Over 15 Best Ideas of Where to Buy Products to Sell on Amazon
If you’re eyeing the Amazon FBA world but feeling a bit lost on where to snag products or kickstart the process, you’re not alone.
One question you might be asking yourself is “Where to buy products to sell on Amazon?”
When I began my Amazon FBA journey, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a seemingly ordinary product could lead to significant profits and fast-track growth in no time!
Figuring out where to find products for Amazon FBA is a crucial step in building a successful online business. And the possibilities? Well, they’re practically endless.
Below is a quick list of places to discover products for selling on Amazon. However, there’s more to explore, so continue reading for additional ideas.
- Retail Stores
- Ebay
- Garage Sales
- Wholesalers
Picking Profitable Products
Turning your Amazon FBA venture into a million-dollar success might sound like a lofty goal, but the key is simple – pick the right product, set it at $30, and sell 100 units daily. With over 300 million paying customers on the world’s most trusted e-commerce platform, hitting this milestone is completely doable.
But here’s the kicker: out of over 700 new sellers on Amazon each year, less than 10% reach $100,000 in annual sales. To break it down further, only 1% hit the coveted $1 million in sales.
The secret?
It often boils down to the products you choose to sell.
So, if you’re eager to uncover where to buy products for Amazon FBA, stick around – we’ve got you covered!
The challenge lies in generating profitable product ideas. Juggling factors like sourcing methods, product margins, and predicting customer demand can be daunting.
While hitting the $1 million mark isn’t a prerequisite for success, selecting products aligned with your business goals and what suits you best is crucial.
With this in mind, utilize this guide to master researching and sourcing lucrative product ideas for your Amazon venture.
How to Find The Right Products to Sell on Amazon
Certain Amazon businesses begin with a clear vision of their product offerings, while others gravitate towards trending items on the platform.
In the end, the optimal products to sell on Amazon are the ones that align with your business goals. To aid in this determination, it’s essential to establish some broad criteria before delving into specific items.
Consider the following factors when evaluating potential Amazon products:
- Product Cost: What is the product’s typical manufacturing or wholesale cost?
- Sale Price: What is the average selling price of similar products on Amazon? Is there sufficient margin to ensure profitability after factoring in your costs, Amazon’s transaction fees, and the sale price?
- Shipping Challenges: Are the products straightforward to ship or do they require specialized fulfillment support? If you’re dropshipping (insert article link here), are you adhering to Amazon’s rules?
- Competition: Who are the key players in this market? Can you effectively compete with them in terms of quality and pricing?
- Customers: Who constitutes the ideal customer for the product you aim to sell? Do you need to target them on Amazon, or would investing in other online marketing strategies contribute to building your brand?
Whether launching your first product or diversifying what you sell on Amazon, it’s wise to grasp which categories thrive on the platform. This insight can unveil product ideas that might not have crossed your mind.
Here’s a current list of high-performing categories on Amazon:
- Toys and games
- Gift cards
- Camera and photo
- Video games & computers
- Books
- Personal care & supplements
- Clothing, shoes, and jewelry
As you research, stay informed of trending products by referring to this regularly updated list of best-selling items. It is a valuable resource in navigating the dynamic landscape of Amazon’s marketplace.
Unlocking Success with Product Sourcing Tools
In the quest to find the perfect products for your Amazon venture, leveraging specialized tools can be a game-changer. You can also use these tools to find profitable niches.
Tools like Jungle Scout provide valuable insights into critical aspects like sales history and rank, top-selling items, and search volume, empowering you to make informed decisions about your product selection.
Tools designed to analyze sales rank enable you to gauge the popularity and demand for specific products, helping you identify those with a proven track record of success. By delving into top-selling items, you gain visibility into trends and customer preferences, guiding you toward products that resonate with the market.
Understanding search volume is equally pivotal in optimizing your product selection strategy. It allows you to assess the level of interest and competition for a particular product, steering you towards items that align with market demand while offering a competitive edge.
Embrace these tools as your allies in the dynamic landscape of Amazon, providing you with the data-driven insights necessary to source products that meet market demands and stand out in the competitive e-commerce arena.
Elevate your sourcing game with these indispensable tools and set the stage for a successful Amazon journey.
Where to Find Products to Sell on Amazon
Now that we’ve covered the strategies for identifying lucrative products and emphasized the significance of utilizing tools in this process, let’s delve into the crucial topic of discovering Where to Find Products to Sell on Amazon.
Retail Arbitrage:
Buying products from retail stores and reselling them on Amazon for a profit.
