It’s common knowledge that a highly efficient dropshipping service is integral to the success of an e-commerce business. While business owners have historically looked elsewhere to manage inventory, most of them have started to realize the importance of staying local. If you haven’t thought about it, this article will convince you otherwise. Moreover, information regarding trusted dropshipping suppliers in the US will be added to make your lives much simpler.
Table of Contents
What is dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a fairly recent development in the world of retail. It’s essentially a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep stock of its products. So, when a consumer places an order for a certain product, the company contacts a third party to fulfill the order. This third-party vendor is now responsible for procuring and delivering the good in question.
The dropshipping model eliminates the need for companies to store products, meaning that a large amount of capital is no longer necessary to hit the ground up and running with your business. The capital that would be otherwise spent on managing a warehouse, managing deliveries can now be spent on actually growing the business. Scaling also becomes much easier with the dropshipping model.
Why are businesses shifting to dropshipping suppliers in the US?
Relying on an overseas supplier comes with its own share of risks. Assessing product quality becomes difficult, and keeping track of international shipments becomes a logistical nightmare. Here are some reasons why a large number of e-commerce businesses are looking to go local and partner up with dropshipping suppliers in the USA:
Superior product quality
An overseas dropshipping supplier may be working with an inferior grade of raw materials, which will naturally translate to the final product as well. Your consumers are unlikely to be happy with the products they receive and might switch to an alternate company.
Shifting to a dropshipping supplier in the US is said to work better in the long run, maximizing the number of return customers. Furthermore, “Made in USA” helps to appease the nationalist sentiments of potential customers.
It’s a common notion that the products made within the country are superior in quality. So, why not capitalize on this idea? You’ll also be doing a service to the economy by creating more employment opportunities.
Higher margins
It’s a common misconception that only working with an overseas dropshipping service can ensure a high return on investment. But on the contrary, more and more local dropshipping services are catching up to their foreign counterparts in terms of price point.
Customers are also more likely to shell a couple of bucks extra for a product “made in the US”. When both these factors are considered, you’ll actually end up making more money working with a dropshipping supplier in the US.
Quicker shipping times
This point is fairly self-explanatory. It can take upwards of several weeks for a product to even arrive on US soil. A customer will have to wait a really long time to get their hands on the product. Working with a dropshipping supplier in the US cuts down on this time, delivering the goods in a matter of 1-8 business days.
This also ensures that the supply chains are as short as possible. Disruptions of longer supply chains are likely to hamper fragile goods, affecting the quality of items with a shorter shelf life like food substances.
Better customer services
It’s a no-brainer that working with dropshipping suppliers in the US is much easier owing to the simple fact that you’re working in the same time zones. Local wholesalers are also more likely to respond quickly in case of a last minute cancellation or a change in the quantity of a shipment. This way, you’re minimizing the dangers of potentially losing customers.
Contingency plans are better laid out
Working with multiple suppliers puts you in a better position in cases of an unmitigated natural disaster like a flood or a cyclone. Since you’re delivering out of multiple warehouses, there is a very little disruption in the supply chain.
Picking the right US dropshipping supplier
Now that you have a good idea about the need to switch to a local supplier, here are some factors to consider while choosing your dropshipping supplier in the US:
Reputation
Before choosing to work with dropshipping suppliers in the US, try to find out if any business owners that are within your professional circle have previously worked with them. If they have, then look at what they have to say about their experiences working with the supplier. Ask them if they faced any difficulties and whether they’d recommend their services.
In case you aren’t able to find any, take a look at their website and the services they offer. Ascertain if they’re knowledgeable about the niche that you specialize in. Reading a couple of their write-ups on their blog should help you form an opinion. Be on the lookout for testimonials or any mention of awards and accolades.
Minimum order requirement
This value will differ from dropshipping supplier to another. You’d ideally want no minimum order requirements, but in case there’s one, determine if you work around that number. There’s no point if you’re paying a large sum of money upfront. It defeats the purpose of a dropshipping model designed to minimize capital spent on inventory management.
Shipping times
You chose to work with dropshipping suppliers in the US because of the shorter delivery times. So, this is a factor that you couldn’t possibly compromise on. Look into their shipping policies and delivery partners. You’d ideally want them to ship goods within 48 hours of purchase so that it gets to the customer as early as possible.
Online resources
Check if the dropshipping services that you wish to work with snugly fit into the ecosystem of the e-commerce platform you are working out of, i.e. Amazon, eBay, Shopify, etc. Inventory tracking is yet another feature that is an absolute must-have. They help you to stay abreast of the expected dates of arrival of a shipment. This can go a long way in cutting down on confusion.
Other things to look out for include well-written product descriptions and detailed product catalogs. These features will save a ton of time, in the long run, preventing you from having to devise them all on your own.
