Some dropshipping suppliers are simple to join while others operate more like traditional wholesale relationships. Use this checklist to prepare your business information before applying.
You may not need every item for every supplier, but having this information organized will make the process easier.
The legal or operating name you use for your ecommerce business.
Use an email address you check regularly.
Use a number where supplier representatives can reach you.
Have the address associated with your business available.
Have the complete URL for the store where you plan to sell.
Know the brand or storefront name customers will see.
Know whether you plan to use your own site, eBay, Walmart, TikTok Shop, or another marketplace.
Be ready to explain what you sell and who your target customer is.
Supplier requirements vary. Direct wholesale suppliers are more likely to request business documentation than simple platform accounts.
Some suppliers may ask for federal business tax information.
Commonly used to document that products are being purchased for resale.
Some locations or suppliers may request a sales-tax or seller permit.
Certain suppliers may request proof that you operate a legitimate business.
The application process is not identical for every supplier. Some are closer to creating an ecommerce account, while others may review your business before approving you.
Generally one of the easier suppliers to begin exploring. Create your account, review the platform, and connect a supported sales channel when ready.
Create an account and then configure your store connection, sourcing, product, and fulfillment settings.
Account setup is generally simpler than a traditional wholesale application, but make sure your selling channel fits the platform.
Be prepared to provide business and retailer information for the wholesale dropship relationship.
Expect a more detailed application that may request business, tax, website, marketplace, or reference information.
Apply to the dropshipping program and review its current channel permissions before listing products.
If a supplier reviews your store, you want it to look like a real ecommerce business rather than an unfinished website.
Clearly explain what your store sells and who it serves.
Make sure menus, categories, and important links work correctly.
Give customers a clear way to contact your business.
Include shipping, returns, privacy, and other important policies.
The store should make sense for the supplier you are approaching.
Click through your website before sending a supplier the URL.
Review the DropshipStarter guide for the supplier so you understand the basic process before opening the application.
Visit the supplier's official program page and make sure its requirements have not changed.
Make sure the supplier allows the website or marketplace where you plan to sell.
Do not assume approval means Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and every other marketplace are automatically allowed.
Have your URLs, business information, and any requested documents ready before opening the application.
If you are a new business, say so.
Do not invent sales numbers, business history, or marketplace experience to make the application look stronger.
Double-check email addresses, phone numbers, website URLs, tax information, and uploaded documents.
Some direct suppliers may ask you to email or contact them rather than completing an instant signup.
Hello,
My name is [Your Name], and I operate [Business / Store Name], an ecommerce store focused on [Your Niche].
I am interested in learning more about becoming an approved dropshipping or wholesale retailer for your products.
Our website is: [Website URL]
We plan to sell through: [Website / Marketplace].
Please let me know the current application requirements, pricing information, and any sales-channel restrictions I should be aware of.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Approval or requests for more information may arrive by email.
Supplier emails sometimes land in junk or promotional folders.
Keep approval messages, agreements, and account information organized.
Keep contact information for your supplier representative.
Review pricing, shipping, returns, marketplace rules, and MAP policies.
Supplier approval is not a reason to immediately import every product.
DropshipStarter focuses on suppliers that offer a way to begin without a required recurring supplier membership fee. If a supplier suddenly requires a fee that does not match the guide you are following, review the supplier's current official terms before paying. Programs can change.
Compare the six supplier options, choose the one that matches your business, and follow its complete step-by-step guide.
Compare the 6 Suppliers →