Dropshipping Supplier Cost Calculator
Calculate true costs & compare supplier quotes
Supplier Quote
PayPal ~3%, Wire ~1-2%
Cost Breakdown
Enter supplier quote to see cost breakdown
When To Use This Calculator
Evaluating New Suppliers
Got quotes from 3 Alibaba suppliers? Plug them in and see the true landed cost. The cheapest unit price isn't always the best deal when you factor in shipping and MOQ.
Budget Planning
Know exactly how much capital you need before committing. A 500-unit MOQ at $8 isn't $4000 - it's closer to $5500 after shipping, fees, and duties.
Negotiation Leverage
Show suppliers your calculations. "Supplier B offers $10.20 landed cost. Can you match?" Data-driven negotiation gets better prices.
Scaling Decisions
Should you order 100 or 500 units? The tiered pricing analyzer shows you exactly how much you save per unit and whether the extra investment is worth it.
Pricing Your Products
Can't price correctly without knowing your true cost. This calculator gives you the real number to base your margins on.
AliExpress vs Alibaba
Compare AliExpress per-unit pricing against Alibaba bulk pricing. Sometimes the convenience of no MOQ is worth the higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the typical shipping cost from China?
Varies wildly by method: ePacket $2-5/unit (15-30 days), air freight $4-8/kg (7-15 days), sea freight $0.50-2/unit for bulk (30-45 days). Express (DHL/FedEx) runs $15-40+ per package. Always get specific quotes.
Should I pay suppliers via PayPal or wire transfer?
PayPal offers buyer protection but charges ~3-4%. Wire transfer is cheaper (1-2%) but has no protection. Use PayPal for new suppliers until trust is established. Alibaba Trade Assurance is another safe option.
How do I negotiate lower MOQ?
Offer to pay a higher unit price for lower MOQ. Ask for a "trial order" at 50% MOQ. Mention you're testing before placing larger orders. Many suppliers will flex if they see long-term potential.
What hidden costs do beginners miss?
Sample shipping ($30-50), inspection fees ($100-300), customs duties (0-25% depending on product/country), storage if using 3PL, and currency conversion fees. Budget 15-20% buffer above quoted prices.
Is the cheapest supplier always the best choice?
Rarely. Cheap suppliers often mean poor quality, slow communication, and unreliable shipping. A $1 savings per unit means nothing if 10% of products are defective. Always order samples first.
How much inventory should I order initially?
Start with the minimum MOQ or 2-4 weeks of projected sales, whichever is higher. Don't tie up capital in 6 months of inventory for an unproven product. Scale orders as sales prove demand.
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