The price-point filter. Dropshipping only works economically on higher-ticket items. Once supplier cost, payment fees, and paid traffic come out, a $30 product rarely leaves room for profit. Sellers who struggle on dropship usually picked a niche under $100 AOV; sellers who thrive usually target $200–$5,000 AOV with buyers who have disposable income. If your niche sits below that range, wholesale (with its higher per-unit margin and lower reliance on paid traffic) is usually the better fit. More detail in How to Pick a Profitable Dropshipping Niche.