How to Start Dropshipping in Mexico (2025 Guide)
Dropshipping has become one of the most accessible ways to launch an online business. With no warehouse leases, no bulk inventory commitments, and the ability to source products from almost anywhere, entrepreneurs are building stores on Shopify and scaling them with surprising speed. The model has already transformed e-commerce in the United States and Europe, and the momentum is now shifting toward new, fast-growing markets.
Mexico is quickly becoming one of the most attractive places to build a dropshipping business. E-commerce sales grew by about 20% last year, reaching roughly US $38.8 billion, placing the country among the fastest-expanding online retail economies in Latin America. Digital buyer penetration climbed above 80%, driven by a younger population that shops comfortably across Amazon, Mercado Libre, and local online stores.
As these platforms expand their delivery networks and logistics infrastructure across the country, they are clearing a path for dropshippers who want to sell products in Mexico or source from Mexico while tapping into a market that shows no signs of slowing down.
What Is Dropshipping and How It Works in Mexico
Dropshipping is a retail model where the seller promotes and sells products without storing any inventory. When a customer places an order, the seller forwards it to their chosen dropshipping suppliers, who handle packaging and delivery. Many entrepreneurs launch stores on Shopify, source items from Mexico or China through marketplaces such as AliExpress, and ship directly to buyers. The appeal lies in its simplicity: low overhead, broad product testing, and the flexibility to scale quickly when a product becomes trending.
In Mexico, dropshipping works much like it does in larger markets such as the USA, but sellers usually choose between two approaches:
Local dropshipping from Mexico: Faster delivery, fewer customs issues, and a smoother customer experience.
Cross-border dropshipping from China or the USA: A wider pool of the best and most trending products, often at lower cost, but with longer shipping times.
The model continues to attract new entrepreneurs because it lowers the risks traditionally tied to e-commerce. There’s no need to commit to bulk inventory, negotiate warehouse space, or coordinate complicated logistics. With Amazon and Mercado Libre expanding their delivery networks across the region, it’s becoming even easier for sellers to test new products, refine their strategy, and build a presence in the growing dropshipping Mexico market.
Is Dropshipping Legal in Mexico?
Yes — dropshipping in Mexico is completely legal. But like any legitimate business, it comes with rules you cannot ignore. Whether you’re selling through Shopify, Amazon, or social channels, operating in Mexico means registering your business with SAT, Mexico’s tax authority. You’ll need an RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) to report revenue and stay compliant with local tax obligations.
Another big requirement is invoicing. Mexican businesses are required to issue electronic invoices, known as facturas, for every sale. Even if your products ship from China, the USA, or directly from suppliers from Mexico, you’re still responsible for generating proper documentation and collecting IVA (value-added tax) when applicable. If you work with international dropshipping suppliers, you should also understand how customs thresholds and import duties apply. Some business owners choose product categories that minimize complexities around inspections or taxes when sourcing through AliExpress or other overseas platforms.
The bottom line? Dropshipping is not a legal shortcut. But once your paperwork is in order, you’re free to sell locally or cross-border, and scale your store around trending products with confidence.
Why Mexico Is Great for Dropshipping in 2025
Mexico isn’t just “emerging” anymore. It’s arriving. The country’s e-commerce market has moved past the experimental stage and into rapid expansion, creating ideal conditions for new online businesses. For anyone researching dropshipping in Mexico, the timing couldn’t be better.
Several forces are converging to make Mexico one of the most attractive dropshipping markets this year:
Fast-growing e-commerce adoption: Online shopping is now part of everyday life in Mexico. Consumers are comfortable discovering products through social media, price checking online, and ordering from both local sellers and international stores.
Amazon and Mercado Libre infrastructure: These platforms are no longer just marketplaces. They are building sophisticated logistics networks across the country, cutting delivery times and improving reliability. That shift benefits dropshippers who rely on last-mile fulfillment, whether their products ship from Mexico, the USA, or China.
Flexible payment methods: Shoppers have multiple ways to pay, including MercadoPago, PayPal MX, and OxxoPay, which allows cash-based consumers to pay at convenience stores. That accessibility removes friction from checkout and increases conversion rates.
Rising consumer trust: Mexican shoppers are more confident buying online than ever before. Clear returns policies, faster shipping, and better customer service standards are reshaping expectations and making it easier for businesses to build credibility with new audiences.
