{"id":11509,"date":"2022-08-05T11:36:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-05T11:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/?p=11509"},"modified":"2022-12-12T13:00:53","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T13:00:53","slug":"top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Things To Consider Before Getting A Dropshipping Supplier"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re looking to start a <\/span><a title=\"How to start dropshipping with AppScenic \u2013 a guide for beginners [Updated: June 2022]\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/how-to-start-dropshipping-with-appscenic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dropshipping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> business, choosing a supplier is one of the most important decisions you&#8217;ll need to make.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a lot of factors to consider when making this decision, so we&#8217;ve put together a list of the top 5 things you should keep in mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By considering these factors, you&#8217;ll be able to find the perfect supplier for your business and avoid any potential problems down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d0db9581a3f\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d0db9581a3f\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Importance_of_a_supplier\" >Importance of a supplier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Top_5_things_to_consider_before_getting_a_dropshipping_supplier\" >Top 5 things to consider before getting a dropshipping supplier<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#1_Product_quality\" >1. Product quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#2_Shipping_costs\" >2. Shipping costs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#3_Payment_terms\" >3. Payment terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#4_Return_policy\" >4. Return policy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#5_Minimum_order\" >5. Minimum order<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Questions_to_ask_your_supplier_before_finalizing_the_deal\" >Questions to ask your supplier before finalizing the deal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#How_long_have_you_been_in_business\" >How long have you been in business?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Where_are_you_located\" >Where are you located?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#What_is_your_minimum_order_quantity\" >What is your minimum order quantity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#What_is_your_lead_time\" >What is your lead time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Are_you_the_manufacturer_or_a_reseller\" >Are you the manufacturer or a reseller?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#What_kind_of_packaging_do_you_use\" >What kind of packaging do you use?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Do_you_offer_dropshipping\" >Do you offer dropshipping?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Do_you_have_any_references\" >Do you have any references?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#What_happens_if_theres_a_problem_with_an_order\" >What happens if there\u2019s a problem with an order?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#What_are_your_payment_terms\" >What are your payment terms?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/top-5-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-dropshipping-supplier\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_a_supplier\"><\/span><b>Importance of a supplier<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right supplier is critical to the success of your dropshipping business. Not only will they provide you with the products you need to sell, but they can also impact your bottom line by affecting your margins and shipping costs. Additionally, a good supplier will offer great customer service and be able to answer any questions you have about their products.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_5_things_to_consider_before_getting_a_dropshipping_supplier\"><\/span><b>Top 5 things to consider before getting a dropshipping supplier<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the top five things to consider before getting a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/dropshipping-suppliers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dropshipping supplier<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Product_quality\"><\/span><b>1. Product quality<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first and most important thing to consider when choosing a dropshipping supplier is the quality of their products. Not all suppliers are created equal, and some will offer cheaper products that are lower in quality. It\u2019s important to find a balance between price and quality that meets the needs of your customers.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/10-trending-products-to-dropship-in-2022-and-beyond\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top trending products to dropship in 2023<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don&#8217;t want to sacrifice quality for the price, but you also don&#8217;t want to overspend on items that your customers may not be willing to pay for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find the right supplier, take some time to research different options and compare prices. You can also read online reviews from other businesses that have used that supplier in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another great way to gauge quality is to order a sample of the product you\u2019re interested in and test it out yourself. This will give you a good idea of what your customers can expect when they purchase from you.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that product quality can also impact your shipping costs. If you\u2019re <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dropshipping products<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that are large or heavy, you\u2019ll need to factor in the cost of shipping when determining your margins.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11511 size-full\" title=\"What to consider before getting a dropshipping supplier\" src=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog.jpg\" alt=\"What to consider before getting a dropshipping supplier\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Product-quality-Blog-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, products that are lower in quality are more likely to be returned by customers. This can impact your bottom line and cause you to lose money on the sale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, it\u2019s important to find a supplier that offers high-quality products at a fair price. By taking the time to do your research, you can ensure that you\u2019re getting the best possible value for your money.