Over 80% of online sellers believe that their relationship with dropshipping suppliers significantly impacts their business. Therefore, it is important you know what the best options are and how to choose them.
Discovering dropshipping suppliers is a time-consuming task. Most suppliers don’t have great marketing strategies so there are only a few names that are popular. Some dropshipping companies disguise themselves as reputable suppliers with fake reviews when in fact they are there just to scam you.
In this blog, we will not only explore the best dropshipping suppliers but also learn how to spot red flags and work with suppliers.
What is Dropshipping?
The dropshipping business model is a supply chain management model where online retailers sell different products without having to manage their own inventory. They sell products as their own – that they purchase from various suppliers – on their dropshipping sites and earn handsome commission on arbitrage.
The dropshipping companies work as a bridge between global suppliers and customers. Once a customer places an order and pays the sum against the desired product, dropship companies provide the order information to suppliers who then dispatch the product from their warehouse to the customer directly.
Great Suppliers Are Not Enough❗
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Is Dropshipping Worth it in 2024?
If you want to earn a decent income by starting a side business, then dropshipping is worth it. However, if you want to make lots of money in a short amount of time, then dropshipping might not be the perfect choice for you.
The global dropshipping market is expected to reach $435 billion in 2025, marking a significant increase from 2023 and 2024. According to Oberlo, this market is only going to grow and does not seem to see decline any time soon.
Source: Oberlo
If you look at Google Trends, you will see a clear demand for this business model. The search term “dropshipping” has seen a significant increase over the last 5 years. People constantly ask questions about popular dropshipping suppliers like AliExpress.
According to Dropshipping.io, the profit margins for dropshipping are usually between 10 and 25% and the success rate is estimate to be around 10 and 20%.
Keeping these statistics in mind, one can say that dropshipping is quite alive and is profitable, especially as a side business.
Dropshipping Suppliers Red Flags to Be Careful Of
Not all dropshipping suppliers are reliable. You need to be careful when choosing suppliers for your business, so you can find the most trustworthy and dependable partners. Following are the top three signs that a supplier may not be a good choice:
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Minimum Order Sizes
The dropshipping model is designed to avoid holding inventory. Therefore, make sure your supplier doesn’t insist on minimum order size requirements.
If a supplier requires a minimum order, you might negotiate a prepaid credit for future purchases. This way, you commit to buying a certain amount over time without having to buy everything at once.
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Low Prices
If a supplier’s pricing is much lower than its competitors, it could be a fishy deal and you should avoid it. Plus, make sure your suppliers are exclusive for dropshipping. If they sell to both retailers and the public, there are chances their pricing isn’t the most valuable for your profit margin.
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Shipping Times
23% of customers will stop shopping at a store if their orders are late. Therefore, the supplier should be able to ship the products you sell to your customers quickly.
List of Best Dropshipping Suppliers in 2024
There are several dropshipping suppliers out there in almost all industries. You should choose your suppliers based on their offerings as well as public reviews. Following is the list of best ones in 2024 along with their pros and cons. These ecommerce stores offer millions of products and have been successfully catering to dropshipping companies from around the world.
1. Zendrop
Source: Zendrop
Zendrop is a dropshipping app for Shopify stores. With over a million products and an automated fulfillment tool, it makes dropshipping pretty easy. You can even bulk order inventory to US warehouses for faster shipping (under five days).
The free plan includes product access and support, while paid plans start at $49/month for unlimited orders, express shipping, and customization features.
Shipping Locations
Global shipping (stores in US and China)
Pros
- You can add branded packaging or compile products to create subscription boxes
- Acess to more than a million of products
- Free plan
Cons
- For month-to-month, $49 can be too much
Zendrop Reviews
Zendrop has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 5,392 reviews on trustpilot.com
2. Dsers
Source: DSers
DSers connects your online store to AliExpress suppliers. Its Supplier Optimizer tool helps you compare suppliers based on wholesale prices and performance. Plus, its automated features make it easy to add products to your store and place orders quickly.
Shipping Locations
Worldwide (220 countries), like AliExpress
Pros
You can place order in batches
Autosync tracking numbers
Cons
No warehouse options
Dsers Reviews
Dsers has a rating of 5 out of 5 based on 3,014 reviews on trustpilot.com
3. AliExpress
Source: AliExpress
AliExpress doesn’t need an introduction. It’s one of the largest platforms for dropshipping companies, offering millions of products with a free sign-up. You can buy a range of different products including electronics, apparel, footwear, DIY, accessories, cosmetics and much more.
