Top 5 UK Dropshipping Suppliers
summary
- Avasam is ideal for beginners, offering automated order processing and easy scaling.
- Modalyst excels in e-commerce integration, especially with Wix, and specialises in fashion.
- AliExpress stands out for competitive pricing with a vast selection of products.
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Best Dropshipping Suppliers in the UK 2023: Your Top 5 Guide
Dropshipping is rapidly emerging as one of the most profitable ecommerce models in the UK, offering a streamlined approach to online retail. For those considering this venture, selecting the right supplier is crucial. In this guide, we delve into what makes a top-notch dropshipping supplier and reveal our picks for the top 5 in the UK for 2023.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Dropshipping Suppliers in the UK
| Supplier | Main Features (Out of 5) | Product Variety (Out of 5) | Pricing (Out of 5) | Best Suited For (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spocket | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fast Shipping & EU Connections) |
| AliExpress | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (Wide Range & Competitive Prices) |
| Modalyst | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fashion Focus & Wix Integration) |
| CJDropshipping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ (eBay Sellers & Custom Packaging) |
| Avasam | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Beginners & Scaling Businesses) |
What Is Dropshipping?
At its core, dropshipping is a business model where sellers offer products without maintaining physical inventory. Instead, they partner with dropshipping suppliers who handle storage, packaging, and shipping directly to customers. This model is particularly attractive for small businesses and side hustles, as it minimises risk and overhead.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Dropshipping Suppliers
Our selection of the top dropshipping suppliers is based on:
- Pricing: Affordability and value for money.
- Features and Tools: Useful integrations and functionalities that enhance business operations.
- Product Variety: A wide selection of quality products.
- Shipping and Logistics: Efficiency and speed of delivery, particularly within the UK.
The Top 5 Dropshipping Suppliers in the UK
To make your search for the best dropshipping suppliers easier, we’ve compiled a list of
our top 5 UK dropshipping suppliers in the UK below:
Spocket: Best for EU and Fast Shipping
Spocket is a well-known name among UK dropshippers, recognised for its impressive catalogue, European suppliers, and fast shipping services. A key advantage of Spocket is its broad range of products, offering sellers a wide variety of categories and items to cater to customer demands and trends.
Another standout feature of Spocket is its easy integrations. Not only is Spocket one of the best dropshippers to integrate with Shopify but it also supports integrations with Alibaba, WooCommerce, and eBay.
Additionally, Spocket’s user-friendly interface and transparent fees make the dropshipping process seamless and straightforward.
Pros:
- Free plan option
- Search filtering system
- One-click import tool
- Designed and built for dropshipping
- Fast shipping in the UK
- Reliable EU suppliers
- Branded invoicing feature
Cons:
- Limitations on the free plan
- Limited supplier options
- May pay extra for shipping
pricing
Spocket offers a free plan with no time limit and no credit card required. This plan allows you to import up to 25 products, send an unlimited number of branded emails, and access 24/7 support.
Spocket also offers three paid plans: Starter, Pro, and Enterprise.
- The Starter plan costs £20.83 per month and allows you to import up to 250 products, send an unlimited number of branded emails, and access 24/7 support.
- The Pro plan costs £41.67 per month and allows you to import up to 1,000 products, send an unlimited number of branded emails, and access 24/7 support.
- The Enterprise plan costs £83.33 per month and allows you to import up to 5,000 products, send an unlimited number of branded emails, and access 24/7 support.
AliExpress: Best for Product Variety
AliExpress is an offshoot of the wholesale platform Alibaba. A renowned global retailer and one of the best dropshipping suppliers internationally, AliExpress is the top recommended supplier for sellers looking to offer a wide variety of items.
Known for its competitive pricing, AliExpress is a great option for UK dropshippers seeking to maximise profits and compete with Amazon sellers and can be integrated with ecommerce sites like Shopify. AliExpress also has an official partner tool, DSers, for even greater convenience.
The platform’s easy-to-use interface, varied shipping options, and strong supplier relationships are other key benefits that make AliExpress a solid contender in the UK dropshipping market.
Pros:
- Extensive product selection
- Highly competitive prices
- User-friendly platform
- Multiple shipping options
- Buyer protection and guaranteed refund
- Free plan
Cons:
- Longer shipping times to the UK
- Potential communication barriers with suppliers
- Potential quality issues
Pricing
AliExpress doesn’t have a subscription plan. Instead, it
charges a commission for every sale you make. This rate ranges from 5% to 8% depending on the item’s price.
