Dropshipping is a three-party business model involving a supplier, a seller, and the customer. The customer places an order with the dropshipper. After receiving the agreed-upon payment, the dropshipper obtains the product from the supplier, who then ships the order to the customer. This outlines the three-step sales process. This approach offers numerous advantages for the dropshipper. It relieves them of logistical burdens and storage constraints. At the heart of the business is the supplier. Choosing the right one is therefore key to the business’s success. So, how do you select the right wholesaler to supply your business? TheTop 8 Best E-Commerce Dropshipping Suppliers in 2022lists the current leaders in the digital marketplace.
1- AliExpress: The Ideal Supplier for Online Retail Enthusiasts
AliExpressisa major marketplace. In addition to being one of the largest shopping sites, it is also one of the world’s largest dropshipping platforms.
Its advantages
The general merchandise retailer started with a very simple concept:product accessibility. The marketplace is a veritable treasure trove offering an abundance of goods of all kinds (fashion, baby products, gardening, pet supplies, and more).
The Chinese platform has warehouses in Europe. Thanks to its strong partnership with DHL,AliExpressdelivers throughout the region. It also has several warehouses in China and Hong Kong.
Its disadvantages
Aliexpress's exceptional prices are its main strength. However, low prices often go hand in hand withpoor quality. The platform is also flooded withcounterfeit goods.
Delivery times are debatable. However, a good supplier is recognized by its speed and responsiveness. In terms of delivery times, AliExpress takes2 to 3 weeksfrom the time an order is placed to begin shipping. This dropshipping supplier is therefore geared toward hobbyists who are still in the early stages of launching their business, rather than professionals.
Some retailers also complain about discrepancies between the information on the website and the product they receive.
2- Bigbuy: The Preferred Wholesaler for European Sellers
The Spanish dropshipping supplier offers thousands of products based in Europe.
Its advantages
The platform, based in the United Kingdom, has been recognized as Europe’s leading dropshipping provider. The importer and wholesaler is among the continent’s most prestigious suppliers.
It handles both order processing and packaging. However, the shipped products are labeled with the seller's name.
Itscompatibility with leading e-commerce solutionsis a major advantage. In fact, the sales platform works with Magento, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, and Shopify. It also integrates with marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon.
Its inventory meetsEuropean quality standards. Its products are from well-known brands.
Delivery timesare kept to a minimum because the products are shipped from warehouses in Europe. The platform also works closely with reliable shipping carriers, such as FedEx, UPS, TNT, DHL, DPD, and others.
Finally,BigBuyoffers an extensive catalog available in 24 languages.
Its disadvantages
Quality comes at a price, andBigBuyunderstands this well. Its prices seem exorbitant. As a result, retailers must be prepared to makeconcessions on their profit margins.
Inventory levels are low. Given the limited product selection,BigBuyis struggling to compete in the face of fierce competition.
Although shipping is fast, delivery times vary from country to country. The same applies to shipping options.
3- Oberlo: the wholesaler affiliated with Shopify
Oberlois known as the leading product import solution, but the platform also excels at dropshipping.
Its advantages
Oberlolaunched in 2015. Through dropshipping, it has connected more than 85 million people. The Italy-based platform dominates much of Europe.
Oberlo isn't a platform in the strict senseof the word. It's actuallya Shopify extension. Nevertheless, it functions as a dropshipping provider. It receives orders from your customers and handles the shipping process.
When you start your business, the provider offers you a free starter plan that includes 50 monthly orders, in addition to free registration. Then, it offers you an upgraded plan to increase the monthly order limit to more than 10,000.
Its disadvantages
Despite its scale,Oberlohas its limitations. Available only onShopify, it is heavily dependent on that marketplace. The plugin remains incompatible with other e-commerce platforms and standalone websites, with the exception of AliExpress. Products cannot be edited within the Oberlo extension. Order confirmation takes place on the Shopify product page.
The plugin is difficult to use. It has complex settings that can be confusing for beginners.
4- Ecopresto: The 100% French Supplier
Ecopresto is a new dropshipping supplier. However, the platform has proven itself and offers high-quality products.
