12 Effective Ways to Source Products for Amazon FBA in 2024

Are you an aspiring Amazon FBA seller wondering how to source products? Or are you already selling and looking for new ways to expand your inventory?

You’re in the right place. This guide explores twelve effective methods for sourcing products for Amazon FBA in 2024, along with essential tips to ensure success.

How to Source Products for Amazon FBA

1. Dropshipping Suppliers

Dropshipping eliminates the need to purchase inventory upfront, manage storage, or handle logistics. Instead, a dropshipping supplier purchases products from manufacturers stores them, and ships them directly to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. You act as the middleman in this arrangement.

However, quality control and stock availability can be challenges. Since you don’t manage inventory, customers might receive subpar products, or items may go out of stock unexpectedly.

To mitigate these risks, consider working with a reputable dropshipping supplier like TinyDeals, which offers strict quality control and automated stock management.

2. Wholesale Suppliers

Wholesale sourcing involves buying products in bulk at discounted rates and reselling them for profit. The more you purchase, the better discounts and payment terms you can negotiate.

Before choosing this method, ensure you have the necessary resale permissions to avoid copyright infringement. Also, conduct thorough market research to prevent overstocking. If you’re uncertain about demand, start with smaller quantities.

3. B2B Online Marketplaces

Many e-commerce sellers source their inventory from B2B marketplaces, especially in China, due to competitive pricing and diverse product offerings.

Popular platforms include:

• Alibaba – Ideal for large orders but often requires high MOQs.
• DHgate & Chinabrands – Great for small businesses with lower MOQs.
• Global Sources – Suitable for sourcing quality products from verified suppliers.

4. Online Wholesale Directories

Online wholesale directories allow you to browse hundreds of suppliers to find the best deals. To avoid scams, use reputable directories that verify their listings.

Trusted platforms include:

• SaleHoo
• Worldwide Brands

Always check reviews and ratings from other sellers before making a purchase.

5. Direct from Manufacturers

If you want to develop a unique product or require customization, sourcing directly from manufacturers is an excellent option. However, this method often comes with high minimum order quantities (MOQs) and business documentation requirements.

Small businesses may find it challenging to work with large manufacturers, as they often refer smaller orders to distributors or wholesalers.

6. Sourcing Agents

Sourcing agents help you find reliable manufacturers and negotiate pricing, shipping, and logistics on your behalf. While convenient, some agents prioritize commissions over quality, so choose carefully.

Reliable sourcing agent platforms include:

• 1688.com (China-based agents)
• Upwork & Fiverr (Freelance sourcing experts)

7. Sourcing Software & Tools

Product sourcing tools make online sourcing easier by analyzing Amazon and third-party seller data. These tools help identify profitable products, compare prices, and calculate profit margins.

Popular tools include:

• Jungle Scout
• Keepa
• CamelCamelCamel
• Amazon FBA Calculator

8. Auctions & Thrift Stores

Auctions and thrift stores offer high-quality products at deeply discounted prices. These products often include overstock, clearance items, and inventory from closed businesses.

When using this method, inspect products carefully for defects and assess whether the resale price justifies your investment.

9. Liquidation & Surplus Stores

Liquidation and surplus stores sell inventory from bankrupt businesses, customer returns, and clearance stock at bargain prices. While this method can be highly profitable, be sure to check product conditions carefully to avoid unsellable or outdated items.

10. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage involves purchasing discounted items from physical retail stores and reselling them on Amazon for a profit. This method works well for limited-edition or collectible items. Next time you’re out shopping, keep an eye out for clearance sales and deep discounts.

11. Online Arbitrage

Similar to retail arbitrage, online arbitrage involves sourcing discounted products from e-commerce websites and reselling them at a higher price on Amazon.

Look for products on sale, use cashback sites, and leverage coupons or gift cards to maximize profits. However, this method is highly competitive and deals are often short-lived.

12. Hiring a Virtual Assistant

If sourcing products feels overwhelming, consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle product research, supplier communication, and logistics management. This allows you to focus on growing your business while ensuring a steady supply of inventory.

Pro Tips for Amazon Product Sourcing

• Consider costs beyond purchase price – Factor in shipping, packaging, branding, and Amazon fees when evaluating profitability.
• Start small – Avoid overstocking by testing suppliers and gauging market demand before making bulk purchases.
• Prioritize quality – Request samples before committing to large orders to ensure product quality meets customer expectations.
• Use automation – Invest in sourcing software to streamline your workflow and identify profitable opportunities faster.
• Network strategically – Build relationships with thrift store employees, suppliers, and industry professionals to gain insider tips and business insights.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sourcing method depends on your business stage, budget, and goals. You may find that a combination of methods works best. Don’t hesitate to experiment until you find what’s most profitable for you.

By leveraging these twelve sourcing strategies and applying the pro tips, you can optimize your Amazon FBA business for success in 2024 and beyond.