Where to Buy Products to Sell on Amazon?

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Are you wondering where to buy products to sell on Amazon? Of course, achieving high profits on Amazon requires selecting the right products. In this article, we will clarify everything and guide you toward making the right choices.

We have also published a fantastic article about the “Best Items to Flip on Alibaba,” which I highly recommend you read!

How to Choose the Right Products to Sell on Amazon

However, it is crucial to determine what products should be purchased before identifying where to make the purchase. Understand your market and evaluate trends, buyers’ feedback, and competitors in your product type. Consider the opportunities to have a unique selling proposition and look for the markets that have not been explored enough.

Below are Some Factors We Recommend You Consider:

• Conduct Market Research: Take advantage of resources such as Amazon’s Best Sellers list to spot gifts that are trending and most popular. Knowledge of what customers are seeking and what they are purchasing.
• Analyze Competition: It will be important to identify products that have adequate demand to survive but are not crowded by too much competition. Open Amazon and see how many other sellers offer the same product and what their clients have to say about it.
• Consider Profit Margins: Consider the cost of the product, the fees charged by Amazon, shipping costs as well as other costs to make sure the product you are selling will be profitable. To get accurate calculations, use the Amazon FBA calculator.
• Check for Legal and Compliance Issues: Ensure that the products do not infringe on any legal requirements or guidelines set by Amazon. Today, there are certain classifications of products that require additional certification or approval.
• Assess Seasonality and Trends: Beware of selling items that are popular during certain months or quarters – while they can sell well during the period — they may not generate business uniformly.
• Plan for Scalability: Consider whether you can scale the business if the product takes off. Can you handle increased orders, and is there room in the market for growth?
• Align with Your Interests and Knowledge: The second important factor involves selling products in a particular area of specialization or interest because here, you are likely to deal with customers more openly and, therefore, understand their needs better.

Note: Please pay attention to customer reviews under each product detail, as these come from real users, and their feedback will be your best reference.

Where to Buy Products to Sell on Amazon?

The next step which follows after selecting what products to offer on Amazon is sourcing for these products. Creating a plan on how to source products for Amazon selling is not a big challenge but the major question is where to get the products for sale on Amazon. Please do not worry, please continue to read the following.

Leveraging Online Marketplaces

Online B2B platforms can also be helpful when it comes to discovering a variety of goods where to buy them and at what cost.

a) Alibaba:

• Best for Sourcing bulk products directly from manufacturers at competitive prices.
• Tips: Use Alibaba for private-label products. Negotiate for better prices and terms, especially for larger orders. Ensure to verify the credibility of the suppliers. When looking for budget-friendly products with lower minimum order quantities (MOQs), platforms such as DHgate or 1688 are excellent alternatives.
• Pro Tip:  Before placing any order, take the time to read customer reviews and request samples to ensure the product quality meets your standards.

b) AliExpress:

• Best for Buying smaller quantities of products, ideal for testing the market.
• Tips: Use AliExpress for dropshipping or to order samples before committing to larger orders. The platform offers a wide variety of products.

c) eBay:

• Best for Retail arbitrage, buying unique or discounted items in smaller quantities.
• Tips: Look for clearance items, auctions, or bulk deals to resell on Amazon. eBay is also good for finding suppliers that offer free shipping.

d) DHgate:

• Similar to Alibaba and AliExpress Best for Sourcing, both products are in small and big amounts.
• Tips: Make sure you are providing a working shipping rate in comparison to other platforms. DHgate is also good for dropshipping.

Concerning the suppliers, one has to be very selective in working with those who are reputable, have a good track record, and are also very responsive. Contact several suppliers to discuss their price offers as well as product quality, delivery methods, and extra services provided by the selected company. It’s advised to Request product samples before ordering a larger stock to check the quality of the product.

Sourcing from Wholesalers and Distributors

1. Identify Your Niche: The first step is now selecting the specialty or the product segments you are most interested in. This will help you define the right wholesalers as well as distributors of these products.

