---

Finding reliable suppliers is one of the first, and most important, challenges every dropshipper faces.

And it makes sense: the supplier you choose can mean the difference between a smooth, successful operation and a logistical nightmare.

Poor product quality, shipping delays, and messy return processes might be your supplier’s fault, but your customers will hold you responsible.

Don’t worry, though.

In this article, we’ll guide you through six solid options for finding dependable dropshipping suppliers.

We’ll break down the pros and cons of each so you can make informed decisions, grow your business, and keep exceeding your customers’ expectations.

Start With a Basic Internet Search

If you’re just getting started, the easiest way to find dropshipping suppliers is to use what you already know—Google.

Just type in keywords related to your product, industry, or target market, and let the search begin.

To get more targeted results, use specific terms such as “dropshipper,” “wholesale distributor,” or “supplier” along with your product or niche.

For example, try something like “eco-friendly kitchenware supplier USA” or “wholesale pet toys” like below:

Source: Google

Just make sure to scroll past the ads on the first page. Some of the most reliable and lesser-known vendors often appear on page 2 or beyond.

This method is simple and completely free, which is what makes it so appealing, especially for beginners.

However, you’ll also find that it can be quite time-consuming.

You’ll likely have to sift through many irrelevant or scammy results, as well as outdated or unpolished sites.

That’s why it’s so important to cross-reference and verify every piece of information you come across.

After all, if you don’t thoroughly research your potential suppliers, you’re putting your business at risk.

Poor vendor choices can lead to shipping delays, inventory issues, or quality problems—all of which can quickly damage your reputation and sales.

According to Rachid Wehbi, Founder and CEO of Sell The Trend, an AI-powered dropshipping platform, this happens more often than you might think:

Illustration: Veridion / Quote: DesignRush

So while search engines can be effective when used methodically, don’t rely solely on what you find there.

Take the time to vet every supplier, look for reviews, and consider ordering test products before making any final decisions.

Attend Industry Trade Shows

Trade shows bring together a wide variety of manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and service providers, all showcasing their latest and best products.

For those looking to find quality dropshipping suppliers, they can be incredibly effective.

Jon Warren, Founder of Dropship Breakthru, a high-ticket dropshipping course, agrees:

Illustration: Veridion / Quote: The Dropship Podcast on Spotify

According to Warren, this in-person element builds trust and facilitates smoother collaboration.

You can examine products firsthand, discover lesser-known suppliers, ask detailed questions, and even secure exclusive deals.

However, not everyone sees it this way.

Joe Brusca from Build Assets Online, a platform that helps entrepreneurs build profitable online businesses, offers a different perspective.

He points out that these events can be very time-consuming and costly, particularly for beginners:

Illustration: Veridion / Quote: Build Assets Online

Brusca believes online research is far more efficient, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with vendors without unnecessary costs and the need for travel.

So, who’s right?

Ultimately, it comes down to your goals and resources.

If you’re committed to building a long-term brand or niche store with reliable supply chains and product differentiation, trade shows can be a game-changer.

They offer access to higher-quality products and real relationships—something that’s rarely found through online marketplaces and supplier directories.

If you want to give trade shows a go, websites like 10times.com can help you find upcoming events near you:

Source: 10times

You can filter by industry, product category, and location to find shows that align with your niche and requirements.

If you can afford the time and expense, it’s definitely worth a shot.

Ask For Referrals

If you’d rather skip Google or trade shows, that’s completely understandable.

So, here’s another idea: ask for referrals.

Online communities are full of people who were once in your shoes and, as such, can be goldmines for finding trustworthy dropshipping suppliers.

You’re probably already using platforms like:

• Facebook
• Discord
• Reddit
• X

So, why not leverage these spaces to find your new dropshipping partners?

That’s right—crowdsource your vendor list.

Asking for referrals is a highly underrated (and underused) strategy. Yet it’s very effective.

It’s just as accessible as a Google search, but the information it yields is much more reliable.

Why?

Because the suppliers people recommend are usually pre-vetted, which saves you both time and risk.

The key is to be clear and genuine in your ask: share your situation, explain what kind of products you’re looking for, and why, like in the example below.

Source: Reddit

The more specific and authentic you are, the more helpful the responses will be.

In fact, you’ll likely be surprised by how willing people are to help.

Many go above and beyond, offering business tips in addition to supplier leads.

Sometimes, vendors themselves may even reach out:

Source: Reddit

Of course, results will vary.

Not everyone will be eager to share their “golden” suppliers, especially if they’re working in a highly competitive niche.

And that’s fair.

The unwritten rule in these communities is: never ask for someone’s “Top Secret” supplier.

Respect that boundary, and be appreciative of any help you do receive.

