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If you ran a Shopify store in the last few years, chances are you used—or at least heard of—Oberlo. It was one of the most popular tools for dropshipping products directly from AliExpress. Then, out of nowhere, came the Oberlo shutdown. No long goodbye. No real explanation. Just… gone.

For thousands of store owners, it felt like the rug was pulled out from under them. One day, their entire product fulfillment system was running smoothly. The next, they were scrambling to find replacements, transfer data, and avoid delays that could tank their customer trust.

So, what actually happened to Oberlo? Why did Shopify shut it down when it was so widely used? And if you're still recovering or planning your next move—what should you do now?

This guide covers everything: the real story behind the shutdown, the best alternatives, and how to make your store stronger than ever.

What Was Oberlo and Why Did It Matter for Shopify Dropshipping?

Before we dive into the shutdown, it’s important to understand what Oberlo actually did—and why so many store owners depended on it. This context will help explain why its disappearance caused such a stir in the dropshipping world.

Oberlo Was More Than Just an App

Oberlo wasn’t just a plugin. For many Shopify users, it was the engine behind their business.

It gave you the power to import products from AliExpress straight into your store with a click. No messy CSVs. No copy-pasting product details. It even handled order fulfillment automatically—syncing customer orders to suppliers and updating tracking info in real-time.

That level of automation saved hours and helped beginners launch stores fast, without touching inventory.

Why Oberlo Was So Popular with New Dropshippers

Oberlo was like training wheels for first-time entrepreneurs.

It had a clean interface, simple tutorials, and integrations designed for people with zero technical skills. Even if you knew nothing about suppliers or logistics, you could start selling the same day you launched your Shopify store.

Plus, being owned by Shopify gave it an added layer of credibility.

But behind that smooth surface, there were cracks forming—ones that would eventually lead to its unexpected end.

Oberlo Shutdown Timeline: Key Dates Shopify Merchants Must Know

Now that we know how central Oberlo was to many stores, let’s break down exactly how—and when—it all came to an end. This wasn’t an overnight switch-off, but the communication around it left many merchants confused and unprepared.

May 12, 2022 – Oberlo Quietly Delisted from the Shopify App Store

On May 12, 2022, Oberlo was suddenly removed from the Shopify App Store. No blog post. No press release. Just… gone.

Merchants who already had it installed could still access the app—for a while. But new users? Completely locked out.

This was the first red flag.

June 15, 2022 – Access Begins to Shut Down

Shopify announced that users would lose access to Oberlo by June 15, though some merchants reported functionality lingering until the end of June.

Even then, there was no clear explanation beyond a vague note about “product deprecation.”

Shopify suggested users migrate to DSers—their official replacement partner—but gave minimal guidance.

Confusion Over the Actual Shutdown Date

Here’s where it got messy: different sources quoted June 15, June 30, or even early July as the final shutdown date.

Merchants were left guessing. Some scrambled to export data. Others hoped Shopify might reverse course.

Spoiler: they didn’t.

The Real Reason Behind the Oberlo Shutdown (Not Just What Shopify Said)

Shopify’s official explanation was vague at best. They cited routine “product deprecation,” but anyone paying attention knew that didn’t tell the full story. So, let’s dig into what was really going on behind the scenes.

Shopify’s Strategic Shift to Fulfillment and Logistics

Shopify wasn’t just cutting dead weight. Around the same time Oberlo was shut down, Shopify acquired Deliverr, a fulfillment company aimed at building their Shopify Fulfillment Network.

That’s a huge move—and it suggests Shopify was pivoting from third-party marketplaces like AliExpress to something they could control end-to-end.

Oberlo, built entirely around AliExpress, no longer fit that vision.

Performance and Quality Control Were Slipping

Let’s be honest—Oberlo hadn’t been evolving much.

Merchants were dealing with long shipping times, unreliable suppliers, and inconsistent product quality. Since Oberlo pulled from AliExpress directly, Shopify had no control over the supplier experience or how orders were handled.

And when you’re trying to build a serious logistics network, that lack of control becomes a liability.

Dependency on AliExpress’s Native API Was a Risk

Oberlo originally worked using browser extensions, then later shifted to AliExpress’s official API. But even that wasn’t a perfect solution.

When AliExpress updated or limited API access, Oberlo merchants felt the impact. Shopify likely didn’t want to keep supporting a tool so tightly dependent on a third-party infrastructure they couldn’t influence.

The Rise of Smarter, More Flexible Alternatives

Tools like DSers, Spocket, and AutoDS were evolving faster.

They offered better automation, US/EU supplier networks, and multi-platform support. Shopify may have realized that they couldn’t keep up with the competition—or simply decided to let others do it better.

Either way, the writing was on the wall. Shopify wanted out of the AliExpress game, and Oberlo had become an outdated middleman.

How the Oberlo Shutdown Affects Your Store and Orders

Now that we know why Oberlo was shut down, let’s talk about what that means for your store. If you relied on Oberlo—even just partially—there are some serious implications to consider.

This section breaks down what you’ve lost, what you can recover, and what to do next.

Order Fulfillment Came to a Sudden Halt

Once Oberlo was fully shut down, automatic order syncing stopped working. That means any new customer orders could no longer be routed to AliExpress suppliers through the app.

You had to either fulfill manually or migrate to a new tool—fast.

For stores with dozens of daily orders, this caused a serious workflow breakdown.

Product Listings Stopped Updating

Oberlo used to automatically update stock levels and prices based on AliExpress changes. Once the app was gone, this feature disappeared too.

If you didn’t act quickly, you could’ve been selling out-of-stock items or at outdated prices—risking chargebacks and frustrated customers.

You Lost Access to Historical Data

One of the biggest pain points? Merchants lost access to order history, product import logs, and supplier mappings.