Its advantages
The supplier has made it its mission topromote dropshipping throughout France.Ecoprestois not a full-service supplier. It acts as atrusted intermediary between wholesalers and retailers. It also manages suppliers’ products.
The platform partners exclusively with reputable wholesalers and therefore offers a diverse range of products across a variety of categories, including home decor, multimedia, and sports…
The tool promises delivery as soon as possible.
Its disadvantages
Ecopresto'ssubscription pricediscourages sellers. Small e-commerce businesses cannot afford to sign up for such an expensive subscription. They also criticize the high shipping costs.
The toolupdatesits database in real time, which explains the fluctuations in its prices.
Some drop shippers have noticed a contradiction between the arguments presented on the website to attract sellers and the partnership agreement they are asked to sign, which states that sellers are free to set their own selling prices.
The platform is still unable to fulfill its promises offast delivery. Delivery times continue to vary, and deliveries are not available on weekends.
5- SaleHoo: The Platform with Numerous Extensions
With 2 million high-quality products, SaleHoo ranks as an exceptional platform among the top dropshipping suppliers.
Its advantages
Suppliers rely on price-cutting strategies to attract retailers.SaleHootakes a different approach. The platform offers arange of extensionsto support your online sales business.
In addition, its plugins automate ordering processes. They conduct market research. They offer free training on how to effectively manage a digital business.
Once you've signed up, SaleHoo will introduce you to its ecosystem. The provider has even set up ablogand an activeforumwhere sellers can exchange ideas.
Its disadvantages
SaleHoo requires anannual subscription. In addition, the wholesaler raises its prices, forcing you to reduce your profit margin. That is why the platform is a solution exclusively for large retailers.
The wholesaler is also struggling withlow inventory, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to the competition. The limited supply of goods thus narrows your market opportunities.
6- Cdiscount Pro: Cdiscount's online provider
Cdiscount has launched a sales platform dedicated to dropshipping. Cdiscount Pro is a rare gem in the inventory-free e-commerce sector.
Its advantages
Cdiscount Prois a European provider that invites you to get your digital project off to the best possible start.
The platform offers200,000 product listingsacross a variety of categories, including pharmacy, auto/motorcycle, fashion, electronics, and sports. However, the marketplace specializes inwine.
It's hard to resist their attractive prices. Even with the paid services, the products are inexpensive.
Warehouses located in Franceensurefast deliveryin just 48 hours.
Its disadvantages
Currently, the platform has only alimited inventory. This limitation complicates your expansion plans if you want to think outside the box and explore other niches.
Using it can be complex and time-consuming. You must contact the Cdiscount Pro team (by email or phone) to confirm your partnership. You can also get in touch through your customer portal or by speaking with an advisor.
The platform chargesadditional feesfor even the slightest change to a plan, such as a change in category.
7- GRIFFATI B2B: The Fashion Supplier
GRIFFATI B2B, a leading dropshipping provider, specializes in selling fashion items from major brands. It serves both online and brick-and-mortar stores.
Its advantages
The Italian supplier has more than150,000 retailersin 67 countries. Its warehouses are stocked with items from Italian creators and designers. The platform stocks clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, bags, and all kinds of fashion accessories for men, women, and children.
Its strength lies in its affordability.Griffati B2Boffers wholesale prices.
The marketplace also offers aflat-rate dropshipping service. Depending on your CMS, it suggests a variety of modules and plugins.
Its catalogs are available in24 languagesand feature detailed descriptions. Best of all, it promises fast delivery.
Its disadvantages
A few occasionalbugsare affecting the platform and disrupting navigation. Users have noticed an increase in bugs following the integration of Shopify. These glitches are disrupting the provider’s records, resulting inadditional costsfor the seller.
Customer serviceis terrible. GRIFFATI B2B does not accept any returns. It takes a long time to receive explanations or have complaints addressed. Even in an emergency, it is impossible to get in touch with customer service quickly.
Shipping costsare high. In addition to these drawbacks, there is a discrepancy in pricing between when the order is placed and when it is shipped.
