Where to Buy Wholesale Products: Top 10 Amazon Suppliers

by | Jan 30, 2025 | Ecommerce

where to buy wholesale products to sell on amazon

Let’s be real – everyone and their cousin seems to be jumping on the Amazon seller bandwagon these days. But here’s the thing: while dropshipping and private labeling get all the TikTok glory, wholesale selling on Amazon is like that quiet kid in class who actually ends up running a Fortune 500 company.

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I’ve spent years watching sellers try different business models on Amazon, and wholesale consistently proves to be one of the most stable and scalable approaches. Think about it – instead of creating products from scratch or hunting for retail arbitrage deals, you’re basically becoming a mini-distributor for established brands. It’s less sexy than launching your own product line, but often way more profitable.

The Wholesale Difference: Why It’s Not Just Another Amazon Business Model

Here’s what makes wholesale unique: you’re buying legitimate, branded products in bulk directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors to sell on Amazon. No need to worry about product development, brand building, or whether that supplier from Alibaba will actually deliver what they promised.

The numbers don’t lie – wholesale accounts for roughly 50% of Amazon’s third-party sales volume. That’s huge. And while private label sellers are duking it out with countless competitors, wholesale sellers often find themselves in less crowded spaces with better margins.

Getting Your Ducks in Row: Essential Prerequisites for Wholesale Success

amazon fba wholesale suppliers

Before you start dreaming about those sweet wholesale margins, let’s talk about what you actually need to get started. Trust me, skipping these fundamentals is like trying to build a house without a foundation – it might look okay for a minute, but it’ll all come crashing down eventually.

Legal Requirements: The Not-So-Fun But Absolutely Necessary Stuff

First things first – you need to legitimize your business. This means:

  • Getting a business license (usually an LLC or Corporation)
  • Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • Registering for sales tax in your state
  • Setting up a business bank account
  • Getting resale certificates (crucial for working with legitimate wholesalers)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen eager entrepreneurs try to skip these steps, only to hit a wall when approaching serious suppliers. Legitimate wholesale distributors won’t even look at you without proper documentation.

Financial Planning: The Make-or-Break Factor

Let’s talk money – and I mean really talk about it. Wholesale isn’t like dropshipping where you can start with pocket change. You’re going to need some serious capital, typically $5,000-$10,000 minimum to start making any real impact.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to consider:

  • Initial inventory investment (usually $2,000-$5,000 minimum)
  • Amazon seller account fees ($39.99/month for Professional)
  • FBA fees (variable, but plan for 25-35% of your sale price)
  • Operating expenses (software, accounting, etc.)
  • Buffer for reorders (you don’t want to run out of inventory)

Finding Your Sweet Spot: Product Research and Selection

This is where most people get it wrong. They either go too broad (“I’ll sell everything!”) or too narrow (“I’ll only sell vintage coffee grinders”). The key is finding that goldilocks zone where demand meets profitability.

Market Analysis Tools: Your New Best Friends

Look, I’m a tech guy, and I love data. But you don’t need to be a data scientist to do proper product research. Here are the essential tools I recommend:

  • Jungle Scout or Helium 10 for market research
  • Keepa for price history tracking
  • Amazon’s own Category and Product Targeting reports

The goal isn’t to find products with zero competition – that’s usually a red flag. Instead, look for products with consistent demand and reasonable competition where you can actually add value.

Selection Criteria: What Makes a Good Wholesale Product

After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve found works best:

  • Retail price between $15-$50 (sweet spot for impulse buys)
  • Minimum 30% profit margin after all fees
  • Sales rank in top 5% of category
  • Not dominated by the brand owner on Amazon
  • Consistent sales history (check Keepa graphs)

Think of it like dating – you’re not looking for perfect, you’re looking for the right match for your business model and capabilities.

The Hunt Begins: Primary Sources for Wholesale Products

wholesalecentral

Now we’re getting to the meat of it – where to actually find these mythical wholesale suppliers. There’s no single “best” source, but rather a network of opportunities you’ll want to tap into.