One of the ways I love finding products is through retail arbitrage. It does take a bit of time, but the process is quite fun—you go to stores, snag products at discounted prices, and then flip them on Amazon to make a profit. It’s like a treasure hunt, but for potential earnings!
To name a few, purchase products from nearby stores such as Walmart, Kohl’s, Target, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods.
Keep your eyes peeled for sales and clearance events—they’re your ticket to snagging awesome deals on products that can turn a profit when resold. Some stores even have a clearance section, so start shopping in the sale section.
Build connections with store owners and their staff—they’re a valuable source of information. They’ll keep you informed about upcoming sales, and, in my experience, I’ve even managed to secure extra discounts on bulk purchases through these relationships.
Online Arbitrage:
Buying products online from stores and reselling them on Amazon for a profit.
Another one of my favorite ways to source. Online arbitrage is like retail arbitrage; you do it online and in the comfort of your home. Plenty of online tools will help you while you source products.
When shopping online, look for additional coupons and purchase through a cash-back service like Rakuten or Top Cash Back, which will pay you to shop online. It’s a great way to earn extra income.
Local and Online Manufacturers
Finding local and online manufacturers is an excellent way to discover product ideas, especially when armed with a trusty product research tool.
Why is it awesome? This method lets you buy products at reduced prices in large quantities and gives you more control over the supply chain.
Here’s the kicker: this method often leads you to products with less competition.
Translation?
Your Amazon listing stands a better chance of avoiding the overcrowded seller scene. So, grab that product research tool, dive into manufacturing options, and find those hidden gems for your Amazon journey!
Here is a list of where you can look to find manufacturers:
Overseas:
- Alibaba
- Ali Express
- Kompass (for worldwide ideas)
- IndiaMART
USA:
- MFG
- Thomas Net
- MakersRow
While exploring products on B2B marketplaces, stay vigilant for knock-offs and counterfeits. If a deal appears too good to be true, exercise caution – it likely is. Scam sellers and buyers remain prevalent across various marketplaces, including
Wholesale
Purchase large volumes of products directly from the brand or manufacturer and then sell them on Amazon.
Wholesale buying is a proven and straightforward method for thriving on Amazon. It comes with a low entry barrier and offers scalability. Partnering with established manufacturers eliminates the need to create new ASINs, and most wholesale items come with existing sales rank or demand.
Furthermore, as you build positive relationships with manufacturers, the potential for securing better deals and negotiating favorable inventory terms increases.
It’s a pathway that provides access to diverse products and lays the foundation for long-term benefits.
Buying bulk from wholesalers often comes with discounted prices, allowing you to boost your profit margins.
Here is a list of where you can look to find wholesalers:
USA:
- Liquidation.com
- DollarDays
- Direct Liquidation
Worldwide:
- Global Sources
- Salehoo.com
- Worldwidebrands.com
Trade Shows
Attend trade shows to find manufacturers or suppliers of products and buy large quantities to sell on Amazon.
Exploring trade shows provides an exceptional avenue for discovering suppliers for your Amazon FBA venture, making it a good starting point for sourcing profitable and private-label products. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with manufacturers and wholesalers face-to-face, fostering relationships and enabling you to negotiate more advantageous deals.
One noteworthy trade show worth considering is the ASD Tradeshow, held twice a year in Las Vegas, which serves as a prime supplier gathering.
Another key event is the Canton Fair, held biannually in Guangzhou, China. Renowned as one of the largest global trade fairs, it showcases thousands of suppliers spanning various industries, presenting a golden opportunity to scout for potential partners and products.
Drop Shipping
Once you’ve secured a sale on Amazon, purchase items from a retailer or wholesaler and arrange for the products to be shipped directly to your customer.
Drop shipping could be the perfect fit if you don’t like the thought of handling inventory. It’s a fulfillment method that enables online sellers to offer high-demand, top-selling products without the need to own inventory.
Instead, you partner with a third-party supplier, such as a wholesaler, who takes care of shipping the products directly to your customers. The best part? The supplier remains behind the scenes, creating the illusion that customers purchase directly from you.
The main benefit of drop shipping is that you sidestep the need for upfront inventory investment. You only incur costs when a sale is made, making it a low-risk choice for new sellers conducting product research.
it’s important to note that drop shipping may impact your profit margins and limit your control over the customer experience. Any hiccups, such as a missed shipment by the supplier (remember, they’re invisible to the customer), could result in a negative review directed at you.
