UK dropshipping suppliers: Find trusted companies for your business

Published Monday 22 December 2025

Table of contents

• What are dropshipping suppliers and companies?
• Best dropshipping companies in the UK
• How to evaluate UK dropshipping suppliers
• How to find dropshipping suppliers
• Tips for contacting and negotiating with dropshipping suppliers
• Companies that offer dropshipping
• Wholesale dropshipping in the UK
• Is dropshipping worth it?
• Managing your dropshipping business finances
• FAQs on UK dropshipping suppliers

Key takeaways

• Evaluate potential dropshipping suppliers by ordering product samples, testing their communication responsiveness, and reviewing their shipping policies and return procedures before committing to a partnership.
• Prioritize UK-based suppliers like Avasam to reduce shipping times and costs for your customers, especially considering post-Brexit delays and increased international shipping expenses.
• Research suppliers through multiple channels including direct manufacturer contact, vetted directories like SaleHoo and Spocket, and reverse-engineering competitor supply chains by analyzing their shipping addresses.
• Ensure legal compliance by registering your business appropriately, verifying all products meet UK safety standards, and understanding your VAT obligations if turnover exceeds £90,000 annually.

What are dropshipping suppliers and companies?

Dropshipping suppliers are third-party companies that store, package, and ship products directly to your customers on your behalf. Dropshipping companies are platforms that connect you to multiple suppliers and their product catalogues.

You partner with suppliers to access products without holding inventory. They handle all fulfilment operations, from storage and packaging to shipping, while you focus on marketing and sales.

How dropshipping works

The process follows four simple steps:

1. Customer places order: A customer purchases your product through your online store
2. Order forwarding: You receive the order confirmation and forward it to your supplier
3. Supplier fulfilment: The supplier packages and ships the product directly to your customer
4. Customer delivery: The customer receives the product with your branding

Dropshipping suppliers and companies exist all over the world. If you use a supplier in another country, your customers may face longer delivery times.

Best dropshipping companies in the UK

Choosing the right UK dropshipping supplier requires evaluating three key factors: product quality, shipping reliability, and customer service standards.

Top UK dropshipping suppliers offer different strengths depending on your business needs:

Some of these dropshipping companies work best with specific platforms. Before selecting your dropshipping supplier, make sure you know which ecommerce platform is best for you.

SaleHoo

SaleHoo has two offerings for dropshippers: a directory to source reliable suppliers and a store integration for Shopify, so you can directly import products from SaleHoo to your Shopify store.

Pros:

• You can choose from 2.5 million products
• You can access over 8000 suppliers who are pre-vetted by SaleHoo
• You can import 500 products on the cheapest plan or unlimited products on the Premium plan

Cons:

• Only two pricing plans to choose from: Basic or Premium
• No dedicated onboarding account manager with the Basic plan
• No free trial

Spocket

Spocket connects you to a library of products and a supplier directory that you can filter by location. You do not pay commission fees; you only pay for the products you sell and a monthly subscription.

Pros:

• You can order product samples to make sure the quality is up to scratch
• You can use Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Wix integrations
• Spocket vets and verifies suppliers
• You get 24/7 chat support on any of the plans

Cons:

• The starter plan only lets you sell 25 unique products
• Spocket handles all communication with the supplier, so you can't get in touch with them directly through the platform

Avasam

Avasam is a dropshipping platform with UK-based suppliers, and a suite of inventory and order management features. Integrations for a selection of the top ecommerce platforms are available too.

Pros:

• UK-based suppliers, for speedier shipping and better access to the UK market
• Extensive customer service that includes live chat, email and phone support
• Suppliers are verified so you can be confident they're trustworthy
• Automation features that take care of some of the sales admin for you

Cons:

• The cheapest plan doesn't provide live chat or phone customer service
• The cheapest plan is capped at 50 orders per month
• No account management on the first two plans (you'll need at least the Business plan for this)

Wholesale2B

Wholesale2B is a directory that provides a range of dropshipping tools and a wide choice of suppliers. You can integrate Wholesale2B with your existing ecommerce store or build a store within the platform.