Modalyst: Best for Fashion and Wix Integration
Modalyst stands out as one of the best UK dropshipping suppliers, particularly for sellers who want to focus on fashion and jewellery offerings. Modalyst’s curated list of high-quality fashion items, coupled with its dependable shipping services, set it apart in the competitive UK dropshipping landscape.
This supplier offers seamless integration with Wix, making it an attractive choice for retailers using this platform. Some other ecommerce platforms Modalyst can work with are Shopify and Alibaba.
Pros:
- Wide selection of fashion products
- Seamless integration with ecommerce platforms
- Customised price rules
- High-quality product curation
- One-click sync between store and Modalyst
- Official partner of AliExpress Dropshipping
Cons:
- Limited product categories outside fashion
- Subscription-based pricing model
Pricing
The number of products you can sell on
Modalyst’s free plan is only 25 items. However, it makes up for it by giving you access to most of its great tools and features. If you do want to expand your product range, you can start with Modalyst Startup at around £28 a month.
CJDropshipping: Best for Custom Packaging
CJDropshipping is another company that deserves a spot in the top 5 UK dropshipping suppliers list. CJDropshipping is a major name in dropshipping, particularly among sellers concentrating on the eBay market, thanks to its UK supplier databases and integration options. CJDropshipping also integrates with platforms like Etsy, TikTok, and WooCommerce.
Perhaps the biggest draw to this platform is its custom packaging solutions — a feature that helps set it apart in the saturated UK market. With this, sellers can build their identity and offer a better shopping experience through customisation and branding options.
Pros:
- Free store with account
- Custom packaging services
- Broad product selection
- 24-hour order fulfilment
- Fast shipping options
- Convenient ecommerce integrations
Cons:
- User interface may be difficult to navigate for new users
- Faster shipping may come with added fees
PRICING
CJdropshipping offers a free plan with no setup fee, monthly fee, no minimum order quantity or storage fees for CJ products. They also offer a variety of paid services, including product sourcing, order fulfilment, branding and customisation, and warehousing. Pricing for these services varies depending on the specific service and the volume of products you are shipping.
Avasam: Best for Beginner Dropshippers
Among the leading five dropshipping suppliers in the UK, Avasam stands out as the best option for beginners.
Avasam not only offers a free plan, ideal for those just starting out, but also offers four tiers of paid plans, which can better cater to growing businesses, allowing them to scale their operations suitably and as needed.
Avasam also offers comprehensive tools and features, including automated end-to-end order processing — making it much easier to fulfil orders and reduce errors. Moreover, Avasam is the only multi-channel dropshipping marketplace in the UK.
Pros:
- Free entry-level plan
- Tiered pricing to accommodate growth
- Fully automated order processing
- Wide range of products and UK-based vendors
- Multi-channel dropshipping
Cons:
- Advanced features only on paid plans
- Limited shipping and payment options
Pricing
While Avasam has strong features, it has a higher price tag than the other dropshipping suppliers. The basic plan is £24 monthly. The highest plan, Avasam Guru, costs you £202 a month. While you can enjoy the free plan, it’s limited to 10 orders per month.
FAQs
final thoughts
Your choice of dropshipping supplier ultimately depends on your business needs, objectives, and target audience. Success in dropshipping hinges primarily on your supplier and partnership. As such, it’s crucial to continually evaluate your supplier’s performance and ensure they align with your business growth and changing goals.
Partnering with one of the top 5 UK dropshipping suppliers in the UK ensures access to a wide range of products, competitive pricing, and reliable shipping — all essentials for thriving in today’s e-commerce landscape.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Selecting the right dropshipping supplier is a vital part of your ecommerce journey, but it's just the beginning. To truly embark on this exciting venture, understanding the ins and outs of starting a dropshipping business is essential. Don't miss our comprehensive guide on "How to Start a Dropshipping Business in the UK". This detailed article will walk you through every step, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build your successful online business. Make your next move with confidence – read our guide now and set the stage for your dropshipping success.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
Top Five UK Dropshipping Suppliers.
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're looking at the Top Five UK Dropshipping Suppliers. If you're considering dropshipping in the UK, here's a quick, valuable tip: Focus on finding a supplier that aligns with your specific needs. For instance, if you're just starting out, Avasam is an excellent choice with its beginner-friendly approach, automated order processes, and tiered pricing. It's not just about finding a supplier; it's about finding the right partner that complements your business strategy and growth plans. This insight can be a game-changer for small business owners looking to venture into the dropshipping market efficiently and effectively. Remember, the right supplier can significantly streamline your operations and set the tone for your business success.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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