Mastering Wholesale Sourcing for Amazon FBA
FBA sellers can’t really delegate wholesale sourcing for Amazon. Yes, Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a game-changer for brands who don’t want to deal with packing and shipping orders, or customer service duties. However, you still need to take a few matters into your own hands.
With a plethora of options available, it’s vital to ensure that you source products from the right suppliers who meet your business needs.
That’s why today, we delve into the traits of good wholesale distributors for Amazon FBA. We’ll also explore effective methods to find the right partners who can help you optimize your FBA business.
What is Amazon Supplier Sourcing?
Amazon supplier sourcing refers to the process of identifying and selecting reliable suppliers to provide products for sale on the Amazon marketplace. It entails finding partners who can offer competitive pricing, high-quality products, and reliable shipping and delivery services.
Unlike in an Amazon dropshipping business, you’ll need to find wholesale suppliers for Amazon FBA. A wholesale supplier is one that offers sellers the opportunity to buy a large quantity of products at lower prices.
Wholesale sourcing for Amazon often leads to better discounts for more orders. This markdown can be a great advantage for those managing an Amazon FBA venture.
How to Find Amazon FBA Wholesale Suppliers
Now, here comes the tricky part–how do you do wholesale sourcing for Amazon? Here are a few ways you can start with.
Online Search
Use search engines like Google and Bing to search for specific keywords related to your product niche or industry. The search engine results pages (SERPs) will take you to suppliers’ websites or directories, where you can connect with wholesalers.
Aside from search engines, you can scour other online venues to find suppliers when wholesale sourcing for Amazon. These may include:
Niche-specific forums
Social media groups
Online marketplaces
Online communities
These platforms often have discussions and recommendations about reputable Amazon wholesale FBA suppliers and warning against those you need to be wary of.
Trade Shows
Trade shows within your industry offer a great chance to connect with wholesale suppliers and discover new products. Such events bring together many suppliers under one roof, allowing you to establish connections and negotiate deals.
It can also give you a chance to check product quality to decide if they will do well through the Amazon supply chain.
To find trade shows relevant to your industry, check industry publications, associations, and online directories. Identify the key trade shows in your region or consider traveling to larger national or international events, if possible.
Wholesale Programs
Another wholesale sourcing for Amazon strategy is to connect directly with brands that have wholesale programs in place. These are usually small to medium-sized brands that are looking to expand their distribution network.
Successful brand partnerships can give you access to high-quality products, exclusive pricing, and brand recognition.
Identify brands that align with your business niche and target market. Then, research their distribution channels to see if they offer wholesale or authorized reseller programs you can enroll in.
Reverse Sourcing
Reverse sourcing is a rather strategic approach to sourcing for wholesale products on Amazon. Instead of starting with a supplier and browsing their catalog, this strategy begins the other way around by researching the products on Amazon and working from there.
For instance, if you’re looking for bamboo plate suppliers, search the keyword on Amazon, browse the results, and come up with a shortlist.
Image source: amazon.com
From the product pages, photos, or via online search, look for information about manufacturers or wholesale distributors that supply those products. You can then reach out to inquire if they offer wholesale opportunities.
Wholesale Directories
Wholesale directories compile listings of suppliers with key data such as contact details, products, and minimum order quantities (MOQ). These are valuable resources when wholesale sourcing for Amazon, as it offers comprehensive data to narrow down your options.
Some of the most popular wholesale directories include:
SaleHoo
The Wholesaler
4WholesaleUSA
Worldwide Brands
Wholesale Central
You can use search features and filters within the directories, based on criteria like location, product type, and supplier ratings or reviews. You can also check for any certifications or credentials that prove the reliability of potential distributors for Amazon.
B2B Platforms
Business-to-business (B2B) platforms can be a great option when wholesale sourcing for Amazon, particularly for sourcing products overseas. Here are some of the popular B2B platforms to find wholesale Amazon FBA products:
Alibaba
Made-in-China
TradeKey
Global Sources
ExportHub
On B2B platforms, you can directly communicate with suppliers, get quotes, and negotiate terms. You can also review product catalogs, request samples, and check their sourcing capabilities.
Factors to Consider When Sourcing Wholesale Products for Amazon FBA
Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you examine each potential supplier for wholesale sourcing for Amazon:
Reputation
Reputation is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a wholesale for Amazon FBA. After all, their reputation reflects their level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to customer service.
Having trustworthy suppliers will allow you to maintain consistent product availability and enable you to plan inventory management, pricing strategies, and business growth.
Before signing on the dotted line, take the time to research the supplier’s track record and customer reviews. Look for comments about reliability, product quality, and timely delivery. Licenses and certifications can also be a good gauge of professionalism.
Communication
When wholesale sourcing for Amazon, efficient and effective communication with your supplier is vital for a smooth partnership. That said, you need to evaluate their responsiveness and willingness to communicate.
A prompt response shows their attentiveness and commitment to customer service.
Besides timely responses, pay attention to their professionalism when communicating with you. Are their messages clear, concise, and well-written? Do they show a good understanding of your needs and requirements?
Inventory
When looking for wholesale distributors for Amazon FBA, you need to ensure they can handle your inventory requirements. These could include:
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ)
Lead times
Stock availability
Order fulfillment efficiency
Look for suppliers with stable inventory management systems to ensure product availability. This way, you can cater to all types of customers, whether they’re sourcing wholesale products on Amazon or buying per piece.
It’s also best to choose suppliers who can accommodate changes in demand, such as peak seasons and promo period orders.
Price Range and Fees
Cost is another practical factor when wholesale sourcing for Amazon, as it directly affects your profit margin. That said, you need to compare prices with other suppliers to ensure profitability.
Consider factors such as bulk discounts, MOQs, and any extra fees or charges.
When calculating the overall cost, include shipping fees, Amazon FBA fees, and customs duties, if applicable. You need to strike the right balance between product cost and potential profit margins to maintain a sustainable FBA business.
Logistics
When wholesale sourcing for Amazon FBA, consider the supplier’s shipping methods, delivery times, and tracking capabilities. After all, reliable logistics are vital for ensuring on-time delivery to customers and cut delays or complications.
A survey from the Baymard Institute shows 22% of respondents said they abandoned their cart because delivery was too slow. If slow delivery turns off end-users, it can be tougher on ventures relying on those shipments for sales.
Image source: Baymard Institute
If you’re sourcing products abroad, assess the supplier’s expertise in international shipping and customs procedures. Also, review if they have the needed documentation and knowledge to handle customs requirements and potential challenges.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right supplier when wholesale sourcing for Amazon FBA boils down to one thing: thorough research.
Take the time to read up on potential suppliers and be patient enough to do due diligence. Doing so will not only enable you to save time, money, and effort later on, but it will also pave the path for you to find a potential partner in growing your Amazon FBA venture.
Author
Carla Bauto Deña is a journalist and content writer producing stories for traditional and digital media. She believes in empowering small businesses with the help of innovative solutions, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and data analytics.
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