Picking a reliable supplier to stock your business is one of the most important first steps when you’re an ecommerce business owner, particularly if you’re in dropshipping.
AliExpress, a subsidiary of the Chinese ecommerce empire Alibaba that stocks just about any product you can think of at reasonable prices, is perhaps the first platform that comes to mind to suit this need. While it does a good job of providing many suppliers to choose from, some business owners have run into issues with delivery time, quality control, and simply having too many vendors to sort through.
Today, we’ll dive into the best alternatives to Aliexpress so you can be fully informed to make the best choice when sourcing products for your business and its niche.
This list also includes domestic Western suppliers that may be slightly more expensive up front but can have added benefits, such as more effective communication, improved delivery times, and quality control.
Top 22 AliExpress Alternatives for Your Business
1. DHgate
About DHgate:
DHgate is a large Chinese marketplace that has been around since 2004, and it’s one of the most popular alternatives to AliExpress for ecommerce entrepreneurs, from Amazon FBA sellers to dropshippers.
The platform is primarily used as a B2B solution for sellers looking to purchase products in bulk, but it also offers the ability to order items individually for dropshipping. Comprehensive seller reviews help buyers vet suppliers before making purchases.
Best for:
Sourcing goods such as electronics, gadgets, clothing, and accessories in bulk or for dropshipping.
Delivery timeline:
Orders typically take 10-30 days to deliver, with options for standard shipping or ePacket. Faster shipping can be arranged but the availability varies by individual supplier.
Downsides of using DHgate:
Supplier quality can vary significantly, and it can take a lot of time to sort through the extensive list of categories and suppliers.
Does DHgate dropship?:
Yes, DHgate supports dropshipping, allowing individual orders to be shipped directly to customers.
2. Taobao
About Taobao:
Taobao was launched in 2003 by Alibaba as a marketplace for a huge variety of items and is positioned more as a direct-to-consumer platform for purchasing items individually. The platform is generally cheaper than Aliexpress and can offer unique items, especially gadgets and accessories.
However, the platform was made to serve the Chinese market, so shipping internationally is difficult, and dropshipping requires third-party assistance.
Best for:
Finding unique, low-cost gadgets and accessories at a low price.
Delivery timeline:
Domestic shipping to China takes 2-5 days, but international shipping generally takes much longer than other similar Chinese-based platforms, as most Taobao suppliers are used to only serving their domestic market.
Downsides of using Taobao:
Taobao was made to serve the Chinese market, so the website does not translate well to English and many suppliers will be lacking in their English communication skills. For the same reason, international shipping isn’t always straightforward and usually requires assistance from a third party.
Does Taobao dropship?:
While it’s possible to dropship with Taobao, you’ll need to team up with a third-party agent that works with one of their suppliers to set up dropshipping. Not every Taobao supplier is willing to dropship, let alone ship internationally, so it’s not a good choice if you want to dropship.
3. SaleHoo
About SaleHoo:
Founded in 2005, SaleHoo is a subscription-based directory that gives its members access to a curated selection of vetted suppliers, with many set up to cater specifically to dropshippers.
The membership fee for the general directory is set at $67 per year, but if you want a laser-focused list of profitable suppliers for dropshipping, you can access it for $27 per month or $270 per year. SaleHoo also has an educational program for sourcing and launching your own product.
Best for:
Saving time with a vetted list of suppliers, with the option to access those best for finding winning products as a dropshipper.
Delivery timeline:
The delivery varies greatly based on the supplier but typically ranges between 7 and 15 days for international orders.
Downsides of using SaleHoo:
Membership fees might not be worth it to some, and the product range is more limited than larger marketplaces like AliExpress.
Does SaleHoo dropship?:
Yes, SaleHoo provides access to suppliers that cater specifically to dropshippers for paying members.
4. Worldwide Brands
About Worldwide Brands:
One of the longest-standing directories of wholesalers and dropshippers, Worldwide Brands was established in 1999. Access to their vetted database of suppliers is priced at a one-time fee of $299.
Their directory is updated weekly with new certified suppliers, so you’ll never run out of potential sources even if your product line expands or your business pivots. In addition to overseas suppliers, they have domestic options based in the US.
Best for:
Businesses and dropshippers that want high-quality, certified suppliers that they can build long-term partnerships with.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping times vary by supplier, with domestic orders in the US arriving within 7-14 days and international orders taking up to 30 days.
Downsides of using Worldwide Brands:
The upfront payment is quite high, and the website’s interface is old and clunky.
Does Worldwide Brands dropship?:
Worldwide Brands offers dropshipping directly from verified suppliers.