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Shipping_costs\"><\/span><b>2. Shipping costs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of shipping is another important factor to consider when choosing a dropshipping supplier. Many suppliers will charge different rates for shipping, and some may even offer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/dropshipping-and-ecommerce-key-statistics\/#The_primary_reason_for_abandoned_carts_has_to_do_with_unexpected_shipping_fees\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free shipping<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on orders over a certain amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to take the time to compare shipping costs between different suppliers to find the best deal. Additionally, you\u2019ll need to factor in shipping costs when determining your product prices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re selling products that are large or heavy, you may need to increase your prices to cover the cost of shipping. However, if you can find a supplier that offers free shipping, this can help you keep your prices low and compete with other businesses in your market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several factors that can impact the shipping cost. For example, the weight, size, and location of the supplier can all affect the price you pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some suppliers may charge extra for certain features such as expedited shipping or order tracking. Therefore, it\u2019s important to read the fine print and understand all of the fees associated with shipping before choosing a supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By taking the time to compare shipping costs, you can ensure that you\u2019re getting the best possible deal for your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Payment_terms\"><\/span><b>3. Payment terms<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important thing to consider when choosing a dropshipping supplier is their payment terms. Some suppliers may require you to pay upfront for your orders, while others may offer terms such as Net 30 or Net 60.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The payment terms you choose will impact your cash flow and how much money you have available to reinvest in your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re just starting out, you may not have the capital to pay for your inventory upfront. In this case, you\u2019ll need to find a supplier that offers terms such as Net 30 or Net 60. This will allow you to purchase your inventory on credit and pay for it over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, keep in mind that suppliers who offer terms such as Net 30 or Net 60 may require you to pay a higher price for their products. Therefore, you\u2019ll need to weigh the cost of the product against the payment terms to determine if it\u2019s worth it for your business.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some suppliers may offer discounts for businesses that pay for their orders upfront. If you have the capital to pay for your inventory upfront, this can be a great way to save money on your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find the best payment terms for your business, you\u2019ll need to compare different suppliers and offers. By taking the time to do your research, you can ensure that you\u2019re getting the best possible deal for your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Return_policy\"><\/span><b>4. Return policy<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;ll also need to consider the return policy of the supplier before choosing to work with them. Each supplier will have its own return policy, and some may be more lenient than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, some suppliers may only accept returns if the product is defective, while others may accept returns for any reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some suppliers may charge a restocking fee for returns, while others may not. You\u2019ll need to take the time to review the return policy of each supplier before making a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that the return policy of your supplier will impact your own return policy. Therefore, you\u2019ll need to factor in the return policy of your supplier when creating your own return policy for your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/how-to-create-a-great-dropshipping-return-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to create a great dropshipping return policy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some factors that you\u2019ll need to consider when choosing a supplier based on their return policy. For example, if you\u2019re selling products that are prone to damage, you may want to choose a supplier with a lenient return policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, if you\u2019re selling products that are less likely to be damaged, you may be able to choose a supplier with a more strict return policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, if you\u2019re selling products that are time-sensitive, you may want to choose a supplier with a shorter return window. This will prevent customers from returning outdated products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to decide what\u2019s best for your business based on the products you sell and your own return policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Minimum_order\"><\/span><b>5. Minimum order<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another important thing to consider when choosing a dropshipping supplier is their minimum order. Some suppliers may require you to purchase a minimum amount of products, while others may not have any minimum requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The minimum order will impact how much inventory you need to keep on hand, and it can also affect your cash flow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re just starting out, you may not have the capital to meet the minimum requirements of some suppliers. In this case, you\u2019ll need to find a supplier that doesn\u2019t have any minimum requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, keep in mind that suppliers who don\u2019t have minimum requirements may charge a higher price for their products. Therefore, you\u2019ll need to weigh the cost of the product against the minimum order to determine if it\u2019s worth it for your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, some suppliers may offer discounts for businesses that meet their minimum requirements. If you have the capital to meet the minimum requirements of a supplier, this can be a great way to save money on your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you\u2019ll need to be sure that you can sell the products before placing large order with a supplier. Otherwise, you may be stuck with inventory that you can\u2019t sell, which can impact your cash flow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also keep in mind that some suppliers may have different minimums for different products. For example, a supplier may have a minimum order quantity of 100 for one product, but they may have a minimum order quantity of 500 for another product.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to take the time to review the minimum requirements of each supplier before placing an order. This will help you avoid any surprises when you go to place an order with a supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Questions_to_ask_your_supplier_before_finalizing_the_deal\"><\/span><b>Questions to ask your supplier before finalizing the deal<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what to look for in a supplier, you\u2019re ready to start reaching out to potential suppliers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before finalizing a deal with a supplier, there are some important questions that you should ask them. These questions will help you get a better understanding of the supplier and their business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11512\" src=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Questions-to-ask-your-supplier-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, these questions will help you determine if the supplier is a good fit for your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some questions to ask your potential supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_have_you_been_in_business\"><\/span><b>How long have you been in business?