The budget required to start a dropshipping store can vary depending on various factors such as the niche, product costs, advertising platforms, and testing strategies. While some individuals may spend a significant amount of money on ads, it is not necessarily the only approach or a realistic starting budget for everyone.

Here are a few factors to consider when determining a realistic starting budget for a dropshipping store:

1. Product Costs: The cost of your products will play a significant role in determining your budget. If you choose products with higher profit margins, you may require a smaller budget compared to products with lower margins.

2. Advertising Platforms: Facebook and TikTok are popular advertising platforms for dropshipping stores. However, the cost per click (CPC) and cost per acquisition (CPA) can vary based on factors like competition, targeting options, and ad quality. It is essential to research and understand the average costs on these platforms to estimate your advertising budget.

3. Testing Strategy: While it is true that testing multiple products is crucial for success in dropshipping, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a massive amount on each product. Some dropshippers start with a smaller budget, testing products with lower ad spend to gather initial data and optimize their strategy before scaling up.

4. Scaling Strategy: Once you find a winning product, you can gradually increase your budget to scale your advertising efforts. It is important to reinvest profits into scaling rather than starting with a large budget from the beginning.

Considering these factors, a realistic starting budget for a dropshipping store could range from $500 to $2000. This budget allows you to test multiple products, gather data, optimize your ads, and potentially find a winning product without risking a significant amount of money.

However, it is crucial to remember that dropshipping success is not solely dependent on the budget. Factors like product selection, marketing strategy, website optimization, and customer service also play a vital role. It is recommended to focus on a well-rounded approach rather than solely relying on a large budget for testing products.