How to find reliable dropshipping suppliers in the US

Published Monday 22 December 2025

Table of contents

• What are dropshipping suppliers and companies?
• How to find dropshipping suppliers
• What to look for when vetting dropshipping suppliers
• Red flags to avoid when choosing suppliers
• Companies that offer dropshipping
• Best dropshipping companies in the US
• Wholesale dropshipping in the US
• Tips for contacting and negotiating with dropshipping suppliers
• Grow your dropshipping business with confidence
• FAQs on dropshipping suppliers

Key takeaways

• Order product samples from potential suppliers before committing to evaluate product quality, packaging standards, and actual shipping times to your target market.
• Avoid suppliers who charge ongoing monthly fees, sell directly to consumers, or require minimum order quantities for dropshipping arrangements as these are red flags indicating they may not be legitimate wholesale partners.
• Verify supplier legitimacy by checking business registration, reading customer reviews on Google and industry forums, and testing their communication responsiveness before establishing partnerships.
• Negotiate better terms by building long-term relationships with suppliers, starting with clear expectations about shipping times and return policies, and considering volume discounts as your business grows.

What are dropshipping suppliers and companies?

Dropshipping suppliers are businesses that store products and ship them directly to your customers when you receive orders. Dropshipping companies are platforms that connect you with multiple suppliers and product catalogs.

Here's how they differ:

• Suppliers: Handle inventory, packaging, and shipping for specific products
• Companies: Provide directories of suppliers and streamlined ordering systems
• Your role: Focus on marketing, customer service, and order management

Every dropshipping business differs slightly, but the relationship between sellers and suppliers who offer dropshipping will look something like this:

1. A customer purchases your product
2. You receive an order confirmation and this is sent to the supplier
3. The supplier procures, packages, and ships the product to the customer
4. The customer receives the product

Dropshipping suppliers and companies exist all over the world. If you choose a supplier in another country, check their shipping options and delivery times so you can set clear expectations with your customers.

How to find dropshipping suppliers

Finding reliable dropshipping suppliers is essential for running a successful dropshipping business. Because suppliers manage inventory, packing, and shipping, their reliability directly affects delivery times, product quality, and customer experience. Many businesses use more than one sourcing method to compare options and reduce risk.

1. Use online dropshipping supplier directories

Online directories such as SaleHoo, Spocket, and Wholesale2B are often the fastest way to find dropshipping suppliers. These platforms list suppliers that already support dropshipping and typically include product catalogs, shipping details, and ecommerce integrations.

While competition can be higher, directories help reduce the risk of unreliable suppliers and simplify the initial research process.

2. Contact manufacturers directly

Reaching out to manufacturers can result in better pricing, more consistent product quality, and stronger long-term relationships. Some manufacturers offer dropshipping or direct-to-customer fulfilment, often without including their own branding.

This approach is particularly useful for niche products or businesses planning to scale, although not all manufacturers support low-volume orders.

3. Research products and sellers on online marketplaces

Marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy can be used to identify products with proven demand and suppliers already handling large order volumes. Many sellers on these platforms are manufacturers or authorized distributors. Analyzing product performance and seller information can uncover potential dropshipping or wholesale partnerships.

4. Search for specialized dropshipping suppliers online

Using search engines can help uncover specialized or region-specific dropshipping suppliers that are not listed in directories. Targeted searches often surface smaller suppliers with less competition, which can be useful for differentiation. This method requires more careful evaluation, as supplier quality and fulfillment standards vary.

5. Network with suppliers at trade shows and industry events

Trade shows and wholesale events provide opportunities to connect directly with manufacturers and distributors. These settings make it easier to discuss fulfillment capabilities, shipping expectations, and dropshipping support. They are commonly used by businesses looking to build more stable supplier relationships or expand into new product categories.

What to look for when vetting dropshipping suppliers

Once you have a list of potential suppliers, it's time to vet them. A great supplier is a partner in your success, so choosing the right one is crucial. Here's what to look for:

Ordering product samples

Always order samples before you commit so you can check product quality, packaging, and shipping times, and work with suppliers who provide samples willingly.