Online Wholesale Marketplaces

The digital landscape has revolutionized how we find wholesale suppliers. These platforms are your first stop when researching where to buy wholesale products:

Wholesale Central

Think of Wholesale Central as the LinkedIn of wholesale – it’s not the prettiest platform, but it’s where business gets done. They’ve got over 1,400 supplier categories and most are US-based, which means faster shipping and easier communication.

Alibaba

The 800-pound gorilla of wholesale sourcing. Yes, it can be overwhelming, and yes, there are risks. But with proper vetting (always request samples!), it’s possible to find reliable suppliers with competitive prices. Pro tip: Look for Gold Suppliers with Trade Assurance.

Trade Shows and Industry Events

Nothing beats face-to-face networking. These events are gold mines for finding wholesale suppliers and spotting upcoming trends. Key shows include:

  • ASD Market Week (Las Vegas)
  • NY NOW
  • Canton Fair (if you’re ready to go international)
  • MAGIC (for fashion and accessories)

Direct Manufacturer Relationships

This is the holy grail of wholesale sourcing. Direct relationships mean better prices, exclusive deals, and first dibs on new products. But here’s the catch – it takes time and persistence to build these relationships.

Start by:

  • Being ready to prove your value proposition
  • Researching brands you want to work with
  • Preparing a professional business pitch
  • Following up consistently (but not annoyingly)

Essential Prerequisites Before Sourcing Products

Let’s be real – jumping into wholesale without proper groundwork is like trying to build a rocket without understanding basic physics. Trust me, I’ve seen too many eager entrepreneurs crash and burn by skipping these fundamentals. Before you start dreaming about those juicy Amazon profit margins, we need to get your foundation solid.

Legal Requirements and Documentation

I know, I know – paperwork isn’t exactly thrilling. But here’s the thing: if you’re wondering where to buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon, you need to be legit first. Think of it as your business’s armor – protection against potential issues down the road.

You’ll need:

  • A proper business license (LLC or Corporation typically)
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • State sales tax permit
  • Resale certificate (crucial for buying wholesale without paying sales tax)
  • Amazon Professional Seller account

Financial Planning

Here’s where things get interesting – and by interesting, I mean potentially wallet-draining if you don’t plan properly. Wholesale isn’t like retail arbitrage where you can start with a couple hundred bucks. You’re playing in the big leagues now.

Most wholesale suppliers require minimum orders ranging from $500 to $5000+. And that’s just for one product line. You’ll need to factor in:

  • Initial inventory investment (typically $2000-$10000 minimum)
  • Amazon FBA fees
  • Storage costs
  • Shipping expenses
  • Operating capital for reorders

Product Research and Selection Strategy

where to buy wholesale products to sell on amazon

This is where the magic happens – or where dreams go to die, depending on how well you do your homework. When looking for where to buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon, your success largely depends on picking the right products. If you’re new to e-commerce and wondering how to resell on Amazon, focusing on wholesale strategies can provide a structured path to profitability without the risks of private labeling.

Market Analysis Tools

Think of these tools as your product research superpowers. They’re not cheap, but neither is making inventory mistakes. I’ve personally used most of these, and they’re worth their weight in gold:

  • Jungle Scout (for market size and demand analysis)
  • Helium 10 (for competitor research)
  • Keepa (for price history tracking)
  • AMZScout (for product trend analysis)

Product Selection Criteria

After years of trial and error (and some painful lessons), here’s what I’ve found works best:

  • Price sweet spot: $15-50 retail (allows for healthy margins while minimizing risk)
  • Size matters: Items that fit in a shoebox are ideal (lower shipping/storage costs)
  • Weight: Under 2 pounds is optimal
  • Competition: Look for listings with less than 1000 reviews
  • Demand: Minimum 300 units/month sales history

Alternative Sourcing Methods

amazon fba wholesale suppliers

Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t where everyone else is looking. Let’s explore some less obvious but potentially lucrative sourcing channels.

