Scaling a dropshipping website often feels like a balancing act. On one hand, you want the speed and reliability of domestic fulfillment; on the other, you need the healthy margins and branding flexibility that help a business stand out in a saturated market.
For years, TopDawg has been a go-to for US-based fulfillment, particularly for those in the pet and home goods niches. But as the ecommerce landscape shifts, many entrepreneurs are asking: Is there a more cost-effective, branding-focused alternative?
Enter EPROLO. Often cited as a powerhouse for those looking to transition from generic selling to true brand ownership, EPROLO has carved out a space as a comprehensive dropshipping supplier that handles the heavy lifting of sourcing, quality control, and global logistics.
In this guide, we're breaking down why EPROLO is a top-tier TopDawg alternative, comparing pricing, branding capabilities, and how to choose the right partner for your store's next stage of growth.

Key Takeaways
- Business Model Difference: TopDawg connects you to US wholesale suppliers, while EPROLO acts as a full-service supply chain solution managing sourcing, warehousing, and fulfillment directly.
- Cost Structure: TopDawg requires monthly subscriptions and order fees, whereas EPROLO offers a "forever free" core model with pay-as-you-sell pricing.
- Branding Capabilities: EPROLO provides deeper brand customization including labels, hangtags, and packaging, moving beyond TopDawg's basic packing slips.
- Geographic Focus: TopDawg excels at US domestic shipping (2-5 days), while EPROLO offers global express shipping (7-15 days) for international market expansion.
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The Landscape: TopDawg vs. EPROLO
To understand why a merchant might switch, we have to look at their core identities.
TopDawg is essentially a gateway to a massive network of US-based wholesale suppliers. It's built for speed within North America and offers deep integration for retailers who want to sell "name brand" style quality without the long wait times associated with overseas shipping. However, this convenience comes with a subscription cost and specific processing fees per order.
EPROLO, by contrast, is a full-service supply chain solution. It doesn't just "connect" you to suppliers; it acts as your sourcing agent, warehouse, and fulfillment center. EPROLO owns the fulfillment process from start to finish. This allows for a level of customization—like branded packaging and private labeling—that is often harder to coordinate through a multi-supplier platform like TopDawg.
1. Pricing: Free-to-Start vs. Subscription Tiers
One of the biggest hurdles for new entrepreneurs is the "subscription fatigue."
- TopDawg Pricing: While TopDawg offers a basic "Start-Up" plan, it is essentially a "look but don't touch" tier with zero integrated orders. To actually run a business, you're looking at a monthly fee for their Business or Scale tiers. There are also order processing fees that eat into your margins.
- EPROLO Pricing: EPROLO is famously "forever free" for its core features. You can import products, sync orders, and manage fulfillment without a monthly membership fee. They monetize through product margins and optional branding services (like a one-time fee for Junior Branding).
The Verdict: For a dropshipping website just finding its legs, EPROLO's lack of a monthly overhead is a massive advantage. You only pay when you sell.
2. Branding: Moving Beyond the Generic
If you want to build a long-term asset, you can't just be "another dropshipper." You need a brand. This is where the choice of dropshipping suppliers becomes critical.
The TopDawg Approach
TopDawg offers "Branded Packing Slips" on its higher-tier plans. This is a professional touch, but it's limited. The product itself and the exterior packaging often remain generic because the goods are coming from various independent wholesalers.
The EPROLO Approach
Because EPROLO manages its own warehouses and fulfillment, they offer much deeper branding options:
- Custom Labels and Hangtags: Put your logo directly on the garment or product.
- Branded Packaging: Custom shipping bags and scotch tape with your logo.
- Gift Cards & Inserts: Add a "thank you" note or a discount code for the next purchase.
For a clothing brand or a niche boutique, these "unboxing" details are the difference between a one-time buyer and a loyal customer.
3. Product Sourcing and Catalog Variety
TopDawg's Strengths
TopDawg boasts over 500,000 products, with a massive emphasis on the Pet Supplies niche. If your store is 100% focused on US-sourced pet food, toys, and accessories, TopDawg's catalog is hard to beat. Their products are vetted for the US market and often come from domestic manufacturers.
