Finding the best dropshipping suppliers in the UK can often feel very tiresome.
In this guide, I've done the legwork to bring you the top 15 dropshipping suppliers in the UK, each vetted for their product quality, shipping speed, and customer service. So, if you're ready to streamline your dropshipping UK suppliers list, let's jump right in.
Understanding Dropshipping in the UK
Before I tell you all about the best dropshipping suppliers in the UK, let’s talk briefly about UK dropshipping legalities. That way, you know exactly where you stand when you're doing business, and you never accidentally break the law.
The Landscape of Dropshipping in the UK
First off, in case you were wondering, dropshipping in the UK is 100% legal, and you’re treated just like any other e-commerce store.
And like every other e-commerce store, you do have to make sure you're following all the usual sales and protection laws and paying taxes. It's also important you don't sell hazardous, toxic, age-restricted, or similar products in your dropshipping UK stores.
Legalities and Taxation for UK Dropshippers
Even though dropshipping in the UK is legal, here are a few things you need to know about taxes.
UK dropshippers have to pay income tax. However, in most cases, this is only if you’re earning between £12,500 and £50,000 in the tax year (from April to April). When that happens, you must pay 20% of your income between these amounts as tax.
Aside from that, you also have to respect VAT and customs duty, and as long as you do that, you'll be fine.
Selecting the Right Dropshipping Supplier
Even though the UK is such a good place for dropshipping, it’s important that you’re careful about choosing the right dropshipping supplier for your business to thrive. There are a lot of things you need to pay attention to, but I outlined those that are, in my experience, the most important:
Criteria for Evaluating Suppliers
Some of the most important criteria are:
- Product quality: Always ask about the quality! You are trying to build an amazing business, and you need to ensure your brand is known for quality items.
- Logistics: Before you pick a dropshipping supplier, you want to know their logistics times. How long does it take them to ship goods? How do they handle returns? Can you see inventory in real time? By understanding these things, you know if a supplier can help you scale your business or if they will slow it down.
- Pricing: You should also be sure of pricing. I've seen many suppliers say they are free or very cheap and then hit people with hidden fees after they sign a deal. You don't want that, so you must ensure they are upfront on all the pricing matters.
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Questions to Ask Potential Suppliers
When talking with potential suppliers, asking the right questions is essential. Here is a list of some questions I ask when I'm talking with dropshipping suppliers:
- How do you process returns?
- What is your fastest means of shipping?
- Do you offer free shipping?
- What products do you specialize in?
- How much of it is in stock?
- Can you provide product samples to evaluate quality?
I hope you get the drift.
Looking for the best dropshipping suppliers of 2023? Click here.
Integrating with a Third-Party Fulfillment Service
Another way to streamline all your dropshipping in the UK is through third-party fulfillment services. Third parties help handle order processing, inventory management, and shipping so you can focus on your business.
From helping you optimize your order process to giving you tools for inventory management, they also help you reduce shipping costs, save time, and scale.
From my experience, when you integrate with a fulfillment partner like Globallyfulfill, you improve your dropshipping business and get to focus on what matters most—building a successful online store and serving your customers effectively.
Now, let's talk about the next part of our UK dropshipping guide: the best dropshipping suppliers in the UK.
Top 15 Dropshipping Suppliers in the UK
General Dropshipping Suppliers
1. Avasam
Avasam is a fully automated dropshipping platform that equips you with all the tools necessary to source and sell top-notch products.
Avasam makes sure its UK dropshipping suppliers through a rigorous verification program. This means that every supplier on the platform is approved and well-vetted.
With over 100 suppliers in the UK and international suppliers in the US and Asia, Avasam boasts a diverse range of products—200,000 and counting—across 18 categories. Plus, they keep expanding their supplier base every month!
Avasam keeps you updated with weekly videos, emails, and trends, ensuring you're always in the loop. While having amazing customer support and a reasonable pricing plan.
However, they only ship to the UK at the moment and only accept a registered payment card.
2.Syncee
Syncee is a B2B platform connecting global dropshippers, retailers, and suppliers. It's a one-stop shop for finding reliable suppliers, with a focus on the UK.
Syncee provides a platform for global suppliers, including trusted UK dropshippers, such as The Natural Spa and eOpticians.
They make it easy to communicate directly with suppliers for inquiries. You can filter suppliers by location to find those in the UK and they have APIs to integrate to your store for automated orders.
But you have to pay a minimum of $49 a month to publish over 25 products.
3.Globally Dropshipping
Globally Dropshipping is an amazing way to start dropshipping in the UK.
They have products in a variety of niches from streetwear to jewelry and all products are on their website with suggested prices.
To start with, you just push a button for free consultation and they let you know just how much it will cost for you to dropship any of the items you have your eye on.
One of their best features is they allow you to discuss customization too. Meaning that you can build a brand while dropshipping all from the comfort of your home.
While relatively new, they make up for it in competitive prices, attention to detail and amazing customer service.
4.SaleHoo
SaleHoo from New Zealand, offers a diverse range of dropshipping suppliers, including those from the UK, with over 8,000 suppliers worldwide. You get to browse through UK wholesale suppliers in SaleHoo's directory for a variety of products.
They have vetted suppliers to reduce the risk of scams. A 100% satisfaction guarantee that means you get a refund if you aren’t satisfied. As well as a responsive customer service.
