Finding Suppliers: 5 Top Tips for Ecommerce Sourcing

1. Ask for advice

Consult your network – that could be other ecommerce sellers like yourself, your existing suppliers or consultants and experts you know – for supplier recommendations. Relying on sources you know you can trust is the easiest and quickest way to identify leads on the suppliers that are right for your business.

2. Have backup suppliers

Supply chains are not infallible, so it’s good to have options in reserve. Create a pool of suppliers that you can call on to deliver your products whenever you need to, but be honest with all parties – let your primary supplier know that you have backup suppliers, and let the backup suppliers know you won’t be using them all the time. They would likely prefer to have all of your business, but an attractive price agreement can ensure they’ll provide your products when the need arises.

3. Talk to local businesses without an e-commerce presence

Many physical stores would like to sell online but don’t know how. Talk to businesses in your area and see if they are interested in selling products via your online shop. They can sell you their products with a reduced markup and you sell them in your online store at the full price. They probably can’t supply products in the quantities you’d get from a wholesaler or factory, but unique products will help differentiate your ecommerce offering from your competitors’.

4. Go international

Use a reliable B2B sourcing platform (such as, of course, Global Sources) to obtain products at lower cost and – if you want or need it – larger quantities.

“I recommend reaching out to at least ten suppliers to see if they could accommodate your requests,” said Stephen Light, co-owner of online mattress store Nolah Mattresses, speaking to eCommerce platform Lightspeed. “Then, narrow this down to three suppliers and order samples to check the quality of their goods. Decide which of the three suppliers has the best value for money and choose them as your final supplier.”

5. Have a plan

Specifically, a purchase plan so that your orders and lead times are predictable for both you and your suppliers.

“A small order volume with a short turnaround time is not favorable [to suppliers],” says Jocelyn Trigueros of China Performance Group. “Suppliers like buyers that have a purchase plan—so they’re in good order for material purchases and production scheduling,”

Global Sources is a trusted, internationally recognized B2B sourcing platform that has been driving global trade for more than 50 years. The company connects authentic buyers and verified suppliers worldwide with tailored solutions and trusted market intelligence through trade shows, digital platforms and magazines. Visit our website to source the right product for your market and contact verified suppliers:

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