Now, You know we have earlier discussed about dropshipping
basics to Profitable niche selection. In today’s blog we’ll Discuss
a crucial step of building a successful dropshipping business.
which is How to find Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers.
Suppliers are called as backbone of dropshipping business.
From ensuring product quality, delivery timing, packaging of
your product and for a smooth customer experience. Reliable
supplier is needed. Now we will discuss how can we choose a
reliable Dropshipping Supplier.
Why Choosing Reliable Dropshipping Suppliers Matters
Your drop shipping business is like a plant, which will give you
fruits in form of profits. And the supplier of your product is the
stem of that plant, so, if you choose a unreliable supplier then
these consequences will arise, which are below :
> Delays in shipments
> Poor quality of Products
> Many times, Insufficient to complete demand
> Increases customer complaints
> Overall, damages brand reputation
By choosing reliable suppliers, you can completely focus on
building your business as a brand and customer services.
New and Effective Ways to find Dropshipping Suppliers
- Use Verified Suppliers Directories:-
Supplier directories are basically lists of trusted suppliers.
You can check these lists which related to your niche from
these platforms :-
● Doba : It integrates suppliers products directly to your
dropshipping store.
● Sale Hoo : It is more popular for its very good
user-friendly interface and provides list of verified
suppliers.
● Sprocket : It is specially for US and Europe, which
having a specialty of faster shipping times.
● And rest of brands : offers a big data about reliable
suppliers.
- Attend Trade Shows and Virtual Expos :-
Their is a huge misconception that trade shows/expos are
only for big retailers or businessmen’s. You have to
understand that they help drop shipper by making new
contacts with international manufacturers and wholesalers
directly. Some of popular trade shows are:
● Global Source Expo (Asia-focused Suppliers)
● National Dropshipping Conferences
● Canton Fair (China’s largest trade show)
Virtual expos & trade fairs are emerging as
cost-effective way to connect with global suppliers.
Additional ways
- Partner with Local Suppliers :-
Making relations with overseas suppliers is good but always
keep backups in our case local suppliers consider
partnering with them. As you have these benefits after that:
● You can self ensure quality of products
● Faster shipping times
● Easier and effective communication
● Cheaper than international suppliers
Platforms like Abound and fairy focuses on
connecting local artisans and brands with
drop shippers.
- Test Before Committing to Dropshipping Supplier :-
You have to examine supplier in last, by place test orders to
evaluate their reliability . What you have to examine in this
step :
● Shipping Speed
● Product quality check
● Packaging check
● Customer satisfaction check by feedbacks & reviews
● Is there any issue in shipment to customer.
This is final approach after this you can evaluate a
reliable supplier of your product.
- Leveraging Social Media and Forums :-
You can Find reliable supplier of your product from social
media also, like LinkedIn and some Facebook groups such
can be as Dropshipping Supplier networks etc.
You can give a vacancy for a reliable supplier.
And check reddit forums where you can get some
suppliers.
Key Questions to Ask From Potential Suppliers
When you have to evaluate suppliers which you get from above
steps. Now, ask them these critical questions :-
- What are your shipping options and delivery times ?
- Do you provide me real-time inventory updates regularly?
- How is your Product Return Policy ?
- Can you offer some samples of product ?
- Did you bear the loss or extra cost if occurs due to delay of
shipment ? - What are your all charges for rendering these services ?
- Which the best according to you delivering product with
high quality or low quality ? - If I received a massive order and you are run off from
inventory than what you will do? - Showcase your Past big orders ?
- You can check the supplier’s reviews from internet and
past records.
If your selected suppliers answers all questions and
agreed…….. Boom!!! You got a reliable supplier.
But you have to identify red flags in them.
Red Flags To Avoid
Identifying unreliable suppliers therefore can save your time and money.
So, watch out if they are giving any signs :
● Lack of Contact Information : A good/professional
supplier should provide multiple ways to contact them, the
unreliable suppliers make excuses in place.
● Making Unrealistic Promises : Some suppliers can
guarantee of excessively low prices and overly fast
shipments, and of product quality. Don’t believe in the just
ask them to give samples so we can examine .
● No Products Samples Policy : If the supplier is refusing or
hesitating for providing some samples of product. Although, The
service and product quality maybe poor.
● Unclear Return or Refund Policy : Suppliers charges for
refund or return of inventory back to them. And Sometimes
refunds are heavily charged and sometimes no refunds.
● Overly Low Prices : In this case product which you are
outsourcing from supplier are relatively more cheaper than
market avg.. why is it red flag because low price indicates
poor quality raw material used.
● Hidden Fees are there : In some cases, due to delays, and
many more suppliers may charge you a hidden fees so clear
it in selection process.
● High Minimum Orders policy : Some suppliers may state
that they have a minimum order quantity which are
generally higher than your capital so ask and find reliable
supplier accordingly.
Building Strong Relationships With Your Suppliers:-
To establish a solid relationship with your suppliers, consider the following strategies. These methods can help secure better terms, priority services, and smoother operations:
● Maintaining Healthy Communication : By Keeping communication channels open to stay updated on inventory, orders, and potential issues. Regularly check in with suppliers for updates and provide constructive feedback when needed.
● Make Timely Payments : To Your dropshipping supplier Paying on time fosters trust, encourages better service, and strengthens long-term partnerships. Suppliers often prioritize reliable clients, so timely payments can lead to smoother collaboration.
●Share Customer Feedback : Provide customer feedback to suppliers to help them identify areas for improvement. Sharing positive reviews can also motivate suppliers to maintain high-quality standards.
● Discuss your growth plans: Moreover, Discussing your growth plans
with your dropshipping supplier of your product, as a result, it will increase relationship
and build a positive environment for both.
● Offer testimonials to Your Supplier : Although, your supplier is doing good and you
getting customers mails, reviews positive you can boost
suppliers reputation by using reviews.
● Handle Issues Professionally : In some case, any problem arises like delay, losses,
potential challenges change in demand etc. take it as
professionally . and resolve conflicts calmly.
By these you can find your Reliable Dropshipping Supplier…..
Thanks for reading my blog…………………
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