Selling to US/EU from a Shopify store? Here’s the short answer: there isn’t a single “best” partner—each model wins in different scenarios. If you need 2–5 day domestic delivery at scale, a US 3PL is unbeatable once inventory is stateside. If you’re building a brand with custom packaging and tight QC, a China-based agent (including ASG) is often the most flexible. If you’re validating many SKUs fast with minimal commitment, a SaaS platform like Zendrop or Spocket gets you moving quickly—accept higher per‑unit cost and lighter branding.
Scenario | Best-fit model | Why |
|---|
Fastest domestic delivery to US customers | US 3PL (e.g., ShipBob) | Nationwide 2‑day coverage once inventory is in-network; standardized SLAs |
Brand-first private label with low-to-mid MOQ | China-based agent (ASG/HyperSKU/Wiio) | Coordinated sourcing, QC, packaging, labeling, and compliance prep |
Rapid testing with minimal setup | SaaS platform (Zendrop/Spocket) | Quick Shopify integration, vetted catalogs, automated fulfillment |
Disclosure: ASG is our product. We’ll keep the comparison neutral and evidence-based.
Side-by-side: ASG vs other dropshipping agents
Below is a compact table across the decision factors Shopify sellers care about most. “Varies” indicates quote- or supplier-dependent outcomes.
Model/vendor | Typical delivery to US/EU | Domestic fulfillment | QC and returns | Total landed cost & pricing | Branding & MOQs | IT & integrations | Compliance/customs |
|---|
ASG (China-based agent) | Cross-border: varies by lane; see sourcing timeline; QC can add 2–5 days | Via partner 3PLs; not a disclosed owned FC network | Pre-shipment inspections and FBA-style prep documented; returns handled case-by-case | Quote-based; unit cost + pick/pack + freight + duties/taxes | Private label and packaging support; MOQs vary by product | Coordinates Shopify/Amazon workflows; no public app/API page | Guides for CE/RoHS/FDA and documentation prep |
Private 1688/Taobao/PDD agents | 8–25+ days common; depends on method | Only if you arrange domestic stocking | QC depends on your agent; variable | Lowest factory pricing possible with hands-on management | High flexibility; MOQs negotiated factory-by-factory | Manual to semi-automated; agent-dependent | Agent-dependent; your responsibility to ensure compliance |
AliExpress direct | ~7–45 days depending on method | No (unless you self-stock later) | Buyer Protection with dispute windows; per‑seller variability | No platform fee; higher per‑unit cost common | No MOQ for most listings; limited deep customization | Shopify integrations via apps; supplier sync varies | Basic declarations; you manage certificates and risk |
SaaS platform (Zendrop/Spocket) | US/EU suppliers can deliver in ~2–7 days; China lines typically longer | Some US/EU supplier inventory; platform-dependent | Platform policies; e.g., Zendrop fault-based refunds within set windows | Tiered SaaS plans + per‑unit pricing; transparent but volatile | Branded invoicing common; deeper packaging varies by supplier/tier | Mature Shopify apps with auto-ordering & tracking sync | Supplier vetting; you still own regulatory compliance |
China agent (HyperSKU/Wiio) | Multiple lines; US often ~5–15 days on certain methods | Some programs to stock inventory; details vary | QC/returns policies vary; documentation uneven | Quote-based; can be competitive at volume | Custom packaging/private label options; MOQs vary | Shopify apps (HyperSKU app) and tracking tools | VAT/tax support content exists; DDP/IOSS specifics vary |
US 3PL + first-mile (e.g., ShipBob) | 2‑day coverage in US once inventory is in-network | Yes, with distributed FCs | Returns APIs and in‑FC handling | Usage-based (receiving, storage, pick/pack, shipping) | You can deploy custom packaging at FCs | Robust APIs and WMS integrations | Clear import/compliance is your upstream task before inbound |
Evidence notes (selected):
US 3PL 2‑day coverage when stocked: see ShipBob’s program overview in the guide on offering 2‑day shipping to US customers, published 2025–2026.
Zendrop refund windows and conditions: see the official refund/replacement policy.
Spocket and integrations: see the Spocket Supplier app listing for inventory/order sync.
HyperSKU shipping ranges and lanes: see HyperSKU’s shipping & delivery support resources.
AliExpress shipping time ranges and Buyer Protection windows: see AliExpress shipping time explainer.
ASG QC and FBA-style prep; compliance guidance and timing: see ASG’s Quality Control, Amazon Prep & FBA Inspection, Product Sourcing Guide, and China Product Sourcing Timeline.
