I have lots of experience in this area, first I would like to tell you that you have to be careful now a days when ordering from china suppliers, Always ask for the suppliers last shipments sent in the last 7 days, if it take him or her longer than 5-10 min to provide this info, RUN! What you really want are the shipments that are on the way to the customers home and have not made it yet. By doing this , will allow you to see if the goods pass customs.
Another point I would like to give you is, when you communicate with your future supplier , tell them you are from somewhere else besides where you really are, for example if you are from New York, tell them you are from California or another location that you are sort of familiar with , the reason behind this is , You Will Be Your First Customer! Get a sample order to your real location to check quality, service, and the amount of time it will take you to get the goods. If it takes the supplier 12 days for you to get your droppshipped order, just know that you are in trouble! RUN!
I can go on and on and enlighten many about the subject but I dont think I have enough room. Hope this helps for starters. 3:1.5.9.18.19