A comprehensive list of the most trustworthy dropshipping suppliers in the US
- Oberlo
Oberlo is one of the most popular dropshipping services out there. Having sold more than a whopping 100 million products, they really know their business. Getting started with Oberlo is extremely simple. All you need to do is join their platform for free, find the products you’re looking for and simply add them to your online store. It’s that simple!
Oberlo also lets you customize your listings by selecting photos of your choice and re-writing product descriptions the way you want them to read. Moreover, they do offer extensive customer support, which is all the more important if you’re just starting off as an entrepreneur.
Coming down to deliveries, they cater to different needs with an assortment of shipping methods like:
- China Post– Free/meagre shipping costs, but longer shipping times at around 20-50 days
- ePacket– Generally affordable prices, but deliveries can still take 15-30 days
- AliExpress Shipping– Relatively inexpensive and deliver are a tad quicker at about 15 days
- UPS, DHL and FedEx– comparatively expensive, but deliveries are lightning-fast, taking only 5-15 days
- SupplyMeDirect
Yet another dropshipping supplier in the US built specifically to lessen your worries about managing inventory. It’s free to use and is easy to integrate into the Shopify ecosystem. What sets SupplyMeDirect apart from its competitors is that almost 60% of its warehouses are stationed in North America. The remainder is distributed among various countries in Europe. So, this should be your first choice if you’re considering selling internationally.
SupplyMeDirect has a relentless customer service system that promises to help you every step of the way. They sell everything from beauty supplies and fashion accessories to electronic gadgets and automobiles. It really is a one-stop destination for all your product requirements.
- Spocket
Spocket makes it to this list simply on the basis of its extensive screening program that all suppliers are subjected to before they’re certified as a trusted supplier. With an ability to integrate with an existing Shopify account, getting started on this platform should be fairly simple. The margins offered are great too since they offer up to an unprecedented 60% on all purchases.
Pricing plans:
- Starter pack– $24 per month
Includes basic email support
- Pro pack– $49 per month
Includes branded invoicing and chat support
- Empire pack– $$99 per month
More than 10,000 unique products on offer
+ Benefits included pro pack
- SaleHoo
SaleHoo boasts of one of the largest distribution networks in the entire globe. Originally a New Zealand company, they now have suppliers all around the world including the States. The platform’s design works in a way that makes it easier to locate the product you’re looking for. Items are categorized according to the niche they belong to.
But, that’s not it! Signing up for SaleHoo gets you in close proximity to seasoned veterans of the trade. You’ll get a chance to interact with them and learn from their experiences. Valuable training guides and informative blogs will also be made available to you. All of this comes at a lifetime membership cost of $67.
- Dropified
This dropshipping service might be a new entrant, but they more than make up for it with the various online resources and tools included in your subscription. These benefits include:
- An intensive 60-day training program that will teach you the basics of running an online business and working with a dropshipping service
- Automating your e-commerce site so that you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day functioning of the website
Similar to other platforms, Dropified can sync up with your online store on AliExpress, eBay, and Shopify. Other platforms that can also be integrated include BigCommerce, CommerceHQ, and WooCommerce.
Pricing plans:
- Build plan– $19 per month
This plan extends to 1 store account and includes basic customer support, the ability to save up to 1,000 products
- Grow plan– $47 per month
This plan extends to 3 store accounts and includes priority support, the ability to save up to 10,000 products and the option to create unlimited product listings for social media platforms like Facebook.
- Brybelly
Brybelly is one of the dropshipping suppliers in the US that seems to be enjoying a lot of traction recently. This trend can be attributed to the fact that they carry over 300 SKU’s of large brands and retailers. The sheer range of the inventory is impressive, selling everything from office supplies and sporting goods to camping essentials and children’s toys.
Here’s how the dropshipping on Brybelly works:
- List down the products from their extensive product catalogue onto your online store with the appropriate image and description
- Price them according to your needs and start selling
- When a customer wishes to purchase a specific good, head up to Brybelly and place an order for the same item at a discounted cost
- They can either ship it to you or fulfil the order by themselves
- You get to keep the profit without having to break a sweat
- National Dropshippers
National Dropshippers is one of the most trusted dropshipping suppliers in the US, accredited as A+ by the Better Business Bureau. They’re a members-only site that continues to offer the best prices which range from 33 % to 66% below the actual Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).
They’ve been able to maintain fruitful and long-lasting relationships with suppliers thanks to their unwavering commitment to excellence. The nominal membership fee that they charge is what helps them keep the business running and offers prices that are unheard of.
Pricing plans:
- Monthly Wholesale membership– $19.99 per month
- Quarterly Wholesale membership– $44.97 per 3 months
- Semi-annual Wholesale membership– $59.94 per 6 months
- Annual Wholesale membership– $89.98 per year
This nominal membership is what helps them keep the business running and offer margins that are unheard of.
- Wholesale2b
Wholesale2b is a one-of-a-kind directory that is sure to help you find the perfect dropshipping supplier. Like some of the other platforms mentioned on this list, they can work smoothly on a number of popular e-commerce platforms like eBay, Shopify and Amazon.
