Hey everyone, it’s Henry Duy here! After spending over a decade navigating the exciting (and sometimes treacherous) waters of dropshipping, I’ve learned a thing or two about building a successful business. And let me tell you, the foundation of it all? Knowing how to get suppliers for dropshipping that you can truly rely on.
I’ve seen firsthand how a poor supplier can sink your dreams faster than you can say “out of stock.” But I’ve also witnessed the magic that happens when you team up with the right partners. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty and get you started on the right path.
Why Your Supplier Matters More Than You Think?
Before we jump into the tactics, let’s get this straight: your dropshipping success isn’t solely about the slick website or the killer ads. It’s about the relationship you cultivate with your suppliers. Think of it like a marriage (but, you know, for your business!). You both need to be invested in each other’s success.
I’ve seen too many new drop shippers approach this like it’s a one-way street. They assume the supplier needs them. But in reality, it’s a partnership. As a supplier, they’re trusting you with their brand’s reputation. If you consistently deliver a poor customer experience—slow shipping, shoddy products, frustrating customer service—that negative perception reflects back on them. Especially if you’re in a niche market.
The right supplier can dramatically increase your revenue. This includes streamlining the process and taking off the burden of acquiring customers and sales. They need you to bring them more sales. Conversely, a bad supplier can destroy your reputation, your finances, and, frankly, your sanity.
I’ve been there. I spent months building a brand around a particular product, only to have my supplier consistently ship damaged goods. The customer complaints, the returns… it nearly broke me. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing the importance of choosing the right suppliers.
>>> Learn more: How to Make a Profitable Dropshipping Business
How to Get Suppliers for Dropshipping? Essential Strategies
So, how to find suppliers for dropshipping? Here’s the system I’ve refined over the years:
#1. Know Your Niche
This might seem obvious, but you must start with thorough market research. I’m talking deep dives into what’s trending, what your target audience craves, and, most importantly, where the profit margins are.
- Explore Trends: Utilize tools such as Google Trends to identify up-and-coming niches and keep an eye on trending items.
- Understand Your Customer: Knowing your customers is vital since they have a preference for what to buy.
#2. Build a Rock-Solid Website
Your website is your digital storefront, and first impressions matter.
- Professionalism Is Key: Ensure your website looks professional, loads quickly, and is easy to navigate. I recommend hiring a professional to help if website design isn’t your strong suit. It’s an investment that pays off.
- Policies: Transparency is Your Friend: Be crystal clear about your shipping, return, and privacy policies. This builds trust with both customers and potential suppliers. According to a study by Baymard Institute, 72% of users won’t complete a purchase if they aren’t confident they can return the product. [Source: Baymard Institute, “E-Commerce UX Research”]
- Mobile Optimization: Don’t Miss the Mobile Wave: Optimize your site for mobile devices. In 2023, over 60% of all website traffic worldwide came from mobile devices. [Source: Statista, “Mobile web traffic share worldwide from 2015 to 2023”]
#3. Craft Your Brand Story
Forget just selling a product. Sell a story, a lifestyle.
- The Power of the Blog: Create a blog around your niche. Share your expertise, your passion, and build a community. This shows suppliers you’re serious, knowledgeable, and can generate traffic.
- Social Media: The Modern Town Square: Build vibrant profiles on the social platforms where your target audience hangs out. Regularly post high-quality content, engage with followers, and consider running targeted ads to boost your reach.
#4. Contact and Build Relationship
This is where the rubber meets the road. Don’t be afraid to personally reach out.
- Research is Paramount: Before you contact any supplier, do your homework. Learn about their business, their values, and their target market.
- Contacting Your Potential Partners: Cold calls, emails… whatever works. Be polite, and professional, and highlight how you can help them.
- Think Long-Term: This is not just a one-time deal. It’s about building a lasting relationship. Think about the value that you bring to them and the value they bring to you.
#5. Evaluate Potential Suppliers
- Pricing & Margins: Analyze prices to understand your profit potential. Remember, you need room to offer competitive prices and make money.
- Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Avoid MOQs. You want a dropshipping supplier.
- Shipping Costs and Times: Calculate total expenses, shipping times, and delivery times.
- Order Fulfillment: Check the fulfillment process to make sure it’s efficient.
- Customer Service: Contact them with questions to assess how well they respond.
- Returns and Refunds: Make sure the return and refund process is clear.
#6. Test Before You Commit!
- Sample Orders: The Ultimate Test Drive: Before you sign any agreements, order samples. This lets you check product quality, packaging, and shipping efficiency.
- Shipping Performance: Track shipping times and accuracy. I learned this the hard way: Unreliable shipping can cost you customer loyalty and your business
#7. Leverage Supplier Directories
- Use Supplier Directories: Use them, but use them wisely.
- Vetting the Suppliers: Many directories vet suppliers, which can save you time.
How to Ask Supplier for Dropshipping: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered where to look, the real challenge begins: how do you actually convince a supplier to partner with you?
It’s not as simple as sending a quick email. It’s about crafting a compelling pitch that showcases your value and builds trust.
Here’s my proven step-by-step guide to help you get your foot in the door and start building those crucial dropshipping relationships.
