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    How to Create Your Shopify Online Store

    Step-by-step guide to create your first Shopify store and set it up for dropshipping with AliExpress using Build the Drop.

    1. 1

      Sign up for Shopify

      Go to shopify.com and click 'Start free trial'. Enter your email address, create a password, and choose a store name. Shopify offers a free trial so you can explore the platform before committing.

    2. 2

      Configure your store basics

      Once inside your Shopify admin panel, go to Settings > General. Fill in your store name, contact email, and billing address. These details will appear on invoices and customer communications.

    3. 3

      Choose a theme

      Go to Online Store > Themes. Browse the free themes available in the Shopify Theme Store and click 'Add' on the one you like. You can customize colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand.

    4. 4

      Set up payments

      Go to Settings > Payments and enable Shopify Payments or connect a third-party provider like PayPal or Stripe. Make sure to configure the currencies you want to accept.

    5. 5

      Configure shipping zones

      Go to Settings > Shipping and delivery. Create shipping zones for the countries you want to sell to and set your shipping rates. For dropshipping, you can use flat rates that cover your supplier's shipping costs.

    6. 6

      Connect your store to Build the Drop

      Now that your Shopify store is ready, go to Build the Drop and connect it. In your space settings, add a Shopify account and follow the OAuth flow. This will allow Build the Drop to sync products, prices, and orders automatically.

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    FAQ

    Related FAQ

    Is Build the Drop free to use with AliExpress?
    Build the Drop offers a free plan that lets you import up to 50 products and manage basic AliExpress dropshipping. Paid plans unlock unlimited products, automated price rules and bulk order fulfillment.
    How does Build the Drop compare to DSers or AutoDS for AliExpress?
    Unlike DSers (AliExpress-only, limited pricing logic) or AutoDS (complex, expensive), Build the Drop focuses on clean UX, powerful formula-based pricing, and multi-supplier support — so you're not locked into AliExpress long-term.
    Can I use Build the Drop with multiple AliExpress accounts?
    Currently Build the Drop supports one AliExpress connection per workspace. You can create multiple workspaces on PRO and BUSINESS plans to manage separate stores.
    Does Build the Drop automatically update prices when AliExpress changes them?
    Yes. Your price rules are formula-based (e.g. cost × 2.5 + €2). When AliExpress updates the supplier cost, your retail price recalculates automatically, maintaining your margin.
    What happens when an AliExpress product goes out of stock?
    Build the Drop detects the stock change during its next sync cycle and automatically sets the Shopify product quantity to 0, preventing overselling.
    View all FAQs →