Tips for Sourcing Products for Your E-Commerce or Amazon Store (Without Getting Burned)

So you’ve got an idea, an Amazon storefront (or a dream of one), and maybe even a logo—but now comes the tricky part: sourcing products. Whether you're just getting started with e-commerce or looking to expand your catalog, finding quality goods at a competitive price is the foundation of any successful product-based business.

At Supply Junkie, we specialize in sourcing and importing materials from international suppliers—so we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the overpriced. Here are our top tips for sourcing smart, so you can launch with confidence and scale like a pro.

1. Know Your Niche

Before you start ordering samples, get clear on your product focus. The most successful e-commerce sellers solve a specific problem or cater to a unique audience. Tools like Jungle Scout, Helium 10, and Amazon Best Sellers can help you find product opportunities with demand—but low competition.

Avoid the temptation to go too broad or chase trends without research. Instead, find a sweet spot where there’s consistent interest and room for you to differentiate.

2. Start Small, But Plan to Scale

We get it—you’re excited. But don’t go all in on a container of untested product. Ask your supplier if they offer small minimum order quantities (MOQs) or samples so you can test demand before investing heavily.

At the same time, make sure your supplier can scale with you. You don’t want to switch manufacturers just when your product takes off.

3. Vet Your Supplier Like a Business Partner

Not all factories are created equal. If you’re sourcing from platforms like Alibaba or 1688, make sure to:

• Ask for business licenses or certifications

• Request photos or videos of their facility

• Review customer feedback or request U.S. client references

Better yet, work with a trusted sourcing agent (yep, that’s us 👋) who already has established relationships with reliable factories. This helps eliminate risk and language barriers.

4. Understand Production Timelines

Manufacturing isn’t instant. Production, packaging, quality control, and shipping all take time—often 6–12 weeks depending on the product and season.

Build extra buffer time into your schedule, especially during major holidays like Chinese New Year, when factories shut down for weeks.

5. Factor in All Costs (Not Just the Product Price)

You might find an amazing product for $3 per unit—but by the time you add:

• Freight

• Duties & tariffs

• Port fees

• Customs brokerage

• Warehouse receiving

• Amazon FBA or fulfillment center fees

...that $3 product could cost you $7+. Always do a full landed cost analysis before committing to a supplier.

Tip: Use the product’s HTS code to estimate duties and tariffs ahead of time. Don’t worry—Supply Junkie can help you with that.

6. Branding Makes the Difference

If you’re selling on Amazon or Etsy, you’re up against dozens of similar products. One of the fastest ways to stand out? Private label and custom branding.

Ask your supplier if they offer:

• Custom logos

• Packaging design

• Product inserts

• Bundling options

It’s often more affordable than you think—and adds serious perceived value.

7. Inspect Before You Ship

Never skip quality control. A pre-shipment inspection can save you thousands in returns, negative reviews, or unusable inventory. You can hire a third-party service or ask your sourcing partner (👋 again) to check for you.

Trust us—it’s easier to fix problems before your products leave the factory than after they’ve crossed an ocean.

8. Use a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Once your products are ready to ship, you’ll need a freight partner to handle:

• International transit (sea or air)

• Customs clearance

• Delivery to your warehouse or Amazon FBA facility

Look for someone who offers door-to-door service and understands e-commerce timelines. We work with vetted logistics partners who get your shipment where it needs to go—without the drama.

9. Stay Legal

Certain product categories require certifications or compliance documents to be sold in the U.S. and on Amazon. These may include:

• UL certification (for electronics)

• FDA registration (for beauty or food items)

• FCC certification (for Bluetooth-enabled items)

Do your research—or reach out and we’ll help you figure out what you need to be compliant.

10. Don’t DIY Everything

Yes, you can learn it all. But should you? The most successful sellers know when to lean on experts to save time, money, and mistakes.

From sourcing products and negotiating with factories to navigating customs and managing warehousing—Supply Junkie is your behind-the-scenes partner.

Ready to Launch? Let’s Do This.

If you're building an e-commerce or Amazon brand and want help sourcing products, Supply Junkie is here to help. We connect you with reliable factories, coordinate shipments, and help you avoid rookie mistakes—so you can focus on what you do best: selling.

👉 Contact us today to talk about your product goals—we’ll help you bring them to life.