Shipping speed and reliability

Ask about their average shipping times to your target market (the US). Fast and reliable shipping is key to customer satisfaction. Check their shipping policies and tracking capabilities.

Integration with your store

Does the supplier's system integrate with your ecommerce platform, like Shopify or WooCommerce? A smooth integration automates order processing, saving you time and preventing manual errors.

Return and refund policies

Understand their process for handling returns, damaged goods, and refunds. A clear and fair policy protects both you and your customers.

Customer support

How responsive and helpful is their support team? Send them a few test questions to see how quickly and effectively they respond. Good communication is vital when issues arise.

Red flags to avoid when choosing suppliers

Finding a trustworthy supplier can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to avoid makes it easier. Keep an eye out for these common red flags to protect your business and your customers:

Ongoing fees or monthly charges

Legitimate wholesalers and suppliers don't typically charge monthly fees just for access to their products. Be wary of any platform that requires a recurring payment without providing significant value, like a curated directory or automation tools.

Selling directly to the public

True wholesale suppliers sell to businesses, not the general public. If they're also your competitor, it can create a conflict of interest and suggests they aren't a genuine wholesaler.

Poor communication

If a potential supplier is slow to respond, unprofessional, or avoids answering direct questions, imagine how they'll handle an urgent customer order issue. Move on.

Lack of reviews or a poor reputation

Do your homework. Search for reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and social media. No online presence or a history of negative feedback is a clear warning sign.

Minimum order size for dropshipping

The point of dropshipping is to avoid buying in bulk. While minimum order values are common for wholesale, they shouldn't apply to a dropshipping arrangement.

Companies that offer dropshipping

Dropshipping companies like SaleHoo, Spocket, and Wholesale2B connect you with verified suppliers through searchable directories. These platforms make it easier to choose suppliers and often provide integration tools for your online store.

You'll encounter two main supplier types:

Manufacturers

Manufacturers produce products directly and may offer dropshipping services. Working with manufacturers can mean lower prices and higher profit margins, but often comes with longer lead times and bulk order requirements. This approach is generally best for established businesses with proven products.

Wholesalers

Wholesalers buy from manufacturers and sell to retailers, including dropshippers. They typically allow smaller or no minimum orders, making it easier to test new products or markets, but prices are slightly higher due to middleman markups. This option is ideal for new dropshippers or small stores.

Best dropshipping companies in the US

To find a dropshipping supplier that's suitable for you, read online reviews and customer feedback about product quality, shipping time, and service.

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:

• Choose from 2.5 million products
• Access over 8000 suppliers who are pre-vetted by SaleHoo
• 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 sellers to a library of products and a supplier directory that you can filter based on location. Paying no commission fees, sellers using Spocket only pay for the products they sell and a monthly subscription.

Pros:

• Order product samples to make sure the quality meets your standards
• Use integrations with Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Wix
• Work with suppliers that Spocket has vetted and verified
• Get 24/7 chat support on any plan

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

AliExpress

AliExpress is owned by Alibaba, a popular business-to-business (B2B) online retail platform based in China. With over 100 million products available, AliExpress offers variety and simplicity for dropshippers worldwide.

Pros

• No subscription or monthly membership fees
• Compatible with a range of platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce and DSers
• The availability of products at cheap wholesale prices offers the potential for higher profit margins

Cons

• You'll need to invest significant time into researching quality and trending products
• Because many suppliers are based in Asia, delivery times may take longer with the free or standard shipping options
• Be careful to check the legitimacy and reputation of your chosen suppliers

Doba

Doba is a US-based wholesale and dropship supplier database offering a wide variety of products to choose from. Compatible with various ecommerce platforms, Doba is a popular option for dropshippers in the US.

Pros

• Start with a 14-day free trial
• Doba pre-qualifies its suppliers for assurance
• Export product information easily to include on your online store

Cons:

• Monthly membership prices start from US$24.99 per month for 30 storefront products
• Products on Doba can be more expensive
• Depending on the supplier, you may be charged a restocking fee for returned items

Wholesale2B

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

Pros:

• Choose from 1 million products
• Import up to 10,000 products (depending on the plan you choose)
• 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, you'll need to submit a support ticket instead

Worldwide Brands

Worldwide Brands is a long-established supplier directory that promotes vetted wholesalers and wholesale products. It has been operating since 1999 and is a popular choice for dropshippers.

