The dropshipping market has shown remarkable resilience in 2025, reaching $459.6 billion with projections to exceed $500 billion by 2026, per Shopify analysis. Despite President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on imports and increasing competition, entrepreneurs continue finding lucrative opportunities in this space.
Learn More: Here’s How To Use AI To Quickly Start a Side Gig, According to Codie Sanchez
Try This: 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement
According to a recent study by The Kaplan Group, dropshipping ranks as the most searched-for side hustle, generating 5,000 monthly searches. GOBankingRates interviewed Brian Lim, founder of iHeartRaves and Into The AM, two e-commerce brands generating $30 million annually, for insights into six tariff-resilient models to make $10,000 monthly.
Subscription boxes offer consistent monthly revenue while building customer loyalty.
“The first thing one needs to do to scale is focus on creating dependable revenue streams,” Lim explained. “Subscription-based models are key, particularly for products that consumers regularly buy or items that motivate frequent purchases, like grooming supplies or hobby kits.”
With profit margins between 60% and 80%, subscription boxes yield substantial returns. For example, say a dropshipper has tiered options of boxes in small ($45), medium ($75) and large ($100) sizes, and they’re making $15, $25 and $30 per member, respectively. At these rates, just 400 subscribers could generate a $10,000 monthly income.
Read Next: Get Paid To Watch Videos: 11 Easy Ways
To earn $10,000 despite tariffs, drop shippers must focus on product categories with high earning potential.
“Niches that maximize profit margins typically cater to passionate, underserved audiences,” said Lim. “Customers in these categories are ready to pay premiums due to limited options and a sense of exclusivity or passion.”
Eco-conscious consumers willingly pay premium prices for sustainable products, mainly because they care for the environment. Dropshippers may offer plant-based food, vegan cosmetics and eco-friendly shoes to consumers seeking cruelty-free and environmentally friendly alternatives. With typical dropshipping profit margins between 15% and 40%, eco-friendly products push dropshippers toward the higher end of this spectrum.
The Kaplan Group study revealed home services make up 60% of the top five most-searched side hustles, including landscaping, lawn care and pet sitting. Drop serving is like dropshipping but for services. It lets dropshippers market and sell services while companies handle delivery.