If you didn’t back up your data before the shutdown, recovering that information became extremely difficult—if not impossible.

This was especially painful for stores with high-ticket or recurring customers.

Customer Experience Was Put at Risk

When automation broke down, fulfillment delays piled up.

Some merchants reported losing customer trust, dealing with refund requests, or receiving negative reviews—all because their system went offline before they could migrate.

If you felt that ripple effect, you weren’t alone.

Best Shopify Dropshipping Alternatives to Replace Oberlo in 2025

With Oberlo out of the picture, many store owners were left scrambling. But here’s the good news: some of the tools available now are actually better than Oberlo ever was. Whether you want faster shipping, better suppliers, or more automation, these alternatives have you covered.

Let’s break down your best options.

1. Spocket – Fast Shipping from US & EU Suppliers

Spocket is one of the top Oberlo alternatives—especially if you’re done with AliExpress delays. Instead of sourcing from China, Spocket connects you to US and European suppliers, which means 2–7 day delivery times and branded invoicing.

You can filter products by location, price range, or shipping speed. Plus, Spocket has a clean dashboard, smooth Shopify integration, and excellent customer support.

If you're looking to build a more branded, trustworthy store, Spocket is a serious upgrade.

2. AliDrop – AliExpress Dropshipping Without Monthly Fees

AliDrop takes a different path. It’s not a monthly SaaS tool like Oberlo—instead, you buy a one-time license or a custom store, and it’s yours forever.

AliDrop automates everything from product imports to order tracking, using AliExpress. You can customize themes, build niche stores, and avoid ongoing app costs.

For anyone who wants full control and a no-subscription setup, AliDrop is a solid long-term play.

3. DSers – Official Oberlo Migration Partner

DSers was Shopify’s official recommendation when Oberlo shut down. It supports AliExpress automation, bulk ordering, supplier mapping, and more.

If you want to keep using AliExpress but need better performance and scalability, DSers is a natural next step.

It feels like a more advanced version of Oberlo—without the limitations.

4. AutoDS – Cross-Platform Automation for Pro Sellers

AutoDS is great for store owners running multiple storefronts or experimenting beyond Shopify.

It works with AliExpress, Amazon, Walmart, and private suppliers—and handles everything from import to fulfillment. You also get tools for tracking, inventory syncing, and even product video creation.

If you're scaling hard or want to test products fast, AutoDS brings serious firepower.

5. CJ Dropshipping – Branding, Warehousing & Private Labeling

CJ Dropshipping goes beyond simple product sourcing. It offers warehousing services, private labeling, and global fulfillment centers.

If you want to control packaging, scale inventory, or build a brand, CJ gives you room to grow.

It’s especially useful for sellers transitioning from dropshipping to private label.

6. SaleHoo – Verified Supplier Network for Long-Term Success

SaleHoo is a massive directory of vetted suppliers, including dropshippers and wholesalers. You won’t find shady or unverified vendors here.

If you're tired of supplier roulette and want to build solid, long-term partnerships, SaleHoo offers peace of mind. It’s not just about automation—it’s about sustainability.

Step-by-Step Oberlo Migration Guide for Shopify Store Owners

Finding an Oberlo alternative is only half the battle. The other half is making the transition without breaking your store. If you’re feeling overwhelmed—don’t worry. This guide will help you migrate smoothly and keep orders flowing.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1 – Export Your Product and Order Data

If you still have access to your Shopify admin (even post-Oberlo), go to your product list and export everything.

Use Shopify’s native export feature to save your:

• Product titles and descriptions
• SKUs and prices
• Inventory data
• Customer orders

This gives you a backup, even if some automation features are gone.

Step 2 – Choose the Right Oberlo Replacement

Not all stores are the same. Choose your migration tool based on what matters most to you:

• Want fast shipping? Go with Spocket
• Prefer lifetime ownership and AliExpress? Try AliDrop
• Need a 1-click Oberlo-like experience? Use DSers
• Running multiple platforms? AutoDS may be a better fit
• Want branding control? CJ Dropshipping is your friend

Choose your platform before installing it, so you’re not juggling multiple apps.

Step 3 – Import Your Products into the New Tool

Once you've installed your new app, start importing your products.

Most Oberlo alternatives offer Chrome extensions or direct search within their dashboard. You can:

• Search for your old products manually
• Or import using AliExpress links (DSers, AutoDS, and AliDrop support this)

Be sure to match SKUs and product variants to your Shopify store to avoid fulfillment issues.

Step 4 – Reconnect or Reassign Suppliers

If you're using AliExpress again, you’ll need to reassign suppliers to each product. Most tools let you:

• Map the product to a new or original supplier
• Choose variant-level shipping options
• Set fallback suppliers in case of stockouts

If you're switching to US/EU suppliers (like with Spocket), search for the same or similar products locally for faster delivery.

Step 5 – Test Your Fulfillment Workflow

Before going live, place a test order.

Make sure:

• The order syncs correctly
• The tracking number gets pulled in
• The customer receives confirmation emails
• Shipping timelines are accurate

A smooth test run = fewer angry customers later.

Final Thoughts: The Oberlo Shutdown is a Wake-Up Call for Dropshippers

The Oberlo shutdown caught many by surprise, but it also forced a necessary shift. For too long, many store owners relied on one tool without backup systems in place. When that tool disappeared, it exposed gaps—not just in workflows, but in strategy.

If there's one lesson here, it's this: diversify your tools, own your process, and build for long-term sustainability. Whether you're now using Spocket, AliDrop, or another platform, this is your chance to upgrade your store, offer faster shipping, and create a brand your customers trust. Don’t just move on from Oberlo—build something better because of it.