer, don’t worry. You can use Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or free design tools to create simple yet attractive designs. Another option is to hire a designer on Fiverr or Upwork to make professional, high-quality graphics.

We suggest offering multiple customization options to increase sales. For example:

• Text personalization: Names, initials, or custom messages
• Photo uploads: Customers can add their pictures
• Design variations: Different fonts, colors, or layouts

Before launching, order samples to check print quality and design accuracy. A great design won’t matter if the final product looks bad. Make sure your print-on-demand supplier delivers sharp, clear prints and high-quality materials.

A well-designed product not only attracts buyers but also increases repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals. Keep testing new designs, track what sells best, and refine your product lineup based on customer feedback.

4. Launch and Customize Your Dropshipping Products

You want to make the customization process as simple, intuitive, and engaging as possible so customers feel confident in placing their orders. A well-structured system will reduce abandoned carts, increase conversions, and lead to more positive reviews.

Now, it’s time to choose the right customization method for your products. Before setting up your store, you need to decide how customers will personalize their products. There are three main customization methods, and the right choice depends on your product type and target audience.

• Text Personalization – Customers can add their names, initials, dates, or short messages. This works best for jewelry, mugs, clothing, and home decor.
• Image Uploads – Customers can upload personal photos or artwork. This is ideal for phone cases, canvas prints, pillows, and pet-related products.
• Design Variations – Customers can select from different colors, fonts, or pre-made design templates. This is great for t-shirts, posters, and gift items.

If you’re unsure which option to offer, check trending personalized products on Etsy, Amazon, and Pinterest. Look at what people are already buying and how those products allow customization. Starting with a proven approach can help you avoid unnecessary trial and error.

Once you’ve chosen the right method, you need a user-friendly customization tool that allows customers to personalize their orders effortlessly. If the process is confusing or complicated, people will abandon their carts.

We suggest using apps like Teeinblue, Live Product Personalizer, or Customily to let customers preview their designs before purchasing. A live preview builds trust and reduces order mistakes.

For Shopify Users:

Shopify offers several product personalization apps that automate customization. Some of the best options include:

• Teeinblue Product Personalizer – Best for live previews and advanced customization, like text editing and image uploads.
• Live Product Personalizer – Offers real-time previews and supports text and photo personalization.
• Customily – Great for engraving previews, font selection, and color variations.

These tools allow customers to see exactly how their custom product will look before purchasing, reducing errors and increasing trust.

For WooCommerce Users:

If you’re using WooCommerce, you can install plugins like:

• Fancy Product Designer – Offers a real-time preview of text and image uploads.
• Product Add-Ons by WooCommerce – Allows customers to enter custom text and select customization options easily.

Regardless of which platform you use, make sure the customization tool is easy to use, mobile-friendly, and loads quickly. A slow or glitchy tool can frustrate customers and lower conversions.

5. Set Up An Online Store

Now that your customizable dropshipping products are ready, it’s time to set up your online store. A professional, well-structured store builds trust and makes it easier for customers to place orders.

Start by choosing an ecommerce platform that fits your needs. The most popular options are:

• SellShop– Best for beginners, it is easy to set up and offers many customization apps.
• WooCommerce – Ideal for those who want more control and already use WordPress.
• Etsy – Great if you’re targeting an audience that actively searches for personalized gifts.

We suggest using a clean and simple store design that highlights your products. Customers should be able to easily browse, select customization options, and check out without confusion. If you’re using Shopify, themes like Debutify or Dawn are great for a smooth user experience.

If you want to launch your store quickly, SellShop can help automate the process. It uses AI to create a fully functional ecommerce store with product listings, descriptions, and branding.

Here’s how it works:

• You have to first register on SellShop and choose your store type based on your niche.
• The platform then generates a fully functional ecommerce store with a homepage, product pages, and branding.
• It automatically adds product listings, including descriptions, pricing, and images, so you don’t have to upload everything manually.
• AI helps create a professional store look by generating a logo, store name, and color scheme tailored to your brand.
• If you’re selling customizable products, it includes built-in features that allow customers to personalize their orders.
• The store seamlessly integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms, making it easy to start selling.

This is a great option if you want to launch your store quickly without dealing with the time-consuming setup process. Instead of figuring out every little detail, you can get started right away and focus on marketing and sales.

Once your store is live, make sure it’s optimized for mobile shoppers. Most customers browse and buy from their phones, so your website needs to be responsive and easy to navigate. Choose a clean, mobile-friendly theme and ensure product images, customization options, and checkout forms display correctly on all devices.

Page speed also plays a big role in conversions. A slow website can drive customers away, so keep things running smoothly by compressing images, using a lightweight theme, and removing unnecessary plugins that could slow down your store. The faster and more seamless the experience, the more likely customers are to complete their purchases.

6. Market Your Online Store

Once your store is set up, the next step is getting customers to visit and buy your customizable dropshipping products. Without marketing, even the best-designed store won’t generate sales. The key is to target the right audience, use multiple marketing channels, and test what works best.