Private Label
Purchase generic products directly from the manufacturer, add your labels, and market them under your brand.
Private label sellers distinguish themselves by sourcing products directly from a manufacturer. Unlike wholesale, this approach grants you influence over product design, allowing you to use your brand name. This level of control extends to aspects such as product quality, labeling, packaging, and more.
To enhance your private label venture, conducting market research, analyzing profitable products, and watching Google Trends can provide valuable insights.
These strategies empower you to align your product offerings with market demands and capitalize on emerging trends, fostering success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Auctions
A form of retail arbitrage tailored specifically to auctions.
Engaging in retail arbitrage is a popular business model, typically involving scouring clearance aisles and taking advantage of liquidation sales. However, for Amazon sellers seeking high-profit opportunities with low competition, venturing into auctions, garage sales, and thrift stores can be a game-changer. Exploring these less traditional avenues opens up the possibility of unearthing unique and lucrative items.
To kickstart your journey into this variation of retail arbitrage, Auctionzip.com serves as a valuable directory. It lists local and online auctions, providing a starting point to discover potential gems others may have overlooked.
By diversifying your approach and exploring alternative sources, you expand your product range and tap into markets with lower competition, enhancing your chances of success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Thrift Stores
A form of retail arbitrage tailored specifically to thrift stores.
For Amazon FBA sellers searching for where to find products to sell, thrift stores like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and 99 Cents Only can unveil hidden treasures. These stores frequently stock discontinued, unique, or hard-to-find items that hold the potential to fetch higher prices on Amazon.
While exploring these stores, be ready to invest time carefully sifting through their inventory and conducting thorough research on product values. This diligence is essential for identifying profitable opportunities and uncovering potential products and unique gift ideas for your Amazon business.
Ebay
A form of online arbitrage tailored specifically to eBay
If attending an in-person auction isn’t feasible, eBay offers a viable alternative. On this platform, you may stumble upon one-of-a-kind items at discounted prices. Alternatively, you can explore completed eBay listings to gauge items that haven’t made their way to Amazon yet, potentially indicating untapped opportunities for profitable sales.
To dive deeper into this strategy, explore various product categories on eBay, conduct thorough research on potential items, and monitor retail prices. This approach broadens your product range and provides insights into new items you could potentially source in bulk for resale.
By leveraging eBay as a source for product discovery, you can uncover unique opportunities and stay ahead in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.
Liquidations and Returns
Buying liquidation and returns involves acquiring returned or discounted merchandise in bulk, often overstocked or close-out items.
In the early stages of my Amazon store journey, I embraced the strategy of sourcing products from returns and liquidation sales. This involved navigating platforms like Liquidation.com and DirectLiquidation.com and exploring dedicated Facebook groups where Amazon sells returned items.
This approach allowed me to uncover profitable items and build relationships with fellow sellers, providing valuable insights and community support as I navigated the dynamic landscape of e-commerce.
Making Your Own Products
Creating and selling your own products on Amazon involves crafting unique items and strategically listing them on the platform to reach a broad audience.
If you have a natural inclination for crafting and already showcase your creations at craft fairs or on Etsy, consider extending your reach by selling your handmade products through Amazon Handmade.
This sister microsite of Amazon allows crafters and artisans to introduce their products to a global audience of over 300 million people!
Begin by creating an Amazon seller account and listing your handmade items, treating it much like you would with a private label business. For those crafting in bulk, the FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) route is a viable option, allowing you to send your products to FBA warehouses.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, the FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) route is available, where you manage packaging and shipping yourself. This strategy not only broadens your product visibility but, with consistent sales and proper research, could be a game-changer for your crafting business on Amazon Handmade.
Creating Your Own Product
Have complete control over the manufacturing of a specific item.
If you have a unique product idea or want to establish your brand, consider creating your product.
This approach requires more time and resources for product development, manufacturing, and branding. Still, it can result in higher profit margins and greater control over your product’s quality and positioning in the market.
Collaborate with manufacturers to create custom or modify existing products, ensuring you differentiate your product listings.
Print-On-Demand Services
Create customized products per order, minimizing the need for bulk production and inventory.
Print-on-demand (POD) operates like dropshipping, where a customer orders merchandise and the POD supplier prints the seller’s design on items like mugs or T-shirts before shipping them.
To start POD selling on Amazon, you’ll need digital artwork and an Amazon Merch on Demand account, where designs are uploaded and product offerings, such as T-shirts, tank tops, and more, are selected.
The startup costs are minimal; however, an Amazon Seller account is required.