Step #1: The Initial Research: Tailor Your Approach
- Dig Deep: Before you contact any supplier, find out everything you can about them. What products do they sell? What’s their target market? Who are their existing customers (if you can find out)? What’s their reputation like?
- Website Scrutiny: Check out their website. Does it look professional? Is there a clear “Wholesale” or “Partnerships” section? This tells you if they’re already open to working with resellers.
- Identify the Right Contact: Find the appropriate person to contact (sales manager, wholesale inquiries, etc.). Don’t waste time emailing the general inquiries inbox.
Step #2: Crafting the Perfect First Contact (Email is Usually Best):
Subject Line: Keep it clear and concise. Examples:
- “Dropshipping Inquiry – [Your Store Name] – [Product Category/Product of Interest]”
- “Partnership Opportunity: [Your Store Name] – Expanding Your Reach”
The Body of the Email: What to Say
- Introduction and Self-Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your business. Briefly explain what your store is about. Be specific.
- The Why: Explain why you’re interested in dropshipping their products. What makes them a good fit for your store? Do you admire their brand? Are you targeting a specific customer demographic? This shows them you’ve done your research.
- The Dropshipping Pitch: Clearly state that you are interested in dropshipping their products.
- Highlight Your Value Proposition: This is the key part. What can you offer them? Think about:
- Targeted Marketing: “We focus on [niche], which aligns perfectly with your [product category]. Our marketing efforts reach [target audience].”
- Reach and Exposure: “We are an e-commerce store reaching [number] customers per month in the US market.
- Sales Potential: “We believe we can generate X amount of sales for your products per month.”
- Brand Alignment: “We are a brand that promotes [core values]. We believe that our values will work well with your brand.”
- Make it Easy for Them: Be clear about your needs. Ask about their dropshipping program, wholesale pricing, order fulfillment process, shipping options, and any other relevant details.
- Call to Action: End with a clear call to action. Examples:
- “Would you be open to discussing a potential dropshipping partnership?”
- “Could you please provide me with information on your dropshipping program and pricing?”
- “I’d be happy to provide you with a link to my website [Your Store Name] for you to check it out.”
Example Email Template:
Subject: Dropshipping Inquiry - \[Your Store Name] - \[Product Category] Dear \[Contact Person Name], My name is \[Your Name], and I'm the owner of \[Your Store Name], an e-commerce store specializing in \[your niche]. I'm reaching out because I'm very impressed with \[Supplier Name]'s \[product category] line. I believe it aligns perfectly with our brand's focus on \[your target audience/value proposition]. We are focused on \[your niche], which aligns perfectly with your \[product category]. We're looking to expand our product offerings, and we're very interested in exploring a dropshipping partnership with \[Supplier Name]. To give you an idea of our customer base, we have about \[number] customers per month. Would you be open to discussing the potential for a dropshipping arrangement? Could you please provide me with information on your dropshipping program, wholesale pricing, order fulfillment process, and shipping options? I would be happy to provide you with a link to my website [Your Store Name] for you to check it out. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, \[Your Name] \[Your Store Name] \[Your Website] \[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Step #3: Follow Up (Politely!):
- The Timing: Give them about a week or two to respond. Then, send a polite follow-up email.
- The Message: Keep it short and sweet. Remind them of your initial email and reiterate your interest. Be understanding – they’re busy people!
Example Follow-up:
Subject: Following Up - Dropshipping Inquiry - \[Your Store Name]
Dear \[Contact Person Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm following up on my previous email regarding a potential dropshipping partnership. I'm still very interested in offering \[Supplier Name]'s \[product category] products in my store, and I believe it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Please let me know if there's a convenient time for us to discuss the possibility further.
Thank you again for your time.
Sincerely,
\[Your Name]
Step #4: Be Prepared to Negotiate:
- Pricing, Terms, and Conditions: If they’re open to dropshipping, be ready to negotiate. Review their terms and conditions carefully.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything that’s unclear.
Step #5: Stay Persistent (But Professional):
- Rejection is Common: Don’t be discouraged if you get a “no.” Suppliers have their own reasons.
- Keep Moving: Keep reaching out to other potential suppliers. Eventually, you’ll find the right partners.
- Keep in touch: Keep in touch with potential suppliers.
My Experience:
I’ve had the most success by focusing on building a relationship first. I always start by genuinely expressing my interest in their products and their brand. Showing that I’ve done my homework and understand their market really helps.
This process takes time and effort, but finding the right suppliers is the key to any dropshipping business.
By showing that you understand the mutual benefits and are bringing value to the table, you’ll significantly increase your chances of securing dropshipping partnerships.
Popular Dropshipping Suppliers to Consider in 2025
Here are a few of the most popular suppliers and what sets them apart (and my personal take based on my experience):
Spocket
Spocket can be a game-changer if you prioritize fast shipping and high-quality products from the US and EU. I’ve personally used Spocket and seen the benefits. Their focus on pre-vetted suppliers is a real-time-saver. You know you’re getting into business with legitimate companies.
The fast shipping times are a major advantage, leading to happier customers and fewer complaints.
