What is the finest dropshipping supplier for my ecommerce store? is one of the most popular queries posed by prospective entrepreneurs.
A dropshipping supplier directory is a collection of dropshipping providers grouped by market, niche, or product. Many directories have a screening mechanism in place to guarantee that the suppliers listed are legitimate wholesalers. The majority of them are run by for-profit businesses that charge a fee to access their directory.
While membership directories might be useful, particularly for generating ideas, they are not required. With a little searching and the tactics outlined above, you should be able to locate the biggest suppliers in your industry if you already know what product or dropshipping niche you want to sell. Plus, after you’ve started a dropshipping firm, you’re unlikely to need to go back to the directory until you require suppliers for new products.
Supplier directories, on the other hand, are a convenient way to swiftly search for and/or browse a big number of suppliers in one location, and they’re also ideal for brainstorming product ideas or niches to enter. Supplier directories can be useful if you’re short on time and prepared to spend the money.
There are several dropshipping suppliers and firms, and a thorough examination of each is beyond the scope of this book. Rather, we’ve highlighted a few of the most well-known dropshipping supplier directories on the internet. Please keep in mind that we are not supporting any of these directories; we are merely offering you some possibilities.
We’ll look at these essential elements to make it even easier to find the finest dropshipping provider for your unique needs:
Options for shipping and location. What locations does the supplier have? When a consumer places an order, how long does it take for it to be produced?
Types of products. What kinds of products do they offer as dropshippers?
It is suggested for. Is this a good source for new or seasoned dropshippers?
Oberlo
Oberlo is a dropshipping software that makes finding things to sell in your Shopify store on AliExpress simple. The site features over 30,000 of the greatest dropshipping products from suppliers all around the world in 60+ specialist categories. Oberlo has a free sign-up option, with paid options beginning at $29.99 per month.
Oberlo connects you with suppliers in a variety of places throughout the world, as well as shipping choices. Each usually has a variety of shipping choices for getting your stuff to your clients. In the Oberlo app, you can see the shipping methods a supplier utilises on each product page.
The following are examples of popular shipping methods:
China Post is a Chinese postal service. Shipping is provided for free or at a low cost. It may take 20–50 days for your order to arrive.
ePacket. Shipping is provided for free or at a low cost. It may take 15–30 days for your order to arrive.
UPS/DHL/FedEx. Costs of expedited shipment. Your order could take anywhere from 5 to 15 days to arrive.
AliExpress offers free shipping. Shipping prices are reasonable. Your order could take up to 15 days to arrive.
Because suppliers may have warehouses in different locations, shipping times and costs may differ depending on the countries you want to reach.
Antiques, jewellery, vehicle parts, sunglasses, wedding materials, furniture, and more are among the items available.
Both new and experienced dropshippers will benefit from this.
CJDropshipping
CJDropshipping is a dropshipping marketplace that helps sellers expand their dropshipping business on a budget. You may quickly import products directly from the 1688 and Taobao marketplaces into your Shopify store, usually at a lower price than on AliExpress. It’s also a free Shopify app that you can use with other dropshipping tools like Oberlo in your business.
CJDropshipping uses US-based warehouses to complete same-day processing for your store. It works with the United States Postal Service, UPS, DHL, and FedEx. If you’re shipping from China, CJPacket has its own shipping line that can deliver things to the United States in seven to twelve days.
Independent designers and small-business entrepreneurs can be found in China’s 1668 and Taobao marketplaces. CJDropshipping has hundreds of millions of listings, with products ranging from commonplace commodities to hard-to-find items and even virtual products.
You can request a product that does not yet exist in the CJDropshipping app, and CJDropshipping will list it once the best source is identified.
Retailers searching for a one-stop shop for everything dropshipping, including product sourcing, order processing, fulfilment, and speedy shipping to the United States.
SupplyMeDirect
SupplyMeDirect is a wholesale distributor that can help your dropshipping company grow. To sell branded products and maximise earnings, the app provides private labelling and dependable sourcing. It’s a free Shopify app with a dedicated support team available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Over 60% of SupplyMeDirect’s merchandise is housed in warehouses across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, which makes it unique. Shipping is rapid and dependable, with an average delivery time of four to seven days.
Product kinds include everything from clothing to cookware, toys to accessories, and everything in between.
Dropshippers who plan to sell worldwide and need fast shipment may consider this option.
CROV
Retailers can access a wide choice of products from a validated list of US vendors through CROV. This is a free Shopify software for adding items to your business and automating orders.
Location and shipping options: There are 42 countries where shipping is offered. Suppliers and shipping methods, which are given on each product’s description page in the directory, determine costs. CROV maintains a warehouse in the United States to expedite the delivery of domestic orders.
Product types: CROV provides over 35,000 items from a select group of sellers in over 20 popular categories.
Recommended for: Ecommerce merchants looking to offer one-of-a-kind items on Shopify, Amazon, or eBay.
Modalyst
Modalyst is an online store’s automated dropshipping tool. It’s known for carrying products from well-known brands such as Calvin Klein, DSquare, Dolce & Gabbana, and others. For each target audience, Modalyst also has a handpicked collection of independent and fashionable brands.
The platform has an official API collaboration with AliExpress Dropshipping, allowing you access to millions of products via a Google Chrome extension that you can add to your store with a single click.
Modalyst has its own marketplace of US suppliers and brands that can ship domestic purchases for free in six to eight days. Dropshipping suppliers from the United Kingdom and Australia are also accessible. Businesses can export to more than 80 countries throughout the world, with the exception of South America and Africa.
