The Supplier Settings in AutoDS allow you to customize how the platform handles listings, pricing, orders, and general preferences for each supplier you work with in your dropshipping business. For example, you can import variations from AliExpress but exclude variations from Amazon, or decide whether orders for a given supplier are handled automatically or manually.
Whether you are new to AutoDS or expanding your supplier list, this guide will help you understand how to add suppliers, configure settings efficiently, and ensure smooth order processing for your store.
Note: Configure supplier settings before uploading products, as these preferences only apply to new uploads. Existing listings can be updated later via bulk edit or during upload by temporarily enabling or disabling specific options.
Benefits of configuring your Supplier Settings
Configuring your supplier settings properly in AutoDS provides several advantages:
Configure unique rules per supplier: Manage listings, pricing, and orders efficiently with customized settings tailored to each supplier.
Ensure automation compatibility: Choose suppliers that support Auto-Order and Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) to streamline your process.
Apply default settings automatically: All future uploads will inherit your configured settings.
Reduce human error and save time: Consistent, rule-based automation minimizes mistakes.
Adapt to each supplier's strengths: Configure settings based on supplier limitations and capabilities.
Work with multiple suppliers: Manage supported suppliers across different regions from one dashboard.
Enable worldwide shipping: Global fulfillment for eligible suppliers expands your market reach.
Prerequisites
Before adding a supplier to AutoDS and configuring settings, make sure you have:
Active AutoDS account: You must have an active AutoDS account.
Familiarity with your setup: Ensure you are familiar with your current supplier configuration.
Note: Set up your supplier settings before uploading products, as any changes made will only apply to new uploads or orders moving forward.
Why choose and configure the supplier first?
Selecting and configuring your suppliers in AutoDS before uploading products is essential for several reasons:
Automation compatibility: Some suppliers don't support order-automation features, such as Auto-Order or Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA). If you want to use these options, prefer adding products from suppliers that support them. This streamlines your process and saves time.
Set configurations up front: Define your Lister, Pricing, Orders, and General settings before you upload. All new products will automatically inherit these configurations. Remember, these settings apply to new listings only.
Shipping considerations (Worldwide): If you enable Worldwide, AutoDS will only check product availability on the supplier's site. Shipping costs are not calculated in this mode. Research conditions and prices by country and set your store policies accordingly. We recommend enabling Worldwide only after you're comfortable with your operations.
How to add a new supplier
To add a supplier to your AutoDS account, follow these steps:
Go to Supplier Settings: Navigate to AutoDS Dashboard → Settings → Supplier settings.
Click + Add Supplier: A list of supported suppliers will appear.
Choose the supplier and region: Use the dropdown to select a supplier and the region in which your store is located.
Apply settings: Choose one of the following:
Use recommended settings: AutoDS will apply default configurations.
Copy from existing supplier: Reuse settings from a supplier you've already configured.
Finalize and adjust settings: Once the supplier is added:
It will appear in your supplier list.
You can edit Lister, pricing, orders, and general settings.
You can also copy Lister settings from another supplier for consistency.
Supplier settings tabs
The Supplier Settings in AutoDS are organized into four tabs that control different aspects of your supplier configuration. Changes on the Settings page apply only to new products and orders.
Tab | Description |
Lister | Set your preferences for how uploads are processed before adding a product. You can control how products are listed from each supplier, including importing and updating listings such as duplicates, variations, and monitoring.
Click here to learn more about Lister Settings and product uploads. |
Pricing | Create pricing rules and strategies tailored to each supplier. Adjust formulas based on supplier costs, fees, and desired profit margins. Enable automatic updates so that price changes at the source are reflected in your listings.
To read more about Pricing Settings in AutoDS, click here. |
Orders | Customize how orders are handled for each supplier: automatic (Auto-Order / FBA) or manual. Choose how to place orders, convert tracking numbers, and update order statuses, depending on the supplier's support.
To read more about Orders Settings in AutoDS, click here. |
General | Set broad preferences related to supplier management and product monitoring, such as default shipping country, maximum shipping days, and minimum product quantity.
Click below to learn more about this topic: |
Tip: You can hover your mouse over each setting to view a brief explanation of its function.
Example: AliExpress as your supplier
AliExpress is one of the most popular suppliers for dropshipping worldwide. Setting up AliExpress correctly in AutoDS ensures that your listings reflect the right shipping expectations, item location, and use templates adapted for Chinese suppliers. This section explains each step to configure AliExpress as your supplier and includes tips to avoid common mistakes.