Search Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces like Alibaba, AliExpress, and DHgate are among the most popular ways to find dropshipping suppliers, particularly for new or small-scale eCommerce entrepreneurs.

These platforms offer access to millions of products, thousands of suppliers, and the ability to filter, compare, and connect—all in one place.

Take AliExpress, for example.

With a virtually endless stream of affordable products across nearly every niche, it’s a go-to resource for beginners and budget-conscious sellers.

Source: AliExpress

It also offers a Dropshipping Center, which helps you filter suppliers that are dropshipping-ready.

It’s user-friendly, efficient, and accessible to all experience levels.

That said, these platforms aren’t without downsides.

Some listings may be fake or misleading.

Anyone can upload polished product photos and an enticing description, but that doesn’t mean everyone will meet your (and your customers’) expectations.

In fact, in 2021, it was discovered that harmful chemicals were present in clothing from several fast fashion retailers, including AliExpress.

Source: CBC

That’s why due diligence is non-negotiable when sourcing from online marketplaces.

Yes, they are convenient and cost-effective, but they can also be extremely risky if you’re not careful enough.

So, here are some red flags to watch for when browsing these platforms:

Poor ratings	Suppliers with ratings below 90% on AliExpress or low scores on Taobao may have a track record of poor service or quality issues.
Unclear or inconsistent product descriptions	Vague, copied, or contradictory listings can indicate a lack of professionalism.
Unresponsive customer service	Slow or incomplete replies to inquiries suggest possible communication problems later on.
Incomplete supplier profiles	Missing contact information or a lack of business verification should raise concerns.
Prices that are too good to be true	Extremely low prices often signal low product quality or unreliable fulfillment.
No return or refund policy	A lack of clear policies can create headaches when dealing with customer returns.
Fake or stolen images	Overly generic or duplicated images across multiple listings may indicate that the products aren’t original or accurately represented.

Avoiding suppliers with these warning signs will help you build relationships with reliable partners who add value instead of creating risk.

Overall, online marketplaces are an excellent place to start your dropshipping journey, especially when working with a limited budget.

However, as your business grows, you’ll likely have to level up to more dependable sourcing options, such as dedicated supplier directories.

Check Online Supplier Directories

Another great option is to use curated databases of verified suppliers, such as SaleHoo, Spocket, Doba, and Worldwide Brands.

These directories typically implement screening processes to ensure their listed suppliers are legitimate, giving you a more refined pool of potential partners.

This makes them less risky compared to open online marketplaces.

For example, Spocket partners with over 30,000 suppliers—many based in the US and Europe—to support faster fulfillment and more reliable shipping than platforms like AliExpress:

Source: Spocket

Its extensive catalog includes up to 50,000 products across various categories such as fashion, beauty, and home goods, making it a versatile resource for dropshippers in different niches.

However, these types of platforms are still not a perfect solution.

Some directories aren’t updated as often as you’d hope, which means you might still encounter vendors who fail to meet your expectations.

For instance, this Reddit user had a very negative experience with Spocket:

Source: Reddit

If you want access to the truly high-quality directories, expect to pay—either through a recurring subscription fee or a one-time lifetime payment, depending on the platform.

For beginners working with very limited budgets, this could be a significant hurdle.

Leverage Supplier Intelligence Platforms

No matter how you look at it, reliable data is the foundation of effective supplier sourcing. 

And when it comes to reliable data, nothing outperforms AI-powered supplier intelligence platforms like Veridion.

Veridion scans billions of websites and processes petabytes of data weekly, giving users access to over 120 million companies across 200+ countries and regions.

Source: Veridion

This makes it a useful tool for dropshippers in two key ways:

a) For sourcing suppliers based on specific criteria
b) For verifying existing supplier data

Veridion’s data is sourced from a proprietary blend of verified public sources, structured registries, company websites, sustainability disclosures, and online product catalogs.

It doesn’t get more accurate or complete than that.

With Veridion’s Scout search engine, you can use natural language to tap into that database and find suppliers that match your exact needs.

Source: Veridion

Looking for suppliers that meet ESG standards, hold specific certifications, or offer product customization?

Veridion will find them for you.

Even if you’re just starting out and feel that advanced tools like these might be too much right now, Veridion can still be used to verify suppliers you’ve discovered elsewhere.

Its thorough supplier profiles include all key business details, such as location, digital footprint, financials, and more, so you can uncover potential risks before they impact your business.

Source: Veridion

If a supplier is facing bankruptcy, compliance issues, or certain environmental challenges, you’ll know about it.

When it comes to reliable supplier intelligence, Veridion is your safest bet.

Conclusion

Now it’s time to finally start finding dropshipping suppliers that can take your business to the next level.

Remember: The harder you work to find the right vendor, the better the payoff will be.

So research carefully, cross-check information, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true—your future success depends on it.