ThemeDropThemeDrop

DSers guide: from your ThemeDrop store to automated orders

ThemeDrop builds your store from the AliExpress link. DSers then connects the product to its supplier and places orders for you. Here's how to set both up, from start to finish.

  • Free
  • 20 to 30 min the first time
  • No technical skills

Who does what?

The same AliExpress link is used twice: ThemeDrop uses it to build the storefront, DSers to know where to order.

ThemeDropBuilds the store
  • The complete Shopify theme: home, product page, cart
  • The sales copy, reviews and FAQ
  • The product listing with its photos and variants (.csv file)
DSersHandles the orders
  • Connects your store's product to its AliExpress supplier
  • Places the order with the supplier in one click, with the customer's address
  • Sends the tracking number back to Shopify

ThemeDrop doesn't place orders, and DSers doesn't build the store: together, you get a store ready to sell and orders handled in a few clicks.

Before you start

  • A Shopify store (the free trial is enough to set everything up)
  • A free AliExpress account
  • The link of the product you want to sell
  • A ThemeDrop account: your first store is free

The step-by-step guide

Part 1

Build the store with ThemeDrop

  1. Step 1 : 1

    Copy the product link on AliExpress

    Open the product page on AliExpress and copy the address from your browser's address bar.

    Example link
    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006123456789.html

    Tip : Pick a product with lots of orders, a good rating and fast shipping to your country: that same supplier will ship your orders.

  2. Step 2 : 2

    Generate the store

    In ThemeDrop, paste the link and start the generation. In about 30 seconds the store is ready: check the preview on desktop and on mobile.

  3. Step 3 : 3

    Export the product and the theme

    Click “Export” and download both files: the product (.csv) and the theme (.zip). They go together.

    Tip : Export is included from the Starter plan. Without a subscription it costs 1 credit and unlocks both files.

Part 2

Put the store online on Shopify

  1. Step 4 : 4

    Import the product

    In your Shopify admin: Products, then Import, and choose the .csv file. The product comes in with its copy, photos and variants.

  2. Step 5 : 5

    Upload and publish the theme

    Online Store, then Themes, then Add theme and Upload zip file. Once the theme is uploaded, click “Publish”: the store matches the ThemeDrop preview.

    Tip : Also create your policies in Settings, then Policies (shipping, returns, terms, privacy). Shopify offers templates, and the links then show up at the bottom of the store.

Part 3

Connect the product to AliExpress with DSers

  1. Step 6 : 6

    Install DSers and connect AliExpress

    Install DSers from the Shopify App Store, then authorize access to your AliExpress account when DSers asks. That connection is what lets it place orders.

    Install DSers
  2. Step 7 : 7

    Add your product to DSers

    In DSers, open “My Products” and import the products from your Shopify store. Pick the one ThemeDrop created.

    Tip : Don't import the product again from AliExpress: you'd get a duplicate without ThemeDrop's copy and layout. You connect the one that already exists.

  3. Step 8 : 8

    Connect the product to its supplier (mapping)

    On the product in DSers, open mapping (“Basic mapping”), paste the AliExpress link from step 1, then match each variant of your store (color, size…) with the same variant at the supplier.

    Tip : Take the time to check every variant: one mistake here and the customer gets the wrong color.

  4. Step 9 : 9

    Place your orders in one click

    When a customer buys, the order shows up in DSers among the orders waiting to be placed. Click “Order”: DSers places it on AliExpress with the customer's address. You just pay for it on AliExpress, then the tracking number flows back to Shopify.

DSers menu names can change slightly between versions: if in doubt, search for “mapping” in the DSers help center.

Settings to make before your first sales

Default shipping method

Choose a tracked, fast shipping method to your country so you don't have to pick one for every order.

Note to the supplier

Add a note such as “No invoice or price in the package, thank you”: your customer only sees your brand.

Price and stock alerts

Turn on DSers notifications for when the supplier changes its price or runs out of stock, so you never sell at a loss.

A test order

Place an order on your own store and process it all the way before running any ads.

Costly mistakes

  • Importing the product from DSers instead of ThemeDrop's .csv file: the product shown by the theme is then connected to no supplier.
  • Matching variants too quickly: the customer gets another color or size.
  • Forgetting to pay for the order on AliExpress: it stays pending and the customer never gets it.
  • Not tracking the supplier's price changes: your margin can disappear without you noticing.

Read next

Frequently asked questions

Why use DSers with ThemeDrop?

Because they do two different things. ThemeDrop builds the store (theme, copy, product listing) from the AliExpress link. DSers connects that product to its supplier and places orders for you. Without DSers, you'd have to copy every order by hand on AliExpress.

Is DSers free?

Yes, DSers has a free plan, enough to start with a one-product store. Paid plans mainly add automation for stores with many products or orders.

Why not import the product directly with DSers?

A product imported by DSers has neither the sales copy nor the sections ThemeDrop created. Import the product with ThemeDrop's .csv file, then connect it to its supplier with DSers mapping: your store stays exactly like the preview.

Does the customer see the product comes from AliExpress?

No. They order on your store, at your prices. DSers then places the order with the supplier using the customer's address. Add a note to the supplier so no invoice or price is slipped into the package.

Can I use another tool than DSers?

Yes. The principle is the same with AutoDS or another tool: connect your store's product to its supplier. We recommend DSers because it's free to start and an official AliExpress partner.

How long does the whole setup take?

Allow 20 to 30 minutes the first time: a few minutes to generate and export the store with ThemeDrop, about ten to import it into Shopify, and the rest to install DSers and connect the product.

Build the store to connect

Paste your product's AliExpress link: ThemeDrop builds the complete Shopify store in 30 seconds.