Choosing suppliers is a critical step for every dropshipping business. But with so many factors to consider, finding the right dropshipping suppliers can be overwhelming.
Even if you already have a clear idea of the products you want to sell and are confident in their potential success, it’s essential to find dropshipping suppliers who can deliver the high-quality service your business deserves.
That’s precisely why we’ve crafted this article. We’ll provide you with a list of top dropshipping suppliers and offer tips on selecting the best one for your needs. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the differences between dropshipping vendors and wholesale suppliers. We’ll also highlight some red flags to watch out for during your search.
Importance of dropshipping suppliers
Dropshipping suppliers are the backbone of every dropshipping business. Without suppliers, there’s no inventory to offer your customers. Period. It’s important, then, to find suppliers that not only fulfill your product needs but also align with your business objectives.
Leading suppliers stand out for their:
- Efficiency: They streamline processes and expedite deliveries, boosting customer satisfaction and fostering repeat business.
- Reliability: These suppliers ensure a consistent stock, preventing missed orders and disappointed customers.
- Quality control: They consistently uphold high-quality standards, ensuring every product meets or exceeds customer expectations.
Dropshipping vendors vs. dropshipping wholesalers
Before you start searching for dropshipping suppliers, it’s important to understand the distinction between vendors and wholesalers.
Dropshipping vendors are suppliers who specialize in a specific product range. They often promote their items on dropshipping platforms and typically charge a higher price per unit than wholesalers. Dropshipping entrepreneurs eager to source unique products will find these vendors particularly beneficial.
Dropshipping wholesalers, on the other hand, sell products in bulk at lower rates. Partnering with them allows you to extend competitive prices to your customers. While many wholesalers maintain their own independent websites, it’s also common for them to use various platforms and apps to promote their dropshipping services.
Who are the best dropshipping suppliers?
1. AliExpress
Based in: China.
An international wholesale and dropshipping website, AliExpress links ecommerce platforms to a vast array of dropshipping suppliers. You can browse products for free and communicate with merchants through integrated messaging. AliExpress accepts a variety of payment methods, plus offers buyer protection for a hassle-free shopping experience.
Shipping locations: 220 countries globally, including the US.
Shipping duration: Standard (15– 45 business days), Premium (7–15 business days)
Product types: Over 100 million products encompassing pet supplies, jewelry, electronics, skin care, furniture, and vehicles.
Best for: Beginners to veteran dropshippers for market research, finding trends, vendor relations, and wholesale orders.
2. Alibaba
Based in: China.
Alibaba is a B2B supplier directory that connects buyers directly with manufacturers of different products. This means you can negotiate prices, develop custom products, and achieve cost savings through one-to-one relationships. While most dropshipping suppliers on Alibaba have a minimum order quantity, you can always negotiate and find flexible terms that align with your business needs.
Shipping locations: Most countries globally.
Shipping duration: Up to six weeks. Options include freight or air.
Product types: Hosts over 2.8 million suppliers with products spanning more than 5,900 categories.
Best For: Advanced dropshippers aiming for private label manufacturing, bulk purchases, and distribution-level sales.
3. Worldwide Brands
Based in: US.
Since its inception in 1999, Worldwide Brands has carved a reputation as a leading supplier directory. What sets it apart? A strict guideline adherence. Only suppliers meeting its stringent criteria make the cut. This guarantees you access to genuine, top-notch wholesalers. Beyond connections, the platform also serves as a springboard for niche idea exploration.
Shipping locations: Global, with specifics depending on the wholesale supplier chosen via the platform.
Shipping duration: Varies, with some shipments taking up to six weeks. Choices range between freight and air.
Product types: The platform boasts a massive collection of more than 16 million certified wholesale products. These span a variety of niches, including pet supplies, jewelry, electronics, home décor, apparel, and more.
Best for: Worldwide Brands is especially suitable for those prioritizing quality and legitimacy in their wholesale distributor choices.
4. Salehoo
Based in: New Zealand.
SaleHoo’s directory features over 8,000 dropshipping wholesalers. It primarily caters to ecommerce store owners using Amazon and eBay dropshipping. With a monthly fee of $27, Salehoo offers exceptional value for its listing services and backs it with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Shipping locations: US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shipping duration: Varies based on the destination.
