If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen someone claiming they made a fortune from their laptop while sitting on a beach. It sounds like magic, doesn't it?
But in today’s booming e-commerce sector, dropshipping in India isn't magic it’s just a really smart logistics business fueled by the massive rise in online shopping.
Here is the simple truth: You set up a store on one of the popular dropshipping sites, a customer buys something from you for ₹1,000, and you pay a supplier ₹600 to ship it directly to them. You keep the ₹400. By utilizing just in time inventory, you never touch the box, you never run to the courier office, and you don't fill your bedroom with stock.
However, the difference between making money and just losing your mind usually comes down to one thing: finding the best dropshipping suppliers. If they mess up, you look bad. I’ve put together the ultimate master list of the suppliers you need to know, along with the honest truth about the legal side and how to actually start.
What is Dropshipping in India
Think of dropshipping as the ultimate hack in the modern e-commerce sector.
You act as a "digital middleman." You set up a website, and when a customer browsing for online shopping buys a product from you for ₹1,000, you turn around and pay a supplier ₹600 to ship that product directly to them.
You keep the ₹400 profit without ever handling the product. It is essentially a just in time inventory model you only buy the product after you have already sold it.
The Supplier Reality Check (Read This Carefully) Here is the catch that most gurus won't tell you: Because you never touch the product, your reputation is 100% in the hands of someone else.
Your supplier decides the product quality, the packaging, and the delivery speed.
You can have the best website in the world, but if your supplier ships a broken item 10 days late, you get the blame, not them. This is why scouring dropshipping sites to find the best dropshipping suppliers isn't just a "step" in the process it is the single factor that will make or break your business.
Is Dropshipping actually legal? Yes, 100%. It’s a standard retail model. However, don't be fooled by "no paperwork" advice. To run this long-term in India, you need to play by the rules.
- The GST Reality: Technically, interstate trade requires GST. While you can start small without it, serious logistics partners (like Shiprocket) and payment gateways (like Razorpay) will eventually ask for your GSTIN.
- The Customs Trap: If you dropship from China (AliExpress) to India, your customer might get slapped with a customs duty fee at their doorstep. This leads to angry customers and rejected deliveries. Advice: Stick to Indian suppliers for Indian customers.
Is Dropshipping profitable? Yes, but it’s not "easy money." The biggest earners in India like the well-known mentor Surjeet Thakur or global players like Andreas Koenig didn't get rich by accident.
They succeeded because they treated it like a real business: focusing on branding, exceptional customer support, and finding reliable partners rather than just looking for the cheapest option.
You don't need to waste weeks searching for them, though. I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Whether you are looking to sell viral gadgets, custom t-shirts, or home decor, there is a partner on this list for every niche.
Here are the best dropshipping suppliers in India that you can use to find and sell winning products right now.
Best suppliers for dropshipping in India
| Supplier | Category | Pricing Model | Automation |
| Qikink | Print-on-Demand (India) | Free (Pay-per-order) | Fully Automated |
| Baapstore | General (India) | Annual Subscription | Fully Automated |
| Dropship India | General (India) | Custom Pricing | Fully Automated |
| Deodap | Viral Gadgets (India) | Free (Pay-per-order) | Semi-Automated |
| Seasonsway | Fashion (India) | Subscription | Semi-Automated |
| Dropshipzone | Home & Kitchen (India) | Deposit-based | Manual |
| Wholesalebox | Women's Fashion (India) | Free | Manual |
| IndiaMART | B2B Directory (India) | Free | Fully Manual |
| ExportersIndia | B2B Directory (India) | Free | Fully Manual |
| Snazzyway | Lingerie (India) | One-time Fee | Fully Automated |
| GlowRoad | Social Reselling (India) | Free | Semi-Automated |
| Shopify Collective | Branded US Goods | Free (With Shopify) | Fully Automated |
| Spocket | Premium US/EU | Monthly Subscription | Fully Automated |
| AliExpress | Global Marketplace | Free | Requires App |
| DSers | AliExpress Tool | Freemium | Fully Automated |
| Zendrop | US/China Branding | Freemium | Fully Automated |
| CJDropshipping | China Fulfillment | Free | Fully Automated |
| Doba | Supplier Manager | Monthly Subscription | Fully Automated |
| SaleHoo | Supplier Directory | Annual Fee | Manual |
| Alibaba | Bulk Manufacturing | Free | Manual |
| AutoDS | Product Research/Auto | Monthly Subscription | Fully Automated |
Which supplier is best for dropshipping in India?