In short, Mexico in 2025 offers scale, infrastructure, and a customer base that’s ready to buy. For dropshippers looking beyond saturated markets, it represents an opportunity without the hard ceiling many sellers are starting to hit elsewhere.
Best Platforms for Dropshipping in Mexico
If you plan to build a dropshipping Mexico operation, whether sourcing trending products from China, the USA, or local suppliers in Mexico, choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Here are some of the best options in 2025:
Amazon Mexico: Amazon is among the most trusted and widely used e-commerce destinations in Mexico. For many buyers, it’s the default online marketplace when shopping. Selling on Amazon Mexico gives you access to a massive audience already primed for e-commerce. Because of its broad reach and robust logistics network, Amazon is often a top choice for dropshipping suppliers delivering from abroad (USA, China) or storing inventory domestically before sending to customers.
Shopify (often combined with local marketplaces): Shopify remains a leading e-commerce platform for standalone stores that want full control over branding, product selection, and UX. Many entrepreneurs building dropshipping stores targeting Mexican consumers rely on Shopify as the foundation and then integrate local channels or marketplaces as needed. According to recent data, Shopify supports a significant share of online stores in Mexico, making it one of the most popular store builders alongside local alternatives.
WooCommerce: For sellers who prefer WordPress-based stores or want a more flexible open-source setup, WooCommerce dominates as the most used e-commerce platform by market share. It’s especially popular among small-to-medium businesses that want to test products, build niche shops, or use dropshipping suppliers from Mexico, the USA, or China.
Tiendanube: As a Latin-American native e-commerce builder, Tiendanube offers features and integrations that resonate well with Mexican entrepreneurs. It provides an accessible way to launch a store aimed at Mexican shoppers, often simplifying payment, shipping, and local compliance compared with global-only platforms. While its share of all online stores is smaller than Shopify or WooCommerce, it’s increasingly considered among the “best” options for sellers focusing purely on the Mexican market.
How to Find Winning Dropshipping Products in Mexico
In dropshipping Mexico, success rarely comes from guessing. It comes from understanding what Mexican consumers actually want to buy. Some categories consistently outperform others, especially home and kitchen, smart gadgets, beauty products, and pet supplies. These are everyday needs mixed with impulse-friendly items, which makes them ideal for testing and scaling.
Cultural timing matters, too. Sales often spike around major moments like Día de Muertos, Christmas, and national holidays, when demand shifts toward décor, gifts, and seasonal accessories. Smart sellers don’t just chase what’s trending globally. They watch how trends adapt locally. The final step is validation. Before adding anything to your store, confirm product demand through real data, not gut instinct. Whether your suppliers ship from Mexico, China, or the USA, the winning formula is the same: demand first, sourcing second.
Use AMZScout Amazon Online Arbitrage, Wholesale, and Dropshipping Extension for Product Research
Amazon remains one of the most reliable places to research products before committing to a supplier, even if you sell elsewhere. AMZScout’s Amazon Online Arbitrage, Wholesale, and Dropshipping Extension gives you real performance data straight from Amazon listings, helping you identify the best opportunities with less risk.
Here’s how to evaluate a product before importing it from your dropshipping suppliers to your store:
1. Install the Amazon Dropshipping, Arbitrage, and Wholesale Extension
Enter your email address to start a free trial and activate the tool in your browser.
2. Search for products
Look up the product by name or ASIN on Amazon, then open the listing to review details.
3. Check for selling restrictions
In the lower section of the extension, review important factors:
Gated category: Some product categories require Amazon approval. Brand-name items often need proof of authorized resale.
Private label: If a product belongs to a private label brand, it cannot be resold without permission.
HAZMAT status: Products like electronics with lithium batteries may require special certifications.
Brand permission: Use the ™ symbol to check trademark status. If it’s registered, you may need the brand owner’s approval.
![AMZScout dropshipping and online arbitrage extension]( "AMZScout dropshipping and online arbitrage extension")
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4. Analyze demand
Scroll down to find estimated monthly sales. A baseline of around 200 sales per month is generally a sign of healthy demand.
5. Review product history
Use the Rank, Price, and Buy Box History tool to track long-term performance. This helps you spot stable sellers and avoid short-lived trends.
