🤑 Better Smiles to Billions

Plus White House to Exclude Chinese Ecommerce From Duty-free Imports & Marijuana Platform Leafly Delisted From Nasdaq

👋 It’s Monday, and we’re diving into the incredible story of how HiSmile turned better smiles into billions in the eCommerce space. Plus, we’ll unpack the White House’s decision to exclude Chinese e-commerce from duty-free imports and explore the delisting of marijuana eCommerce platform Leafly from Nasdaq—and so much more...


This issue takes about 6 minutes to read. If you only have one, check this:

This issue brought you by Spocket — get access to millions of dropshipping products. Best part, you can try it out for free!

Spocket for Dropshippers

Unlock access to thousands of US & EU suppliers and elevate your dropshipping business with Spocket! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, Spocket connects you with high-quality suppliers and products to ensure fast shipping and satisfied customers.

💥 Exclusive Offer: Get a 14-day free trial and explore everything Spocket has to offer!
💡 Find unique products, automate your processes, and build a brand your customers will love.

Join thousands of eCommerce entrepreneurs using Spocket to streamline their sourcing, boost profits, and transform their businesses.

Ready to take your dropshipping game to the next level? Start your free trial today!

Ecommerce In Focus 📦

📰 News:

🔗 Resources:

💡 Pro Tips:

HiSmile

Better Smiles to Billions: How Two Teenagers Built HiSmile & Disrupted An Industry.

What if I told you two teenagers with a vision for brighter smiles could transform their small eCommerce startup into a billion-dollar global brand? Meet Nick Movich and Alex Tomic, the co-founders of HiSmile, a company that revolutionized oral care by starting as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) eCommerce business and scaling into an industry leader with in-house R&D and international acclaim.

This isn’t just a story of growth—it’s a roadmap for building an eCommerce empire, navigating challenges, and redefining what’s possible in the online retail space. Let’s explore how Nick and Alex used innovation, digital marketing, and customer-centricity to dominate their market.

The Numbers

📅 Founded: 2014
💰 Annual Revenue: Over $500 million projected for 2025
🌟 Celebrity Endorsements: Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Conor McGregor
🏢 Team Size: 110+ employees
🌐 Global Reach: Shipped to over 150 countries through their eCommerce platform
🔬 In-House R&D Facility: Revolutionizing oral care products

Step 1: Leveraging the Power of eCommerce

HiSmile’s success was built on the backbone of eCommerce. Launching with a single product, Nick and Alex utilized Shopify to create a sleek, user-friendly online store that resonated with their audience. They optimized the site to prioritize conversions, incorporating eye-catching visuals, easy navigation, and engaging copy that communicated their product’s unique benefits.

Key Lessons:

  1. DTC Advantage: Selling directly to consumers gave them control over pricing, branding, and customer data.

  2. Build Trust: Detailed product descriptions and compelling customer testimonials boosted conversion rates.

  3. Scalability: By leveraging Shopify’s integrations and tools, they scaled quickly without needing technical expertise.

Step 2: Pioneering Influencer Marketing

HiSmile was an early adopter of influencer marketing, partnering with social media stars (see Connor McGregor’s ads) to amplify their brand. This strategy allowed them to reach millions of potential customers on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

Key Lessons:

  1. Authenticity Wins: They focused on organic partnerships where influencers genuinely loved their products.

  2. Global Reach: By targeting influencers in various countries, they expanded their audience rapidly.

  3. ROI-Driven: Even with a small budget, influencer marketing delivered massive returns by driving direct sales.

Step 3: Optimizing Paid Advertising

Nick and Alex mastered Facebook and Google Ads during a golden era of low CPMs, driving significant traffic to their online store. They used data-driven strategies to refine their ad targeting and messaging, focusing on high-intent audiences.

Key Lessons:

  1. A/B Testing: Experimenting with creatives and headlines helped them identify top-performing ads.

  2. Retargeting Power: They converted hesitant shoppers by re-engaging them with personalized offers.

  3. Customer Data: Leveraging insights from paid campaigns helped refine their overall strategy.

Step 4: Transitioning to Omnichannel Sales

While their eCommerce platform remained their foundation, HiSmile strategically expanded into retail to reach customers offline. This move diversified their revenue streams and protected the business against changes in online advertising, such as iOS 14.

Key Lessons:

  1. Retail Integration: They partnered with major stores like Sephora to increase visibility.

  2. Seamless Branding: Their digital campaigns drove foot traffic to retail partners.

  3. Diversification: Expanding beyond DTC strengthened their market position and reduced risks.

Lessons from HiSmile’s eCommerce Journey

💡 Focus on Customer Experience: A fast, intuitive website and responsive support were key to building loyalty.

📊 Invest in Data: Tracking analytics helped them optimize every aspect of their eCommerce operations.

📈 Adapt Quickly: They pivoted to new marketing channels as costs and algorithms changed.

Utilize Social Proof: Customer reviews and user-generated content established trust and credibility, boosting conversions.

🛍️ Diversify Revenue Streams: Expanding into retail complemented their online sales and reduced dependency on digital marketing.

The Takeaway

HiSmile isn’t just a billion-dollar brand—it’s an eCommerce powerhouse. By leveraging the tools and strategies available in the digital age, Nick and Alex built a thriving DTC business that scaled globally. Their journey shows that with the right mix of innovation, marketing savvy, and customer focus, any entrepreneur can transform a small online store into a category-defining brand. 