Links appear in the relevant sections below.
Delivery speed & stability (ASG vs other dropshipping agents)
US 3PLs set the benchmark for speed once inventory is domestic: ShipBob claims nationwide 2‑day coverage via its carrier-mix program when inventory is in-network, documented in its 2‑day shipping guide. See the discussion in the guide on offering 2‑day shipping for details and assumptions: ShipBob explains nationwide 2‑day coverage.
SaaS platforms can be fast when a product is sourced from US/EU suppliers. However, for China-sourced items on the same platforms, time-in-transit typically extends beyond a week; precise SLAs vary by supplier and route.
HyperSKU publishes shipping support showing routes like “US 5–15 days” depending on product and method; volatility is normal across seasons and lanes. See the overview in HyperSKU’s shipping and delivery support.
AliExpress is the slowest/most variable by default: AliExpress Standard often lists multi‑week windows, while premium courier methods can be faster at higher cost. For an overview, see AliExpress’s shipping time explainer (2025).
ASG does not publish a single fixed “China→US/EU days” promise. Instead, ASG explains process steps and category differences; pre‑shipment QC can add 2–5 days to ensure quality. For planning, see ASG’s China Product Sourcing Timeline.
Bottom line: If 2–5 day delivery is non‑negotiable, pre‑stock with a US 3PL. If you’re cross‑border, pilot shipments and track median/95th percentile delivery times before scaling ad spend.
Quality control, returns, and brand protection
ASG emphasizes structured pre‑shipment inspections, FBA label/packaging checks, and container loading checks. See ASG’s pages on Quality Control procedures and Amazon Prep & FBA Inspection. These workflows help reduce defect-driven returns and protect your brand experience.
Zendrop runs a fault-based refund/replacement policy with defined windows (e.g., 45 days US, 60 days global, 110 days Brazil for non-delivery). Details in the official policy here: Zendrop refund, replacement, and return policy.
Spocket positions vetted suppliers and encourages clear return terms; capabilities vary by supplier, and some sellers use local return addresses via 3PLs.
HyperSKU/Wiio publish limited QC policy detail publicly; returns handling tends to be case-by-case and must be verified in your agreement.
US 3PLs like ShipBob support RMAs and reverse logistics via APIs and in‑FC handling, but the quality/defect rate is upstream—tied to your sourcing and inspections.
Practical tip: Ask every vendor for a sample inspection report, DOA/defect handling process, and refund/replace timelines. Use AQL-based checks when possible.
Total landed cost and negotiation power
Think in worksheets, not headlines. Your landed cost per order typically includes: product unit cost, pick/pack, packaging, first‑mile consolidation, international freight, duties/taxes, last‑mile postage, potential storage, and a returns allowance.
3PLs (e.g., ShipBob) bill usage-based fees (receiving, storage, pick/pack, shipping). Predictable once SKU size/weight and order velocity are stable.
SaaS platforms (Zendrop/Spocket) add software plans plus per‑unit product/shipping charges. Convenient for testing; per‑unit margin may be thinner.
China-based agents (ASG/HyperSKU/Wiio) and private 1688/Taobao agents are quote‑based. With volume and consolidated freight, unit economics can be strong—especially when you control packaging and QC. ASG’s guide outlines how to approach supplier quotes and document requirements: see the ASG Product Sourcing Guide.
AliExpress minimizes upfront commitments but often carries higher per‑unit prices and slower lanes; disputes sit within Buyer Protection windows.
Recommendation: Build a simple calculator and compare 1, 10, and 100‑unit scenarios. Many teams underestimate duties/taxes and overestimate delivery speed on economy lanes.
Brandability and packaging options
ASG supports private label workflows, packaging/labeling, and FBA‑ready prep as part of sourcing. MOQs vary by product and print method; confirm during RFQs. See ASG’s QC and FBA prep pages for how packaging checks are enforced.
HyperSKU and similar services advertise custom packaging and private label; specific MOQs and lead times depend on the SKU/category.
SaaS platforms often provide branded invoicing and some packaging options through select suppliers or tiers, but deep customization is limited compared to agent‑led private label.
Private 1688/Taobao agents are highly flexible on packaging if you manage vendors directly, but you must orchestrate QC and consistency.
US 3PLs will execute whatever packaging you provide and can kit/insert, but they don’t source the packaging for you by default.
Rule of thumb: For premium, brand‑first stores, settle MOQs and packaging proofs before the first scale purchase order.
