Is it worth investing in your own store or dropshipping?
Guilherme Rocha · 2026-10-07
Comparative profit margin analysis
With the dropshipping model, profit margins usually range from 10% to 30%. This is because you don’t own the inventory and therefore pay more per unit. With your own store, margins can reach 50% or more, depending on the product category and your negotiations with suppliers. It’s important to calculate the total cost, including marketing expenses and platform fees, to understand the true profit potential.
Upfront and maintenance costs for each model
The upfront costs for dropshipping are relatively low. You can get started with less than R$ 1.000, taking into account the cost of setting up a website (Shopify, for example) and paid ad campaigns. Monthly maintenance costs vary, but can run around R$ 200 to R$ 500. On the other hand, your own store requires an investment in inventory, which can easily exceed R$ 5.000, plus costs for logistics, storage, and customer service, which can add up to R$ 1.000 or more per month.
Speed to launch and scalability
Dropshipping allows for a very fast launch. You can have a store live in just a few days and start selling almost immediately. It’s also highly scalable, since you can add new products without investing in inventory. On the other hand, launching your own store can take weeks or months, considering product selection, suppliers, and logistics. However, once it’s established, it can be more scalable, since you can control quality and the final price.
Brand customization options
Your own store offers plenty of room for brand customization. You can develop your visual identity, packaging, and even the customer experience. This is essential for building a loyal customer base. With dropshipping, customization is limited, since products are generally sourced from third-party suppliers, which can make it harder to stand out.
Market research focused on a specific niche
Choosing the right niche is crucial for both models. With dropshipping, it’s essential to find niches with low competition and high demand. Using tools like FreeSpy can help identify trends and successful ads. For your own store, market research should focus on niches that allow for higher profit margins and where you can offer added value, such as exclusivity or customization.
In summary, choosing between your own store and dropshipping in 2024 depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and available resources. Which model do you think will bring the best return on an initial investment of R$ 5.000?