Why is finding dropshippers so dang hard?  Probably because searching for dropshippers is something like looking for a date at your family reunion.  All you’re going to find is a lot of people way too much like you.  Simply put, when you Google  “dropshippers for pet products”, you’re going to get a list of people trying to do exactly what you’re doing: act as a middleman.  You want to buy products at a cheap wholesale price and sell them on the internet for a profit, but there’s no way you’re going to do that if you’re buying from someone who’s already marked the product up.  And middlemen aren’t always easy to spot.  They’re like your second-cousin twice removed with a different last name.  They appear to be legitimate dropshippers and wholesalers, but they’re not.   So what can you do to set yourself up with a legitimate supplier?


photo credit: The Iglesia`s

First: Avoid the Phonies.  Fake dropshippers and wholesalers can usually be determined by an examination of their website.  Check out their products.  A real wholesaler usually manufactures their products, and thus it’s unlikely that they could supply golf clubs, teddy bears, and umbrellas.  Legitimate wholesalers and dropshippers usually have a theme to their products.  Sometimes dropshippers will be able to provide you with a variety of products that you can sell for profit, but usually if the site looks like a general store, than that’s what it is.  And the proprietor of a general store is a middleman.  Further, if the supplier tries to charge you outrageous fees to see the price of their products, than that’s a huge red flag.  Real dropshippers do not charge large fees, and what fees they do charge are usually refundable once you’ve sold a certain amount of their product (this is to weed out people who are only establishing a dropshipping relationship so they can score a Prada purse on the cheap).

photo credit: nicubunu
photo credit: somegeekintn
photo credit: Lora <3
Second: Find a Legitimate Source. Obviously, I’m going to advocate using the Wholesale Match database.  Now, we’re not the only database of legitimate dropshippers and wholesalers, but we provide something no one else does: we do the research for you.  Send us your research requests, and we will connect you with the best, most reliable dropshippers and wholesalers.  No middlemen, no phonies.  I fully support researching all your database options, but exercise caution, because some databases are middlemen fronts, existing solely to funnel you into specific websites.  Before you spend any money, make sure the database you use has a refund guarantee, or some other fail-safe to ensure they are really going to provide you with the service you’re paying for.
Finally: If you don’t want to use a database, and you’re hell-bent on finding your own dropshippers, you have three main options.  You can Google search, as mentioned above.  This is going to provide you with a mountain of turd to shovel through before you find anyone legitimate, but some quality suppliers can be found that way.  A more efficient use of your time would be to isolate which brands you want to supply, and then call the company directly.  They may be willing to set you up with a wholesale account, but the likelihood is that you will have to carry inventory, and other stipulations may apply, such as a hefty credit limit.  Your third option is to attend tradeshows to build relationships with dropshippers and wholesalers in person.  This is an excellent option, but rather expensive and time-consuming.  I recommend the upcoming ASD Tradeshow in Vegas, if you want to take this route.  You’ll probably see us there, as networking with suppliers at tradeshows is one of the main ways we continually update our database.

photo credit: vår resa
Your dropshippers and wholesalers are the core of your business.  Their prices determine your profit, so don’t settle for second-best.  Even after you have suppliers you’re happy with, continue to utilize your search method of choice because someone even better may come along, and that means more money in your pocket.

dropshippers, finding suppliers, selling products online