Pros:

• You can choose from 1 million products
• You can import up to 10,000 products (depending on the plan you choose)
• You can manage sales across multiple platforms and marketplaces with one account

Cons:

• Most suppliers are based in Canada and the US
• Wholesale2B only supports shipments to the Canadian and US markets, so you need to use a forwarding service to deliver elsewhere
• There's no live customer service for sellers; instead, you'll need to submit a support ticket

How to evaluate UK dropshipping suppliers

Choosing the right supplier is key to your success. Once you have a shortlist, it's time to do some research to make sure they're a good fit for your business. Here's what to look for:

1. Read reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback from other sellers on trusted review sites. Pay attention to comments about product quality, shipping speed, and customer service.
2. Order product samples: Before you commit, order a few samples to check the product quality for yourself. This also gives you a chance to test their shipping process and see how the items are packaged.
3. Understand their shipping policies: Check their average delivery times within the UK. Fast and reliable shipping is crucial for keeping your customers happy. Also, confirm their shipping costs so you can factor them into your pricing.
4. Check their return policy: Find out how they handle returns and refunds. A clear and fair return policy will save you headaches, as UK regulations for 'distance selling' give customers the right to cancel their order within 14 days of receiving goods, even if they aren't faulty.
5. Test their communication: Get in touch with their support team with a few questions. Their response time and helpfulness will give you an idea of the support you can expect when you need it.

How to find dropshipping suppliers

These methods can help you discover reliable dropshipping suppliers:

1. Direct manufacturer contact

• Action: Contact manufacturers directly to inquire about dropshipping partnerships
• Benefit: Better pricing and direct relationships

2. Online supplier directories

• Action: Browse platforms like SaleHoo, Spocket, and Avasam for vetted suppliers
• Benefit: Pre-screened, reliable suppliers with established processes

3. Search engine research

• Action: Use terms like 'wholesale dropshipping UK', 'UK dropshipping suppliers', 'dropshipping service'
• Benefit: Discover niche suppliers not listed on major platforms

4. Third-party marketplaces

• Action: Use marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Etsy to identify potential suppliers. Search for your product and sort results by price, from lowest to highest.
• Benefit: You can spot low-cost sellers, then research them online to see if you can set up a direct relationship.

5. Test orders from suspected dropshippers

• Action: Buy from companies you think are using dropshipping. When you receive the package, check the return address to identify the supplier.
• Benefit: You can uncover suppliers that do not appear in directories or search results.

6. Physical events and networking

• Action: Attend industry trade shows to help you find suppliers in person.
• Benefit: You can build personal relationships with potential suppliers and negotiate better deals.

Tips for contacting and negotiating with dropshipping suppliers

Follow these tips to easily contact and negotiate with your dropshipping suppliers.

• Research thoroughly: Verify supplier reliability through online reviews, customer testimonials and business credentials. Evaluate product quality, shipping performance and pricing before you negotiate
• Communicate clearly: Explain your expectations, concerns and requirements. Ask questions so you can agree fair terms
• Be flexible: Be clear on your must-haves, but stay open to what suppliers can offer. Listen to their needs so you can find solutions that work for both of you
• Build a long-term relationship: Offer ongoing custom, referrals or recommendations in return for better prices or added benefits. If you are unsure, suggest a trial period before you commit
• Consider the supplier's perspective: Understand their targets, profit margins and business model before you discuss price
• Be professional: Come prepared with key figures for your business. Be fair and polite with all suppliers, even if you decide not to work with them

Companies that offer dropshipping

As a seller, you'll need to work with a third-party dropshipping company that connects you to dropshipping suppliers. Companies such as AliExpress and SaleHoo act as dropshipping supplier directories and list a wide range of suppliers and products.

Two main types of dropshipping suppliers serve different business needs:

Manufacturers:

• What they do: Create and sell products directly to retailers
• Pricing advantage: Lower per-unit costs
• Risk factor: Often require bulk purchases upfront

Wholesalers:

• What they do: Buy from manufacturers and resell to retailers
• Pricing structure: Higher per-unit costs but no bulk requirements
• Risk advantage: Lower financial risk for product testing

Wholesale dropshipping in the UK

Wholesalers buy products from the manufacturers in bulk, at a cheaper price than retail. Often, wholesalers will stock a huge catalogue of products from different manufacturers.