The best place to start is social media marketing, where platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest help showcase personalized products in a visually appealing way. Posting engaging content such as product images, behind-the-scenes videos, and customer testimonials can help attract interest.

Short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram Reels work especially well to demonstrate the customization process, and collaborating with micro-influencers who have an audience interested in gifts, fashion, or home decor can expand your reach.

To maximize your results, focus on these key strategies:

• Post engaging content – Share high-quality product images, behind-the-scenes videos, and customer testimonials.
• Use short-form videos – TikTok and Instagram Reels are great for showcasing the customization process and trending product ideas.
• Partner with influencers – Reach out to micro-influencers in your niche to promote your products.
• Leverage Pinterest – Many shoppers actively search for personalized gift ideas on Pinterest, making it a great platform to showcase your products.

While organic content is important, paid advertising helps scale your store faster by reaching the right audience. Running Facebook and Instagram ads targeting people interested in personalized gifts, pet lovers, or family keepsakes can drive traffic to your store.

Testing different ad creatives with variations of images, videos, and headlines helps identify what performs best. If shoppers visit but don’t buy, retargeting ads can remind them of their interest and encourage them to complete their purchase.

To get the most out of your ad budget, keep these tips in mind:

• Run Facebook & Instagram ads – Target audiences based on their interests and past purchasing behavior.
• Test different ad creatives – Experiment with images, videos, and ad copy to find what converts best.
• Use retargeting ads – Bring back visitors who viewed a product but didn’t complete checkout.

For long-term, free traffic, it’s important to optimize your store for search engines (SEO). Writing product descriptions with relevant keywords like “custom name necklace” or “engraved leather wallet” makes it easier for customers to find your products through Google.

Creating blog content such as “Best Personalized Gifts for Birthdays” can also bring organic visitors to your store. If you’re using Shopify, syncing your products with Google Shoppingincreases visibility in search results, making it easier for customers to discover your store.

To improve your store’s SEO, focus on the following:

• Write SEO-friendly product descriptions – Use keywords that people are searching for to increase visibility.
• Create blog content – Writing gift guides or trend-based articles can bring organic traffic.
• Sync with Google Shopping – Increase your chances of appearing in Google search results.

How To Start Dropshipping Personalized Products: FAQs

1. Can You Dropship A Custom Product?

Yes, you can dropship a custom product by working with print on demand companies that offer personalization. These companies allow you to sell print on demand products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and jewelry with unique designs, names, or photos added by customers.

Since this dropshipping business model doesn’t require you to keep stock, you don’t need to handle printing or shipping. Your print on demand supplier takes care of production and fulfillment after each order. This makes it a great way to start an online business with low upfront costs.

If you want to select customizable dropshipping products, look for print on demand services that offer real-time previews and personalization tools to enhance the customer experience.

2. Can I Dropship A Branded Product?

Dropshipping branded products is tricky because most big brands don’t allow unauthorized resellers. If you try to sell well-known brands without permission, you risk legal issues and account bans on ecommerce business platforms like Shopify and Amazon.

Instead, you can create your own brand by using custom dropshipping suppliers that offer private-label products. Many print on demand companies let you add custom branding, like your logo on packaging or product labels. This way, you build a unique brand while following the legal guidelines of the dropshipping business model.

If you’re interested in selling print on demand products under your own brand, choose a print on demand site that offers white-label or private-label options.

3. How Do I Dropship My Own Product?

To dropship your own product, you need to design or customize an item and work with a dropshipping supplier to fulfill orders. The easiest way is by using a print on demand business, where you upload a design and sell print on demand products without holding stock.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Select customizable dropshipping products that fit your niche, such as apparel, accessories, or home decor.
2. Find a reliable print on demand site that offers high-quality printing and fast shipping.
3. Set up an ecommerce business on Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy.
4. Create unique designs or hire a designer to make your products stand out.
5. Launch and market your store using social media, SEO, and paid ads.

Since inventory management is handled by your print on demand supplier, you don’t have to worry about storage or shipping.

You focus on sales while your print on demand services take care of fulfillment.

4. What Is The Most Profitable Product To Dropship?

The most profitable products for a dropshipping business model are those with low costs, high demand, and good margins. In print on demand businesses, popular print on demand products include:

• Custom t-shirts and hoodies – These are always in demand and easy to personalize.
• Personalized mugs and tumblers – Great for gifts and everyday use.
• Custom phone cases – A trending item with high customization potential.
• Print-on-demand jewelry – Engraved necklaces, bracelets, and rings sell well.
• Personalized home decor – Wall art, pillows, and blankets are popular among homeowners.

To maximize profits, choose custom dropshipping suppliers that offer quality products at a competitive price. Also, consider inventory management to avoid issues with stock availability and delivery times.

If you’re just starting an online business, focus on selecting customizable dropshipping products that people buy for gifts, hobbies, or everyday use. This ensures consistent demand and steady profits.

Conclusion

Starting a custom dropshipping business is simple with the right products, suppliers, and marketing. Focus on quality, make customization easy, and attract the right audience. With consistency, you can turn your store into a profitable brand. Now, take the first step and launch your store.