What are the characteristics of a good drop shipper?

I have recently started my first drop shipping site and have learned so much in the process. I think one of the MOST important aspects of whether you become successful or not depends on the manufacturer you use. Right now for my site, I am using two different manufacturers and they each have strengths and weaknesses.

I would say it is just as important as product/keyword research to find a manufacturer with all the strengths:

1. Has great communication (e.g. responds to emails quickly and often, speaks english, ideally same time zone but not mandatory)

2. Has great wholesale prices BELOW what competitive retail price for that product is.

3. Has good inventory (nothing more frustrating than constantly having to refund orders because manufacturer is out of product).

4. Has a good/cheap/easy shipping program - this is what killed me, shipping prices can severely eat into your margins.

5. Reliable (good return policy, acceptable shipping times).


For me, here are the two manufacturers:

Manufacturer A:

1. Communication 3/10. Responds once a day, based in Italy so I don't hear back until 2 am.
2. Wholesale price 9/10. $50 competitive hat wholesales for $15.
3. Inventory 2/10. They have tons of products (900+) but at any given time at least a third of them will be out of stock. I usually have to refund every second order and it is impossible to stay on top of.
4. Shipping 1/10. Ludicrous shipping costs are usually twice as much as the hat wholesale price (pretty much cancels out the great wholesale price).
5. Reliability 5/10. I would not feel comfortable with having to return an order.

Total 20/50

Manufacturer B:

1. Communication 9/10. Responds almost immediately whenever I send an email, speaks great english.
2. Wholesale price 2/10. Their wholesale price is well below their own site's retail price, but is about equal to competitor's retail prices.
3. Inventory 7/10. Mediocre product range, but at least always in stock.
4. Shipping 6/10. Flat rate $15 shipping makes things relatively easy, but when you add that to the very low margin wholesale price, it makes it tough.
5. Reliability 8/10. Nuff said.

Total: 32/50


What have I missed? Can anyone share their insight on what makes a good dropshipper? Is there such thing as one who would have all the strengths and none of the weaknesses?