Reverse Sourcing
Reverse sourcing involves identifying trending products or high demand and finding suppliers to fulfill those market needs.
The reverse sourcing strategy is a robust method for discovering private label products and reliable wholesalers, offering protection against subpar purchases, and eliminating the involvement of deceptive middlemen posing as manufacturers.
Advantages of Reverse Sourcing:
- Ensures product quality
- Bypasses middlemen, preventing dealings with trade companies posing as manufacturers
How to Implement Reverse Sourcing:
- Choose the product you intend to sell.
- Utilize the Jungle Scout Supplier Database, allowing searches by product, company, supplier, or ASIN, leveraging US customs import records.
- Connect directly with the factory identified through the Supplier Database for streamlined sourcing.
Amazon-to-Amazon Flips
Amazon-to-Amazon flips refer to buying products from Amazon, often discounted, and reselling them on the same platform for a profit.
Amazon-to-Amazon flips involve purchasing products from Amazon, leveraging data analytics tools to track price fluctuations and historical trends, and reselling those items on the same platform for a profit.
In implementing this method for sourcing products to sell, I employ tools like Keepa to thoroughly research products, analyzing their price history, sales rank, and other relevant data. By leveraging these insights, I can make informed decisions on when to buy products at a lower price and strategically list them for resale during peak demand periods, maximizing profitability in the dynamic e-commerce landscape.
Tip: When engaging in Amazon-to-Amazon flips, you must note that you can’t use your Prime account for purchases. Instead, consider obtaining a business account for smoother transactions. Additionally, if you have an LLC, opting for a business account streamlines your buying process and may exempt you from sales tax charges, enhancing your overall profit margins.
Final Sourcing Steps
Aspiring Amazon FBA sellers must prioritize finding the right products for business success.
Here are considerations for searching where to buy products for Amazon FBA:
- Investigate Trending Items on Amazon:
- Utilize tools like Jungle Scout to identify popular products.
- Explore Amazon’s Best Sellers list for insights into top-selling items across categories.
- Stay attentive to seasonal trends, holidays, and emerging markets to capitalize on high-demand periods.
- Fulfill Amazon FBA Criteria for Success:
- Seek products with high demand and low competition for optimal profitability.
- Opt for lightweight, easy-to-ship items to reduce shipping costs and enhance profit margins.
- Prioritize high-quality, durable products with positive reviews to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Target products with a good profit margin to ensure long-term business sustainability.
- Navigate the Competitive Landscape on Amazon:
- Analyze competition by thoroughly examining product listings, customer reviews, and seller rankings.
- Identify gaps in the market where your product can stand out through unique features, improved quality, or competitive pricing.
- Focus on niches with less competition to establish your brand and build customer loyalty.
- Explore Retail Arbitrage Opportunities for Amazon FBA:
- Engage in retail arbitrage by purchasing discounted products from retailers like Target, Kohl’s, or Walmart.
- Look for clearance items or exclusive deals, comparing retail prices with potential Amazon selling prices.
- Understand Your Target Market:
- Conduct market research, analyze customer reviews, and engage with potential buyers to understand their needs and preferences.
- Tailor product offerings, marketing strategies, and customer service to meet the expectations of your target market.
Final Strategies and Techniques for Amazon FBA Success
- Optimize product listings with high-quality images, persuasive descriptions, and relevant keywords.
- Provide exceptional customer service to build trust and encourage repeat business.
- Utilize Amazon advertising tools like Sponsored Products or Sponsored Brands to increase visibility.
- Regularly monitor inventory levels and sales data to make informed decisions about restocking, repricing, or discontinuing products.
Finding profitable products for Amazon FBA requires thorough research, strategic planning, and an understanding of your target market. Adaptability and persistence are vital factors in navigating the ever-changing market conditions and customer preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I buy products to sell on Amazon?
1. Manufacturers
2. Dropshipping Suppliers
3. Online B2B Marketplaces
4. Handmade Products
5. Brand Owners
6. Brick-and-Mortar Stores and Local Retailers
7. Handmade Products
Where can I buy bulk items to resell?
To find affordable wholesale products for resale, consider exploring online supplier directories. Platforms like Wholesale Central, DOBA, ChinaBrands, Salehoo, and others provide lists of wholesale companies for you to explore.
What is the easiest thing to sell on Amazon?
Typically, the most successful items to sell on Amazon fall into categories such as Home & Kitchen, Beauty, Pet Supplies, Baby Products, or Electronics.