Their advice? Start small, stay adaptable, and prioritize your customers. HiSmile’s eCommerce blueprint is proof that the online retail space is still full of untapped potential.

Want to learn more about how to build a game-changing e-commerce business? Check out the full interview on the Foundr Youtube channel here

Recommended Resources

🌐 Free Dropship Community: Join Now

🎙️ Ecommerce Podcast - Dropshipp - Listen Here

💻 Build Your Ecom Store - Shopify: Start Free

🚚 Dropship Suppliers - Spocket: Discover More

🤖 Ai Advertising Tools - Ad Creative - Begin Now

✉️ Ecom Email Provider - GetResponse: Learn More

💰 Sales Funnels - ClickFunnels: Explore Here

Directories

5 Best Dropshipping Supplier Directories for 2025

Finding the right suppliers is critical for running a profitable and reliable dropshipping business. Supplier directories make it easier by connecting you with vetted suppliers, saving time and ensuring you work with dependable partners. Below, we highlight five of the best dropshipping supplier directories, including Ecommic and Spocket, to help you build a thriving eCommerce store.

1. Ecommic 🛒

Why Choose Ecommic?
Ecommic is a versatile supplier directory that offers a well-organized database of 1000’s of suppliers across various niches. Its intuitive platform is designed for both beginner and seasoned dropshippers, making it a go-to choice for sourcing products effectively.

Key Features:

  • Extensive product categories, including fashion, electronics, and home goods.

  • Advanced filters to find suppliers offering fast shipping and competitive pricing.

  • Seamless integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce for streamlined operations.

  • Transparent supplier reviews from the dropshipping community.

Ecommic is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to diversify their product offerings without sacrificing quality or affordability.

2. Spocket 🌎

Why Choose Spocket?
Spocket is renowned for connecting dropshippers with top-quality suppliers based in the US, Europe, and Australia. This directory prioritizes faster shipping and premium products, which can enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Features:

  • A curated database of suppliers offering high-quality, locally sourced products.

  • Integration with Shopify, Wix, and BigCommerce for easy store management.

  • A sample ordering feature to test product quality before listing.

  • Emphasis on unique, branded products to set your store apart.

Spocket’s focus on local suppliers and fast shipping makes it an excellent choice for eCommerce businesses targeting markets in the US, Europe, or Australia.

3. SaleHoo 🔍

Why Choose SaleHoo?
SaleHoo has built a strong reputation for its thorough vetting process, offering a trusted network of over 8,000 suppliers. It’s perfect for dropshippers who prioritize reliability and ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Verified suppliers to ensure product quality and dependability.

  • Comprehensive educational resources for beginner dropshippers.

  • Wholesale supplier options for those exploring hybrid business models.

  • Market research tools to identify profitable products and trends.

SaleHoo’s straightforward platform and wealth of resources make it a popular option for entrepreneurs aiming to simplify supplier management.

4. Worldwide Brands 🌐

Why Choose Worldwide Brands?
Worldwide Brands is one of the largest and most established supplier directories, offering access to millions of products. Its focus on high-quality suppliers ensures your customers receive the best possible experience.

Key Features:

  • Lifetime access with a one-time membership fee.

  • Thoroughly vetted suppliers to reduce the risk of unreliable partnerships.

  • A diverse range of niche products to help you stand out in the market.

  • Detailed product and supplier information for informed decisions.

If you’re serious about building a dropshipping business, Worldwide Brands provides an extensive, long-term solution for supplier sourcing.

5. Modalyst 🛍️

Why Choose Modalyst?
Modalyst connects dropshippers with suppliers offering luxury and high-end products, as well as affordable everyday items. Its unique focus on quality ensures that customers receive exceptional value.

Key Features:

  • A diverse selection of products, including sustainable and eco-friendly options.

  • Integration with Shopify and Wix for effortless product importing and inventory management.

  • Fast shipping options from US-based suppliers.

  • Support for private-label products to help you build a branded store.

Modalyst is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to offer premium products with excellent shipping times.

Tips for Choosing the Best Supplier Directory

When selecting a supplier directory, consider the following factors:

  1. Product Range: Choose a directory that aligns with your niche.

  2. Shipping Speed: Directories with local suppliers (e.g., Spocket) ensure faster delivery.

  3. Pricing: Ensure supplier margins allow for healthy profits.

  4. Reviews: Opt for platforms like Ecommic and SaleHoo that provide supplier ratings and community feedback.

Conclusion

Supplier directories like Ecommic, Spocket, SaleHoo, Worldwide Brands, and Modalyst are powerful tools for sourcing high-quality products and building strong supplier relationships. Whether you’re targeting premium markets, prioritizing fast shipping, or exploring unique niches, these directories provide the resources you need to succeed

Learn how to make AI work for you

AI won’t take your job, but a person using AI might. That’s why 1,000,000+ professionals read The Rundown AI – the free newsletter that keeps you updated on the latest AI news and teaches you how to use it in just 5 minutes a day.

That's it for today, hope you got some value out of it.

Cheers,

The Dropshipp.com team

P.S. If you haven’t already feel free to join our free community to connect & network with other like-minded dropshipping entrepreneurs.