Product types: Sourced from AliExpress. Offers pre-vetted dropshipping providers from diverse profitable niches.
Best for: Merchants seeking annual or temporary membership with potential for annual discounts. Particularly beneficial for those operating on platforms like eBay and Amazon.
5. Doba
Based in: US.
Want a reliable dropshipping supplier to elevate your sales? Doba stands out by integrating with its 165 suppliers, offering you a centralized ordering experience. The Push-to-Marketplace feature simplifies eBay listings. With plans starting at $24.99 a month, Doba brings both convenience and efficiency to your business.
Shipping locations: Most countries worldwide.
Shipping duration: Depends on the chosen dropshipping wholesaler, but rates and durations are customizable based on your preferences.
Product types: Extensive collection with over two million diverse products, ensuring ample room for profitable mark-ups.
Best for: Those looking to narrow down their supplier list. If your niche relies on a select few suppliers, Doba could be your go-to platform.
6. Sunrise Wholesale
Based in: US.
Sunrise Wholesale is an excellent choice for those seeking dropshipping suppliers in the US. Its catalog features more than 10,000 products, and the platform offers plenty of tools to ensure you source the best items for your store. Take advantage of its product data and sales reports to make informed decisions regarding what to sell online.
Shipping locations: US and Canada.
Shipping duration: Averages between one to two days.
Product types: Diverse, from home essentials like bath products and kitchen tools to electronics, garden supplies, and jewelry.
Best for: Merchants in the US and Canada who prioritize swift shipping.
7. Megagoods
Based in: US.
Megagoods is a wholesale and dropshipping platform with a focus on consumer electronics. Suppliers on this site offer everything from digital cameras to televisions to DVD players, and more. Although they operate primarily as wholesalers, they offer dropshipping services without any minimum purchase requirements. This eliminates the risk of overstocking as you ship products to your customers.
Shipping locations: Worldwide.
Shipping duration: Varies depending on destination.
Product types: Predominantly consumer electronics—think Bluetooth accessories, audio gear, televisions, and office equipment.
Best for: Businesses dealing in electronics and aiming for a global reach.
8. Wholesale2b
Based in: US.
Looking to streamline your inventory management? Wholesale2b has you covered. With real-time inventory automation, this app lets you swiftly import orders and tracking details into your Shopify store. Plus, the variety of dropship-ready products on this platform makes it easy to craft distinct product collections.
Shipping locations: Canada and US.
Shipping duration: Varies, but a unique feature lets you view the average shipping times from each supplier.
Product types: Comprehensive, encompassing apparel, kitchenware, toys, and various accessories.
Best for: North American dropshippers focused on rapid shipping.
9. Modalyst
Based in: US.
Modalyst is an automated dropshipping app for Shopify stores. Although it provides access to millions of products via AliExpress API, Modalyst is best known for offering products from high-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Calvin Klein. You’ll also find a curated list of trendy and independent brands for different audiences on the platform.
Shipping locations: US, UK, Australia, and more than 80 other countries worldwide, excluding South America and Africa.
Shipping duration: Domestic US orders typically take five to eight days under the free plan.
Product types: Varied, focusing primarily on luxury and trendy brands. The AliExpress Booster Program affiliation ensures an even broader catalog.
Best for: Shopify store owners eyeing unique, branded, or high-ticket items to diversify their product lineup.
10. Auchan
Based in: France.
Auchan is a dropshipping app designed to serve online stores dealing in French products. It sources products from leading French manufacturers and offers thousands of SKUs across various categories. What makes Auchan worthy of mention in this best dropshipping companies list is that all of its products are kept under optimum conditions based on the criteria of French legislation. So, whether you sell kids’ toys or skin care items, you can be sure that your customers will receive durable, high-quality products.
Shipping locations: Most countries globally.
Shipping Duration: Varies based on destination.
Product Types: Diverse, 100% made in France, ranging from kids’ toys to skin care and more.
Best For: Entrepreneurs seeking genuine French products, with a free plan to explore the catalog.
11. Dropshipman
Based in: Hong Kong.
Dropshipman is an all-in-one dropshipping supplier with over 10 million products listed. Using its app, you can easily source products and automate the dropshipping process, from importing items to fulfilling orders. It even offers a free product sourcing service where you place requests and the company finds the best match for you in one to three days.
