Custom Domain Setup
Connect your own domain (e.g., yourstore.com) to your dropshipping store.
Why Use a Custom Domain?
- ✅ Professional appearance
- ✅ Better branding
- ✅ Improved SEO
- ✅ Customer trust
- ✅ Memorable URLs
Default: yourstore.ds.vai.me
Custom: yourstore.com
Prerequisites
- Own a domain name (buy from Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.)
- Access to domain DNS settings
- Growth or Enterprise plan (custom domains not available on Starter)
Step 1: Add Domain to Your Store
- Go to Stores → Select your store
- Click "Settings" → "Domains"
- Click "Add Custom Domain"
- Enter your domain (e.g.,
mystore.com) - Click "Add Domain"
Step 2: Configure DNS Records
You'll receive DNS records to add to your domain:
Option A: Use Nameservers (Easiest)
Point your domain's nameservers to:
ns1.ds.vai.me
ns2.ds.vai.me
This automatically handles all DNS for you.
Option B: Add DNS Records Manually
Add these records in your domain registrar:
A Record:
Type: A
Name: @
Value: 185.199.108.153
TTL: 3600
CNAME Record for www:
Type: CNAME
Name: www
Value: yourstore.ds.vai.me
TTL: 3600
Step 3: SSL Certificate
SSL certificate is automatically provisioned:
- DNS propagation (5 minutes - 24 hours)
- Certificate issued by Let's Encrypt
- HTTPS enabled automatically
- HTTP redirects to HTTPS
Verification
Check domain status in dashboard:
- 🟡 Pending: Waiting for DNS propagation
- 🟢 Active: Domain working, SSL enabled
- 🔴 Error: DNS misconfigured
DNS Propagation Time
Typical times:
- 5-15 minutes: Most registrars
- Up to 24 hours: Maximum wait time
- 48 hours: Rare cases
Check propagation: whatsmydns.net
Troubleshooting
Domain not working after 24 hours:
- Verify DNS records are correct
- Check for typos in values
- Remove any conflicting records
- Contact your registrar for help
SSL certificate error:
- Wait 15 more minutes for certificate provisioning
- Clear browser cache
- Try incognito mode
Redirecting to old domain:
- Clear browser cache
- Check redirect settings in store settings
- May be DNS caching
Multiple Domains
Enterprise plan supports multiple domains:
Primary Domain: Main store URL Additional Domains: Redirect to primary
Example:
mystore.com(primary)my-store.com(redirect)mystoreus.com(redirect)
Email Setup
Use your custom domain for email:
Recommended Services:
- Google Workspace ($6/user/month)
- Microsoft 365 ($5/user/month)
- ProtonMail ($5/user/month)
Configure MX records separately from store DNS.
Best Practices
✅ Choose .com if available
✅ Keep domain short and memorable
✅ Avoid numbers and hyphens
✅ Match your brand name
✅ Buy common misspellings (redirect to main)
Setup Time: 15-30 minutes (plus DNS wait)