8- Printful: The Wholesaler of "Print-on-Demand" Products
The dropshipping provider Printful specializes in selling personalized and print-on-demand products.
Its advantages
La Place des Marchés providesdesign tools. It also specializes in creating custom clothing and accessories.
Printfulfirst sends you samples to give you an idea of what they can do. It also provides you with a design tool and a graphics library to make it easier to customize products.
Every order from your customers is automatically forwarded to Printful. The company then handles printing, packaging (with your branding), and shipping from itswarehouses in North America and Europe.
Its compatibility is what makes it stand out. Printful integrates with e-commerce platforms such as Wix, BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce. The tool also connects to online marketplaces, including Wish, Amazon, and eBay. It even has iOS and Android mobile apps.
To ensure transparency, Printful sends payment requests only after your customer has confirmed receipt of the order.
Its disadvantages
Despite these advantages, Printful isn't without its flaws. Its selection of merchandise seems limited. It offers only a small range of products.
Its high prices reduce the profit margin, unless sales increase tenfold.
Between the printing and customization processes, the wait seems endless. The indefinite delivery time discourages those who are impatient.
See also: 4 Good Reasons to Create an E-commerce Website
How to Choose the Right Dropshipping Supplier in 2022?
The supplier plays a crucial role in your dropshipping business. Before making your decision, analyze your niche, wholesale prices, and delivery times.
Focus on Your Niche
Since active dropshipping suppliers aren't necessarily generalists, yournichewill determine which wholesaler you choose.Specialized platformsfocus on specific types of merchandise, such as:
- decoration;
- household appliances;
- fashion;
- animals;
- gardening;
- automotive mechanics.
Conducting business in a specific field will lead you to specialized suppliers. In addition to their top-quality products, their expert advice will be of great help to you.
Review the supplier's product prices
Priceis a key factor in choosing a supplier. The selection is based on the supplier's reputation and scale.
If necessary, compare the prices offered by each wholesaler. Then calculate the profit margin you need to achieve. When making your estimate, take delivery costs into account. The price varies depending on the distance between the delivery location and the warehouse, the number of products, and the total weight. Some suppliers even charge restocking fees in the event of a customer return.
Focus on the delivery time
Keep in mind thedelivery time. Suppliers typically take 7 to 12 days to deliver. However, they rarely specify the order processing time. Depending on the product ordered, it can take up to 2 weeks!
Before signing up for any subscription, check the terms of use to see what the applicable time frames are. Don't hesitate to contact customer service to get the necessary details.
Be wary ofmisinformation regarding the storage locationsof foreign suppliers. To put your mind at ease, it’s essential to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the wholesaler before finalizing your decision.
The Best Dropshipping Suppliers
TheTop 8 Best E-Commerce Dropshipping Suppliers in 2022lists the top wholesalers that can best serve your needs for your online business.AliExpresstops the list. The platform offers a diverse product catalog and a user-friendly interface that’s accessible to all users.
Despite the price and limited stock,Bigbuytakes second place in the rankings. The supplier is compatible with major e-commerce sites.
In third place isOberlo. This Shopify plugin fulfills your customers' orders in record time. However, the extension seems difficult to use.
The French-language websiteEcoprestoaims to make dropshipping more accessible in France. The supplier offers a wide selection of products at high prices.
SaleHoo, a prestigious provider, has developed a range of plugins to help you manage your digital business. However, the platform is raising its prices and lacks a diverse selection of products.
Coming in sixth place isCdiscount Pro, Cdiscount’s dropshipping platform. The wholesaler specializes in wine but also offers other high-quality products.
Fashion retailers are turning toGRIFFATI B2B, a renowned supplier offering a wide variety of merchandise from the Italian market.
Printful comes in last. The provider offers design tools for clothing, accessories, and many other personalized products.
Before finalizing your choice, review your niche. Then, check the supplier's pricing and delivery time.
So, which of these dropshipping wholesalers appeals to you? In your opinion, what are the criteria for a trustworthy supplier?