IT, automation, and integrations
SaaS platforms lead on out‑of‑the‑box Shopify automation: e.g., the Zendrop Shopify app supports auto‑ordering, inventory/price sync, and tracking updates.
Spocket provides real‑time inventory/price sync and automated order flows for suppliers, documented in its Spocket Supplier app listing.
HyperSKU offers a Shopify app and workflow tools; deeper API/webhook documentation is limited publicly compared to 3PLs.
ASG coordinates Shopify/Amazon workflows and documentation but does not currently publish a Shopify app/API page; integrations are typically achieved via platform conventions and partner tools.
US 3PLs provide mature APIs and WMS integrations, helpful once you’re running domestic fulfillment at volume.
Advice: If you rely on automation for scale, evaluate app reviews, sync frequency, and how backorders/cancellations propagate to Shopify.
Compliance, customs, and platform risk
ASG provides guidance on common US/EU standards (e.g., CE, RoHS, FDA) and the documentation importers should prepare, helping reduce cross‑border risk for regulated categories. See the ASG Product Sourcing Guide.
HyperSKU’s help center covers shipping/VAT topics at a high level; verify specifics like DDP/IOSS with your account rep.
SaaS platforms and private agents generally do not assume regulatory liability—you must ensure labeling, declarations, and testing.
US 3PLs expect compliant goods to arrive; they won’t fix labeling or certification gaps discovered at customs.
Compliance mantra: Decide your importer-of-record strategy early, and collect/validate certificates before booking freight.
How to choose: quick decision rules for Shopify US/EU
If you need 2–5 day delivery to US customers and can pre‑stock, use a US 3PL for fulfillment; pair it with an upstream agent for sourcing and QC if needed.
If you’re building a brand with custom packaging and tighter QC at manageable MOQs, use a China‑based agent (ASG/HyperSKU/Wiio). Run pilot inspections and packaging proofs before scaling.
If you’re testing many SKUs quickly with minimal commitment, start on a SaaS platform (Zendrop/Spocket). Accept higher per‑unit costs and lighter branding.
If your top priority is the absolute lowest unit cost and you can invest time in oversight, work with private 1688/Taobao agents; budget for inspections and longer lead times.
If you require no MOQ and can tolerate slower, variable delivery, AliExpress direct is viable for early exploration.
Think of it this way: speed favors domestic inventory; customization and margin favor agent‑led sourcing; simplicity favors SaaS catalogs.
Pricing and version scope (checked 2026‑01‑31)
Pricing, shipping lanes, and app features change frequently. Treat all numbers and claims as directional and verify on official pages before purchase decisions.
SaaS platforms (Zendrop/Spocket): tiered plans plus per‑unit charges; amounts change—confirm on their pricing/app pages.
3PLs (e.g., ShipBob): usage‑based quotes vary by SKU size/velocity and season.
Agents (ASG/HyperSKU/Wiio/private agents): quote‑based; unit economics depend on category, packaging, QC scope, route, and seasonality.
Volatile fields: pricing, transit times, lane availability, VAT/tax rules, and automation features.
For planning lead times by category and process step, see ASG’s China Product Sourcing Timeline.
FAQs
Which partner gives the fastest delivery to US customers?
A stocked US 3PL is the fastest and most reliable path to 2‑day delivery across the contiguous US when your inventory is in-network, as described in ShipBob’s 2‑day coverage program.
Are SaaS platforms or agents better for branded Shopify stores?
For deeper customization and private label, agent‑led sourcing (ASG/HyperSKU/Wiio) typically offers more flexibility on packaging and QC than SaaS catalogs. SaaS platforms are excellent for quick tests with automation.
How slow is AliExpress, really?
It depends on the shipping method and destination. AliExpress Standard often spans multiple weeks, while paid couriers can be faster; see the overview of typical windows in AliExpress’s shipping time explainer.
What about returns if the item arrives defective?
Policies differ by model. Zendrop outlines fault-based refunds/replacements in set windows (see Zendrop’s policy). With agents, spell out DOA procedures in your service agreement. US 3PLs can process RMAs but don’t set defect policies.
Where does ASG stand out?
ASG demonstrates structured pre‑shipment QC, FBA‑aligned prep, and practical compliance guidance for US/EU standards. See ASG’s pages on Quality Control and Amazon Prep & FBA Inspection. Claims about speed, MOQs, and automation are kept conservative because they vary by product and project.
A final word: choose the model that aligns with your current stage—test quickly, prove demand, then either deepen branding with an agent or speed up delivery via domestic stocking. If you’d like a sourcing/QC plan tailored to your SKUs, reach out for a quote via ASG’s site.
