TAS 442: PL Part 3 - How to Find Suppliers and Source Your Products

Once you’ve validated and tested the products you want to feature as you start your ecommerce business, you have to take the next step, finding suppliers. Where do you even start to locate and develop a relationship with suppliers? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott and Chris as they go over what you need to know as you move into the next phase of your business. Don’t go into this next step blindly! Take full advantage of the wisdom and insights that Scott and Chris have from years of experience in the ecommerce industry. You don’t want to miss this valuable episode!

Where to start connecting with Suppliers

How can sellers like you connect with trustworthy suppliers for your first ecommerce product? Should you connect with multiple suppliers or go with the first one you find? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott and Chris as they share what you need to do to start connecting with overseas suppliers. The guys go over resources like Alibaba and Aliexpress and how you can leverage those platforms to build a list of suppliers to connect with. Make sure to listen to this episode to get all the tips and tools you need to make sure your first interaction with a supplier is a positive one! Don’t miss this episode!

Filtering through Potential Suppliers

If you connect with a good list of potential suppliers for your first product, how do you filter through them and decide which one is the best fit for you? Is it all chance and a roll of the dice or is there a way to filter through your options efficiently? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott, and Chris provide some helpful advice and a great tool you can use to help you through this difficult process. The guys suggest that you start by sending an email template they’ve developed with key questions for suppliers to answer so you can find the one supplier that will produce the best product for you. Don’t miss this episode as the guys break down the email template you can use!

Make sure to order samples!

As you prepare to launch your first product and you connect with the right suppliers, don’t forget to ask your supplier for samples! The last thing you want to do is to order a lot of products based on only a picture. On this episode of The Amazing Seller, you’ll hear from Scott and Chris as they describe how you can request and pay for samples from your chosen supplier. The guys suggest that you order at least two samples, pay for them, and have them sent to you by air. To get all the information you need regarding samples and other variables surrounding suppliers, make sure to listen to this episode!

Do you have to go to China?

Many new ecommerce sellers find themselves wondering if they can get their business off the ground without going to China. Is a trip to China necessary or is there a better option? On this episode of The Amazing Seller, Scott and Chris explain how sellers like you can build relationships with inspectors and other third-party agents in China so you don’t have to travel overseas. Hear how Scott and his brand were able to make a great connection with an individual that ended up saving them a lot of money in the long run. You don’t want to miss this fascinating episode!

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE AMAZING SELLER

• [0:03] Scott’s introduction to this episode of the podcast!
• [5:30] Where do you start to source your product?
• [9:00] The difference between Aliexpress and Alibaba.
• [15:30] How to filter through potential suppliers.
• [24:30] Chris goes over an email template to send potential suppliers.
• [29:00] Why it’s important to order samples.
• [33:00] Scott recaps the sourcing process.
• [35:00] How many samples should you order and how do you pay for them?
• [38:30] How do you get changes or modifications of the product from the supplier?
• [40:30] Where to find suppliers in specific countries.
• [42:30] Do you need to have a separate email address?
• [44:00] Do you have to go to China to make this work?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• www.theamazingseller.com/440
• www.theamazingseller.com/441
• www.theamazingseller.com/435
• www.alibaba.com
• www.aliexpress.com
• WeChat
• Tommy Boy
• www.theamazingseller.com/workshop
• Guided Imports
• Top Win
• www.thomasnet.com