How To Sell on Amazon From Alibaba or 1688.com

Starting an Amazon business by sourcing products from Alibaba or 1688.com can be a smart move. These platforms offer a vast range of items at wholesale prices, making them popular choices for sellers looking to stock up their Amazon stores.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of buying from Alibaba or 1688.com and provide you with the strategies you need to sell those products on Amazon successfully.

From finding reliable suppliers to handling shipping and customs, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and get your products from the factory floor to Amazon's global marketplace.

What Is Alibaba? 

Alibaba is a global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform that connects sellers and businesses with manufacturers and suppliers for millions of products. It allows businesses to purchase products in bulk for reselling online or in brick-and-mortar stores. Most of the manufacturers on Alibaba are based in China, offering products at significantly lower prices than in Western countries.

What Is 1688?

1688 is another B2B e-commerce platform owned by Alibaba Group, primarily catering to the Chinese domestic market. It offers a wide range of products from various Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.

For sellers looking to source products for the international market, Alibaba is the preferred choice, while 1688 can be an alternative for those seeking suppliers within China.

As you learn about selling on Amazon from Alibaba, having the right tools matters. Explore our pricing plans to select the perfect fit for your business strategy and start optimizing your sales today.

How To Find The Right Product to Sell on Amazon

Conduct Product Research

The first step in your Amazon selling journey is to determine what product you want to sell. This involves conducting thorough product research to identify products with high demand and low competition. You can use SellerSprite to analyze products and their sales potential on Amazon.

When evaluating products, consider three main factors: profitability, demand, and competition. 

• Profitability: Ensure that you can source the product at a much lower cost than you would sell it for. A good rule of thumb is the 3X rule: one-third of your sale goes towards product costs, one-third goes towards Amazon fees, and one-third is your profit
• Demand: Check if customers are actively searching for and purchasing the product on Amazon. High demand indicates a better chance of success.
• Competition: Assess the level of competition in the market. If there is too much competition, it will be challenging to rank your product on Amazon. Aim for a balance between demand and competition.

Formula for Finding a Successful Product

Finding a great product to sell on Amazon is all about the right balance. Our easy formula helps you spot high-demand, profitable items with less competition. Use it as you go through our list to identify your next best-seller. Let's begin.

1. Find a product with a top-selling product on Amazon that generates between $5,000 and $25,000 in monthly sales.
2. Choose a category with low competition (avoid baby products, pet products, electronics, and supplements).
3. Bundle the product with an accessory to add value and differentiate it from competitors.
4. Find a reliable supplier on Alibaba or 1688 that can produce the product at a competitive price.
5. Import the product using Amazon FBA and optimize your Amazon listing for maximum visibility and sales.

How To Source Products from Alibaba or 1688.com

1. Search for Products and Suppliers

Once you have identified the product you want to sell, head to Alibaba or 1688 to search for suitable suppliers. You can search using keywords related to your product and filter the results based on factors such as supplier type, product type, price, and location.

When browsing through the search results, pay attention to the following:

• Trade Assurance: Look for suppliers that offer Trade Assurance, a free service that protects your orders from payment to delivery. This ensures that you get your money back if the product quality or shipping time does not meet the agreed-upon terms.
• Verified Supplier: Opt for verified suppliers, as they have undergone additional checks and verifications by Alibaba or 1688. This reduces the risk of dealing with fraudulent suppliers.
• Supplier's Experience: Check the supplier's experience, certifications, and manufacturing capabilities. You can view their company profile and customer reviews to gauge their reliability and professionalism.

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2. Request Quotes and Samples

Contact multiple suppliers to request quotes for your desired product. Be specific about your requirements, such as product specifications, order quantity, and shipping terms. Request product samples to evaluate the quality and compare different suppliers. 

When communicating with suppliers, consider the following:

• Product Quality: Aim for high-quality products that meet your standards. Request samples to assess the quality before placing a bulk order.
• Communication: Evaluate the supplier's response time and clarity of communication. If they are slow to respond or provide unclear information, consider contacting other suppliers.
• Industry Experience: Assess the supplier's experience in manufacturing your desired product. Check their certifications, production capabilities, and product portfolio.
• Price: Compare the prices offered by different suppliers to ensure that you get the best deal without compromising on quality.

3. Place an Order and Pay

Once you have selected a supplier, negotiate the price, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), and shipping terms. Send a purchase order agreement to the supplier to outline the agreed-upon terms. The supplier will then send you an invoice for payment.

Pay for your order using one of the available payment methods on Alibaba or 1688, such as bank transfer, letter of credit, escrow, PayPal, or Trade Assurance. Ensure that you use a secure payment method to protect your funds in case of any issues. 

