Dropshipping Shipping: Supplier Selection & Delivery Optimization
In dropshipping, you do not control fulfillment - but you can control which suppliers you work with. Learn to evaluate shipping performance and set winning expectations.
How long does dropshipping take to ship?
US-based dropship suppliers typically deliver in 3-7 business days. Chinese suppliers (AliExpress, etc.) take 7-30 days, though express shipping options (5-10 days) exist for higher cost. Always add 2-3 days to supplier estimates for processing.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Supplier (Standard) | Domestic dropship | $4-8 | 3-7 days | Cheapest |
| US Supplier (Express) | Domestic 2-day | $12-20 | 2-3 days | |
| China ePacket | International economy | $2-5 | 15-30 days | |
| China Express | International fast | $8-15 | 5-10 days |
Domestic dropship
Domestic 2-day
International economy
International fast
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Evaluating Dropship Supplier Shipping
Test before selling: Order samples from potential suppliers to your own address. Time the delivery, check packaging quality, and evaluate the overall experience.
Processing time matters: A supplier offering "5-day shipping" but taking 4 days to process means 9 days total. Ask about average processing time, not just carrier transit.
Tracking quality: Ensure suppliers provide working tracking numbers that update promptly. Fake or delayed tracking causes customer anxiety and support tickets.
Domestic vs International Dropshipping
US-based suppliers cost more per item but offer 3-7 day delivery, easy returns, and familiar tracking. Customer satisfaction is higher. Margins are lower but sustainable.
Chinese suppliers offer rock-bottom product costs but 2-4 week delivery times frustrate customers. Returns are impractical. Only viable for unique products unavailable domestically.
Hybrid approach: Use domestic suppliers for best-sellers and test new products with international suppliers. Move winners to domestic once validated.
Setting Customer Shipping Expectations
Be transparent: If delivery takes 2 weeks, say "Delivery in 10-15 business days" on product pages and at checkout. Underpromise and overdeliver.
Offer shipping tiers: Let customers pay for expedited shipping if available. Some will pay $10-20 extra for faster delivery.
Communicate proactively: Send order confirmation, shipping confirmation with tracking, and delivery confirmation emails. Automated sequences reduce "where's my order" questions.
Pro Tips to Save More
Order Samples First
Never sell a product you have not received yourself. Test the full customer experience.
Use US Suppliers When Possible
Faster shipping = happier customers = fewer refunds = better reviews.
Pad Delivery Estimates
If supplier says 5 days, tell customers 7-10 days. Early arrival delights them.
Automate Tracking Emails
Apps like AfterShip send branded tracking updates automatically.
Have Backup Suppliers
Your primary supplier will stock out. Have alternatives ready for bestsellers.
Monitor Supplier Performance
Track actual delivery times monthly. Drop underperforming suppliers quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Many dropshippers use Chinese suppliers with 15-30 day shipping. Switch to US-based suppliers for 3-7 day delivery, or use Chinese suppliers with express shipping options (5-10 days).
- Yes, with US-based suppliers. Companies like Printful, Spocket, and SaleHoo connect you with domestic suppliers offering 3-7 day delivery. Some offer 2-day express options.
- Most suppliers provide tracking numbers when orders ship. Use apps like AfterShip or Tracktor to monitor all shipments in one place and automatically notify customers.
- Contact the supplier immediately. If chronic, find alternatives. Keep customers informed with honest updates. Consider offering a discount or partial refund for significant delays.
- Free shipping converts better. Build the average shipping cost into your product price. You can also offer free shipping over a threshold to increase order value.
- Set clear return policies upfront. For defective items, ask for photos and issue refunds without requiring returns (cheaper than international return shipping). For preference returns, consider eating the cost for customer retention.
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