Where your products come from shapes your margins, quality, and delivery times. Here's how to find and vet suppliers anywhere in the world.
Your supplier is a silent partner in every order. Choose well and quality and delivery take care of themselves; choose badly and you'll spend your days handling complaints.
Know your sourcing options
- Local wholesalers: faster delivery, easier communication, slightly higher cost.
- Overseas manufacturers: lower unit cost, longer lead times, minimum order quantities.
- Print-on-demand / dropship: no inventory, lower margins, less control.
Always order samples
Never list a product you haven't held. Samples reveal quality, packaging, and shipping issues before your customers do.
Vet before you commit
Check reviews and references, start with a small order, and confirm lead times in writing. A supplier who communicates clearly on a small order will scale with you.
Protect your margin
Factor in shipping, customs, and payment fees, not just unit price. The cheapest supplier isn't cheapest once everything lands.
Got your supply sorted? Open your store and start selling.