The Sourcing Pipeline
Most Amazon sellers source from Chinese manufacturers. The process: find suppliers, compare prices, order samples, negotiate, manage production.
Step 1: Product Research
Identify profitable products by checking Amazon Best Sellers, verifying margins, and considering shipping weight.
Step 2: Find Suppliers
Use Catalayer Source Finder:
- Browse product on Amazon
- Click extension
- Get 1688 and Alibaba matches
- Compare prices and ratings
Step 3: Verify Suppliers
- Check business license
- Request samples ($20-100)
- Compare 3-5 suppliers
- Ask for buyer references
Step 4: Negotiate
Key points: unit price at various MOQs, payment terms (30/70 split), sample policy, FBA packaging requirements.
Step 5: Production and Shipping
- Hire third-party inspector ($100-300)
- Choose shipping (sea for large, air for small)
- Prepare Amazon FBA labels
- Use freight forwarder for customs