Own Store vs. Dropshipping: What’s the Future of Brazilian E-commerce?

Marcos Rodrigues · 2026-10-07

Market trends in 2024

Brazilian e-commerce is constantly evolving. In 2024, we expect to see increased use of artificial intelligence, more personalized offers, and growing demand for sustainable products. Stores that adopt omnichannel strategies by integrating online and offline sales will have a competitive advantage. Plus, having a presence on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok will be crucial for reach and engagement.

Cost and expense analysis for each model

1. Own Store:

• Fixed costs: hosting, domain, platform (e.g., Shopify), marketing, and staff.
• Variable costs: inventory, shipping, returns.
• Profit margin: generally higher, since you control pricing.

1. Dropshipping:

• Fixed costs: lower, since there’s no need to hold inventory.
• Variable costs: product cost + shipping (generally higher).
• Profit margin: lower, due to reliance on suppliers.

Long-term financial impact: if you want to scale, an own store can offer higher returns, while dropshipping can be a good way to enter the market.

How logistics impacts store success

Logistics is a key factor in success.

• Own Store: Inventory management and the choice of logistics partners directly impact delivery and customer satisfaction. Having your own warehouse gives you more control, but also increases costs.

• Dropshipping: You’re entirely dependent on the supplier. Delivery issues or stockouts affect the store’s reputation. Ideally, choose reliable suppliers with solid logistics.

Customer experience across different models

1. Own Store:

• More control over the customer experience, from the website to post-purchase support.
• The ability to build a strong brand and offer personalized support.

1. Dropshipping:

• Less control over the delivery process and product quality.
• The experience can be inconsistent, depending on the supplier.

If customer experience is the focus, an own store is a better option.

The role of automation and technology in future sales

Automation will be key.

• Own Store: CRM tools, marketing automation, and chatbots can optimize customer service and increase conversions. Analyzing data to understand customer behavior is essential.

• Dropshipping: Automating order processing and communication with suppliers can minimize errors and improve efficiency.

Both models need to invest in technology to stay competitive.

Which model do you think will be more successful in 2024, and why? Share numbers and forecasts!