The products you sell on Amazon are the most important aspect of this business model. Your product must be useful, functional, in trend, and high quality. That’s why searching for a supplier that will give you a great product with a good price offer is crucial. The process to find these suppliers can be tricky and overwhelming when you start selling wholesale products on Amazon. That’s why we’ll give you a few tips on how to find Amazon suppliers for your online business.
Difference Between Wholesale Suppliers and Manufacturers
Before we start, it’s good to know the difference between wholesale suppliers and manufacturers. Manufacturers are responsible for producing products, whereas wholesale suppliers serve as middlemen, purchasing products from manufacturers and reselling them to retailers. Manufacturers are responsible for production, quality control, and product development, whereas wholesale suppliers are in charge of sourcing, inventory management, and retail distribution.
What to Consider When Searching for Amazon Suppliers
Now that you understand the difference between a manufacturer and a wholesale supplier, you can start searching for your ideal product supplier. There are several things you need to consider doing in order to get a clearer image of what will work best for your online shop. So let’s get to them.
Do Your Research
Research is key when it comes to selling products on Amazon. To find Amazon suppliers, you first need to research your product. Who are the best brands? How many people are selling the product? Who makes the product? When you’re done with your product research and you know the answer to this question, with a few Google searches, you will find out who is your ideal supplier for the product you want to sell.
Try Reverse Sourcing
Instead of finding a supplier and then choosing an item to sell, try the reverse sourcing method. Reverse sourcing is the opposite of traditional wholesale sourcing. First, you start searching for a product that suits your criteria. From there, you start searching for manufacturers or suppliers that sell the price. This strategy is excellent because it saves a lot of time when looking for a winning product, and you don’t have to worry about having a difficult time reselling the product because you already know it’s selling based on your product research.
Contact the Brand Directly
When you’re doing product sourcing, the best way is to contact the brand directly. With this method, you’re eliminating the middleman and negotiating directly with the product’s brand. This will result in lower buying prices, making your profit margins higher and more profitable. There are two ways to contact the brands: cold calls and emails. Every brand has its phone number and email address on its web page, so you can easily find their contact information.
Trade Shows
Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity to network with suppliers. You can meet vendors, inspect their products, and interact directly. You can meet them in person instead of cold calling or emailing the suppliers. This will build your relationship much faster. Look for local and worldwide industry-specific trade events or exhibitions.
Wholesale Directories
Another great tip is to find suppliers through wholesale directories. On wholesale directories, you can find manufacturers, brands, and suppliers that sell items in bulk. You can find a lot of information about the brands and products and even see their selling price. The most popular wholesale directories are Alibaba, Thomasnet, Wholesale Central, and more.
Distributors
You have many distributors on the web with specific products for different niches and industries. Distributors are a great way to find and purchase low-cost products in bulk. Many companies will hire distributors to sell their products at wholesale prices, and many brands you’ll contact will send you to their distributors.
Use Social Media
Social media platforms provide a wealth of information and networking opportunities in today’s digital age. Join industry-specific groups, forums, and communities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit. Participate in discussions, ask for supplier suggestions, and network with like-minded people who can provide useful insights and referrals.
Consider Supplier Location
Consider your suppliers’ geographical location. Having suppliers closer to your target market can result in faster shipping and lower costs for transportation. Remember that the greatest supplier may not necessarily be local. Based on your Amazon selling strategy, carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the location of the supplier.
Make a Background Check on Your Supplier
When selecting possible suppliers, make a background check to confirm their reliability and legitimacy. Check their company licenses, credentials, and industry memberships. Look for online testimonials, reviews, and ratings from other Amazon sellers who have worked with the providers. This stage will assist you in evaluating their reputation and making an informed decision.
Finding suppliers for your Amazon business takes careful planning, thorough research, and excellent communication. Implementing the 9 tips suggested in this article will help you streamline the process and secure trusted suppliers who fit your needs.