Shipping locations: Worldwide.
Shipping duration: Varies based on the destination.
Product types: Covers most dropshipping niches, including electronics, clothing, pet supplies, and furniture.
Best for: Beginner dropshippers or store owners who don’t have enough time to look for products and compare the options.
Finding dropshipping suppliers
Generally speaking, dropshipping suppliers aren’t known for their ability to market themselves to their audience, so finding the right dropship suppliers can be a difficult task.
You need to know in advance that finding dropshipping suppliers for your business could take a while. Another thing that you should take into consideration during your search is that you’re selecting suppliers that likely are based in Asia, so the language barrier could take a while getting used to.
Nevertheless, you can find the right dropshipping supplier for your business. Here are some steps that you can take to ensure that you find the right one:
1. Research
Once you’ve decided on the products that you would like to sell, research which dropshipping suppliers are out there and which ones best suit your needs. You might need to choose between a domestic or overseas supplier, depending on whether you’re dropshipping outside the US or catering to local customers. When you’re selecting suppliers, you’ll need to dive deep into raw material sourcing, delivery times, and service potential.
2. Contact suppliers
Talk to the dropshipping supplier that suits your needs and start a relationship with them. Talking to them allows you to ask questions about the service they provide. They may even give you contact information from some of their current customers so you can ask about their first-hand experience of working with the supplier before committing to them.
Maintaining a good relationship with your dropshipping suppliers from the very start means that when you start doing business together you’ll have trust. This will make it easier to get questions answered quickly, and disputes resolved straight away. After all, both of you are on the same team.
3. Check their technology
Although dropshipping suppliers tend to have outdated websites, many good suppliers invest in technology to help streamline client operations. Features such as searchable order history, customizable data feeds, and a detailed product catalog make things convenient for online merchants. Some suppliers have systems that allow you to place orders via email. This might sound like a minor benefit, but it’s actually a luxury for store owners—you won’t have to call every order in or manually place it on the supplier’s website. Just send an email.
4. Order samples
Once you’ve chosen your top two or three suppliers to do business with, order samples from them yourself. Test their quality of service, delivery times, packaging, and other supplier-related questions that you may have so you are entirely happy with the choice you make. Ordering product samples from a dropshipping supplier is essential, as it allows you to witness first-hand how your customers will experience your store.
5. Order from the competition
If one of your competitors is using the same supplier as you, then you can find out how the supplier packages their products and what services they offer, like custom labeling. If your competitor uses other suppliers, you can order from them to get an idea of the level of service you need to provide to rank in line with the competition.
6. Shortlist the right supplier for your business
While many suppliers may appear favorable based on reviews and products, a deeper evaluation might reveal they’re not the right fit for your audience. Always engage with suppliers, understanding their operational nuances, before making a final commitment. While you can switch suppliers if discrepancies arise later, it’s better to preempt potential brand damage.
Dropshipping suppliers to avoid
It is hard to know which dropshipping suppliers to choose, but there are some tell-tale signs that a supplier is to be avoided at all costs. Apart from bad reviews, negative feedback, and cheap quantity products, there are other factors that can reveal a bad dropshipping supplier.
- If a dropshipping supplier insists on monthly or ongoing fees to do business with them, this is a bad sign. Ongoing fees could mean a supplier is part of a directory as opposed to a single supplier.
- It is normal to have pre-order fees that increase slightly depending on size or complexity of an order or decrease with bulk ordering. The research will highlight suppliers that charge higher than normal pre-order fees, which you want to stay away from.
- Minimum order size is another thing to keep in mind when choosing a dropship supplier. Most of the time a supplier is willing to charge the minimum order fee and fulfill orders as they come in. This means that if a supplier’s minimum order size is 200, you must pay for the 200 units upfront, but the supplier will fulfill the orders as they come from your online store. Suppliers that refuse to do this should be avoided, as they are more suited for dropshipping wholesale.
How to identify fake dropshipping wholesalers
While navigating the world of dropshipping, you might bump into “fake” product suppliers. The problem is, you won’t know they’re fake until you receive a counterfeit product (or no product at all). Use these tips to determine if a wholesale supplier truly stands up to the test.
