Setting up a reliable network of suppliers for dropshipping requires a few essential steps. First, it's crucial to research and partner with suppliers who can consistently meet your quality and delivery expectations. Once you've identified potential suppliers, establish clear agreements on product standards, shipping times, and return policies to create a smooth, repeatable process.

On the infrastructure side, you'll need an organized system to manage orders, track inventory, and communicate efficiently with your suppliers. Many dropshippers use e-commerce platforms that integrate with supplier management tools, enabling real-time updates and automating order processing. Also, consider minimizing your initial infrastructure investment by using cloud-based solutions that scale as your business grows. Here’s a great article that dives deeper into strategies to streamline infrastructure costs: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/how-to-reduce-it-infrastructure-costs/.