5. Bao66
About Bao66:
Bao66 is one of the newer Chinese-based suppliers, with a focus on fashion, luxury accessories, and apparel.
The website can be a bit hard to navigate and understand, but once you get the hang of it you can access high-quality fashion products at incredible prices. There's the option to order individually and dropship or source wholesale for bulk discounts.
Best for:
Sourcing high-end clothing and accessories, particularly handbags.
Delivery timeline:
Varies by supplier, generally 10-25 days, with no option for expedited overseas shipping.
Downsides of using Bao66:
Product selection is limited mostly to apparel, and it can be harder to vet suppliers; there are many without reviews, so you’ll likely need to order samples first. Additionally, the website is difficult to navigate and understand.
Does Bao66 dropship?:
Yes, Bao66 offers the ability to order products one at a time for dropshipping.
6. Sooxie
About Sooxie:
Another Chinese-based supplier of clothing, shoes, and accessories, Sooxie was founded in 2013.
One of its main offerings is footwear, with generic versions that are quite similar in design and quality to brand names. Registration is free, and you can browse their entire directory even before you create an account.
Best for:
Sourcing generic footwear that you can dropship.
Delivery timeline:
International shipping with Sooxie typically takes 15-25 days, with only a few suppliers offering expedited shipping.
Downsides of using Sooxie:
Primarily serves the Chinese market, so shipping can be quite slow, and product selection is limited primarily to footwear.
Does Sooxie dropship?:
Sooxie supports individual orders that can be used by dropshippers.
7. Geekbuying
About Geekbuying:
Geekbuying is a platform based in Shenzhen, which is the capital for tech hardware production in China, so if you’re looking for the latest in gadgets and technology, you will likely find it first on this site.
The site caters to English speakers in the US, with navigation and graphics in English by default and suppliers who are used to dealing with people who don’t speak Chinese. Their shipping network effectively serves international markets, so most suppliers will offer expedited shipping, making it a good choice if you want to dropship.
Best for:
Finding cutting-edge gadgets to buy in bulk or dropship.
Delivery timeline:
5-7 days for international shipping if expedited, and 15-30 days with standard shipping.
Downsides of using Geekbuying:
Customer service is on the slower end, and product quality can be inconsistent.
Does Geekbuying dropship?:
Geekbuying supports dropshipping and can even integrate directly with platforms like Shopify to streamline the whole process.
8. VVIC
About VVIC:
VVIC is a Guangzhou, China-based marketplace whose primary offering is wholesale fast fashion for women, although it also offers clothing for men in addition to home goods.
The marketplace is known to have suppliers that offer expedited shipping, with the option for deliveries to be sent out within 36 hours.
Best for:
Ordering fast fashion in bulk with expedited shipping options.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping ranges from 7-25 days, with expedited shipping potentially speeding up the process depending on the location and capability of the supplier.
Downsides of using VVIC:
Product quality could be on the lower end, and communication with sellers is sometimes slow. Not every supplier is open to dropshipping, as it’s mostly a marketplace for finding wholesale products in bulk.
Does VVIC dropship?:
While most suppliers deal in bulk wholesaling, you can dropship individual items with VVIC.
9. Gearbest
About Gearbest:
Gearbest is a marketplace based in Shenzhen with a global audience of customers. It’s best known for high-end tech gadgets, including electric bikes, vacuums, and drones.
Buyers can choose from multiple shipment options, including expedited shipping and even local shipping from warehouses based in the US from certain suppliers.
Best for:
High-ticket dropshipping of innovative gadgets.
Delivery timeline:
Standard shipping can take as little as 5-7 days if shipping from a domestic warehouse, and international delivery times will be on the longer end from 15 to up to 30 days.
Downsides of using Gearbest:
Product quality can vary greatly by supplier, and the cost of the products is generally high compared to other marketplaces.
Does Gearbest dropship?:
Yes, you can dropship with Gearbest
10. Go2Shop
About Go2Shop:
Go2Shop is a newer ecommerce platform based in China that has a broad collection of consumer goods, serving international markets including North America and Europe.
The platform has less variety and supplier options than AliExperss, but this also makes it easier and less overwhelming to navigate.
Best for:
Finding affordable, everyday consumer goods to dropship.
Delivery timeline:
Most orders are delivered within 10-20 days, with some suppliers offering expedited shipping.
Downsides of using Go2Shop:
With limited seller feedback, it’s harder to vet suppliers, and effective communication is sometimes an issue. Variety is more limited than in larger marketplaces
Does Go2Shop dropship?:
Yes, it is possible to order items individually to dropship with Go2Shop.