2. Contact Manufacturers Directly: In some cases, it is useful to call directly manufacturers and inquire them their wholesale distributors. It also means that this approach could lead to an opportunity to offer a cheaper and wider assortment of goods and services.

3. Leverage Local Wholesalers: Do not leave out local wholesalers in your geographical area. There may be advantages in terms of delivery costs and time, favorable terms of communication, and development of relations.

4. Research and Verify Suppliers: Check on the supplier’s credibility and the legitimacy of their business before using their services. You should be able to search for the business under the reviews section, check their registration status, or get in touch with those who used their services.

5. Negotiate Terms: After identifying potential suppliers, more bargaining involving prices, order quantity, delivery charge, and payment options can be obtained. Establishing rapport with the suppliers means better bargains and favorable conditions are more likely to be attained in the long run

6. Order Samples: When buying in large quantities, consider ordering samples to evaluate the quality of the products. It’s important to sort them this way to be sure about their quality and to fit the Amazon buyer’s requirements.

7. Understand Amazon’s Requirements: Make yourself informed about the policy of the company in order not to break the rules and meet all requirements for custom packaging, labeling, and product quality. Make sure that the products you obtain are meeting these requirements.

Tip: You can access Amazon’s requirements for the product by this link: Amazon Seller Central

8. Plan for Logistics: Determine where you will store your products, and how you will get them to your customers. If you are using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), then ensure the products are prepared and shipped as a directive from Amazon. If you want to learn more about “What is Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA),” please check out the previous link.

Attending Trade Shows and Exhibitions

In particular, Trade Shows and Exhibitions are some of the most common marketing tools.
B2B meetings and gatherings are not only a great opportunity for business connections and partnerships but also provide the perfect chance to scout new goods at trade shows and exhibitions. These events encompass a manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other players in the industry all under one venue.

Research upcoming trade shows relevant to your product category or industry niche (In this link, you can find reputable Chinese trade shows). Attend these events armed with business cards, questions about products or pricing, and an open mind for exploring new possibilities. Engage in conversations with exhibitors, gather product catalogs or samples, discuss terms of collaboration, and exchange contact information for further follow-up.

Trade shows like the Canton Fair and Global Sources Expo give you the opportunity to directly connect with manufacturers and negotiate better pricing. This is especially beneficial for those who are looking for unique or large-volume products.

Pro Tip: Trade shows are not just for purchasing products. They also provide a great way to assess the quality of suppliers and check out physical samples of the products they offer.

Something to Consider During the Buying Process

While finding reliable sources is crucial when buying products for your Amazon store, there are a few additional factors that require attention:

How to Ensure the Quality of Products?

1. Supplier Research and Selection:

• Carefully research and select reputable suppliers. Look for suppliers with high ratings, positive reviews, and a track record of reliability.
• Check the supplier’s history and background. If possible, visit the manufacturing facility to assess their operations.

How to Choose the Best Supplier
Choosing the best supplier also requires a second glance at aspects such as cost, which are complemented by quality, delivery time, and even customer service. It’s advisable to always assess a supplier’s ratings, read feedback from other clients, and always insist on being given samples of the products before ordering in bulk.

2. Quality Control Inspections:

• Conduct quality control inspections. This can be done personally if you are locally sourcing, or by hiring a third-party inspection company for overseas suppliers.
• Inspections should cover product functionality, aesthetics, durability, and any other critical attributes.

3. Check Compliance with Regulations:

• Ensure that the products comply with all relevant safety and quality regulations in your target market.
• For certain product categories, you may need certifications or tests to prove compliance with safety standards.

4. Continuous Monitoring:

• Continuously monitor product quality even after you start selling. Regularly order your product to check if the quality is consistent.
• Stay in touch with customers through follow-up emails or surveys to get direct feedback about the product’s quality.

