How to Find Suppliers in the Philippines: A Guide for US Businesses

For many U.S. business owners, the Philippines has become an increasingly attractive destination for both dropshipping and wholesale partnerships. With a shared language, growing digital infrastructure and competitive manufacturing base, this Southeast Asian country is worth serious consideration.

In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to find suppliers in the Philippines, what to watch out for and how to build strong, long-term supplier relationships, even from halfway around the world. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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Why the Philippines?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly highlight why American entrepreneurs are sourcing from the Philippines in the first place. One major advantage is the country’s English fluency, which makes communication much easier compared to other manufacturing hubs. There’s also strong cultural alignment, with U.S. business practices being well understood and commonly followed.

The Philippines offers skilled labor and is known for niche manufacturing, with many wholesalers producing everything from handmade goods to electronics at competitive prices. On top of that, its location near major global shipping routes and growing e-commerce infrastructure make logistics more manageable.

Finding Suppliers in The Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define What Kind of Supplier You Need

The first step is to get clear about what type of supplier you’re after:

• Wholesalers in the Philippines: These suppliers sell goods in bulk at discounted rates. You’ll typically need to meet minimum order quantities (MOQs) and handle your own inventory and fulfillment.
• Dropshipping suppliers Philippines: These companies handle inventory storage and shipping directly to your customer, making them ideal for low-overhead e-commerce stores.
• Manufacturers or private label partners: If you’re looking to produce a unique product, a local factory may be the better fit.

Your business model (e.g., Shopify, Amazon FBA, Etsy or a standalone store) will influence your decision.

Step 2: Use Filipino Supplier Directories and Marketplaces

Once you’ve defined your needs, explore platforms and directories specifically featuring suppliers in the Philippines. Here are some useful options:

• Shoppable.ph: A curated online directory of Philippine-based manufacturers and B2B wholesalers. It’s a great place to find boutique items such as handicrafts, fashion, home goods and food products. ¹
• Alibaba (with filters): While Alibaba is mostly Chinese suppliers, you can filter results by country to find vendors based in the Philippines. Always verify the company’s actual location before reaching out. ²
• Dropship.io’s Supplier List: A regularly updated list featuring some of the best dropshipping suppliers in the Philippines, evaluated for reliability, product range and fulfillment capabilities. ³
• Facebook groups and online communities: Explore Facebook groups that often have useful recommendations, reviews and discussions.

Step 3: Vet Your Suppliers Thoroughly

A careful vetting process is important for ensuring you’re working with a reliable, legally registered and responsive partner who can meet your quality and delivery expectations. Be sure to check:

• Business legitimacy: Ask for their Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or Securities and Exchange Commission registration documents.^4,5
• MOQ requirements: Some wholesalers in the Philippines will offer low MOQs ideal for new businesses, while others might require large upfront purchases.
• Samples and lead times: Request product samples and confirm production and shipping timelines before committing.
• Communication responsiveness: How quickly and clearly does the supplier respond to inquiries? Time zone alignment matters, but so does reliability.
• Online reviews and feedback: Search for testimonials or third-party reviews to verify the supplier’s track record.

For dropshipping, ask if they support U.S. shipping, offer branded packaging and integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify.

Step 4: Negotiate and Formalize the Agreement

Start by negotiating minimum order quantities that align with your initial launch plans or trial runs. Then, agree on payment terms. Most Filipino suppliers accept PayPal, Wise or direct bank transfers. It’s best to avoid paying the full amount upfront for large orders until you’ve built some trust.

Next, have a clear discussion about quality control measures. You’ll want to establish how returns, refunds or defective products will be handled in advance to avoid confusion later. Once everything is agreed upon, put it all in writing. Your contract should include pricing, delivery timelines, dispute resolution and any exclusivity arrangements. Even if you’re working with a small or informal supplier, a written agreement helps protect both sides and sets the tone for a professional relationship.

Step 5: Build a Long-Term Supplier Relationship

The best suppliers will be your long-term partners. Stay in regular contact, give clear feedback and be upfront about changes in order volume. Paying on time also builds trust and helps you get priority when it matters. A strong relationship can lead to better prices, faster service and more flexibility as your business grows.

Final Thoughts

Success comes down to setting clear expectations, communicating consistently and thoroughly vetting each supplier. When you take the time to do it right, you don’t just cut costs; you build strong, reliable partnerships that help your business grow steadily over time. With the Philippines offering a mix of affordability, accessibility and product variety, it’s a smart sourcing destination for U.S. entrepreneurs ready to scale.

Success comes down to setting clear expectations, communicating well and vetting suppliers carefully. When done right, you’ll build strong partnerships that support long-term growth along with lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit Suppliers in the Philippines in Person?

Yes. Many U.S. entrepreneurs travel to Manila, Cebu or Davao to meet suppliers. Face-to-face meetings can fast-track trust and negotiations, though it’s not required for smaller e-commerce operations.

Are There Risks When Importing from the Philippines?

As with any overseas supplier, risks include delays, quality inconsistencies or miscommunication. Vet thoroughly, ask for samples and clarify expectations up front.

Do Filipino Suppliers Support Private Labeling?

Some do, especially manufacturers and larger wholesalers. You’ll need to ask directly, and they may require higher MOQs for custom branding.

Is It Cheaper Than Sourcing from China or Vietnam?

It depends. Labor costs are competitive, but selection and infrastructure may be more limited than in China. Cultural compatibility and easier communication often offset these limitations.

Can I Use U.S. Fulfillment Centers for Filipino Products?

Yes. Many U.S.-based sellers import goods via air or sea freight, store them in domestic warehouses, and fulfill orders via platforms such as Amazon FBA, ShipBob or Deliverr.

Save Time and Hassle With Wise Business

Wise is not a bank, but a Money Services Business (MSB) provider and a smart alternative to banks. Wise makes it easy to send, hold, and manage business funds in currencies. You can get major currency account details for a one-off fee to receive overseas payments like a local. Simply add the local account details when billing international customers to receive international payments with no fees.

Account opening is 100% online, with no need to visit a branch or book appointments.

Once you’re set up, you can connect to software such as Wave, FreshBooks, and more. You can also withdraw funds from Stripe without currency conversion fees.

Open a Wise Business account online