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You need to make sure that you\u2019re working with a supplier that has a proven track record. A new supplier may be cheaper, but they\u2019re also more likely to run into problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An experienced supplier will be able to handle any issues that arise, and they\u2019re less likely to make mistakes. Therefore, it\u2019s always best to work with an experienced supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_are_you_located\"><\/span><b>Where are you located?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know where your supplier is located. This information can impact the shipping times of your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re selling to customers in the same country as your supplier, you\u2019ll likely have shorter shipping times. However, if your supplier is located in a different country, it will take longer for orders to arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you may need to pay import taxes on products that are shipped from a different country. Therefore, it\u2019s important to be aware of your supplier\u2019s location before finalizing a deal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_your_minimum_order_quantity\"><\/span><b>What is your minimum order quantity?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we mentioned earlier, some suppliers may have minimum order requirements. You\u2019ll need to make sure that you can meet the minimum requirements of your supplier before finalizing a deal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_your_lead_time\"><\/span><b>What is your lead time?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The lead time is the amount of time it takes for a supplier to fulfill an order. This is an important factor to consider, as it will impact the shipping times of your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need products quickly, you\u2019ll need to find a supplier with a short lead time. However, if you have more time, you can look for a supplier with a longer lead time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_you_the_manufacturer_or_a_reseller\"><\/span><b>Are you the manufacturer or a reseller?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know if your supplier is the manufacturer of the products or if they\u2019re a reseller.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re working with the manufacturer, you can get your orders fulfilled faster. Additionally, you may be able to get a better price on your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if you\u2019re working with a reseller, it may take longer to get your orders fulfilled. Also, resellers typically mark up the price of products, so you may need to pay more for your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_packaging_do_you_use\"><\/span><b>What kind of packaging do you use?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of packaging that a supplier uses can impact the shipping and handling of your orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re selling fragile products, you need to make sure that your supplier uses adequate packaging. Otherwise, your products may arrive damaged, and you&#8217;ll need to issue refunds to customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_offer_dropshipping\"><\/span><b>Do you offer dropshipping?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re new to ecommerce, you may not be familiar with dropshipping. Dropshipping is a fulfillment method where suppliers ship products directly to your customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11513\" src=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works.jpg\" alt=\"How dropshipping works\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/How-dropshipping-works-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dropshipping is a popular fulfillment method for new businesses, as it\u2019s easy to set up and manage. Additionally, you don\u2019t need to carry any inventory, as your supplier will ship products directly to your customers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_have_any_references\"><\/span><b>Do you have any references?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s always a good idea to get references from a potential supplier. A supplier\u2019s references can give you insight into their business and how they treat their clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you can use a supplier\u2019s references to verify their claims. For example, if a supplier claims to have a fast lead time, you can contact their references to see if they received their orders on time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_theres_a_problem_with_an_order\"><\/span><b>What happens if there\u2019s a problem with an order?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know what will happen if there\u2019s a problem with an order. Will the supplier refund your money? Will they send a replacement product?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to get this information in writing before finalizing a deal with a supplier. That way, you know what to expect if something goes wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_your_payment_terms\"><\/span><b>What are your payment terms?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll also need to know the payment terms of your supplier. Some suppliers require that you pay upfront for your orders, while others may allow you to pay after you receive your products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, you\u2019ll need to know when the payment is due. For example, some suppliers may require that you pay within 30 days of receiving your products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/popular-questions-dropshipping-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Most popular questions about dropshipping<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a supplier for your ecommerce business. By asking the right questions, you can find a supplier that\u2019s a good fit for your business. Also, don\u2019t forget to get everything in writing before finalizing a deal with a supplier. That way, you can avoid any surprises down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11514\" src=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/AppScenic-Dropshipping-Platform-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to find the right supplier? <a href=\"https:\/\/retailer.appscenic.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Then sign in for an AppScenic Account now<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking to start a dropshipping business, choosing a supplier is one of the most important decisions you&#8217;ll need to make.\u00a0 There are a lot of factors to consider when making this decision, so we&#8217;ve put together a list of the top 5 things you should keep in mind.\u00a0 By considering these factors, you&#8217;ll [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":11510,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,55,35],"tags":[28,51,34],"class_list":["post-11509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dropshipping","category-faq","category-retailers","tag-dropshipping","tag-retailers","tag-suppliers"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11509"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11509\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11510"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/appscenic.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}