Pros

• Suppliers are verified to give you assurance
• Access to 16+ million wholesale verified products
• Lifetime membership

Cons

• Upfront fee of US$299 for lifetime membership, which can be a high cost at the start
• Doesn't integrate directly with other ecommerce platforms

Wholesale dropshipping in the US

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

Wholesale dropshipping is where you work directly with the wholesaler instead of going through a directory or dropshipping company. Many wholesalers require you to buy stock in bulk up front, which is not always cost-effective. If you are trialing a new product in your store, you could be left with a lot of stock and not enough buyers.

Wholesale dropshipping can be a great solution once you've established a customer base and a selection of popular products. By working with a wholesaler, you could get a better deal on stock by purchasing in bulk. And you still won't need to worry about storage: the wholesaler will stock, pack, and ship for you.

Tips for contacting and negotiating with dropshipping suppliers

When you reach out to potential suppliers, you want to check they are legitimate and build a relationship that works for both of you. Start by researching each supplier:

• Verify business registration: Check company registration and business licenses so you know who is responsible for key obligations like taxes
• Read customer reviews: Look at Google, Better Business Bureau, and industry forums for feedback
• Test product quality: Order samples to check materials, packaging, and overall quality
• Confirm shipping times: Ask for average delivery times to your main markets
• Compare pricing: Get quotes from several suppliers for the same products

To negotiate and build strong working relationships, follow these steps:

1. Communicate clearly: Explain your expectations, concerns, and requirements, and ask questions so you can agree fair terms
2. Be flexible: Be clear about what you need, but stay open to what the supplier can offer so you can agree on a practical solution
3. Build a long-term relationship: Discuss potential discounts or added benefits in return for ongoing orders, or start with a trial period if you are not ready to commit
4. Consider the supplier’s perspective: Think about their targets and profit margins before you push for lower prices
5. Stay professional: Come prepared with information about your business and behave fairly and politely, even if you decide not to work with a supplier

Grow your dropshipping business with confidence

Successful dropshipping depends on choosing reliable suppliers who deliver quality products on time. Focus on thorough supplier research, clear communication, and building long-term partnerships.

As your dropshipping business grows, it becomes more important to manage your finances closely. You need to track supplier costs, monitor profit margins, and keep accurate records for tax purposes. Xero accounting software integrates with popular ecommerce platforms, so you can manage your dropshipping finances in one place.

Ready to streamline your business finances? Get one month free and see how Xero can support your dropshipping success.

FAQs on dropshipping suppliers

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

Which dropshipping supplier is best?

The "best" supplier depends on your specific needs, niche, and budget. For US-based businesses, suppliers like Spocket and Doba are popular for their vetted US and EU suppliers and faster shipping times. AliExpress is a great starting point for a wide variety of products at low costs, but requires more vetting. The key is to evaluate suppliers based on product quality, shipping reliability, and customer support.

How do I get a supplier for dropshipping?

You can find suppliers through online directories like SaleHoo or Worldwide Brands, by using integrated apps on platforms like Shopify, or by searching directly on B2B marketplaces like Alibaba. You can also find them by researching competitors or attending industry trade shows to make direct connections.

Is $500 enough for dropshipping?

Yes, you can start a dropshipping business with $500, but you'll need to budget carefully. This amount can cover initial costs like your ecommerce platform subscription (e.g., Shopify), a domain name, and a small budget for test products and marketing. The key is to start small, test your products, and reinvest your profits to grow.

Can I make $10,000 per month dropshipping?

While it's possible for experienced dropshippers to earn $10,000 or more per month, it's not a typical result for beginners. Success requires finding a profitable niche, sourcing reliable suppliers, effective marketing, and excellent customer service. Early on, focus on learning the business and achieving consistent profitability before aiming for high income targets.