How much capital do I need to start?

Functionally zero working capital — you collect customer payment before paying the supplier. Realistic startup cost: trade license (৳5,000), TIN (free), initial marketing budget (৳5–20k to validate).

Do I need a trade license?

For bKash Merchant, yes. For COD-only operations through personal Pathao + manual bKash, technically no — but you'll cap out fast and can't claim business expenses on tax. Get the trade license.

How to Start Dropshipping in Bangladesh (2026)

There are two ways to start dropshipping in BD: the influencer version (course → Shopify → Facebook ads → bankruptcy in 6 weeks) and the operator version (supplier API → BDT pricing → courier integration → profitable from order one). This guide is the second.

1. Decide your supplier

AliExpress for breadth, CJ for speed, Printful for print-on-demand, Spocket for US/EU products. Pick one to start. Don't multi-source on day one.

2. Set up your storefront

Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom site. The storefront is the cheapest part — don't overinvest. If you're API-first, skip the storefront and sell through WhatsApp/Messenger order forms backed by the DropShop BD API.

3. Get bKash Merchant + a courier account

bKash Merchant requires trade license + TIN + bank account. Pathao Merchant is faster (BD ID + phone). Apply for both on day one — bKash takes 5–10 days.

4. Integrate via DropShop BD

Sign up, generate an API key, connect your supplier credentials and your bKash/Pathao credentials. One integration replaces 4–6 separate ones.

5. Price in BDT with margin

Default margin: 35–50% on AliExpress (long shipping = higher tolerance), 25–35% on CJ (faster shipping = price-sensitive customers), 50%+ on print-on-demand.

6. Ship the first order

Use a test API key (dsk_test_…), place a real order to your own address, watch the entire pipeline fire. Then flip to dsk_live_… and go.

How to start dropshipping in Bangladesh — the 2026 playbook.