How to Find Dropshipping Suppliers on AliExpress

AliExpress is one of the most significant e-commerce marketplaces today. Not only does it sell to end consumers directly, but it also has a growing network of reliable dropshipping suppliers. It offers millions of niche and trending products and sells them at low prices.

If you’ve been hoping to hop on the AliExpress bandwagon and make it big as an entrepreneur, now is a good time. But before you do that, just know that AliExpress is flooded with Chinese manufacturers, agents, and sellers who create and run their stores on the platform. It’s easy to run into both good and bad experiences.

So, how do you find good dropshipping suppliers on AliExpress? Let’s break it down for you.

How to Find Good Dropshipping Suppliers on AliExpress

The basics are simple but often overlooked. Here is a comprehensive checklist for finding good dropshipping suppliers on AliExpress.

1. Use the AliExpress Search and Sort Filters

Use Aliexpress to sort your search results and filters. The search results screen has several filtering and sorting options. Check the best match settings, and you can change them to orders.  

You can also sort Aliexpress dropshipping suppliers by the four-star and up filter. Here you will glimpse the most successful and trending dropshipping products. You can see the number of sales, customer feedback ratings, and decide whether the dropshipping supplier is right for you.  

You can also sort by the best sellers and see how these sellers are categorized. You can also use Spocket's Aliexpress dropshipping integration to save time finding the best Aliexpress dropshipping sellers instead of manually viewing each product listing.

2. Check Product Listings and Seller Performance

If you want to sort through Aliexpress dropshipping sellers, the next best natural thing to do is to check the product listings and analyze seller performances. You can view their positive feedback ratings.   

You should avoid sellers with less than a 95% positive rating. On their profile, you can view detailed information about your sellers and see the items they describe. We recommend checking the seller's activity status, too. If they have been active for more than one year, that is a good sign. 

You also want to see if they have been active in the last year or few months, because the last thing you want is to buy from a well-known but highly inactive seller. This will reduce the likelihood of making mistakes and make sourcing dropshipping products from them much easier. The minimum rating for a seller is usually 4.6 and above.

3. Evaluate Communication and Customer Service

Once you’ve verified that a seller’s ratings and activity level meet your minimum standards, the next critical step is to evaluate their communication and customer service. Clear communication is the backbone of a reliable business partnership. Before committing to a supplier, ask specific questions about their products, shipping policies, and return procedures.

Key Points to Consider:

• Response Time: A prompt reply is a strong indicator of professionalism. A supplier who responds quickly demonstrates reliability and readiness to handle issues.
• Clarity of Information: Evaluate whether the answers provided are detailed and helpful. A supplier who offers clear information about product specifications, lead times, and shipping details is more likely to be trustworthy.
• After-Sales Support: Don’t hesitate to ask about their policies for handling order mistakes or product issues. Knowing that a supplier is willing to resolve problems quickly can help avoid future headaches.
• Multiple Communication Channels: Ideally, the supplier should be open to communicating through various platforms (email, chat, or even WhatsApp). This flexibility often leads to smoother collaboration.

4. Review Shipping Options and Delivery Times

Reliable shipping is crucial in the dropshipping model. Even if you partner with a top-rated supplier, slow or unpredictable shipping can damage your reputation. Understanding shipping methods available and how they align with your business needs. is essential

What to Look For:

• Shipping Methods Offered: Check if the supplier offers multiple shipping options, such as standard shipping, ePacket, or premium shipping services like DHL or FedEx. These options can significantly affect delivery times.
• Estimated Delivery Time: Ensure the supplier’s delivery timeframe meets your customer’s expectations. For instance, if a seller guarantees product dispatch within one day but shipping takes three weeks, you may need to manage customer expectations carefully.
• Tracking Information: Always choose suppliers that offer detailed tracking information. Monitoring an order's journey is invaluable for both you and your customers.
• Shipping Cost: Balance the shipping cost with the delivery method's speed and reliability. Sometimes, a slightly higher shipping fee is justified if your customers receive their orders faster and in better condition.

5. Test Product Samples and Verify Quality

No matter how impressive the product listing or seller rating is, nothing beats first-hand verification. Ordering samples allows you to evaluate product quality and ensure that what’s advertised matches what is delivered.

Steps to Follow:

• Order Multiple Samples: Even if the product looks promising, ordering from a few suppliers can provide a clearer picture of overall quality.
• Inspect Product Details: Look for consistency in product descriptions, images, and actual quality. Check for any signs of damage, poor packaging, or discrepancies.
• Assess Packaging and Branding: Quality packaging enhances the customer experience. If a supplier uses generic packaging or shows signs of carelessness, it might reflect poorly on your brand.
• Test Functionality: Ensure that electronic items or gadgets function correctly. For fashion or accessories, check the material and stitching quality.

6. Use Third-Party Tools and Platforms

In today’s digital landscape, numerous tools are available to streamline finding and managing dropshipping suppliers. Integrating these tools into your workflow can save time and minimize errors.

Popular Tools Include:

• Dropshipping Integrations: Platforms such as Spocket and Alidrop can automatically import product listings, sync inventory levels, and even track order statuses. These integrations reduce manual work and help maintain up-to-date product information.
• Review Aggregators: Tools that compile customer reviews across various platforms help you get a broader perspective on product quality and supplier reliability.
• Price and Inventory Trackers: Automated tools can alert you when a supplier’s product price changes or stock levels drop. This allows you to adjust your listings and avoid potential stockouts.
• Order Automation Software: Software solutions can automate the order placement process. Once a customer makes a purchase on your site, the order details can be automatically forwarded to your supplier, reducing processing times and errors.

7. Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships

While switching suppliers at the first sign of a hiccup might be tempting, developing long-term relationships can provide stability and reliability for your business. Trust and consistency are invaluable, especially in a competitive market like AliExpress dropshipping.