Shipping locations
Worldwide (220 countries)
Pros:
Offers millions of dropshipping products at cheap prices
Allows dropshipping companies to sell a product globally with free shipping
Cons:
False advertisement is a crucial concern that many dropshippers have to face
Delivery time period may vary anywhere between one week to 60 days
Returns or exchanges may become a hassle
AliExpress Reviews
AliExpress has a rating of 2.7 out of 5 based on 151,703 reviews on trustpilot.com
4. Inventory Source
Source: Inventory Source
Inventory Source is a powerful dropshipping software that makes it easy to manage your inventory and backend operations. It pairs up with popular platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce, and offers a vast product catalog with over 1 million items from 200+ suppliers.
With Inventory Source, you can quickly export product information to your site and even let them build your site if you don’t have one.
Shipping Locations
–
Pros
Pushlist technology makes product integration easy
Fees based on supplier count, not sold products
Great customer service
Cons
If you need a lot of suppliers, fees can be high
There are three pricing plans but they can be confusing
Inventory Source Reviews
Inventory Source has a rating of 2.2 out of 5 based on 127 reviews on trustpilot.com
5. Worldwide Brands
Source: Worldwide Brands
Worldwide Brands is a comprehensive directory of dropshipping suppliers that allows companies to exchange products in bulk. Every week, they update their list(s) with new suppliers and ensures that each and every one of them is reputable and reliable. To gain access to this directory, you must pay a one-time fee of $249.
Shipping Locations
Worldwide
Pros:
- No restrictions on minimum number of orders
- Huge variety of product selections
- suppliers undergo strict verification processes before they appear in their directory
- Manage your business with multiple suppliers from one centralized location
Cons:
- Some suppliers have high minimum orders
- Fee may be too much for some businesses
Worldwide Brands Reviews
Worldwide Brands has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 332 reviews on trustpilot.com
6. BrandsGateway
BrandsGateway is a dropshipping and wholesale supplier that specializes in selling luxury fashion. They cater to a diverse range of retailers, from boutique shops to online stores, from all over the world.
Pros:
BrandsGateway has quite an extensive product catalog that includes anything from clothing and footwear to jewelry and accessories.
Additionally, they also offers integration with popular eCommerce platforms, making it easy to manage orders and inventory.
Cons:
The pricing could be considered slightly costly for beginner dropshippers who are just starting out.
7. Spocket
Source: Spocket
Spocket is one of the best platforms for dropshippers. It offers branded invoicing and gives users access to thousands of dropshipping suppliers. It’s incredibly easy to use, and also works well with third-party marketplaces like Etsy.
Shipping Locations
US, Europe, Australia, and Brazil.
Pros:
- Fast delivery since most suppliers are located in US or Europe
- Branded invoicing allows you to keep your brand consistent
Cons:
- Spocket offers quality but may not offer quantity
Spocket Reviews
Spocket has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 8,558 reviews on trustpilot.com
8. Modalyst
Source: Modalyst
Modalyst is a business-to-business dropshipping company that curates a large list of dropshippers. You’ll find a lot of branding here that’s done by suppliers because they invest efforts in creating and delivering high-quality and premium products.
Shipping Locations
You can ship to over 80 countries (excluding Africa and South America) including US, UK, and Australia.
Pros:
- Modalyst operates on standardized procedures and automated systems
- Handles return policy and commission rates with its suppliers
- Supplier can ship products both to the company or to the customers
Cons:
- Can be costly. On every transaction, there’s a 5% fee if you’re using the free plan
- There’s a 60% payment to brands on their products’ MSRP, independent of selling price
- Shipping times and shipping costs can vary
Modalyst Reviews
Modalyst has a rating of 2.8 out of 5 based on 7 reviews on trustpilot.com
9. DropshipMe
Source: DropshipMe
DropshipMe is a tool that connects your WooCommerce store to a curated selection of AliExpress products. DropshipMe not only curates the products but also edits titles and images to make sure they’re clear and high-quality. You can easily import these products into your WooCommerce store as if you created them yourself, including product variations and other details.
Shipping Locations
–
Pros
- Free to start
- Products can be easily exported to WooCommerce
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- You’ll most likely need to use AliDropship plugin which costs an additional $89
- Limited to WordPress
DropshipMe Reviews
DropshipMe has a rating of 2.1 out of 5 based on 30 reviews on trustpilot.com
10. SaleHoo
Source: Salehoo
Salehoo is a wholesale supplier directory that connects dropshipping companies with dropshippers supplier allowing them to grow together.
Although it offers an array of products, it is not available for free. SaleHoo costs $67 annually, but you can opt for their lifetime version for $127. It accepts all major credit cards and you can also pay via PayPal.
Shipping Locations
US, UK, Australia, and NewZealand.
