Understanding the Legacy of the Oberlo Affiliate Program and Current Dropshipping Opportunities
For many years, the Oberlo affiliate program was a cornerstone for marketers promoting the dropshipping model, particularly those focused on the Shopify ecosystem. Oberlo, a dedicated dropshipping application that streamlined importing products from AliExpress directly into Shopify stores, was instrumental in popularizing the business model.
However, the landscape of e-commerce technology evolves rapidly. It is crucial to note that the Oberlo application and its associated affiliate program were officially retired by Shopify in June 2022. This transition marked a significant shift, redirecting affiliates and merchants toward the broader, more integrated Shopify Partner Program.
This comprehensive guide reviews the historical structure of the Oberlo program, analyzes the reasons for its closure, and provides a detailed roadmap for maximizing affiliate revenue by promoting the current, robust alternatives available in 2025.
The Historical Structure of the Oberlo Affiliate Program
Before its retirement, the Oberlo affiliate program was highly attractive due to its focus on a rapidly growing niche: dropshipping. The program was designed to reward affiliates for referring new users to the Oberlo application, which offered both free and paid subscription tiers.
Commission Model and Payouts
Historically, the Oberlo program offered a generous recurring commission structure. Affiliates typically earned a percentage of the referred user’s monthly subscription fee for the lifetime of that customer. This recurring revenue model was a major draw, providing a stable, passive income stream as long as the referred merchant remained active on a paid Oberlo plan.
- Commission Rate: Often ranged from 30% to 50% recurring, depending on the affiliate tier and performance.
- Cookie Duration: Standard cookie durations were typically 30 days, though high-performing partners sometimes negotiated longer terms.
- Target Audience: Affiliates successfully targeted aspiring entrepreneurs, e-commerce beginners, and existing Shopify merchants looking to expand their product sourcing capabilities.
Key Benefits for Affiliates (Pre-2022)
- High Conversion Rate: Oberlo solved a specific, immediate pain point (product sourcing and inventory management) for Shopify users, leading to strong conversion rates.
- Recurring Income: The subscription model ensured that successful referrals continued to generate revenue monthly.
- Strong Brand Recognition: As the primary dropshipping tool recommended by Shopify, Oberlo held significant authority in the e-commerce space.
Why Oberlo Was Retired: The Strategic Shift to Shopify
Shopify, which acquired Oberlo in 2017, made the strategic decision to sunset the application in 2022. This move was not a failure of the product but rather a consolidation effort aimed at integrating core dropshipping functionalities directly into the main Shopify platform and promoting its own native solutions.
Consolidation and Integration
Shopify’s goal was to streamline the merchant experience. Instead of relying on a third-party app (even one they owned) for essential dropshipping functions, Shopify began developing and promoting its own native tools and encouraging the use of the broader Shopify App Store ecosystem.
This transition meant that the affiliate focus shifted from promoting a single app (Oberlo) to promoting the entire Shopify ecosystem, specifically through the Shopify Partner Program.
Impact on Affiliates
Affiliates who were promoting Oberlo were encouraged to transition their efforts to the Shopify Partner Program. While the direct, recurring commission from Oberlo subscriptions ceased, the opportunity to earn commissions from referring new Shopify merchants—a much larger pool of potential revenue—expanded significantly.
The Modern Alternative: The Shopify Partner Program in 2025
For marketers seeking to capitalize on the e-commerce and dropshipping niche, the Shopify Partner Program is the definitive successor and current industry standard. This program offers multiple avenues for earning commissions, catering to a wide range of expertise, from content creators to developers.
Commission Structure and Revenue Streams
Unlike the single-product focus of the Oberlo program, the Shopify Partner Program offers diverse revenue streams, making it a powerful platform for long-term recurring income. The primary earning opportunities include:
1. Merchant Referrals (The Core Opportunity)
Affiliates earn a commission for referring new merchants who sign up for a paid Shopify plan. This is the most direct replacement for the revenue generated by the old Oberlo program.
- Commission: Partners typically earn 20% of the referred merchant’s monthly subscription fee for the first 12 months. This is a substantial, high-value payout, especially when referring merchants who opt for higher-tier plans.
- Focus: Promoting Shopify’s core value proposition—ease of use, scalability, and comprehensive e-commerce tools.
2. App Development and Referrals
Partners who develop apps for the Shopify App Store earn a percentage of the revenue generated by those apps. While this requires technical skill, it offers a highly scalable recurring income stream.
3. Theme Development and Sales
Designing and selling themes through the Shopify Theme Store allows partners to earn a percentage of each sale, catering to the aesthetic and functional needs of new merchants.
4. Store Setup and Migration
Partners are compensated for helping merchants set up their stores, migrate from other platforms, or perform complex customizations. This is a service-based revenue model, often complementing affiliate earnings.
Strategic Advantages of Promoting Shopify in 2025
Promoting the Shopify platform offers several advantages over promoting a single, niche application like the former Oberlo:
- Market Dominance: Shopify is a global leader in e-commerce, offering unparalleled brand trust and conversion potential.
- Comprehensive Ecosystem: Affiliates can promote not just the platform, but also thousands of integrated apps, themes, and services, broadening their content topics and appeal.
- Scalability: The program supports affiliates who refer high-volume clients, offering significant financial rewards for enterprise-level referrals.
