Where to Buy Goods to Sell on Amazon

If you're looking to start a business selling goods on Amazon, finding reliable sources for your products is crucial. Choosing the right suppliers can significantly impact your profitability and success. Here’s a comprehensive guide on where to buy goods to sell on Amazon, with a focus on various strategies and sources.

1. Wholesale Suppliers

Wholesale suppliers are a popular choice for Amazon sellers. They offer products in bulk at discounted rates, allowing you to benefit from lower per-unit costs. Here are some notable wholesale platforms and directories:

• Alibaba: This is one of the largest online marketplaces for wholesale goods, particularly for manufacturers in China. You can find a vast range of products and negotiate prices directly with manufacturers. Alibaba also provides buyer protection services to ensure a safe transaction.

• Global Sources: Similar to Alibaba, Global Sources connects buyers with manufacturers, mostly from Asia. It’s known for its focus on high-quality products and verified suppliers.

• ThomasNet: Ideal for those looking for suppliers in North America. ThomasNet offers a comprehensive directory of manufacturers and distributors across various industries.

2. Direct from Manufacturers

Buying directly from manufacturers can be advantageous if you want to cut out the middleman and secure the best prices. This approach often requires larger order quantities but can yield significant savings. To find manufacturers:

• Attend Trade Shows: Trade shows are an excellent opportunity to meet manufacturers and suppliers face-to-face. Events like the Canton Fair in China or the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas allow you to explore various products and negotiate deals.

• Use Online Directories: Websites like Maker’s Row and Kompass offer directories of manufacturers across different industries.

3. Liquidation and Closeout Sales

Liquidation and closeout sales are a great way to acquire products at deeply discounted prices. Companies often sell excess inventory or discontinued items at reduced rates. Here are some places to find liquidation deals:

• Liquidation.com: This platform offers liquidation auctions on various product categories. You can buy goods in bulk at discounted prices and resell them on Amazon for a profit.

• Direct Liquidation: Similar to Liquidation.com, Direct Liquidation provides access to excess inventory and customer returns. It offers a wide range of product categories.

4. Dropshipping Suppliers

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products without holding inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the product is shipped directly from the supplier to the customer. Some popular dropshipping suppliers include:

• Oberlo: Oberlo is integrated with Shopify and allows you to find and import products from suppliers around the world.

• Spocket: Spocket focuses on suppliers from the US and EU, offering faster shipping times compared to traditional dropshipping suppliers.

5. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage involves buying products from retail stores and reselling them on Amazon. This method requires careful price checking and sourcing. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit Local Retail Stores: Stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco often have clearance sections where you can find discounted items. Use apps like Scoutify or Amazon’s Seller App to scan barcodes and check profitability.

• Online Retail Arbitrage: Websites like RetailMeNot and Slickdeals can help you find online discounts and clearance sales.

6. Online Marketplaces

Various online marketplaces offer products that can be resold on Amazon. These platforms can be a great source of unique and niche products. Consider:

• eBay: You can find products in bulk or at discounted prices on eBay, which can then be resold on Amazon. Be cautious about product quality and seller ratings.

• Etsy: If you’re looking for handmade or unique items, Etsy can be a valuable resource. Ensure that products comply with Amazon’s guidelines before listing them.

7. Local Wholesalers and Distributors

Exploring local wholesalers and distributors can be beneficial, especially if you prefer to work with suppliers closer to home. Local sources can sometimes offer competitive pricing and faster shipping.

• Check Local Business Directories: Look for local business directories or chambers of commerce to find wholesalers and distributors in your area.

• Network with Other Sellers: Networking with other Amazon sellers can provide insights into reliable local suppliers.

8. Private Labeling

Private labeling involves sourcing products from manufacturers and branding them with your own label. This approach allows you to create a unique product line and build your brand. To get started:

• Find a Private Label Manufacturer: Platforms like Alibaba and ThomasNet can connect you with manufacturers who offer private labeling services.

• Develop Your Brand: Create a brand name, logo, and packaging design that reflects your product’s unique features.

9. Wholesale Marketplaces

Some specialized wholesale marketplaces cater to Amazon sellers. These platforms offer a variety of products and often include features designed to help you manage your inventory:

• Handshake: A marketplace by Shopify that connects buyers with wholesalers and manufacturers.

• Faire: Faire is a wholesale marketplace focused on independent brands and retailers, offering products that are unique and often artisanal.

10. Online Business Communities

Joining online business communities and forums can provide valuable insights and recommendations for sourcing products. Engage with other sellers to learn about their experiences and discover potential suppliers.

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/FulfillmentByAmazon and r/Entrepreneur can provide tips and recommendations for sourcing products.

• Facebook Groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to Amazon sellers where you can ask for advice and find product sourcing tips.

11. Amazon Seller Forums

Amazon’s own forums and seller support resources can offer guidance on sourcing products. You can find discussions about successful sourcing strategies and recommendations for reliable suppliers.

• Amazon Seller Central Forums: Participate in discussions and ask questions about sourcing products.

Conclusion

Finding the right place to buy goods to sell on Amazon requires research and careful consideration of various factors. Whether you choose wholesale suppliers, direct manufacturers, or liquidation sales, each method has its advantages and challenges. By exploring different sources and strategies, you can find the best products to meet your business goals and succeed in the competitive Amazon marketplace.