5. Implement a Robust Return Policy:

• Have a clear return policy in place. This not only builds trust with customers but also allows you to track and analyze returned products for any quality issues.

6. Stay Updated on Product Trends:

• Keep an eye on market trends and technological advancements related to your product. This helps in maintaining a competitive edge in terms of quality and innovation.

7. Build a Good Relationship with Suppliers:

• A strong relationship with your suppliers can ensure better cooperation in maintaining quality standards. Communicate your quality expectations clearly and regularly.

What to Pay Attention to When Communicating with Suppliers?

• Clarity and Detail: Ensure you are very specific when conveying your messages. Define product requirements, quality expectations, order volumes, and delivery timelines. 
• Cultural Sensitivity: But if you are involved with international suppliers, ensure that you take time to understand their culture. Being polite helps to break the barriers to effective communication and cooperation.
• Language Barrier: Also, remember that there might be language differences or language preference concerns. Stay away from complicated and lengthy terms when drafting such messages. Thus, in some cases, hiring an interpreter or utilizing translation programs may be required.
• Response Time: Take into consideration the different time zones that two participants may live in. Additionally, do not expect prompt replies since some suppliers may be in different time zones as you are.
• Build Rapport: The best relationship is sometimes built with your suppliers, which may help in attaining more cooperation and possibly better deals in the future. Interaction and social conversations where possible can enhance the bond between individuals.
• Negotiation Skills: This happens through the determination of things like price, minimum order quantity, and delivery time. Do not overprice or undersell, and always be reasonable when negotiating to ensure that business is sustained in the future.
• Regular Updates and Follow-Ups: To avoid long-lasting intervals of waiting for an order, it is recommended to get in touch often or frequently. This also shows that you are attentive and do care for the business relationship by following up on emails or messages sent.
• Feedback and Problem Solving: Respond constructively. Regarding the orders, it is essential to state possible problems and discuss their solution.
• Written Agreements: Ensure that all agreements, especially those related to orders, pricing, and delivery terms, are documented in writing. This avoids confusion and provides a reference point for future interactions.
• Confidentiality and Trust: Create or continue a professional non-fraternization policy, especially when a violation might involve delivering sensitive paperwork. This puts you in a position of authority to be regarded as a trustworthy business partner.
• Understanding Supplier Capabilities and Limitations: Identify the talents and weaknesses of the supplier. It may also reduce friction in the working relationship since it allows both parties to have reasonable expectations that can be met satisfactorily.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Method?

Shipping the products is also an issue to consider. We have prepared the following table to help you choose the Amazon FBA Shipping method that best suits your products. Of course, each shipping method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your product.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

• Air Freight:
  • Advantages: Speed, reliability, global reach.
  • Disadvantages: High cost, environmental impact, less suitable for bulky goods.
• Sea Freight:
  • Advantages: Cost-effective for large volumes, lower environmental impact.
  • Disadvantages: Slow transit times, potential for delays, less flexibility.
• Express Courier:
  • Advantages: Speed, flexibility, excellent tracking.
  • Disadvantages: It Can be costly, and less suitable for very large shipments.
• Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA):
  • Advantages: Integration with Amazon’s marketplace, scalability, and reliable shipping once in the network.
  • Disadvantages: Costs can be complex, limitations based on Amazon’s guidelines, primarily beneficial for sellers on Amazon.

Read More:

• Importing from China to New Zealand
• Amazon FBA Sourcing Agent in China: Ultimate Guide
• How to Buy from China Factory Directly: Step-by-Step Guide
• Buy from China and Sell on Amazon: Comprehensive Guide
• Amazon FBA Sourcing Agent in China

Final Thoughts

Where can you buy products to sell on Amazon? I hope this article has answered this question for you. Also, please remember that this may not be an easy process.

Choosing Owlsourcing can also help you mitigate many potential risks. They provide a complete Amazon FBA Service and are also a Dropshipping Agent. Whether it’s procurement or shipping, Owlsourcing is a great option. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.