Local Wholesale Opportunities

Don’t overlook what’s in your backyard. Local sourcing can offer unique advantages:

  • Lower shipping costs
  • Faster delivery times
  • Easier quality control
  • Face-to-face relationship building
  • Potential for exclusive regional deals

Liquidation and Closeout Sources

This is where the risk-takers can find gold. Liquidation lots can offer incredible margins, but you need to know what you’re doing. Key considerations:

  • Verify product condition and authenticity
  • Calculate true ROI including sorting/processing time
  • Have a plan for dealing with varied inventory
  • Understand return/defect rates

Supplier Verification and Management

Here’s where many Amazon sellers drop the ball. Finding suppliers is one thing – verifying and managing them is another game entirely. Let’s break it down.

Due Diligence Process

Think of this as your supplier background check. Essential steps include:

  • Requesting business licenses and certifications
  • Checking references (ask for at least 3)
  • Ordering samples (always, always, always)
  • Verifying physical address and operations
  • Conducting video calls or facility tours when possible

Remember: A legitimate supplier will welcome your due diligence. If they get defensive or evasive, that’s a massive red flag.

Relationship Building

This is where the magic happens in wholesale. Strong supplier relationships can mean:

  • Better pricing
  • Priority during inventory shortages
  • Early access to new products
  • More flexible payment terms
  • Better support when issues arise

Pro tip: Treat your suppliers like business partners, not vendors. Share your success stories, keep them updated on your growth, and always pay on time.

Marketing and Sales Optimization for Amazon Wholesale Success

where to buy wholesale products to sell on amazon

Let’s talk about something that keeps many Amazon sellers up at night – turning those wholesale products into actual sales. Because let’s face it, having great products sitting in FBA warehouses collecting dust (and storage fees) is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

The Art and Science of Amazon Listing Optimization

I’ve seen countless sellers treat their Amazon listings like they’re writing a technical manual from the 1980s. Here’s the thing – your listing needs to be both a sales pitch and a search engine magnet. Think of it as speed dating for your products – you’ve got about 3 seconds to make someone fall in love.

The secret sauce? It’s not just about cramming keywords everywhere (please don’t be that seller). Instead, focus on what I call the “Triple-T approach”: Title that converts, Thumbnails that pop, and Text that tells a story.

Advertising and Promotion Strategies That Actually Work

Remember when you could just list products on Amazon and watch the sales roll in? Yeah, those days are gone – like dial-up internet and flip phones. Today, leveraging sponsored products is a game-changer, helping sellers gain visibility and boost sales in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Today’s Amazon is pay-to-play, but that doesn’t mean you should throw money at PPC campaigns like a Silicon Valley startup with too much venture capital.

Financial Management and Scaling Your Wholesale Business

Here’s where things get interesting – and where most Amazon sellers either make it or break it. Managing wholesale inventory isn’t like managing your personal Netflix queue; you can’t just add things to your list and forget about them.

Accounting and Tax Considerations

Look, I get it – accounting isn’t sexy. It’s about as exciting as watching paint dry in slow motion. But ignore it at your peril. Think of it as the foundation of your house – nobody sees it, but without it, everything else comes crashing down.

  • Set up separate business banking accounts (mixing personal and business funds is like using the same toothbrush for you and your dog – just don’t)
  • Track EVERYTHING – yes, even that $5 shipping label
  • Consider inventory management software that integrates with your accounting system
  • Work with an accountant who understands ecommerce (not your cousin who “does taxes on the side”)

Scaling Strategies That Won’t Break the Bank

Scaling isn’t just about buying more inventory – that’s like trying to lose weight by buying bigger pants. Smart scaling means growing sustainably. Start by automating the boring stuff (like price monitoring and reordering), then focus on expanding your product lines strategically.

Common Challenges and How to Actually Solve Them

Let’s address the elephants in the room – those persistent challenges that make wholesale sellers want to throw their laptops out the window.

Competition Management (Without Losing Your Mind)

Price wars are the quickest way to turn your profitable business into a hobby. Instead of racing to the bottom, focus on building value. This might mean bundling products, offering better customer service, or finding unique product variations your competitors haven’t thought of.