Let’s skip the corporate jargon. Here is exactly what these platforms are like to use in the real world.
1. Qikink
If you have a creative side and want to start a clothing brand without buying hundreds of t-shirts, this is your best bet.
You just upload your cool design to your website. When a customer buys a shirt, Qikink prints it, packs it, and ships it.
They are fantastic because there is zero risk for you, and they integrate perfectly with Shopify. The only catch is that printing one shirt at a time costs more, so your profit margins won't be massive, but it's the safest way to start.
2. Baapstore
Think of Baapstore as the "done-for-you" package for Indian sellers. They know that Indian customers love Cash on Delivery (COD), so they handle that headache for you, along with returns.
They give you a catalog of products and even a website. However, this convenience comes with a price tag literally. You have to pay a subscription fee upfront (often yearly) to even get started, which can be a hurdle if you are on a tight budget.
3. Dropship India
This is a solid option if you are looking for quicker shipping times than international suppliers can offer.
By sourcing from local manufacturers, your customers get their packages in days, not weeks.
Just be a little careful and test their customer service first; reviews can be mixed, so order a sample for yourself to see how they handle things before you go all in.
4. Deodap
You know those viral reels showing cool vegetable choppers or portable blenders? 90% of the time, those products come from Deodap.
They are the kings of cheap, trending gadgets. It’s an amazing place to find products that fly off the virtual shelves.
The downside is that because the products are so cheap, the quality can sometimes be "hit or miss," so be prepared for some customer complaints about plastic quality.
5. Seasonsway
These guys are the veterans of the Indian fashion dropshipping scene. If you want to sell apparel, they have a massive catalog of both branded and unbranded clothes.
They are reliable, but I’ll be honest their technology feels a bit like it’s from 2010. It’s not as slick as the newer apps, so processing orders might feel a bit slower.
6. Dropshipzone (India)
If you aren't interested in selling cheap gadgets and want to sell "big ticket" items like furniture or kitchen appliances.
look here, Selling one ₹10,000 sofa makes you way more profit than selling fifty keychains. Just keep in mind they operate more manually and often ask for a deposit to start, so you need a bit of cash flow.
7. Wholesalebox
This is perfect for the fashionistas. They connect you directly with factories making Kurtis and Sarees, which means you get incredible prices.
The catch is that they are built for wholesalers, not really for dropshippers. You might have to do some negotiating to convince them to ship single pieces to your customers.
8. Snazzyway
This is a hidden gem if you are comfortable selling in the lingerie and intimate wear niche. It’s a high-profit category because people pay well for good innerwear.
Unlike others who bleed you with monthly fees, they charge a one-time "Lifetime Membership."
The only limitation is obvious: you are stuck in one niche. You can't suddenly decide to sell headphones next week.
9. GlowRoad
Backed by Amazon, this app is huge for social selling. It’s designed for people who want to share products on WhatsApp or Facebook with zero investment.
It’s incredibly easy to start, but the logistics can be a bit random, and shipping times vary. It’s great for a side hustle, but maybe not for building a premium brand.
10. IndiaMART
IndiaMART is essentially the "Yellow Pages" for factories. There is no "add to cart" button here. You have to pick up the phone, call a factory owner, and build a relationship.
It is pure manual labor. But if you pull it off, you get the absolute lowest prices in India because you are cutting out every single middleman. This is for the serious entrepreneurs, not the "get rich quick" crowd.
11. ExportersIndia
Similar to IndiaMART, this is a directory where you find manufacturers. It shines if you are looking for Indian handicrafts, leather goods, or textiles to export.
Like IndiaMART, it’s fully manual. You won't find automation here, but you will find unique products that nobody else is selling.
12. Shopify Collective
This is a cool new feature where you can sell products from other successful Shopify brands. You get to sell high-quality, trusted US goods with fast shipping.
The barrier here is that you usually need a US-based Shopify setup to access it, so it’s a bit exclusive.
13. Spocket
If you want to sell to customers in the US or Europe and want them to be happy, use Spocket. Their suppliers are based in the West, so shipping takes 2-5 days, not weeks.
