Dropshipping Agent Pricing: Complete Cost Breakdown
Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
A typical dropshipping order costs $5-15 total: $2-8 for the product, $1-3 for fulfillment, $2-6 for shipping, and $0.50-2 for packaging. No setup fees, no monthly fees, no minimum order with most private agents.
Cost Components Per Order
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Cost | $2 - $8 | Factory price from 1688.com |
| Fulfillment Fee | $1 - $3 | Pick, pack, check, dispatch |
| Shipping to US | $2 - $6 | 5-10 days via YunExpress |
| Packaging | $0.50 - $2 | Free standard box, custom extra |
| Quality Control | $0 - $1 | Basic QC free, photo QC extra |
| Total Per Order | $5.50 - $20 | Depends on product weight & size |
1. Product Cost
The product cost is the factory price on 1688.com. A typical dropshipping product costs $2-8 at the factory. This is 30-50% cheaper than what you'd pay on AliExpress.
Private agents can negotiate 10-20% off the listed 1688 price by buying in bulk on your behalf.
2. Fulfillment Fee
This is the warehouse fee for picking, packing, checking, and dispatching your order. Typical range: $1-3 per order.
Some agents charge per order, others charge a monthly fee that includes fulfillment. FulfilLink charges per order with no monthly fee.
3. Shipping Cost
Shipping is the biggest variable cost. It depends on weight, destination, and speed.
| Shipping Method | To US (per 500g) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| YunExpress Standard | $3.50 | 5-10 days |
| 4PX Registered | $3.20 | 8-14 days |
| ePacket | $2.80 | 15-25 days |
| DHL Express | $12.00 | 3-5 days |
4. Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Storage fees: Most agents give 30 days free storage, then charge $0.50-1 per item per month
- Custom packaging: $0.50-2 extra per order for branded boxes or poly mailers
- Photo QC: $0.50-1 extra per order if you want photos before shipping
- Return handling: $2-5 per returned package
- Currency conversion fees: 1-3% if you pay in USD but the agent charges in RMB
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