How to sell on Shopee and Mercado Livre without stock in 2026
Dropshipping is one of the most affordable ways to start selling online. Here's how it works, what sells well, and how much you can earn.
What is dropshipping and why it works in Brazil
Dropshipping is a sales model where you advertise and sell products without having to have them in stock. When the customer buys from your ad, you place the order with the supplier — who ships the product directly to the customer's address.
You never touched the product. You were the middleman.
The model works especially well with Brazilian suppliers because:
How flow works in practice
No shed. No stock. No fixed working capital.
Profitability analysis
Product: Drawer organizer 4 compartments
entry = value
|------|-------|
| Selling price (Shopee) | R$ 49,90 |
|---|---|
| Cost at supplier | R$ 18,00 |
| Shopee Commission (~13%) | − R$ 6,49 |
| Freight (supplier includes) | R$ 0 |
| Gross profit per sale | R$ 25,41 |
Volume of sales
Please note: Profit may be less if you use paid shipping, sponsored listings on the platform, or have returns.
Best categories for dropshipping in 2026
| Category | Average margin | Competition | Logistical ease | Is it worth it? |
|---|
|-----------|-------------|-------------|---------------------|-------------|
| Home & Decor | 40–60% | Medium | High | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet and veterinarian | 45–70% | Low-Medium | High | Excellent |
| Beauty and care | 35–55% | High | High | Good |
| Infants and toddlers | 40–60% | Medium | High | Good |
| Home organization | 40–65% | Medium | High | Excellent |
| Electronics | 10–20% | Very high | Medium | Avoid |
| Clothing and fashion | 30–50% | Very high | Low (dev) | Hard |
| Tools | 30–50% | Medium | High | Good |
The best categories share one characteristic: they are products that solve a specific day-to-day problem and have difficulty directly comparing prices (the customer does not know exactly which brand to look for).
Where to find national dropshipping suppliers
Option 1: Telegram dropshipping groups
Look for “dropshipping BR” or “dropshipping suppliers” on Telegram. There are groups with hundreds of suppliers who already have experience with the model and accept to send with invoice to any address.
Option 2: Wholesalers who accept dropshipping
Some national wholesalers (especially in São Paulo, Brás, Bom Retiro) accept unit orders for customer addresses. It is worth calling and asking directly.
Option 3: Elo7 for craft and custom
For unique and customized products, Elo7 has dropshipping suppliers. Margin tends to be higher.
Option 4: OLX Pro and Wholesale Free Market
Wholesale sellers often accept dropshipping. Negotiate with those who already have a good reputation.
Option 5: In-person purchase from wholesalers
If you live in a city with a commercial hub, visit in person. Explain the model and see who accepts.
Step-by-step to get started
1. Create Shopee account (free)
Go to shopee.com.br, click on "Start selling", fill in CPF and data. It takes 10 minutes.
2. Find a supplier and make a test purchase
Before you advertise, buy 1 unit from the supplier for yourself. Evaluate: packaging, deadline, quality. Only list if you're happy.
3. Create the optimized description ad
Use the supplier's photos (ask for permission or use the ones he makes available for dropshipping). Rewrite the description with words buyers are looking for. Title: Include make, model, size, and primary use.
4. Set the price with adequate margin
Product cost + platform commission + desired margin. Check competitors' pricing before setting.
5. When you get your first order
Access the supplier, place the order with the customer's address, enter the tracking code in the Shopee system as soon as you receive it from the supplier.
6. Manage reviews and complaints
Respond quickly. A good response to a complaint can turn a negative review into a positive one.
🧮 Calcule seu lucro real de Renda ExtraCalcular →How to write a description that sells
Good dropshipping descriptions have:
Logistics and complaints management
The biggest challenge of dropshipping isn't selling — it's managing when something goes wrong:
Missing product: Always have 2 suppliers for the best-selling products.
Delivery delay: Monitor tracking and proactively contact the customer before they complain.
Defective product: Accept the return without question. The cost of a negative review far outweighs that of the returned product.
Dissatisfied customer: Respond in less than 24 hours, offer a solution before the customer opens a complaint on the platform.
MEI Opens Doors in Dropshipping
Having MEI as a dropshipper offers practical advantages:
Realistic growth expectations
| Phase | Time | Sales volume | Estimated extra income |
|---|
|------|-------|-----------------|---------------------|
| Start | Month 1–2 | 0–20 sales/month | R$ 0–500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | Month 3–6 | 30–80 sales/month | R$ 700-2,000 |
| Consolidation | Month 7–12 | 80–200 sales/month | R$ 2.000–5.000 |
| Scale | Year 2+ | 200+ sales/month | R$ 5.000+ |
The first two months are learning. You'll get ads, prices, and vendors wrong. This is normal and part of it.
Tools for researching winning products
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CNPJ to sell on Shopee?
No. You can sell as an individual with CPF. But when growing up, opening MEI facilitates the relationship with suppliers and organizes finances. Shopee accepts PF and MEI sellers.
What happens if the supplier is late?
You are responsible to the customer. So choose reliable suppliers, track deadlines, and proactively communicate with the customer. Always have a backup provider.
Can I dropship international products (China)?
Technically yes, but it's riskier. The delivery time is 20–45 days, there is a risk of customs taxation, and the customer can cancel the purchase before delivery. For starters, prefer domestic suppliers.
How to handle customer complaints in dropshipping?
Respond quickly, take responsibility, and offer a solution (exchange, refund, or discount). Never blame the supplier in the message to the customer. Resolves internally with the supplier later.
What is the minimum investment to start selling on Shopee?
It can be R$ 0 if you find a supplier that does not require a minimum order and already accepts the model. Ideally, separate R$ 200–300 to buy samples of the products you are going to sell and test the quality before advertising.
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