Product categories: Various, with a focus on high-end and contemporary brands.Modalyst is also a part of AliExpress’s Booster Program, which gives dropshippers access to a virtually endless product inventory.
Users of Shopify who wish to add unique products to their stores should check out this app. The Modalyst Private Label Program allows you to sell products with your own branding. If you choose the Pro package, you’ll have access to all of Modalyst’s top brands and suppliers.
DropnShop
DropnShop is a Shopify dropshipping tool that allows you to sell French products online. It collects goods from major French factories and accepts requests from ecommerce partners to help broaden your product catalogue and build your business, thanks to contacts with thousands of manufacturers. There is a free plan available.
DropnShop collaborates with a number of vendors to provide low-cost international shipping. Each product has its own shipping information, but all you need to know can be found on the app’s product details page.
Types of products: Do you want to sell the greatest French beauty items in your store? With DropnShop, you can. Thousands of SKUs, ranging from children’s toys to hair and skin care items, are available from the supplier, all of which are created entirely in France.
Recommended for: Ecommerce stores looking to expand their product offerings to include French items.
How to find dropshipping suppliers
Suppliers, like most things in life, are not all created equal. It’s even more crucial to collaborate with top-notch players in the area of dropshipping, where the supplier is such an important element of the dropshipping fulfillment process.
Before you contact suppliers
So, you’ve located a few reliable providers and are ready to move forward—congratulations! However, before you begin contacting businesses, make sure you have all of your ducks in a row.
You need to be legal
As previously stated, most respectable wholesalers will want confirmation that you are a legitimate company before granting you an account. Most wholesalers only provide prices to approved customers, so you’ll have to be legally incorporated to know what kind of pricing you’ll obtain.
What’s the bottom line? Before you approach suppliers, double-check that you’re lawfully incorporated. You won’t need to offer any documentation if you’re only wanting to ask a few simple inquiries (“Do you dropship?” “Do you carry brand X?”). However, don’t expect to go live without a strong base.
Understand how you appear
People with “excellent business plans” continuously bombard wholesalers with questions, taking up a lot of time, and then never ordering anything. If you’re starting a new firm, keep in mind that many suppliers will not go out of their way to assist you.
If they provide it, most will gladly set you up with a dropshipping account. But don’t ask for a discount or spend hours on the phone with their sales personnel before making a single transaction. It will swiftly damage your relationship with the supplier and gain you a negative reputation.
You’ll need to establish credibility if you need to make unique demands (for example, persuading a supplier to dropship when it generally doesn’t). Instead of employing flimsy jargon (“I’m thinking of maybe opening a business sometime soon”), be specific about your business objectives (“We are launching this site on January 20”). Also, make sure to mention any professional accomplishments you’ve had in the past, particularly in sales and marketing, that will aid you in your new company.
You must persuade suppliers that the hassle of meeting your particular request(s) will be worth it in the long run when you establish a successful dropshipping business and begin bringing them a lot of business.
Don’t be afraid of the phone
When it comes to suppliers, one of the most common anxieties is just picking up the phone and dialling the number. This is a terrifying proposition for many people. You may be able to send emails for some situations, but you will almost always need to call to acquire the information you require.
The good news is that it isn’t as frightening as you would believe. Suppliers, including newcomer enterprises, are used to receiving phone calls. You’ll most likely be greeted by someone who is friendly and eager to answer your inquiries. Here’s a hint to assist you: Simply prepare your questions in advance. It’s remarkable how much easier it is to make a decision when you have a list of options.
Many of the following six characteristics are common among great dropshipping suppliers:
Expert staff and industry focus
Top-tier suppliers have competent salespeople that are well-versed in their business and product ranges. It’s crucial to be able to call a person with inquiries, especially if you’re opening a store in a niche you’re unfamiliar with.
Dedicated support representatives
A good dropshipper should assign you a personal sales representative who is responsible for you and any issues you may have. We’ve had bad experiences with wholesalers who don’t assign specific representatives. Problems take much longer to solve, and we frequently have to nag individuals to resolve them. It’s critical to have a single point of contact with your provider who is responsible for resolving your problems.
Invested in technology
While there are plenty of reputable suppliers with old websites, working with a supplier who appreciates the value of technology and spends extensively in it is usually a pleasure. Real-time inventory, a comprehensive online catalogue, customised data feeds, and an online searchable order history are all features that help online businesses optimise their operations.
Can take orders via email
This may appear to be a minor issue, but having to call in each order or manually enter it on the website makes processing orders much more time consuming.
Centrally located
If you’re in a huge country like the United States, using a centrally situated dropshipper is advantageous because deliveries may reach over 90% of the country in two to three business days. When a supplier is located on one of the coasts, shipping orders across the country can take more than a week. Suppliers who are centrally placed can routinely offer speedier delivery times, potentially saving you money on shipping rates.
Organized and efficient
Some suppliers have knowledgeable employees and well-developed procedures, resulting in efficient and nearly error-free fulfillment. Others will make you want to rip your hair out every fourth-order. The problem is that it’s tough to judge a supplier’s competence without actually using it.
Placing a few small test orders can give you a good idea of how a provider operates, albeit it won’t give you a complete picture. As evidenced by the following:
What it does with the order process
How quickly do products leave the warehouse?
How quickly it provides tracking information and an invoice.
When the item arrives, the packing job’s quality will be judged.
It’s vital to know how to distinguish between reputable wholesale suppliers and retail establishments operating as wholesale providers before looking for suppliers. A reputable wholesaler buys directly from the manufacturer and may often provide you with much lower prices.