4. Ship Products to Amazon FBA

After placing your order, arrange for the shipment of your products to an Amazon FBA warehouse. You can either:

Ship your products directly to Amazon.

Ship your products to your home or a third-party warehouse and send them to Amazon in smaller batches. 

For most sellers, shipping products directly to Amazon is the most cost-effective option. To do this, use a service like Amazon Global Logistics to arrange for the shipment of your products from the supplier to the Amazon warehouse.

5. Create and Optimize Your Amazon Listing

Before your products arrive at the Amazon warehouse, create your Amazon listing to ensure that it is optimized for maximum visibility and sales. Include high-quality images, a compelling title, detailed product descriptions, and relevant keywords.

Use Amazon's Brand Analytics search tool to identify popular search terms related to your product and incorporate them into your listing. Optimize your listing for both desktop and mobile devices to ensure that it appears professional and appealing to potential customers.

6. Launch and Promote Your Product

Once your products are live on Amazon, focus on launching and promoting your product to drive sales and improve your product's ranking on Amazon. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Amazon PPC Advertising: Use Amazon's pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platform to promote your products to potential customers. This will help increase visibility and drive targeted traffic to your product listing.
• Promotions and Discounts: Offer limited-time promotions and discounts to incentivize customers to purchase your product. This can help boost sales and improve your product's ranking on Amazon.
• Social Media and Influencer Marketing: Leverage social media platforms and influencers to promote your product to a larger audience. This can help generate buzz and drive more sales to your Amazon listing.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and engage with your customers through email marketing campaigns. Offer exclusive discounts, product updates, and relevant content to keep your audience engaged and encourage repeat purchases.

Implementing what you've learned about selling on Amazon is just a few clicks away. Sign in or sign up for a free 3-day trial on SellerSprite for a personalized experience and access exclusive tools that can help turn your insights into action.

7. Maintain Product Profitability

To ensure the long-term profitability of your products, focus on:

• Continuously Optimizing Your Listing: Regularly update and optimize your Amazon listing to maintain its visibility and appeal to potential customers.
• Monitoring Competitors: Keep an eye on your competitors and adjust your pricing, promotions, and marketing strategies accordingly.
• Improving Product Quality: Continuously work with your suppliers to improve product quality and address any customer feedback or issues.
• Expanding Your Distribution Channels: Consider selling your products on other e-commerce platforms or through your own online store to increase your revenue streams. 

8. Ensure Safety and Compliance

When sourcing products from Alibaba or 1688, it is crucial to ensure that your products meet the safety standards and regulations of your target market. This includes:

• Quality Control: Work closely with your suppliers to ensure that your products meet the required quality standards.
• Product Certifications: Ensure that your products have the necessary certifications for your target market, such as CE, FCC, or RoHS.
• Avoiding Counterfeit Products: Be cautious when sourcing branded products from Alibaba or 1688, as they may be counterfeit. Selling counterfeit products on Amazon can lead to account suspension and legal issues.
• Adhering to Amazon FBA Requirements: Ensure that your products and packaging comply with Amazon FBA requirements, such as labeling, packaging, and shipping guidelines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right product to sell on Amazon from Alibaba or 1688.com can set the foundation for your online business success. Remember to weigh demand, cost, and competition carefully—your ideal product is one that customers want, brings good profit margins, and isn't swamped by competitors.

Ready to turn theory into action? Finding your perfect product is just the first step. The real adventure begins when you bring it to the marketplace. Give yourself the best start with SellerSprite's resources by your side.

Take the first step towards your Amazon success story with a free 3-day trial. Sign up now, and gain the insights and tools to make your Amazon venture thrive. The next top-selling product on Amazon could be yours!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you allowed to sell Alibaba products on Amazon?

Yes, you're allowed to sell products sourced from Alibaba on Amazon. Many sellers do this as Alibaba is a vast marketplace for wholesale products. However, ensure you adhere to Amazon's policies, confirming the authenticity of products to avoid any infringement issues.

Can I ship directly from Alibaba to the Amazon warehouse?

Yes, it is possible to ship directly from Alibaba to Amazon's warehouse by using the Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) service. To do this, ensure your supplier agrees to prepare the items according to Amazon's packaging and prep requirements and use an FBA-approved shipping method.

Can you order directly from Alibaba?

Yes, you can directly place orders on Alibaba. It's a platform designed to connect international buyers with manufacturers and suppliers. You can negotiate prices, minimum order quantities, and other terms before placing an order.

How to dropship straight from Alibaba?

Dropshipping directly from Alibaba involves finding a supplier willing to ship products one at a time directly to your customers. You list the supplier's products on Amazon, and when a customer makes a purchase, you order the product from the supplier, providing the customer's shipping information for direct delivery. Ensure clear communication with the supplier to maintain quality service.