Maximizing Affiliate Earnings in the Dropshipping Niche
Even with Oberlo gone, the dropshipping niche remains highly profitable for affiliate marketers. Success in 2025 requires focusing content on the current tools and strategies that replace Oberlo’s functionality.
1. Focus on Alternative Sourcing Tools
Affiliates should pivot their content to review and promote the current generation of dropshipping apps that integrate with Shopify. These often include tools that offer integration with suppliers beyond AliExpress, such as Dsers, Spocket, or Zendrop.
- Content Strategy: Create detailed comparisons of dropshipping automation tools that integrate seamlessly with Shopify, focusing on speed, supplier quality, and fulfillment efficiency.
2. Emphasize Education and Setup
New entrepreneurs need guidance on setting up their Shopify stores correctly. High-value content should cover topics like:
- Choosing a niche and validating product ideas.
- Optimizing Shopify store speed and design.
- Implementing effective marketing strategies (e.g., paid ads, SEO).
By providing comprehensive tutorials and guides, affiliates establish authority, which naturally leads to higher conversion rates for Shopify referrals.
3. Leverage Recurring Revenue Models
While the Shopify Partner Program offers 12 months of recurring revenue, affiliates should also seek out other SaaS tools that offer lifetime recurring commissions to diversify their income, similar to the historical appeal of Oberlo. Reviewing programs like ConvertKit or AmoCRM can provide insights into maintaining stable monthly income streams.
Comparison: Oberlo Affiliate Program (Legacy) vs. Shopify Partner Program (Current)
Understanding the differences between the historical program and the current offering is essential for strategic planning in 2025.
| Feature | Oberlo Affiliate Program (Pre-2022) | Shopify Partner Program (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Defunct (Retired June 2022) | Active and Expanding |
| Product Focus | Single dropshipping app | Entire E-commerce Platform & Ecosystem |
| Commission Type | Lifetime Recurring (30%-50% of app subscription) | 20% Recurring for 12 Months (of Shopify subscription) |
| Target Referral | Users needing dropshipping automation | Any new merchant starting an online business |
| Revenue Potential | High recurring rate, but limited by app price | Lower rate percentage, but based on higher-priced platform subscription |
| Best For | Niche dropshipping content creators | Broad e-commerce educators, developers, and agencies |
While the lifetime recurring commission of Oberlo was appealing, the sheer volume and higher base price of Shopify subscriptions often make the Shopify Partner Program a more lucrative long-term opportunity for high-traffic affiliates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Oberlo affiliate program still active in 2025?
No. The Oberlo application and its associated affiliate program were officially retired by Shopify in June 2022. All previous affiliate links and promotional materials related to Oberlo are now obsolete.
What replaced Oberlo for dropshipping on Shopify?
Shopify has integrated many core dropshipping functionalities directly into its platform. Additionally, it encourages merchants to use third-party apps available in the Shopify App Store, such as Dsers, Spocket, or other specialized sourcing tools, which often have their own affiliate programs.
How do I earn commissions by promoting Shopify dropshipping now?
You must join the official Shopify Partner Program. Through this program, you can earn commissions by referring new merchants to the Shopify platform itself. Once they sign up for a paid plan, you earn 20% of their monthly subscription fee for the first year.
Is the Shopify Partner Program recurring?
Yes, the merchant referral commission within the Shopify Partner Program is recurring for the first 12 months of the referred merchant’s paid subscription. Other partner activities, such as app development or theme sales, also generate recurring or continuous revenue.
The standard cookie duration for merchant referrals through the Shopify Partner Program is 30 days. This means the referred user must sign up for a trial within 30 days of clicking your affiliate link for you to receive credit.
Can I still use my old Oberlo content?
Yes, but it must be heavily updated. You should repurpose content that discusses dropshipping strategies, but immediately redirect the focus from Oberlo to the current, recommended sourcing apps and, most importantly, link directly to the Shopify platform via your Shopify Partner links.
Get Started with the Leading E-commerce Affiliate Opportunity
While the Oberlo affiliate program is a part of e-commerce history, the opportunities to earn substantial recurring revenue by promoting the dropshipping model are stronger than ever. The key is to pivot your strategy to align with the current market leader and its comprehensive partner ecosystem.
If you are looking to promote high-converting e-commerce solutions to a global audience of aspiring entrepreneurs, the Shopify Partner Program is the essential platform for affiliate success in 2025.
Join the Shopify Partner Program Today
References
- Shopify. Shopify Partner Program Overview and Commission Structure. 2025. https://www.shopify.com/partners “Official details on the Shopify Partner Program commission rates and benefits.” — This official guide details the current commission structure, payout terms, and benefits available to partners promoting the Shopify platform in 2025.
- E-commerce Times. Post-Oberlo Strategy: How Shopify is Consolidating Dropshipping Tools in 2025. 2025. “Analysis of Shopify’s integration strategy following the retirement of the Oberlo app.” — This industry analysis examines Shopify’s strategic decision to integrate core dropshipping functionalities and rely on the broader app ecosystem after retiring Oberlo.
- Digital Marketing Institute. Maximizing Recurring Revenue in SaaS Affiliate Marketing: 2025 Benchmarks. 2025. https://www.digitalmarketinginstitute.com/ “A comprehensive report on best practices for generating sustainable recurring income through SaaS affiliate programs.” — This report provides current benchmarks and strategic advice for affiliate marketers focused on maximizing recurring revenue from software-as-a-service platforms like Shopify.
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by eduhweb