The products are premium, but they are priced in dollars and Euros, so they are expensive. You’ll need a customer base willing to pay a premium price.
14. Zendrop
Zendrop was built by dropshippers who were tired of AliExpress suppliers lying about shipping times. They offer reliable shipping to the US and even let you add custom "Thank You" cards to your packages to build your brand.
You can start for free, but the really cool automation features are locked behind a monthly subscription.
15. CJDropshipping
This is the best "free" way to sell globally. They have warehouses all over the world (China, US, Thailand).
If you see a product on AliExpress, CJ can usually source it for you cheaper and ship it faster. The only problem is their website is cluttered and can be super confusing for beginners.
16. AliExpress
The massive marketplace where everyone starts. It has everything and it is cheap. But and this is important do not use this for shipping to India because customs will block it.
Even for the US, shipping is slow (2-4 weeks). Use AliExpress to test product ideas cheaply, but move to a better supplier once you start getting sales.
17. DSers
AliExpress doesn't automate anything on its own, so you need DSers. This is the tool that connects AliExpress to your store.
It lets you place 100 orders with one click instead of typing addresses manually. It is a must-have tool if you are sticking with the AliExpress model.
18. Doba
Think of Doba as a middleman that manages hundreds of suppliers for you in one dashboard.
It’s super convenient, but you pay for that convenience with membership fees and slightly higher product prices.
19. SaleHoo
This is basically a directory of vetted, safe suppliers. If you are terrified of getting scammed, SaleHoo is your safety net.
They check everyone. However, it doesn't automate anything; you still have to contact suppliers manually.
20. Alibaba
This is the big daddy of B2B.
You go here when you are ready to buy 500 units of a product and put your own logo on it (Private Labeling). It’s not for selling one item at a time.
21. AutoDS
This is for the tech nerds. It’s a robot that scans the internet for "winning products" and adds them to your store.
It automates price and stock monitoring so you can sleep while it works. It’s powerful, but it can get expensive.
How to start dropshipping business in india
Don't overcomplicate this. Here is the 4-step reality of starting:
Pick Your Battleground
Selling in India? Focus on Cash on Delivery (COD). If you don't offer COD, you won't get sales. Use Baapstore or Roposo Clout.
Selling in USA? Focus on Video Ads (TikTok/Reels). Americans buy with credit cards, so you don't need COD. Use Zendrop or CJDropshipping.
The "Zero Rupee" Start
Sign up for a Shopify free trial (usually 3 days, then ₹20/month for 3 months).
Use a free supplier like Qikink (for t-shirts) or CJDropshipping (for gadgets).
Market organically. Post 3 videos a day on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. Do not spend money on ads until you have made your first 5 sales organically.
The Legal Setup
You can start as a sole proprietor.
Get your GSTIN as soon as you see consistent sales. It legitimizes you and keeps the taxman happy.
Dropshipping Business Costs in India
There is a lot of advice online saying you can start with zero money. That isn't entirely true. While you don't need lakhs, you do need a small budget to set things up properly.
Website and Domain Costs (₹1,000 - ₹2,500)
You need a proper online address and a platform to build your store.
- Domain Name: This is your website address (like .com or .in). A professional domain costs between ₹500 to ₹800 per year. Avoid using free subdomains because customers might not trust them.
- Store Platform:
Shopify: This is the easiest tool to use. They usually offer a cheap trial for the first few months, but eventually, the standard plan costs about ₹2,000 per month.
WooCommerce: If you are good with computers, this is a cheaper option, but you still need to pay for website hosting, which is about ₹3,000 per year.
Product Samples (₹1,000 - ₹2,000)
Before you sell anything to a customer, you should buy one item for yourself.
- Why do this? You need to check if the quality is good and how long the shipping takes. If the product is bad, you will know immediately and save yourself from angry customers later.
Marketing and Ads (₹0 - ₹5,000)
You need people to visit your store. You can do this for free or pay for it.
- The Free Way: Post videos on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. This costs you time, but no money.
- The Paid Way: If you want faster results, you can run ads on Facebook or Instagram. You should set aside ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 to test different products to see what sells.
Legal and Emergency Fund (₹1,500+)
- Registration: You can start simply, but eventually, you may need to pay a small fee for GST registration if you hire help.
