How to find the best dropshipping suppliers for your online store
Finding great suppliers doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does require doing your research carefully. Here’s a framework for choosing the right partner:
Use dropshipping supplier directories and platforms
Directories are one of the easiest ways to find vetted dropshipping suppliers with reviews and pre-screened products. Popular options include SaleHoo, Spocket, and CJdropshipping, which offer broad supplier networks and integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
There are also more specialised options worth considering. For example, dropXL focuses on helping dropshippers sell vidaXL branded products without holding inventory. It offers an extensive catalog and supports shipping to regions like Europe, Australia, Japan, the USA, and the UAE.
Using a directory or platform can save you time by providing pre-vetted suppliers and built-in automation tools for order management.
Research suppliers on online marketplaces
Marketplaces like AliExpress, Alibaba, eBay, and Amazon can help you identify trending products and popular suppliers. But while these sources are broad, quality control can vary, so it’s important to check seller ratings, delivery times, and reviews carefully.
Some dropshippers prefer to pair marketplace sourcing with more reliable, dedicated partners who offer consistent inventory and fulfillment processes.
Analyse competitor strategies
Studying your competitors’ stores can reveal who they're sourcing from. You can order their products to evaluate shipping times, packaging, and quality. This can help you identify high-performing suppliers in your niche that you can approach directly.
It’s also a good way to see if they’re working with branded suppliers or specialised platforms you haven’t considered yet.
Attend trade shows and industry events
Trade shows remain one of the most effective ways to build direct relationships with reliable manufacturers and suppliers. You can inspect products firsthand, negotiate pricing, and discuss customization options.
While online directories are convenient, trade events give you the chance to verify quality in person and establish trust, which is especially important if you're sourcing higher-ticket items.
Join dropshipping communities
Forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads are full of real-world advice from other ecommerce sellers. By joining these communities, you can learn which suppliers people recommend—and which to avoid.
You’ll often find discussions about region-specific suppliers, niche categories, and platforms like dropXL or Spocket, with feedback on how they perform in real-world use.
What makes a good dropshipping supplier?
Not every supplier will be a good fit for your store. It’s important to evaluate:
- Communication: They should respond quickly and clearly, reducing misunderstandings.
- Product quality: Consistent quality control reduces refund requests and protects your reputation.
- Shipping speed: Especially important if you're selling to markets with high delivery expectations.
- Geographic coverage: Can they serve your target regions with reasonable delivery times?
- Transparency: Clear policies on returns, replacements, and order issues.
- Integration: Do they work smoothly with your ecommerce platform?
For example, suppliers like dropXL offer automated integrations and handle shipping and returns for vidaXL products globally, which can simplify operations if you're targeting multiple markets.
Best dropshipping supplier platforms and directories (2025)
Here’s a look at some popular options to consider:
- SaleHoo – A comprehensive directory of vetted suppliers worldwide.
- Spocket – Focuses on U.S. and EU-based suppliers with fast local shipping.
- CJdropshipping – Large catalog, global warehouses, flexible branding options.
- Modalyst – Premium products and private-label options.
- dropXL – Specialises in enabling sellers to offer vidaXL branded products without inventory, with shipping to Europe, Australia, Japan, the USA, and the UAE.
Each of these options has strengths depending on your niche, target market, and fulfilment needs.
Best dropshipping suppliers by region
When selling internationally, choosing suppliers with strong local coverage is essential for maintaining fast shipping times and high customer satisfaction. Here are some recommended options by region, including dropXL’s warehousing network:
Dropshipping suppliers in United States
Spocket, Printful, and Sunrise Wholesale provide reliable local shipping and quality control. Additionally, dropXL has local warehouses in the USA, enabling U.S. sellers to deliver vidaXL products quickly and reduce shipping times for American customers.
Dropshipping suppliers in United Kingdom
Avasam, Dropship.co.uk, and WholesaleDeals focus on UK-based fulfillment for faster delivery. dropXL also operates multiple warehouses in the UK, ensuring efficient distribution of vidaXL products to customers throughout the region.
Dropshipping suppliers in Australia
Dropship Zone, SaleHoo (with Australian supplier filters), and local warehousing platforms support domestic shipping needs. dropXL maintains a warehouse in Melbourne, giving Australian sellers a reliable option for fulfilling orders quickly while avoiding long international shipping delays.
Dropshipping suppliers in Europe
BigBuy, BrandsGateway, and CJdropshipping are popular choices for European fulfillment. dropXL stands out with multiple strategically located warehouses across key European markets, making it especially well-suited for sellers targeting customers across the EU with consistent delivery times.
Dropshipping suppliers in United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Many platforms lack direct support for fulfillment in the Middle East. However, dropXL enables ecommerce sellers to reach customers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other regions with reliable delivery times and support.
How to vet a dropshipping supplier
Before you commit to working with any supplier, follow this vetting process:
- Place test orders to assess quality and delivery speed.
- Check reviews and supplier ratings on directories.
- Review their shipping policies and return handling.
- Communicate directly to gauge responsiveness and professionalism.
- Look at integration options with your ecommerce platform.
- Assess whether they offer branded products or niche specialization that matches your store's positioning.
By taking these steps, you can avoid the headaches that come with unreliable partners.
FAQs about dropshipping suppliers
How do I find dropshipping suppliers for Shopify?
Use apps like Spocket, DSers, Modalyst, or specialised platforms such as dropXL that integrate directly with Shopify to automate product imports and order management.
What is the best way to find dropshipping products?
Research trending items using Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, niche research tools, and supplier catalogs. Look for products with consistent demand and reliable fulfilment options.
How do I find manufacturers for dropshipping?
Use B2B marketplaces like Alibaba or Global Sources to contact manufacturers directly. Trade shows are another excellent way to build relationships and negotiate terms.
What is the most reliable dropshipping supplier?
There isn’t a single "best" supplier for everyone. Your ideal partner depends on your niche, region, and business model. Platforms like SaleHoo, Spocket, CJdropshipping, and dropXL all have strong reputations but serve slightly different needs.
How do I avoid bad suppliers?
Always test with sample orders, read reviews carefully, evaluate communication quality, and use reputable directories or specialised platforms to reduce risk.