But they are primarily a supplier directory, so a good online search would help you find the same suppliers on your own.
5.AppScenic
AppScenic aims to be your complete dropshipping toolkit, offering features like product syncing, auto-ordering, shipment tracking, and smart payments.
They give access to a multitude of worldwide dropshipping suppliers, including the UK, US, EU, Canada, and Australia. Also, they have instant price syncing to stay on top of any changes. They also help set up auto-orders for a hassle-free experience.
But you have to pay monthly to use their services. Then even with the monthly fee you still pay transaction fees, except on the annual Elite plan.
6.AliExpress
AliExpress, known as a prominent Chinese dropshipping supplier, has gained traction for offering shipping from warehouses in countries like the United Kingdom.
You can find UK suppliers by filtering products by selecting "Ship from the United Kingdom." Then get accurate results by setting your "Ship to" location to the United Kingdom as well
AliExpress offers competitively priced products, so you make more. They have a very diverse product range and offer cashback on all orders.
However, you might have to deal with dishonest suppliers who lie about location. You would also need new product images so no one can reverse-search your products.
7.eSources
eSources stands out as one of the largest wholesale and dropship supplier directories, with a substantial focus on UK wholesalers and over 170,000 dropshipping supplier listings.
They were established in 2005 and have experience and a vast supplier database. They also vet their supplier to prevent the inclusion of middleman dropshipping suppliers.
They have a large directory with over 170,000 listings, making eSources the UK's largest supplier directory.
However, they also have a dated website design. The free plan also limits access, with many products requiring a minimum order quantity (MOQ) when not on a paid subscription.
8.Wholesale Deals
Wholesale Deals, an industry veteran since 2004, is a comprehensive dropship and wholesale directory with over 400,000 suppliers, emphasizing a significant presence of UK dropshipping suppliers.
They have a substantial database with a diverse range of products, covering almost every niche. They also have extensive experience in the industry, making them one of the most seasoned supplier directories.
With over 400,000 suppliers, they offer a good selection of UK dropshipping options. As well as a money-Back guarantee In case of supplier issues.
It’s good to note that they have no integrations so it’s more time-consuming and finding dropshipping suppliers requires attention to detail.
9.The Wholesaler
Established in 1999, The Wholesaler distinguishes itself by prioritizing trustworthiness over sheer quantity in its database of wholesale and dropship suppliers.
They focus on personally vetted suppliers. Their supplier pages provide a clear overview of the target market, delivery countries, minimum order value, and dropshipping acceptance.
But they are more focused on wholesale, potentially limiting the variety of available categories for those seeking UK dropshipping suppliers.
10.TBTrade
Consider exploring TBTrade if you're in search of unique dropshipping products, particularly for various household items, from kitchen to bathroom products.
They focus on providing a wide range of household products at competitive prices. They also offer a dropshipping program for retailers, ensuring a convenient partnership.
They use plain packaging and labels, to hide the dropshipping process from your customers. They also offer order tracking so there is transparency.
Keep in mind they have less than 50 unique products in most categories and products may seem higher priced till you sign up.
Niche Dropshipping Suppliers
11.Clothes2order Review (Print on Demand)
Clothes2order, a UK-based print-on-demand business, offers a dropship API for individuals and businesses looking to resell their high-quality printed products.
They focus on high-quality prints and have amazing customer service. They also have quick shipping with some orders arriving within 24 hours.
Some people however find the product customization process to be complicated.
12.Go Dropship Review (Home products and electronics)
Go Dropship, a supplier with a diverse product range in categories such as home, personal care, toys, phone accessories, and outdoor gadgets, operates under a Chinese company that has moved its inventory to a UK warehouse to improve customer service.
They have no minimum order quantity, so you can be flexible. You also get free access to product pictures and info if you’re signed in. Deliveries take between 2-5 working days in the UK.
Though all their products come from China, so there might be quality concerns.
13.Printify Review (Print on Demand)
Printify stands out as a print-on-demand supplier with over 90 print provider locations, including several in the UK, offering a diverse range of 850+ custom products like phone
They support integration with popular e-commerce platforms. They also have a 24-hour customer service team for when you need help.
Some people do say that prints can sometimes be inconsistent.
14.AW Dropship Review (Giftware)
AW Dropship, a UK supplier established in 1995, specializes in a unique and enjoyable niche—giftware. With products ranging from bath bombs to incense burners and essential oils, they offer a distinct selection.
However, they do have an outdated website and some items may carry their brand name.
15.Power Body Review (Fitness nutrition)
Power Body operates as both a retailer and wholesaler, offering a dropship program with access to over 7,000 nutrition products at wholesale prices.
They let you create a personal brand through branded invoices, packages, and labels/ They also integrate into your store for automated order processing and shipping.
But they have strict requirements. You need to be registered with HMRC to work with them. You also need a professional e-commerce site with at least 100 fitness products.
Conclusion
Choosing a good dropshipping supplier for your online clothing business or dropshipping in the UK cannot be overstated. To build a business that stands the test of time, you must focus on picking a supplier that aligns with your goals and will help you grow and scale.
As long as you don't forget to properly ask questions before you pick a supplier and make sure you always have an alternative, then you'll be fine. Also, If after all of this, you can't figure out where to start, you can just check out Globallyfulfill; they are one of the best people to work with I've seen so far and will help take your business to the next level.
