Dropshipping has become an increasingly popular retail fulfillment method, allowing ecommerce entrepreneurs to sell products without having to carry inventory.

When dropshipping, the store owner takes care of marketing and selling the products, while the supplier handles shipping the orders directly to the customers.

This eliminates the need for upfront inventory purchases and provides greater flexibility.

One of the keys to running a successful dropshipping business is finding reliable suppliers, especially if you plan to focus on the US market.

Sourcing products domestically provides faster shipping times, lower costs, and better customer service for American consumers. This article will provide tips on how to find and evaluate suppliers in the United States for your dropshipping business.

Research Product Types and Niches

The first step is deciding what types of products you want to sell. you can check out Top 10 Free Product Research Tools for Dropshipping in 2024 Popular dropshipping niches include apparel, beauty, electronics, home goods, jewelry, pets, toys, and more.

Think about categories that interest you and that you feel confident marketing.

Conduct research to see what’s trending and in demand. Tools like Google Trends, ecommerce reports, and Amazon’s Movers and Shakers can provide insight into current buyer interests and hot products.

Staying on top of trends will help guide your supplier search.

Search Industry Directories

There are many online directories where you can find lists of wholesalers, distributors, and dropship programs. These are good places to begin your US supplier search. Some top directories include:

• SaleHoo - Extensive directory with over 8,000 suppliers globally. Has a focus on US wholesalers. Provides supplier reviews.
• Worldwide Brands - Specializes in US dropshippers and wholesalers. Features certified suppliers.
• Doba - Database of pre-vetted US manufacturers and wholesalers offering dropshipping.
• DropShipper - Directory of dropshipping suppliers in the US. Features product catalogs.
• DropShipDirect - Connects ecommerce sellers with verified US suppliers offering order fulfillment.

Spend time browsing these directories, looking for suppliers that carry the types of products you want to sell. Make a list of potential suppliers for further evaluation.

Evaluate Individual Supplier Websites

Once you have a list of prospective suppliers, visit their individual websites to learn more. Look for key information when assessing potential dropshipping partners:

• Products - Do they carry the specific items you want to sell? Check for good product variety, depth of selection, and inventory counts.
• Pricing - Are their wholesale costs competitive? Calculate potential profit margins.
• Order fulfillment - Do they handle order processing, shipping, and returns in-house? What are their fulfillment rates, processing times, and shipping options?
• Minimums - Some suppliers require minimum order quantities. Confirm their minimums work for your business model.
• Dropshipping experience - Do they advertise dropshipping or have an official dropship program? More experience is better.
• Customer service - Look for responsive customer support and sales reps to assist you.

Vet potential suppliers carefully using these criteria before selecting partners. Good suppliers will help your business thrive.

Join Dropshipping Networks

In addition to supplier directories, there are more specialized networks that connect dropshippers with US suppliers. These include:

• Spocket - Thousands of US suppliers offering wholesale products with no minimum orders. Provides supplier vetting.
• Dropified - Helps automate order processing between your store and US suppliers. Provides mentoring.
• Oberlo - Directory of verified US dropshipping suppliers searchable by product category.
• Modalyst - Digital marketplace with catalog of curated dropship products. Offers marketing tools.

The application process for these networks can be more rigorous, but they provide greater supplier screening. This gives sellers access to more reliable US fulfillment partners.

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are events where manufacturers and distributors showcase and sell their products. Attending relevant shows lets you meet potential US suppliers in person to evaluate fit. Some top shows for sourcing dropshipping suppliers include:

• Ecommerce Fuel - Online seller summit with exhibitor hall. Focuses on US suppliers.
• ASD Market Week - Major Las Vegas trade show featuring giftware, home goods, jewelry and other products.
• NY NOW - New York City showcase for gifts, home decor, accessories, furniture and more.
• Atlanta Apparel - Clothing, fashion accessories, shoes, and beauty products.

Talk to supplier representatives about your business. Gather sales materials, product catalogs, and wholesale pricing. Turn trade show connections into dropshipping partnerships.

Leverage Online Marketplaces

Major online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay also present opportunities to find US dropshipping suppliers.

• Search for items you want to sell and look up the brand name to find the manufacturer’s website. Contact them about dropshipping.
• Check seller forums on Amazon and eBay for recommendations of good US suppliers.
• Some power sellers may offer white label dropshipping services, allowing you to list their products.

Marketplace sellers have already demonstrated successful products. Partnering directly with them provides a shortcut to reliable US suppliers.

Conclusion

Finding quality US suppliers is important for running a profitable dropshipping business. Do thorough research and vetting to select reliable wholesale partners that offer in-demand products at competitive prices with excellent order fulfillment.

Leverage online directories, networks, trade shows, and marketplaces in your sourcing process. With the right US suppliers, your ecommerce store will run smoothly.