Tips for Nurturing Relationships:

• Regular Communication: Schedule periodic check-ins with your suppliers. This could be via email, phone, or messaging apps. Regular communication helps resolve minor issues before they escalate.
• Feedback and Improvement: Offer constructive feedback based on your experiences. Most reputable suppliers appreciate input that helps them improve and are more likely to accommodate your needs in the future.
• Negotiation for Better Terms: As your business grows, you may have leverage to negotiate better pricing, faster shipping times, or custom packaging options. Don’t hesitate to ask for improvements or discounts.
• Transparency and Trust: Be open about your business’s needs and challenges. A trustworthy supplier will work with you to ensure mutual success. Over time, this partnership can lead to exclusive deals or priority order processing.

8. Monitor and Adapt Your Strategy

Dropshipping is dynamic, with market trends and customer preferences constantly evolving. Therefore, it is essential to review your strategy regularly and make adjustments as needed.

Strategies to Stay Ahead:

• Regular Performance Reviews: Periodically assess your supplier’s performance in terms of product quality, shipping speed, and customer service. Look for trends in customer feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Stay Updated on Market Trends: Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow relevant blogs, and participate in dropshipping forums. This information can help you identify emerging trends and adjust your product offerings accordingly.
• Flexibility to Switch Suppliers: If a supplier’s performance deteriorates or if market conditions change, be prepared to explore new suppliers. Maintaining a diverse pool of suppliers can protect your business from unforeseen disruptions.
• Analyze Customer Feedback: Use surveys, reviews, and direct customer communication to gather insights into customers' experiences. If customers frequently mention shipping times or product quality issues, address these concerns promptly.
• Continuous Learning: Attend webinars, join online courses, and network with other dropshippers to learn new strategies and best practices. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate challenges.

9. Handle Returns and Refunds Effectively

No business is immune to the occasional return or refund request. Handling these situations promptly and professionally in dropshipping is essential to maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

Best Practices for Managing Returns:

• Clear Return Policy: Your return and refund policies should be clearly stated on your website. This transparency helps set customer expectations and minimizes disputes.
• Test the Return Process: Before scaling your operations, test the return process with your chosen supplier. This will help identify any potential issues and ensure that the process is smooth for your customers.
• Direct Communication: If a customer contacts you about a return, contact your supplier immediately. Ensure that the supplier acknowledges the issue and provides a timely solution.
• Documentation: Keep detailed records of all transactions, communications, and return requests. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to escalate a dispute or seek a refund from the supplier.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Sometimes, offering a replacement or a partial refund can be more effective than a full refund. Evaluate each situation carefully and decide on the best action to preserve customer satisfaction.

10. Use Marketing and Customer Engagement Strategies

Even with a reliable supplier and quality products, your success ultimately hinges on your ability to attract and retain customers. Marketing and customer engagement are integral to building a thriving dropshipping business.

Effective Marketing Techniques:

• Content Marketing: Create informative blog posts, videos, and guides that address your customers’ needs and interests. Educational content builds trust and establishes your authority in the niche.
• Social Media Marketing: Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your products. Use high-quality images and engaging videos to capture your audience’s attention.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters with product updates, promotions, and helpful tips. Personalized emails can boost customer loyalty and drive repeat sales.
• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with influencers who resonate with your target audience. Their endorsements can expand your reach and lend credibility to your brand.
• Customer Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and share their experiences. Social proof can be a powerful motivator for potential buyers.

11. Track Performance Metrics and Optimize

Understanding your key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential to managing your dropshipping business effectively. Regularly tracking performance metrics helps you identify what's working and needs improvement.

Essential Metrics to Monitor:

• Order Fulfillment Time: Track the time it takes for an order to be processed and delivered. Shorter fulfillment times generally correlate with higher customer satisfaction.
• Customer Satisfaction: Monitor feedback through surveys, reviews, and direct communications. High satisfaction rates can lead to repeat business and positive referrals.
• Return and Refund Rates: Monitor the frequency and reasons for returns. A high return rate may indicate quality issues or mismatched product expectations.
• Profit Margins: Regularly analyze your margins, considering product costs, shipping fees, and marketing expenses. Ensure that your pricing strategy is sustainable.
• Traffic and Conversion Rates: Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to measure website traffic and conversion rates. Identify which channels drive the most sales and adjust your marketing spend accordingly.

12. Stay Flexible and Ready to Pivot

The dropshipping market is known for its constant change—what works today might not work tomorrow. Therefore, flexibility is key. If you notice a decline in supplier performance or a product no longer trending, be prepared to pivot quickly.

Strategies for Adaptability:

• Diversify Your Supplier Base: Don’t rely on a single supplier for all your products. Having multiple suppliers reduces the risk of disruptions.
• Regularly Update Your Product Catalog: Monitor market trends and continuously refresh your product listings to meet changing consumer demands.
• Experiment with New Niches: Consider exploring complementary niches or new product categories if your niche becomes saturated.
• Adopt New Technologies: Monitor emerging automation tools and marketing platforms. Implementing new technologies can give you a competitive edge and streamline your operations.
• Solicit Customer Feedback: Encourage your customers to share their suggestions and preferences. This feedback can be invaluable in identifying new opportunities and avoiding pitfalls.

Conclusion

Building a good AliExpress dropshipping business means checking suppliers, asking questions, ensuring fast, reliable shipping, ordering samples to see the real product quality, and using simple tools to track orders and update stock. Keep in touch with suppliers and fix problems quickly. Watch your order data and customer reviews to learn what to change. Stay honest with your store and work to improve shipping times and product details. This plan helps you run a steady online store that earns more repeat sales and keeps customers happy. Try Spocket for faster shipping.