EPROLO's Versatility
EPROLO offers a curated catalog of over 100,000 products, with a heavy leaning toward fashion, jewelry, and home decor.
However, EPROLO's "secret weapon" is its Sourcing Request feature. If you find a winning product on AliExpress or another marketplace that isn't in their catalog, you can ask the EPROLO team to source it for you. They will find a reliable manufacturer, negotiate the price, and handle the quality control at their warehouse.
4. Shipping and Logistics: Global vs. Domestic
This is often the deciding factor for many store owners.
TopDawg: Excels at US-to-US shipping. If your customer base is strictly American, you can expect delivery in 2–5 business days. This is great for customer satisfaction but limits your ability to scale globally without high shipping costs.
EPROLO: Focuses on Express Global Shipping. They have established "Special Lines" for the US, UK, and Europe, often delivering in 7–15 days. While slower than domestic-only shipping, it is significantly faster than standard AliExpress shipping and allows you to target a worldwide audience with consistent delivery times.

5. Ease of Use and Integration
Both platforms offer seamless integration with the big players:
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- eBay / Etsy (via specialized tools)
EPROLO's dashboard is built for the "solopreneur." It's clean, intuitive, and includes a Chrome Extension that makes importing products from other sites a one-click affair. TopDawg's interface is equally professional but geared more toward traditional retail management, focusing heavily on inventory sync and wholesale data.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Feature | TopDawg | EPROLO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Subscription Based | Free |
| Order Fees | Per-order processing fee | None |
| Best Niche | Pet Supplies, Home Goods | Fashion, Jewelry, Trending |
| Shipping Speed | 2-5 Days (US focus) | 7-15 Days (Global Express) |
| Branding | Packing Slips only | Labels, Tags, Bags, Tape |
| Sourcing | Existing Catalog | Custom Sourcing Requests |
Why Make the Switch to EPROLO?
If you are currently using TopDawg but finding that your monthly subscription is eating your profits—or if you feel "stuck" with generic packaging—EPROLO is the logical next step.
Switch to EPROLO if:
- You want to eliminate fixed costs: If your sales are inconsistent, a high monthly fee is a burden. EPROLO removes that risk.
- You are in the Fashion/Apparel niche: EPROLO's print-on-demand and private label services are specifically optimized for clothing brands.
- You want to sell globally: EPROLO's logistics network makes it just as easy to ship to London or Sydney as it is to New York.
- You need a "Personal Agent" feel: EPROLO assigns agents to help with sourcing and problem-solving, giving you a level of support usually reserved for high-volume sellers.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Dropshipping Supplier
There is no "one-size-fits-all" in ecommerce. If your entire business model is built on 2-day US shipping for organic dog food, TopDawg remains a strong contender.
However, if you are building a dropshipping website that aims to be a recognizable brand, and you want to work with dropshipping suppliers who offer deep customization and a free-to-scale pricing model, EPROLO is the superior alternative. It provides the infrastructure of a global supply chain with the agility of a startup tool.
FAQs
1. Is EPROLO actually free?
Yes. EPROLO is free to install and use. There are no monthly subscription fees for the standard platform. You only pay for the cost of the products and shipping. Optional branding services (like custom tags) involve a $19.99/year starting membership fee and material fees.
2. Can I use EPROLO for my Shopify store?
Absolutely. EPROLO has a highly-rated Shopify app that automates everything from product importing to order fulfillment and tracking number sync.
3. How does EPROLO's shipping compare to AliExpress?
EPROLO is significantly faster and more reliable. While AliExpress relies on various independent sellers, EPROLO uses its own "Special Lines" and warehouses to ensure products are inspected and shipped via express routes.
4. Does EPROLO support Print on Demand (POD)?
Yes, EPROLO has a dedicated Print on Demand section where you can design your own products (T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, etc.) and have them fulfilled on demand without holding inventory.
5. Can I source products that aren't in the EPROLO catalog?
Yes. This is one of EPROLO's best features. You can submit a sourcing request with a link to the product, and their team will find a supplier and add it to your dashboard.
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Written by Carry
With over 10 years of e-commerce experience, Carry specializes in dropshipping, website management, and marketing strategies. She provides actionable insights that help online sellers grow, optimize their stores, and succeed in a competitive marketplace.