Drop-shipping allows you to sell products that are shipped directly by the manufacturer or another retailer. It’s a good option if you don’t manufacture your own products, lack the space or know-how for inventory and storage, or simply don’t have the time or interest in shipping and handling on your own.
When you partner with a drop-shipping wholesaler, you’ll want to make sure you’ve chosen one that fits your needs and understands what you’re hoping to accomplish with your e-commerce store. Here are seven drop-shipping providers to consider in your search.
- Doba, a directory for drop-shipping suppliers, offers a starter package that can help e-commerce sellers new to drop-shipping learn about the various suppliers and options. It’s a helpful way to get started.
- Dropship Direct is a clearinghouse of more than 100,000 products from 900 brands. While membership in Dropship Direct is free, there’s a monthly charge for access to its data directory (which may be waived with orders over a certain amount).
- Inventory Source’s membership has four tiers, ranging from a free option to a premium package including a hosted website bundle.
- Salehoo provides users access to more than 8,000 verified suppliers and drop shippers worldwide, with memberships ranging from $27 to $27 per month.
- Sunrise Wholesale partners with an import company boasting a 600,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center, and has top ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
- Vista Wholesale, a small family-owned business, drop-ships for sellers on Amazon and eBay. There are no fees to sign up or view the company catalog.
- Worldwide Brands aims to connect online sellers with wholesale suppliers, each of which withstands a verification process to ensure legitimacy.
The Bottom Line
As you consider your drop-shipping partner options, be sure to ask lots of questions. Does the drop-shipper understand your business model? Have they run into problems with e-commerce sellers like you? If so, how was the conflict resolved? Be judicious and cover all your bases in order to establish a business partnership that will be mutually beneficial.