The pricing will depend on the platform you choose to work on. Here’s a look at the different pricing plans that Wholesale2b has to offer:
| Platform | Cost (per month) |
| eBay | 37.99 |
| Amazon | 37.99 |
| Shopify | 29.99 |
| WooCommerce | 29.99 |
| BigCommerce | 29.99 |
| Ecwid | 29.99 |
| Weebly | 29.99 |
- AliDropship
If you’re a frequent user of AliExpress, then this platform is perfect for you. AliDropship functions like a plug-in that makes it easier to import products from AliExpress to your own website on WordPress.
While AliExpress does predominantly ship Chinese goods, they also happen to have a significant number of products that are “Made in USA”. A big advantage of working with a global giant like AliExpress is that it gives you a chance to work with multiple suppliers at the same time.
AliDropship does a decent job of addressing complaints and queries related to the delivery of goods. Another feature that sets AliDropship apart from its competitors is that they have a separate page with reviews and ratings of suppliers. This should naturally make it easier to pick the right wholesale supplier.
Pricing plan
The AliDropship plug-in costs only $89, while the dropshipping store will set you back by $299. Both of these prices aren’t recurring costs, but instead a single payment.
These were some of the most popular dropshipping suppliers in the US that have an impeccable track record. While they do offer a wide range of products to choose from, they might not be able to service the needs of every niche.
This is where specialized but much smaller suppliers come into the picture. So, here’s a list of such services categorized by the specific industry they cater to.
Dropshipping suppliers in the US- Fashion
- Tasha Apparel
Tasha Apparel is your one-stop destination for all your trendy clothing needs. They currently offer dropshipping services for both bundled and single-piece items. Like the companies that were earlier, they do offer convenient customer support and promise to offer the best margins on the market.
- Sparkle in Pink
An online store that sells durable and stylish kids’ clothes. Though most of their revenue comes in from selling to customers directly, they do offer dropshipping services as well. Sparkle in Pink does charge a small fee on top of each purchase. This is because every shipped out item of their warehouse goes through a rigorous system of checks.
But, Sparkle in Pink does not allow you to use the pictures on their websites to promote their products. This means that you’ll spend extra time and resources to get the right photos, adding to ever-growing expenses. But, on the flipside, you’ll get to control how a particular product will be perceived by consumers.
- My Online Fashion Store
This fashion store lets you pick from more than 5,000 stylish and contemporary designs. Since they’re shipped from their local warehouse in Los Angeles, you need not worry about delivery times. Shipping rates are pretty affordable too. The standard subscription costs a modest $ 29 per month.
US Dropshipping suppliers- Cosmetics
- Beauty Joint
Beauty Joint is a wholesale supplier of cosmetic products from various acclaimed brands like L’Oreal, Maybelline, LA Girls, Jordana Cosmetics and much more. Their dropshipping service has a design that fulfills orders while securing decent margins for their clients. More importantly, they’ve also now started shipping Korean beauty products that seem to be selling like hot cakes nowadays.
- ISO Beauty
ISO Beauty claims to be one of the biggest dropshipping suppliers in the US within the beauty products category. They sell everything from hair curls to moisturizing serums. The dropshipping program is pretty straight-forward.
You place the order for a product and they send it over to your customers in a blind package that has a customization option according to your specification. If you were worried about minimum order requirements, fret not. There are none!
Dropshipping in US- Electronics
- Megagoods
Some people call this site a hub of all the latest in technology among all the dropshipping suppliers in the US. They specialize in selling a wide assortment of electronic gadgets. With over 2,000 products to choose from, there’s only a little chance that a customer will run out of options.
You’re at the liberty of picking from a dozen of popular shipping options like FedEx and UPS. Moreover, they also offer a 30-day free return policy on all their goods in case a paying customer isn’t happy with a certain product.
- ASI Partners
Having stayed in business for over three decades, ASI Partners have made a name for themselves in the IT hardware niche. They sell everything from top-end desktops and laptops to powerful servers. Some of their vendors include Samsung, MSI, Micron, and Supermicro. Moreover, they also offer partner programs and webinars to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
Conclusion
The dropshipping business model is a novel strategy that lets third-party vendors take care of shipments on your behalf. Due to the fact that there is very little initial investment required, more and more start-ups are starting to rely on this business model.
E-commerce companies have ignored local suppliers and have traditionally been dependent upon foreign wholesalers for their dropshipping needs. This is due to the assumption that better margins lay with overseas suppliers.
But, they’re now starting to realize that working with dropshipping suppliers in the US comes with distinct advantages. Consumers are willing to pay more for goods that are “Made in the US”.
Regulating product quality is less cumbersome and you have complete control over the raw materials that go into the making of the product. Handling returns is no longer a headache as you can keep track of shipments thanks to superior customer services.