11. Banggood
About Banggood:
Established in 2006, Banggood is a marketplace of over 4 million products in several categories, ranging from electronics to fashion to home goods.
While it can take a good bit of searching to find them, it’s possible to find suppliers with warehouses based domestically in the US for faster shipping times.
Best for:
Sourcing affordable consumer goods with the possibility of sourcing domestically.
Delivery timeline:
The delivery timeline for most orders is 10-30 days, with expedited and domestic shipping available for some products and suppliers.
Downsides of using Banggood:
Product availability and shipping times can vary greatly based on the location of the warehouse, and selection is limited for higher-quality goods.
Does Banggood dropship?:
Banggood supports dropshipping, with the capability to integrate with platforms like Shopify using plugins.
12. Sunrise Wholesale
About Sunrise Wholesale:
Sunrise Wholesale is a US-based supplier that focuses on providing winning products for dropshippers, complete with easy integration with their preferred platforms. Access to their supplier directory is based on a paid membership set at $29.95 per month or $99 per year.
Inventory includes name-brand items and covers over 20 categories, including electronics, fitness equipment, jewelry, and fashion. Talking with suppliers and navigating the site is easy, as the site and its suppliers are based in the US.
Best for:
Dealing exclusively with domestic, US-based suppliers who can ship quickly and answer promptly.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping can be as fast as 2-5 days within the US.
Downsides of using Sunrise Wholesale:
Access to their supplier database, which isn’t updated as regularly as other paid marketplaces, has an ongoing subscription fee. Product selection is more limited compared to Chinese alternatives.
Does Sunrise Wholesale dropship?:
Sunrise Wholesale is a platform made specifically to serve dropshippers, complete with easy integration and fulfillment on eBay, Amazon, Shopify, and other ecommerce platforms.
13. Brybelly
About Brybelly:
Brybelly is another US-based supplier, founded in 2004 in Indiana. It specializes in home goods, including games, toys, and fitness equipment.
Its main focus is to serve dropshippers, and all of its stock is located at a warehouse in Greenfield, Indiana. The platform prides itself on having superior customer service and is reachable by phone and email for any inquiries.
Best for:
Dropshipping products with fast shipping times domestically in the US.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping to the US takes 3-7 days.
Downsides of using Brybelly:
Product selection is not as diverse and prices are higher compared to AliExperess and other Chinese alternatives.
Does Brybelly dropship?:
Yes, Brybelly was made for dropshipping and offers domestic shipping for fast delivery times.
14. LightInTheBox
About LightInTheBox:
Beijing-based LightInTheBox offers an extensive directory of suppliers for many products, with a focus on seasonal items and fashion accessories for prices low enough to upcharge for dropshipping.
Most suppliers offer a wide range of shipping options, including expedited shipping thanks to the platform’s partnerships with international carriers, so you can get products more quickly.
Best for:
Low-cost seasonal and everyday goods with an option for expedited shipping.
Delivery timeline:
Around 7-10 days with expedited shipping, and 15-30 days with standard international shipping.
Downsides of using LightInTheBox:
Expedited shipping can cut into profit margins, while standard shipping can be on the longer end for many products. Harder to source higher-quality items.
Does LightInTheBox dropship?:
Yes, you can dropship using LightInTheBox, and every supplier should be familiar with the whole process and can cater to your specific needs.
15. 91JF
About 91JF:
91JF is a China-based wholesale platform with a focus on stocking women’s clothing and accessories.
Although it offers a good variety and low prices, the website is confusing to navigate and doesn’t translate well to English, so it’s really only good for someone who understands Chinese.
Best for:
Finding women’s fashion items for low prices and people who understand Chinese.
Delivery timeline:
Around 10-30 days for international shipping.
Downsides of using 91JF:
The website is not user-friendly and does not translate well into English.
Does 91JF dropship?:
It is possible to order individual items to dropship with 91JF.
16. SUP Dropshipping
About SUP Dropshipping:
SUP Dropshipping is a platform that focuses on serving dropshippers with automations that make the process easy for sellers. Although it’s based in China, the website is built with an English-speaking audience in mind, so there’s no need to translate. The site is also easy to navigate.
The platform offers a limited free version to use their service. For more product choice, capacity, and easier integrations with multiple storefronts like Shopify, Etsy, eBay, and WooCommerce, premium plans are priced at $19-$29 per month.
Best for:
Seamless integration with an existing dropshipping storefront, complete with automations including product listings and order fulfillment.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping with SUP Dropshipping takes 10-30 days by default, and depending on the supplier there are expedited shipping options.
