E-commerce research
A supplier research checklist before starting a small online store
Compare supplier terms, samples, shipping, and product costs before committing to an online retail idea.
By You, Me & Money · Published November 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Begin with the product and the customer
Describe what you plan to sell, who would buy it, and where orders will be delivered. Those choices affect product requirements and shipping economics. A supplier that is suitable for a local bulk order may be unsuitable for individual international deliveries. Research is a way to test the plan, not proof that a store will generate sales.
Compare the written terms
For each candidate, record minimum order quantity, unit pricing, payment conditions, lead times, shipping regions, and the return or defect process. Ask whether prices include packaging and what happens when stock runs out. Keep dated copies of important information. Do not assume a directory listing replaces a written agreement or makes the supplier responsible for promises you give your own customers.
Order and inspect a sample where practical
A sample can help you examine product quality, packaging, shipping time, and whether the item matches its description. It cannot guarantee that every future shipment will be identical. Check which details matter to your customer, including dimensions, materials, labelling, and instructions. For regulated or safety-sensitive products, obtain appropriate advice about the obligations that apply in the markets you serve.
Calculate costs beyond the purchase price
Include inbound and outbound shipping, payment fees, packaging, storage, damaged items, returns, and any applicable import-related costs. Confirm the relevant rules with qualified sources instead of estimating legal or tax obligations from a product listing. Compare scenarios where delivery costs rise or returns are higher than expected. A large gap between retail price and unit cost is not the same as net profit.
Use a small comparison table
Create columns for supplier, product fit, minimum order, sample result, delivered cost, lead time, return terms, and unanswered questions. Leave unknown values marked as unknown. A candidate with a slightly higher unit price may still be worth considering if its written terms better fit the service you intend to provide. Choose based on the complete requirements, not one headline metric.
Where a directory may help
SaleHoo describes a wholesale and dropshipping supplier directory. It may help organise an initial search, but confirm that it covers the product categories and shipping markets you need before buying access. You still need to evaluate individual suppliers and the full economics of your store. Direct supplier research is an alternative. We have not personally tested the directory or verified individual supplier performance.
Sources & further reading
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