However, the subscription model isn’t for everyone. The cost can add up, especially if you’re just starting out or if you’re on a tight budget. It’s crucial to calculate your potential profit margins before committing to a paid plan to ensure it aligns with your business goals.
- Focus: Primarily connects retailers with suppliers in the US and EU.
- Pros: Domestic suppliers for faster shipping, and responsive customer service.
- Cons: Higher monthly subscription fees.
AliExpress
AliExpress is a vast marketplace, and I mean vast. You’ll find practically anything you can imagine there. However, you’ve got to be extra careful. Quality control and shipping times can be major headaches. I’ve been burned by both in the past.
You really need to learn how to find good sellers, because there are good ones and bad ones on AliExpress. That means checking reviews, looking at order volume, and scrutinizing their shipping methods.
Be prepared to test a few suppliers before you find reliable ones. Also, communicate with the sellers, since most of them are manufacturers.
- Focus: A vast marketplace with suppliers, mostly from China.
- Pros: Huge product selection, generally lower prices.
- Cons: Shipping times can be longer, and quality control can vary.
CJDropshipping
If you are working with the Philippines, CJDropshipping can be a good option, but with a few caveats.
The benefit is that CJDropshipping has good integration with local platforms. For those of you in the Philippines, it integrates with popular marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee.
This means you can potentially sell products directly through these platforms without needing to build your own standalone store.
However, you’ll still need to consider shipping times – which are a significant factor in the Philippines.
- Focus: Offers sourcing, warehousing, and fulfillment services, mainly from China.
- Pros: Wide product range, integration with marketplaces (Lazada and Shopee in the Philippines mentioned in article 4), can source products for you.
- Cons: Slower shipping compared to some competitors.
Printful
Printful is solid for print-on-demand and a great starting point for anyone who wants to sell unique, personalized products. I love Printful. I’m a big fan of print-on-demand in general, as it allows you to create custom designs and offer a wide variety of products without the massive upfront investment and inventory headaches. It’s a true game-changer.
The integration with various platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce makes the process seamless and easy to set up. You can create T-shirts, mugs, posters, and everything in between. But the key to success is great design. The mock-up tools are convenient, and that’s a plus, too.
- Focus: Print-on-demand supplier for custom apparel and home decor.
- Pros: Wide variety of products, easy integration, no upfront costs.
- Cons: Branding options.
Modalyst
Modalyst has a lot of benefits, especially if you’re aiming for a curated selection of products. Their focus on white-labeling, which means you can brand the products with your own logo and packaging, is a huge draw. They have great integration options, too.
- Focus: Trending brand names and luxury products (requires a paid plan for luxury products).
- Pros: US and international fulfillment centers, integration with Shopify.
- Cons: Fewer domestic suppliers.
Navigating a Specific Market (The Philippines: A Real-World Example)
Because of my experience, I know many of you are aiming for the Philippines. The Philippines is a unique market with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
If you’re eyeing the Philippines, you must understand the market dynamics to succeed. It’s a market I’ve worked in, and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t.
Key Challenges
- Competition is Fierce: You’re not just competing with other drop shippers. You’re going up against established online marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee, plus local brick-and-mortar businesses that have also gone digital. These companies often have established customer bases and robust marketing budgets. *To stand out, you need a strong brand identity, a unique value proposition, and smart marketing strategies.
- Cost-Sensitivity: Filipinos are price-conscious consumers. The articles mentioned that Chinese suppliers are offering low prices. That means you need to be strategic with your pricing and shipping costs, or you’ll lose customers.
Opportunities
- A Thriving Online Community: The Philippines boasts a massive and engaged online population. With over 70 million active online buyers, there’s a huge market waiting to be tapped.
- Growing Purchasing Power: As the Philippine economy continues to develop, the purchasing power of consumers is increasing. This creates a more favorable environment for e-commerce businesses.
Best Niches
- Based on the articles and my own observations, trending products, beauty, and fashion are popular. You will want to focus on electronics.
- Go Niche: I strongly recommend focusing on niche products.
- Consider Print-on-Demand (POD): POD allows you to tap into the Filipino market.
Secrets to Success
- Price in Philippine Pesos (PHP): Filipinos are more comfortable seeing prices in their local currency. It creates a sense of familiarity and can boost conversions.
- Offer Reasonable Shipping Options: High shipping costs are a major deterrent. Aim for free shipping whenever possible. If that’s not feasible, be transparent and competitive with your rates.
By understanding these nuances, you will have a strong head start. The goal here is to do your own testing!
>>> Explore more: How to Choose Dropshipping Products Smartly and Succeed
In Conclusion
So, there you have it. The keys to how to get suppliers for dropshipping. Remember, it’s not a quick fix, but a carefully cultivated strategy. It’s about building relationships, providing value, and constantly improving.
From my experience, I can assure you that choosing reliable suppliers is the MOST important step! The best way to establish a profitable business is through suppliers.
Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments below! Happy dropshipping!
That’s all for today, folks! I hope you found my insights on how to get suppliers for dropshipping helpful. For more tips, tricks, and lessons from my dropshipping journey, head over to Henry Duy. And as always, feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts and experiences. I’m always happy to hear from you!