Risk Mitigation Strategies That Work

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that supply chains can be about as reliable as weather forecasts. Here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Build relationships with multiple suppliers (don’t put all your eggs in one basket)
  • Keep emergency cash reserves (think of it as business insurance)
  • Develop contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
  • Stay updated on Amazon’s ever-changing policies (they love surprising us, don’t they?)

Future Trends and Opportunities in Amazon Wholesale

The future of Amazon wholesale isn’t just about selling more stuff – it’s about selling smarter. We’re seeing AI and automation tools reshape how we source products, manage inventory, and make decisions. And no, the robots aren’t coming for your job (yet).

Emerging Markets and Opportunities

International expansion isn’t just for giant corporations anymore. With the right strategy and tools, even small wholesale businesses can go global. But remember – expanding internationally is like dating someone who speaks a different language. It’s exciting but requires patience, understanding, and sometimes a good translator.

The Evolution of Amazon Wholesale

The Amazon marketplace is evolving faster than smartphone models. Here’s what’s coming:

  • AI-powered inventory management (goodbye, spreadsheet nightmares)
  • Sustainable packaging requirements (Mother Earth is watching)
  • Enhanced brand protection tools
  • More integration with social commerce

Final Thoughts on Where to Buy Wholesale Products

Success in Amazon wholesale isn’t about finding some secret supplier list or magical product category. It’s about building a sustainable business with solid foundations. While some sellers are tempted to buy Amazon reviews, it’s essential to focus on organic customer feedback and Amazon-compliant review strategies to maintain long-term credibility and avoid policy violations. Start with the basics – legal requirements, proper documentation, and financial planning. Then focus on finding reliable suppliers through platforms like Wholesale Central and building relationships that last.

Remember, wholesale success on Amazon is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to verify suppliers, test products, and optimize your operations. Use tools and resources wisely, but don’t forget the human element – networking, relationship building, and customer service still matter.

The wholesale landscape will continue to evolve, but the fundamentals remain the same: source quality products, maintain healthy margins, and always keep your customer in mind. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your existing operation, focus on building a business that can weather market changes and grow sustainably.

And hey, if all else fails, at least you’ll have some interesting stories to tell at parties about that time you accidentally ordered 10,000 fidget spinners right after the trend died. (We’ve all been there, right?)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to know what wholesale products to sell on Amazon?

When selecting wholesale products to sell on Amazon, consider focusing on items with high demand and low competition. Conduct market research using tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10 to identify trending products. Additionally, ensure the products comply with Amazon’s regulations and standards to avoid potential listing issues.

How to sell wholesale?

To sell wholesale, start by registering as a business entity and obtaining a resale license, which allows you to purchase goods tax-free from manufacturers or distributors. Build relationships with reliable suppliers and negotiate favorable terms for bulk purchasing. Finally, create competitive listings on platforms like Amazon, ensuring your pricing strategy balances both profitability and market competitiveness.

Where to buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon?

You can buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon from trade shows, online marketplaces like Alibaba, or directly from manufacturers. Additionally, consider joining wholesale directories such as SaleHoo or Worldwide Brands to access verified suppliers. It’s crucial to vet suppliers thoroughly to ensure product quality and reliability.

Where to buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon in USA?

In the USA, you can buy wholesale products from platforms like Wholesale Central or directly from U.S.-based trade shows and distributors. Visiting trade shows such as ASD Market Week or the National Hardware Show can also provide opportunities to discover and negotiate with suppliers. Additionally, consider contacting manufacturers directly for potential wholesale partnerships.

Where to buy wholesale products to sell on Amazon reddit?

Reddit can be a valuable resource for finding wholesale product suppliers, as there are several communities where users share insights and recommendations. Subreddits such as r/WholesaleDeals or r/FulfillmentByAmazon often discuss where to find reliable suppliers and share tips on negotiating with them. Engaging with these communities can provide firsthand experiences and advice on sourcing products.

About the Author

Vijay Jacob is the founder and chief contributing writer for ProductScope AI focused on storytelling in AI and tech. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn, and ProductScope AI on X and on LinkedIn.

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