AliExpress fees
When working with AliExpress as your supplier, you need to account for several fees beyond the product cost. AliExpress has transparent pricing, but you should also factor in:
PayPal fees: Transaction fees when using PayPal for payments on AliExpress orders.
eBay fees: Platform fees if you are selling on eBay with AliExpress products.
About 1% for other costs: Miscellaneous expenses related to AliExpress transactions.
In total, fees for AliExpress orders usually add up to around 14% (this may vary per account). Understanding these AliExpress fees helps you set accurate pricing rules in your AutoDS supplier settings.
Set the maximum shipping time for AliExpress
When configuring AliExpress as your supplier, you need to set the maximum shipping time to avoid unnecessary disputes and keep buyer expectations realistic. We recommend you set the maximum shipping time to 30–35 days (including handling) for AliExpress orders.
To set the maximum shipping time for AliExpress:
Go to: Settings → Supplier Settings → Choose an Aliexpress supplier → General → Maximum shipping days.
Important: Make sure your business policies (shipping, returns, etc.) are correctly set up on your eBay store when working with AliExpress. This is especially important when working with suppliers that ship from China, such as AliExpress, as shipping times and policies differ significantly from those of domestic suppliers.
Suppliers in the AutoDS Marketplace
If you're looking for more flexibility or can't find the product you need through your current suppliers, AutoDS offers two alternative solutions.
The AutoDS Marketplace is a curated catalog of ready-to-sell, high-demand products with competitive prices and fast shipping. This marketplace includes two types of suppliers:
Retail suppliers
These are traditional dropshipping sources like Amazon, AliExpress, and Walmart. When you upload a product from a retail supplier, it will be added to your supplier settings with its original name.
Example: If you upload a product from Amazon US through the AutoDS Marketplace, the supplier "Amazon US" will appear in your supplier settings.
AutoDS suppliers
This category includes AutoDS Private Suppliers and AutoDS Warehouse inventory. When you upload products from AutoDS suppliers, they will appear as "AutoDS Marketplace" in your supplier settings.
Tip: Submit a sourcing request for specific or unique products not available through supported suppliers. With the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you can search for products from trusted providers.
Mentorship Program
Join our AutoDS Mentorship Program and try it out with a 14-day trial.
A mentor will guide you step by step, help you create custom policies, and save valuable time by avoiding common challenges. This program is designed to give you practical knowledge that will take your dropshipping business to the next level.
Click here and check how the AutoDS Mentorship Program works.
Troubleshooting and possible issues
When working with supplier settings on AutoDS, you may encounter certain issues. This section covers the most common problems and their solutions:
Issue | Workaround |
Variations are not importing as expected. | Ensure variation import is enabled under Lister for that supplier. |
Pricing rules didn't update after a re-import. | Open the product to confirm the applied rules; then recheck your Pricing tab. If the issue continues, please contact support. |
Supplier not showing in the dropdown. | Confirm that the supplier is supported for your order method: |
Can't edit settings after adding. | Refresh your dashboard and ensure the supplier has been successfully added. |
Worldwide option not appearing. | This setting is only available for select suppliers (AliExpress, Shein, Wish, Shopify). |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I duplicate General and Lister settings but not Pricing or Orders settings?
Can I duplicate General and Lister settings but not Pricing or Orders settings?
Yes, when you copy settings from an existing supplier, you can duplicate general and Lister settings. However, Pricing and Orders settings need to be configured individually for each supplier to ensure they align with the specific costs, margins, and fulfillment methods for that source.
Will the supplier be added automatically if I skip this step?
Will the supplier be added automatically if I skip this step?
Yes, when you import a product, the supplier will be automatically added to your account. However, this means the supplier will use default settings instead of your customized preferences, which may not align with your business needs for pricing, shipping times, or order handling.
Why do some suppliers appear in settings but aren't available for use?
Why do some suppliers appear in settings but aren't available for use?
Some suppliers may be temporarily unavailable or undergoing maintenance; however, AutoDS keeps them listed in the Supplier Settings, as they may be reactivated in the future. Always verify the current support status before adding products from these suppliers.
If I enable Worldwide for one supplier, does it affect other suppliers?
If I enable Worldwide for one supplier, does it affect other suppliers?
The Worldwide setting is configured individually per supplier. You can enable it for one supplier (like AliExpress) while keeping it disabled for others. This allows you to tailor shipping approaches based on each supplier's capabilities and your business strategy.