Wholesale dropshipping means working directly with wholesalers instead of using dropshipping platforms. It can work well at different stages of your business for different reasons.

For new businesses:Wholesale dropshipping carries higher risk because many wholesalers require bulk purchases upfront. Testing new products becomes expensive if they don't sell.

For established businesses:Once you've identified profitable products, wholesale dropshipping offers better margins through bulk purchasing. Wholesalers still handle storage, packaging, and shipping; you just commit to larger order quantities.

Is dropshipping worth it?

Dropshipping offers quick business setup with minimal upfront investment. You need only an ecommerce store and reliable supplier relationships to start selling.

However, dropshipping requires active management of multiple business relationships, quality control, and customer service, which can be especially challenging with overseas suppliers.

Find out more in the guides What is dropshipping and How to dropship.

Is dropshipping possible in the UK?

Yes, dropshipping is fully legal and possible in the UK. You must comply with standard online business regulations and tax requirements:

• Business registration: Register as a sole trader or limited company
• Product legality: Verify all products meet UK safety and import standards
• Tax obligations: Register for value-added tax (VAT) if your UK taxable turnover exceeds £90,000
• Consumer rights: Follow UK consumer protection and returns policies. For example, you are legally required to refund the customer within 14 days of receiving the returned goods, and they do not need to provide a reason.

The global dropshipping market is expected to double between 2022 and 2026, so there is strong potential to sell online. To stay competitive, you need to research your market and keep refining your offer.

Since Brexit, international shipping often costs more and border checks can take longer. Factoring these extra costs and delays into your pricing and supplier choice helps you protect your margins and keep customers happy.

Many suppliers and directories are based in Asia, which can mean slower shipping times for UK customers. If you're based in the UK, look for reliable suppliers closer to home to reduce shipping costs and delivery times.

Managing your dropshipping business finances

Choose your dropshipping suppliers carefully because they directly impact your customer satisfaction and business reputation. Following these evaluation and negotiation strategies helps you build reliable supplier partnerships for long-term success.

Managing your dropshipping finances becomes crucial as your business grows. Track supplier payments, customer refunds, and profit margins accurately with Xero's ecommerce accounting software. Discover apps that integrate with Xero in the Xero App Store to streamline your dropshipping operations.

Try Xero for free and see how proper financial management supports your dropshipping business growth.

FAQs on UK dropshipping suppliers

Here are answers to some common questions about finding and working with dropshipping suppliers in the UK.

What is the best dropshipping supplier for beginners in the UK?

There isn't one 'best' supplier for everyone, as it depends on your niche and business goals. If you're just starting out, the guide How to start an ecommerce business recommends using a platform that vets its suppliers, such as Avasam or Spocket. This gives you confidence in product quality and reliability. Look for suppliers with low or no minimum order requirements and clear integration with your ecommerce platform.

How much does it cost to work with UK dropshipping suppliers?

Costs can vary. Some dropshipping platforms charge a monthly subscription fee for access to their directory and automation tools, which can range from around £20 to over £100 per month. On top of that, you pay the wholesale price for each product you sell. Some suppliers may also charge a small per-order dropshipping fee.

Is dropshipping still profitable in the UK?

Yes, dropshipping can still be profitable in the UK, but you need a clear niche, reliable suppliers and a solid pricing and marketing plan. The key is to find a niche with good demand, select reliable suppliers, and build a strong brand. Profitability depends on your pricing strategy, marketing effectiveness, and ability to manage costs, rather than just listing products online.

Do I need to register for VAT when dropshipping in the UK?

You must register for VAT if your UK taxable turnover exceeds the £90,000 threshold in a rolling 12-month period. Your turnover is typically the full price the customer pays, not just your profit margin. It's a good idea to speak with an accountant to understand your specific obligations.