Pros:
- Generally, the suppliers are responsible for managing the inventory
- Connects dropshipping companies with more than 8,000 legitimate dropshipper
- No criteria of a minimum order
- SaleHoo’s market research lab allows dropship companies to know which products are the best-selling
Cons:
- Dropshipping companies may face a sudden stock shortage with SaleHoo
SaleHoo Reviews
SaleHoo has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 457 reviews on trustpilot.com.
11. Doba
Source: Doba
Doba gives you access to hundreds of different dropshipping suppliers and gives you access to millions of products through a discrete catalog. The best part is that you don’t need a credit card to sign up.
Shipping Locations
Worldwide
Pros:
- Provides educational resources on dropshipping
- Integration between Doba and 100+ shopping carts allows faster uploading of products
Cons:
- Membership can cost anywhere between $60 to $90 per month
- Doba offers expensive products which means lesser margin of profit
Doba Reviews
Doba has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 140 reviews on trustpilot.com.
12. Wholesale2b
Source: Wholesale2b
Wholesale2b is more of a supplier integration system. It allows dropshipping companies to opt for millions of products listed by hundreds of dropshipping suppliers. You can sell them on eBay, Amazon, BigCommerce, Shopify or even on your own dropshipping site.
Shipping Locations
US and Canada
Pros:
- Plans include various listing tools that allow you to upload products with a few clicks
- Wholesale2B allows its users to freely view their suppliers and products for free
- Offers affordable plans and reliable carriers such as FedEx, USPS, UPS and DHL
Cons:
- You need to pay a 20% restocking fee if your customer returns the product
- Very few support channels
Wholesale2b Reviews
Wholesale2b has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 339 reviews on trustpilot.com.
How To Work With Dropshipping Suppliers?
Dropshipping suppliers can affect your business significantly. Therefore, you must know how to work with them. Firstly, you need to find a supplier and approach them. Following are the steps you need to take:
- Research and identify potential dropshipping suppliers based on your niche, reviews, shipping locations, and any unique needs.
- Contact the supplier directly. You can find details from their website.
- Request information from the supplier like asking for product catalogs, pricing details, shipping options, and return policies.
- Place sample orders to better examine product quality, shipping times, and overall customer experience.
- Negotiate terms with the supplier by discussing pricing, shipping costs, payment terms, and any other factors relevant to your business.
- Make a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of your partnership with them.
- Start dropshipping!
Tips On Working With Dropshipping Suppliers
Before you start your hunt, it is important you know how to effectively work with dropshipping suppliers. Following are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Test the Products
Before partnering with a supplier, order a few samples to check the product quality and how well they handle orders. This firsthand experience will help you see if the products are good when they arrive and how the overall customer experience will be.
2. Build a Strong Relationship
Communicate regularly with all your suppliers. The conversations should be open where your expectations should be clear to them. Also, provide feedback on all your experiences of their services.
When talking to them, keep your business goals and theirs aligned in the conversation. Negotiate favourable pricing terms including any discounts for long-term partnerships.
3. Manage Inventory and Orders
Stay updated on product availability and adjust your inventory accordingly. Use dropshipping software or tools to make your order processing and fulfillment smooth. Also, keep in touch with your customers so you’re always updated on order status and shipping times.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, you have a clear path ahead of you now. To assist you further, you can find our list of 120+ best dropshipping suppliers here, who can facilitate you in any product category you need. Do remember, it is wiser to practice amongst the best-performing dropshipping niches for now. However, feel free to experiment with new products during the holiday season.
Q1. Is dropshipping still profitable in 2024?
Yes, dropshipping can still be a profitable business model in 2024. However, the competition is high so you must choose reliable dropshipping suppliers, the correct products for you, excellent marketing, and a responsive customer service.
Q2. Which platform is best for dropshipping?
The best platform for dropshipping depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, and AliExpress.
Q3. Which dropshipping supplier is best?
There is no single “best” dropshipping supplier, as the ideal choice depends on your niche, product requirements, and preferences. Some popular suppliers include AliExpress, Spocket, and ZenDrop.
Q4. What is the dropshipping supply chain?
The dropshipping supply chain typically involves the following steps:
- Customer places an order on your online store.
- You forward the order to your dropshipping supplier.
- The supplier fulfills the order by shipping the product directly to the customer.
- The customer receives the product and you earn a profit.
- This model eliminates the need for you to hold inventory, reducing upfront costs and risks.
Hafsa Tahir
Hafsa is a content marketer who has been in the organic growth space for the past three years. With her background in Psychology and UX, she enjoys reading users' minds and is keen to try the most creative product marketing angles. Her copies scream: "you're not just a paycheck to us". Loves to crack unfunny jokes, pay gym fee and not go, and write psychologically disturbing short stories for some reason.