Downsides of using SUP Dropshipping:
Order delivery can be on the longer end for standard shipping, and accessing full features and capacity requires a paid subscription.
Does SUP Dropshipping dropship?:
SUP Dropshipping was designed specifically for dropshippers and is complete with integrations and automation tools for several ecommerce platforms.
17. GreenDropShip
About GreenDropShip:
Based in the US, GreenDropShip specializes in organic, natural, and eco-friendly products. Its headquarters are in LA, and the company serves the North American market. Access to their directory is for members only, with a rate set at $199 per year.
Shipping is fast by default, and they stock brand-name health and wellness goods in addition to generic supplements that can be white-labeled to suit your brand. The platform also offers a Shopify app and interactions with Amazon, eBay, and WooCommerce.
Best for:
Dropshipping natural and organic health, wellness, and beauty goods.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping to the US typically takes 3-5 days.
Downsides of using GreenDropShip:
High upfront payment and limited to only health and wellness-related products.
Does GreenDropShip dropship?:
Yes, GreenDropShip was made with dropshippers in mind and offers integrations, including a Shopify app.
18. Tomtop
About Tomtop:
Founded in 2004 and based in Shenzhen, China, Tomtop is a budget ecommerce platform that works directly with manufacturers to offer low prices for general consumer goods. The product selection ranges from everyday products for home, health, and entertainment in addition to gadgets and other tech accessories.
The supplier selection is extensive but not quite as overwhelming as AliExpress, and the site is easy to navigate for Engish speakers. Shipping varies by supplier, but just about all sellers gladly accommodate delivery to the US and Europe with expedited options.
Best for:
Budget-friendly everyday goods, gadgets, and apparel.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping typically takes 10-30 days, with the option for expedited shipping from select suppliers.
Downsides of using Tomtop:
Vetting suppliers isn’t as easy, as many lack detailed reviews and there are no guarantees.
Does Tomtop dropship?:
Tomtop supports dropshipping, with some suppliers being more familiar and accommodating than others.
19. 1688
About 1688:
1688 is an AliExpress alternative that is also owned by Alibaba and connected to TaoBao. It’s made to primarily serve the Chinese market for buying goods at low prices and often directly from the manufacturer. This makes it difficult to navigate for non-Chinese speakers, even after translating the text.
The platform is more suited for buying in bulk, and most suppliers are only used to dealing with Chinese customers, which also means payment methods like Alipay are preferred.
Best for:
Buying products in bulk at a discount directly from Chinese suppliers.
Delivery timeline:
Order delivery from 1688 is on the longer end, with most taking 15-30 days internationally.
Downsides of using 1688:
The website is confusing to navigate and is catered towards Chinese speakers, making for a high chance of poor communication with the language barrier.
Does 1688 dropship?:
1688 primarily serves those who want to buy wholesale products in bulk, so it’s not made for dropshipping.
20. Syncee
About Syncee:
Syncee is a newer dropshipping platform that is based in Hungary, so it’s used to serving customers in both Europe and the US since its founding in 2015.
It’s a members-only platform, and although you can start with a free account, your capabilities will be limited. You’ll likely want to use a premium plan, which ranges from $29-$49 per month. Premium plans offer perks such as automated order syncing and contact with private suppliers.
Best for:
Easily integrating with Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and other platforms for automated product listings and order syncing. Faster shipping and high-quality items at good prices for premium members.
Delivery timeline:
Typically ranges from 7-30 days.
Downsides of using Syncee:
Must pay a monthly subscription to access full features, product selection is more limited than on other platforms.
Does Syncee dropship?:
Yes, Syncee is designed as a dropshipping service, complete with integrations and automations with several popular platforms, including Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace.
21. 3E3E
About 3E3E:
3E3E, based in China, is a niche wholesale platform that serves the global market. Its specialty is clothing, with a focus on the latest trends in fashion for all ages in addition to school uniforms and team apparel.
While it could be possible to negotiate dropshipping terms with an individual supplier, most orders require a minimum quantity that far exceeds a dropshipper’s needs.
Best for:
Ordering trending fashion in bulk quantities.
Delivery timeline:
Shipping is international, which takes 10-30 days.
Downsides of using 3E3E:
Not made for those who want small quantities or individual items for dropshipping. The site can be hard to navigate for non-Chinese speakers.
Does 3E3E dropship?:
Most suppliers on 3E3E do not dropship, as they prefer to deal in bulk with high minimum order quantities.
22. Yiwugo
About Yiwugo:
Yiwugo is an online platform based in Yiwu, China, and touts the largest market for wholesale of small commodities and consumer goods. It’s positioned as a B2B marketplace, so it’s not typical for suppliers to work with dropshippers.