- The "Buffer" Money: Sometimes orders get returned or lost. You should keep a little cash aside so that one bad order doesn't empty your bank account.
Total Realistic Budget: ₹5,000 - ₹10,000
Can you do it for less? Yes, if you only use free marketing. But having this small budget makes things much safer and easier.
Strategies to Keep Your Business Running
Starting is the easy part. Keeping the business alive after the first month is the hard part. Here are five simple strategies to make sure you don't fail.
Manage Cash on Delivery (COD) Carefully
In India, most people prefer to pay with cash when the item arrives. You have to offer this option.
- The Risk: Sometimes customers order and then refuse to accept the package. This costs you shipping money.
- The Solution: Always confirm the order. When you get a COD order, send the customer a WhatsApp message to confirm they really want it. This simple step drastically reduces returns.
Focus on One Category
Don't try to sell everything. A store that sells dog food, blenders, and t-shirts looks messy and untrustworthy.
- The Solution: Pick a specific niche. Be "The Kitchen Store" or "The Mobile Cover Shop." Customers trust specialized stores more, and it makes it easier for you to find the right audience for your ads.
Use WhatsApp for Customer Support
Indian customers like to talk to a human before they buy online.
- The Solution: Put a WhatsApp button on your store. If you answer their questions quickly, they are much more likely to trust you and buy from you.
Build a Brand, Not Just a Store
Dropshipping is just the way you ship products; it shouldn't be your whole identity.
- The Solution: Once you find a product that sells well, try to improve the experience. Ask your supplier if they can add a "Thank You" note in the box. Small touches make customers remember you and come back.
Use Free Video Content
Paying for ads can get expensive. If you rely only on ads, your profit will be low.
- The Solution: Make videos. If you sell kitchen tools, record videos of someone using them. Organic views from Instagram Reels are the best way to get sales without spending money on ads.
Dropshipping in India is a great opportunity because online shopping is growing fast. The delivery companies are faster now, and people are more comfortable buying from new websites.
But don't expect to get rich overnight. The people who succeed are the ones who treat this like a real job. They test products, they talk to their customers, and they don't give up if their first product doesn't sell.
You now have the list of suppliers, you know exactly how much it costs, and you have a plan. The next step is simply to start. Pick a name, sign up for a trial, and give it a try. Good luck!
FAQs
Is dropshipping legal in India?
Yes, dropshipping is 100% legal in India because it is simply a retail business model where you act as the middleman between a supplier and a customer.
However, like any legitimate business, you must eventually comply with Indian tax regulations; this means that while you can start as a sole proprietor, getting a GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration is highly recommended and often necessary to work with professional courier services and payment gateways.
Is dropshipping in India successful?
Dropshipping is currently very successful in India due to the massive growth in internet users and online shopping, but your success depends entirely on your strategy.
The entrepreneurs who are winning right now are those who adapt to local preferences by offering Cash on Delivery (COD) and using domestic Indian suppliers to ensure delivery happens in 3-5 days, rather than making customers wait weeks for international shipments.
Who is the richest dropshipper in India?
While private financial details are rarely public, Surjeet Thakur is widely regarded as one of the most successful and wealthiest dropshippers in the Indian community.
He is known for generating significant revenue through his international dropshipping stores and has become a prominent mentor, helping other Indians navigate the industry to build scalable e-commerce brands.
Which platform is best for dropshipping in India?
Shopify is hands-down the best platform for dropshipping in India because it offers the easiest setup and the widest range of integrations.
It connects seamlessly with necessary Indian tools like Razorpay for payments, Shiprocket for logistics, and local supplier apps like Qikink, making the technical management of your store much easier than on any other platform.
Who is the richest dropshipper?
People all over the world typically point to Andreas Koenig and Alexander Pecka as the best examples of dropshipping wealth.
They made tens of millions of dollars with their pet niche brand, "Doggykingdom," which shows that the real money in this business comes from using dropshipping as a way to develop a meaningful, long-term brand.
Can I dropship with $0?
Technically, yes, you can start with $0 by using free trials on platforms like Shopify and marketing your products for free with organic content like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.
But in real life, you should have a small budget of between ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 to get a professional domain name and pay for the first product order before the customer's money goes into your bank account.
