A dropshipping business model means not having to store and ship your products. You save on manufacturing, inventory management, and logistics, but you’ve still got to find the right dropshipping suppliers, ensure product quality, and negotiate prices.
For a small dropshipping business, these can be daunting tasks. If this describes you and your business, you can get an assist from a dropshipping agent. Learn how to find and choose the right dropshipping agent for your business.
What is a dropshipping agent?
A dropshipping agent is an individual—either part of a professional dropshipping agency or employed by a fulfillment warehouse—who helps dropshipping companies find products through supplier sourcing and perform quality checks, and assists with order fulfillment. They might handle everything from shipping methods to personal touches like custom labeling to post-delivery services like customer satisfaction surveys.
Dropshipping agent services act as the liaison between your business and dropshipping suppliers. They understand your business or brand and can move quickly to capitalize on hot trends or newly released products. They often have connections with suppliers and have a deep understanding of where to source different types of dropshipping products, potentially giving you a leg up on the competition.
Dropship agents may specialize in a certain industry, type of dropshipping service, or individual dropshipping company. For example, some agents may be familiar with specific suppliers, such as Aliexpress. Others may specialize in Shopify sourcing, app integrations, and dropshipping business storefronts. Still others may be fluent in a specific language and handle only suppliers who speak that language.
Dropshipping agents vs. dropshipping suppliers
While it may seem like dropshipping agent services and dropshipping suppliers fill similar roles, there are a few key differences.
Dropshipping suppliers source and ship the goods you list on your ecommerce business. The best dropshipping agents, on the other hand, are go-betweens, facilitating interactions between you and your suppliers. If your dropshipping business is the link between your customers and the wholesalers, dropshipping agent services are the link between those wholesalers and you.
While the two roles used to be more distinct, you can now find dropshipping apps that combine the functions of suppliers and agents. These tools give you access to a wide variety of products from different manufacturers, as well as agent benefits such as custom packaging, branding services, and quality control.
The pros and cons of working with a dropshipping agent
Hiring a reliable dropshipping agent for dropshipping services may seem obvious, but there are key factors to consider before making the decision. Here are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of using a dropshipping agent.
Benefits of working with a dropshipping agent
A good dropshipping sourcing agent will know the suppliers in your industry, including:
- Which ones are reliable
- Which have the highest quality products
- Which ones have the best deals
- Where here to go for niche goods
They’ll also have the inside track on sourcing new or trending products, helping you get your hands on them before they become impossible to find.
The products you choose to sell on your digital shop are likely available from multiple suppliers. Working with a dropshipping agent with knowledge of the industry can help you compare costs and score the best deal. They can negotiate with your dropshipping supplier to improve your margins.
This level of experience with the supplier landscape can prove invaluable, especially when you’re starting out or sourcing products from a location you’re not familiar with.
Downsides of working with a dropshipping agent
Most agents work with several clients, some of whom may be your direct competitors. Sourcing from the same dropshipping suppliers and paying similar rates as competitors can make it hard for your business to stand out in a crowded industry.
And of course, dropshipping agents charge a fee—either a recurring membership fee, service fees, or a commission based on sales. These fees can cut into your profits, so consider if the savings they help you score are worth the tradeoff in agent costs.
Best dropshipping agents for ecommerce businesses
Exploring the world of dropshipping agencies may feel intimidating at first. Many of the companies you can use to source products will also offer in-house dropshipping agents to assist your business. Here is a list of some of the top places to look to for agents—both those attached to a company and freelancers:
HyperSKU
HyperSKU is a powerful dropshipping supplier and agent provider that can help you source products and fulfill customer orders. HyperSKU offers integration with Shopify, allowing you to easily pick and display products directly in your digital storefront.
It also offers fast delivery times, personalizations such as thank you cards, customized packaging, product bundling, and after-sales service and support. HyperSKU can also set you up with individual agents to assist your dropshipping business.
DSers
DSers is the dropshipping app for the popular AliExpress Dropshipping Solution. Compatible with Shopify ecommerce, DSers can also connect you with dropship agents that specialize in the AliExpress marketplace, helping you find products that are suited to your brand ethos and aesthetic.
NicheDropshipping
NicheDropshipping is another popular platform that offers dropship agents and integration for Shopify dropshipping businesses. It provides simple product sourcing, product display on your digital storefront, and back-end order fulfillment.
Features include custom branding, support, and automated fulfillment for all your customer orders—and you can work with an agent to ensure everything is to your satisfaction.
Upwork
You can find private dropshipping agents on Upwork. Many of the agents offer expertise in particular regions, allowing you, for example, to connect with reliable dropshipping companies in China or India. Before contracting their services, check your agent’s number of completed jobs and hours worked, and read reviews looking for specific benefits they provided to previous clients.
Fiverr
Many dropshipping agents offer their services on Fiverr. Fiverr allows you to filter results based on experience with certain industries or ecommerce platforms, so you can find agents tailored to your needs. These agents can assist you with product sourcing, order fulfillment, and quality control.
Dropshipping agent FAQ
What is the difference between private and professional dropshipping agents?
Private dropshipping agents are generally freelancers without the backing of a larger agency. You can find them through freelance sites such as Fiverr or Upwork. Private dropshipping agents may be more flexible and quick to answer questions. However, professional dropshipping agents are often part of bigger businesses, such as DSers, giving them the capability to handle larger order volumes while offering the reliability of a trusted brand.
How do I find an agent for dropshipping?
Many of the big dropshipping suppliers are good places to find a dropship agent. In addition to looking for dropshipping companies that offer agent services, you can check freelancer marketplaces.
How much is an agent for dropshipping?
The cost of a dropshipping agent is rarely a fixed price, and varies depending on the scale of your operation, what you’re asking them to do, and whether you use a private or professional agent. Some agents will take a commission on sales, while others will charge a weekly or monthly recurring fee, regardless of volume.