The product catalog is vast and spans everything from apparel, jewelry, and accessories to electronics and household items. Most suppliers are used to dealing with international buyers, but you might still need an agent to facilitate deals and help with payment.
Best for:
Buying consumer goods in large quantities and being able to choose from an incredibly diverse selection.
Delivery timeline:
Delivery is on the longer end with Yiwugo, with most international shipments taking 15-30 days.
Downsides of using Yiwugo:
Yiwugo focuses mostly on bulk orders with large minimum order requirements. Some deals will require working with third-party agents to help facilitate international transactions.
Does Yiwugo dropship?:
Yiwugo is not designed for dropshipping, but it’s a great choice if you want to source products at lower prices in bulk.
What are the Best Dropshipping Alternatives to AliExpress?
If you’re a dropshipper looking for reliable suppliers outside of AliExpress, several platforms have the potential to offer faster shipping times and better quality products in a more focused marketplace.
Here’s a list of the suppliers from above that are best suited for dropshipping, with a quick summary of why:
Geekbuying
Offers a direct connection to suppliers in Shenzen, China, for the latest in gadgets and tech. It also has warehouses in the US and Europe and can integrate directly with Shopify.
SaleHoo
Saves the time of sorting through suppliers by providing access to over 8000 verified suppliers for a low annual fee. Also offers helpful educational resources.
Bao66
Great source for fashion goods that are high quality, with the ability to find unique items with minimal competition. Free to create an account and use it.
SUP Dropshipping
Although based in China, the website is made to serve English speakers with an easy-to-use interface. Easy integrations with multiple platforms, including Shopify and Etsy. Requires a monthly membership.
Sunrise Wholesale
US-based, making for much faster shipping times. Complete with a good variety of consumer goods that have winning product potential, plus it has diverse integration capabilities.
GreenDropShip
Excellent source for top-quality health, wellness, and beauty products, including those that are organic and eco-friendly, with the ability to dropship white-labeled goods. Based in the US, and requires a yearly membership of $199.
Brybelly
Domestic to the US and designed specifically for dropshippers, offering a selection of popular home goods including fitness equipment, toys, and games. Quick shipping and great customer service.
Syncee
Paid dropshipping service with powerful and easy integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other ecommerce platforms. Great for dropshippers looking to streamline and automate processes while remaining profitable and efficient.
Find Dropshipping Advice, Education, and Communities on Whop
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FAQs:
What are the best ways to find dropshipping suppliers?
The best way to find dropshipping suppliers is to go on the right platform that offers a directory of them; this can include AliExpress or other alternatives such as Bao66 and Sunrise Wholesale. Using private directories such as SaleHoo and platforms made specifically for dropshippers like Syncee will help you find a qualified and capable supplier more quickly.
How do I view Chinese suppliers in English?
Navigating a Chinese supplier’s website can be difficult, as many of the homepages and navigation menus are in Chinese. Most browsers will offer a translation function–be sure to utilize this option, as shown below. However, some of the more Chinese-focused suppliers will also have images in Chinese that a browser won’t be able to translate automatically.
Can I communicate with Chinese dropshipping suppliers in English?
Just about every supplier is used to dealing with people who communicate only in English, particularly on AliExpress, so you can use English when communicating with dropshipping suppliers. However, there’s always a chance for a language barrier in addition to cultural misunderstandings, so you need to be as concise and respectful as possible.
What are some tips for effectively dealing with Chinese suppliers?
Dealing with Chinese suppliers effectively is slightly different than doing domestic business. Apart from the potential language barrier, you should be ready to negotiate and be as concise and direct as possible in requests. Building rapport over time and developing a relationship with a single supplier will open doors for better deals. It’s also important to be aware of the Chinese New Year, which happens in February and can shut down communication and production for at least one full week.
What’s the difference between Alibaba and AliExpress?
The main difference between the two is that Alibaba is a B2B marketplace designed for bulk purchases that often have a high minimum order quantity, while AliExpress supports B2C, with suppliers that are open to individual orders, making it more conducive to dropshipping.
Can I dropship using Wish.com?
Yes, it’s possible to dropship through Wish.com, but since it’s not made for dropshipping, most customers will know that you are shipping to them from Wish and will likely be upset. It’s better to use alternatives that cater specifically to dropshippers.
How can I get faster shipping for my dropshipping business?
One of the most straightforward ways to get faster shipping as a dropshipper is to work with domestic suppliers or those that have warehouses local to you, so you can get quicker delivery times by default. The alternative is to pay for expedited shipping, which can greatly reduce international shipping times but adds quite a bit to the cost.
