Where to Buy Products to Sell on Amazon: Best Picks

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 answer your questions and help you make informed decisions.

How to Choose the Right Products to Sell on Amazon

Before diving into where to buy products, it’s essential to select the right items that have market demand and profitability potential. Conduct thorough market research and analyze trends, customer reviews, and competition within your chosen product category. Look for unique selling points or untapped niches that can set your products apart from others.

Below are Some Factors We Recommend You Consider:

• Conduct Market Research: Use tools like Amazon’s Best Sellers list to identify popular and trending products. Understand what customers are searching for and buying.
• Analyze Competition: Look for products with enough demand but not overly saturated with competitors. Use Amazon to check how many other sellers are offering similar products and read their customer reviews.
• Consider Profit Margins: Factor in the cost of goods, Amazon fees, shipping costs, and other expenses to ensure the product you choose will be profitable. Use Amazon’s FBA calculator for precise estimations.
• Check for Legal and Compliance Issues: Make sure the products you choose comply with all legal regulations and Amazon’s policies. Some products may require additional certifications or approvals.
• Assess Seasonality and Trends: Be cautious with seasonal products; while they can be profitable during certain times of the year, they may not provide consistent sales throughout.
• 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: Selling products in a niche you are knowledgeable or passionate about can be advantageous, as it allows for more genuine customer engagement and a better understanding of the market.

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

After you have decided what products to sell on Amazon, the next step is to source these products. There are many ways to source products for sale on Amazon, but where to buy products to sell on Amazon? Don’t worry, please continue reading.

Leveraging Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces can be an excellent starting point for finding a wide range of products at competitive prices.

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.

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:

• Best for Sourcing both small and large quantities of products, similar to Alibaba and AliExpress.
• Tips: Compare prices and shipping costs with other platforms. DHgate is also suitable for dropshipping.

It’s important to carefully vet suppliers based on their reputation, track record, and responsiveness. Communicate with multiple suppliers to compare prices, quality, shipping options, and any additional services they may offer. Request product samples before committing to a large order to evaluate the quality firsthand.

Sourcing from Wholesalers and Distributors

1. Identify Your Niche: Start by identifying the niche or product categories you want to focus on. This will help you find the right wholesalers and distributors who specialize in these products.

2. Contact Manufacturers Directly: For some products, it may be beneficial to contact the manufacturer directly and ask for their wholesale distributors. This approach can lead to more competitive pricing and access to a broader range of products.

3. Leverage Local Wholesalers: Don’t overlook local wholesalers in your region. They can offer advantages in terms of shipping costs and speed, as well as easier communication and relationship building.

4. Research and Verify Suppliers: Conduct thorough research on potential suppliers to ensure their reliability and legitimacy. Look for online reviews, check their business registration, and ask for references.

5. Negotiate Terms: Once you find potential suppliers, negotiate terms such as pricing, minimum order quantities, shipping costs, and payment terms. Building a good relationship with suppliers can lead to better deals and terms over time.

6. Order Samples: Before making a large purchase, order samples to assess the quality of the products. This step is crucial to ensure that the products meet your standards and the expectations of your Amazon customers.

7. Understand Amazon’s Requirements: Familiarize yourself with Amazon’s rules and requirements for sellers, including packaging, labeling, and product quality standards. Ensure the products you source comply with these requirements.

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

8. Plan for Logistics: Work out how you will store and ship your products. If you use Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), make sure your products are prepared and shipped according to Amazon’s guidelines.

Attending Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Trade shows and exhibitions are not only excellent networking opportunities but also perfect for discovering new products and meeting potential suppliers face-to-face. These events bring together manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and other industry professionals under one roof.

Research upcoming trade shows relevant to your product category or industry niche. 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.

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.

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: Be clear and detailed in your communication. Specify your product requirements, quality standards, order quantities, and deadlines. Clear instructions reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
• Cultural Sensitivity: If you’re dealing with international suppliers, be aware of cultural differences. Respectful and considerate communication can foster better relationships and cooperation.
• Language Barrier: Be mindful of potential language barriers. Using simple and concise language can help. In some cases, hiring a translator or using translation software might be necessary.
• Response Time: Respect and understand the time zone differences. Also, be patient with response times, especially when dealing with suppliers in different time zones.
• Build Rapport: Establishing a good rapport with your suppliers can lead to better cooperation and possibly more favorable terms in the future. Small talk and personal interactions, where appropriate, can strengthen relationships.
• Negotiation Skills: Negotiate terms like pricing, minimum order quantities, and delivery schedules. Be fair and realistic in your negotiations to maintain a positive long-term relationship.
• Regular Updates and Follow-Ups: Keep in regular contact, especially when waiting for an order. Follow-ups show that you are attentive and value the business relationship.
• Feedback and Problem Solving: Provide constructive feedback. If there are issues with an order, communicate them clearly and work collaboratively to resolve them.
• 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: Maintain confidentiality and trust, especially when dealing with sensitive information. This establishes you as a reliable business partner.
• Understanding Supplier Capabilities and Limitations: Recognize the supplier’s capabilities and limitations. This understanding can help set realistic expectations and foster a smoother working relationship.

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 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: 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:

• Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA): Boost Your Business Online
• 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

Final Thoughts

Where to 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. Of course, if you have any doubts, feel free to contact us.