Introduction
Being a dropshipping business owner, it becomes very difficult to decide whether to work with a local or international dropshipping supplier. This decision is very important because it can either make or break your business. So you always have to be careful while making this decision.
Purpose of Article
If you’re confused between local and international suppliers, don’t worry! We have researched all the pros and cons of both options and included them in this article. By reading this article till the end, you’ll be able to decide whether you should go with a local supplier or an international one.
What Does a Dropshipping-Supplier Do?
It’s a person or company that supplies the products you sell in your online store. They can handle:
✔️ Storage,
✔️ Packaging, and
✔️ Shipping.
This way, you can easily focus on your other important tasks like promoting products and managing orders.
Benefits of Local Dropship Suppliers
Faster Shipping
When you work with a local dropshipping supplier, your products reach your customers very fast. This fast delivery is possible due to the low distance. As a result, your customers become happy and stay longer with you and they are likely to order again.
Better Communication
In the case of local suppliers, you are in the same time zone as your supplier. Your languages are the same too. Due to this, you can easily communicate with your supplier and discuss important issues such as late shipments or returns.
Easier Quality Checks
You can physically visit a local supplier and see the product quality in real-time. When you see the product quality with your eye, you become more satisfied that you are delivering the exact quality that your customers expect.
Drawbacks of Local Suppliers
- Limited Product Variety: Local suppliers may not offer the same variety of products as international ones. This can limit what you sell.
- Higher Costs: Products from local suppliers may cost more because of higher labor and material expenses. This can reduce your profit margins.
Benefits of International Dropshipping-Suppliers
Wide Product Range
International suppliers, especially from countries like China, offer a huge variety of products. This allows you to try different items and see what sells best.
Lower Costs
Products from international suppliers are often cheaper. This helps you offer competitive prices and still make a good profit.
Access to Trending Products
International suppliers often sell the latest trending products. Staying ahead of trends can attract more customers to your store.
Drawbacks of International Suppliers
- Long Shipping Times: Shipping from international suppliers, especially from overseas, takes longer. Customers may not like waiting for weeks to get their orders.
- Communication Barriers: Different time zones and languages can make communication harder. Resolving problems might take more time.
- Quality Risks: You cannot easily check the product quality yourself. Sometimes, what you see in photos is not what your customers receive.
How to Choose the Best Supplier?
To pick the best dropshipping supplier, consider:
- Product Quality: Test sample products before listing them.
- Shipping Time: Ask for estimated delivery times.
- Pricing: Compare supplier costs and ensure you can make a profit.
- Customer Support: Choose a supplier who responds quickly to your queries.
FAQs
Can I work with both local and international dropshipping suppliers?
Yes, you can. Some businesses use local suppliers for fast-moving products and international ones for unique or trending items.
What if my international supplier delays shipping?
Inform your customers about potential delays upfront. You can also look for suppliers with warehouses in your region.
Do I need to pay upfront to a supplier?
Most suppliers charge only when you make a sale. Some may ask for a small fee to access their product catalog.