Amazon data offers a strong foundation, even if your store runs on Shopify or another platform. The same research logic applies whether your customers live in Mexico or the USA and whether your inventory comes from AliExpress, regional distributors, or domestic warehouses.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Dropshipping in Mexico
Step 1: Choose Your Niche and Analyze Market Demand
Start by deciding what you’re going to sell. The most profitable stores serve a specific audience instead of trying to sell everything. Research categories that perform well in Mexico, such as home and kitchen, beauty, fitness accessories, or pet products. Study competitors on Amazon and Mercado Libre and validate interest using Google Trends and product research tools. Consistent demand will always outperform short-term hype.
Step 2: Find Reliable Suppliers (Local or Global)
Your supplier network defines your success. Compare dropshipping suppliers from Mexico, the USA, and China to balance cost, shipping speed, and reliability. AliExpress offers variety and competitive prices but often requires patience on delivery. Local suppliers usually provide faster fulfillment and easier returns. Always order samples, verify communication, and review refund policies before committing.
Step 3: Set Up Your Store
Next, choose your selling platform. Shopify remains the go-to option for sellers who want full control over branding and automation. Tiendanube is ideal for sellers focused specifically on Latin America. Amazon Seller Central offers instant exposure, but stricter policies and more competition. Choose a platform based on your growth plan, not just convenience.
Step 4: Add and Optimize Listings
Listings drive conversions. Write clear titles, optimize keywords, structure descriptions, and price competitively. AMZScout’s AI Listing Builder simplifies this process by generating polished, SEO-ready listings informed by Amazon performance data. Focus on explaining benefits, not just features. Customers should understand what they’re buying within seconds.
Step 5: Promote Your Store
To get sales, you need visibility. Combine social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and paid ads with SEO for long-term results. TikTok and Instagram work especially well for trending products. Use ads to test demand, content to build trust, and data to decide which products deserve investment.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Dropshipping in Mexico offers an opportunity, but sellers face a few hurdles. Understanding and preparing for these challenges makes scaling much easier:
Shipping delays and customs: Cross-border shipments from China or the USA can be slower than expected. Mitigate delays by working with reliable suppliers, offering tracking numbers, and clearly setting delivery expectations for customers.
Currency and taxes: Selling in Mexico means dealing with pesos, IVA, and potential exchange fluctuations. Use payment platforms like MercadoPago or PayPal MX to simplify transactions, and ensure proper invoicing with facturas.
Handling returns and refunds: Returns can be complicated with international suppliers. Offer a clear return policy, test your products before selling, and consider local suppliers to reduce friction.
Providing customer support in Spanish: Effective communication builds trust. Respond promptly in Spanish, provide detailed product information, and address complaints professionally to maintain credibility with Mexican buyers.
By anticipating these challenges and planning solutions, dropshippers can maintain smooth operations while focusing on scaling their store and testing trending products.
Final Thoughts
Dropshipping in Mexico presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to tap into a fast-growing, digitally savvy market. With the right niche, reliable suppliers, and a well-optimized store, you can turn trending products into a profitable business while navigating local taxes, logistics, and customer expectations. Tools like AMZScout make research and strategy simpler, giving sellers the insights they need to spot high-demand products, analyze competitors, and make data-driven decisions. The market is expanding - the question is whether you’ll take advantage of it.
FAQs
Is dropshipping legal in Mexico?
Yes, dropshipping is legal in Mexico. Entrepreneurs must comply with SAT registration, obtain an RFC, collect IVA taxes when applicable, and issue electronic invoices (facturas). International shipments must follow customs rules. Operating within these regulations ensures your business is legitimate and avoids fines while selling products in Mexico from local or global suppliers.
How much money do I need to start dropshipping in Mexico?
Starting a dropshipping business in Mexico can cost as little as $200–$500 USD. Expenses typically include setting up a Shopify or Tiendanube store, purchasing initial samples, paying for a domain and hosting, and marketing. Costs scale with advertising, product variety, and tools like AMZScout to research trending products and optimize listings for maximum sales.
Do I need a registered business (RFC) to start?
Yes, you need an RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes) to operate legally in Mexico. The RFC allows you to report income, collect IVA taxes, and issue required facturas to customers. Even if you sell via Shopify, Amazon, or Mercado Libre, registering your business ensures compliance with SAT regulations and avoids potential fines or operational restrictions.
What products can I NOT sell in Mexico?
You cannot sell products restricted by law or requiring special permits, including firearms, hazardous chemicals, counterfeit items, and some electronics containing lithium batteries without certification. Private-label or trademarked products also require brand permission. Always check local customs regulations and Amazon or marketplace restrictions to ensure your dropshipping products are legally sellable in Mexico.