Beware of ongoing fees
Legitimate wholesalers won’t slap you with monthly fees just for the pleasure of doing business. If a so-called supplier demands monthly memberships or service fees, tread carefully.
However, let’s clear the air about supplier directories. These directories list and screen wholesale suppliers by product type or market. They might charge a fee, one-time or recurring, but that doesn’t make the directory itself suspicious.
Expect some legitimate fees
Per-order charges: Don’t raise an eyebrow if a wholesaler asks for an upfront dropshipping fee for each order. These fees, usually between $2 to $5, cover the costs of packing and shipping individual items.
Minimum order requirements: Some suppliers set a bar for the first order. This minimum purchase helps them sift out non-serious merchants. But what if the bar seems too high? Let’s say a supplier demands a $300 minimum, but your average order hovers around $100. Instead of buying $300 worth of products upfront, consider pre-paying the $300. This creates a credit with the supplier, which you can use against future dropshipping orders. It also meets their requirements and keeps you from overstocking.
Real wholesalers don’t sell to the public
Genuine wholesale pricing comes with a process. You apply for an account, prove your business legitimacy, and then, if approved, place your order. If you find a dropshipping “vendor” openly offering “wholesale” prices to anyone and everyone, you’re probably looking at a retailer inflating prices.
Use these guidelines and navigate the dropshipping landscape with confidence. Remember, due diligence today saves headaches tomorrow.
Benefits of dropshipping from multiple suppliers
When it comes to dropshipping, don’t feel like you need to rely on just one supplier to source your products. There are numerous benefits that come with selecting multiple dropshipping suppliers for your business. Let’s take a look at them below.
1. More products available
When you’re finding dropshipping suppliers for your business, you need to be thinking about the products that the suppliers are offering. One of the key, clear benefits that come with selecting multiple suppliers for your business is that they’ll likely be able to offer you a wider variety of products for your store. Having more options is beneficial—it makes it easier to find products that resonate with your customers.
2. More business relationships
As a dropshipper, relationships with your suppliers are very important. After all, without them, you won’t have products to deliver to your customers. This means that it’s in your best interest to have a positive, fruitful relationship with your suppliers.
If you decide to use multiple dropshipping suppliers to source your products from, you’ve got the potential to start and grow numerous business relationships. This can end up being a great asset for you as your business grows and scales.
3. Private labeling
Suppliers from platforms like AliExpress typically do not offer custom labeling support for dropshipping businesses. However, if you can demonstrate to them that you can generate consistent revenue by selling their products, they’re more likely to think about offering this service. You can always contact each dropshipping supplier via direct message and inquire further into this personally.
Check out our wiki to learn how private labeling works in ecommerce.
4. Better quality products
When you’re selecting suppliers to help you run your business, you’ll want to find ones that can provide you with high-quality products. This means that working with multiple dropshipping suppliers—especially as you’re starting your business—will help you to better understand the quality of the products that you receive through your test orders. If you can compare products from different dropshipping suppliers during your selection process, you’ll be much more educated on which ones are best suited for your dropshipping store.
5. Enhance the customer experience
As a dropshipper, it’s important that you try to understand your customer’s experience with your store. This is especially true when it comes to the delivery of your products. Understanding your customer’s experience will help you pinpoint areas where your dropshipping suppliers can enhance their service. This is potentially even more important if you’re dropshipping from multiple suppliers, as the service they provide may vary slightly.
Find the best dropshipppng supplier today
As a dropshipper, you can’t do without high-quality suppliers. Since you won’t be stocking the products, it’s important to have dropshipping suppliers who are genuine and ship products on time. Hopefully, the tips and platforms we’ve mentioned above will help you find suppliers who will make it easy to run an ecommerce business.
In summary, here are the steps you need to take to ensure that you find good dropshipping suppliers:
- Research dropshipping suppliers.
- Ask questions about the service..
- Inquire about the supplier’s technology.
- Order samples from the supplier.
- Buy from your competitors’ suppliers.
- Dig into the supplier’s business.
- Avoid dropshipping suppliers that charge an ongoing fee.
Dropshipping is still a profitable business, so make sure you start off on the right foot by finding reliable dropshipping suppliers to power your store’s operations. Good luck!
