How to Source Products on Alibaba for Amazon FBA

How to Source Products on Alibaba for Amazon FBA

If you're planning to sell on Amazon FBA, sourcing your product is the moment things get real.

And for most new sellers, that journey begins with Alibaba—the go-to platform for finding manufacturers, customizing your product, and ordering inventory from China.

But here’s the truth:

One bad sourcing decision can cost you your launch.

At Flapen, we’ve helped launch over 100 private label brands—each within 3–5 months—by helping founders avoid common sourcing mistakes and build lasting supplier partnerships.

This guide walks you through how to source products on Alibaba the right way, with clear, actionable steps tailored for first-time Amazon sellers.

Table of Contents

1. Why Alibaba for Amazon FBA

2. Step-by-Step: How to Source from Alibaba

3. How to Evaluate and Compare Suppliers

4. What to Ask Before Placing an Order

5. Tips to Avoid Common Sourcing Mistakes

6. Final Thoughts

1. Why Alibaba for Amazon FBA

Alibaba is the world’s largest B2B sourcing platform, connecting global sellers with manufacturers—mainly in China. It's the best starting point for private label sellers because:

✅ Low cost per unit (ideal for Amazon margins)
✅ Massive supplier network
✅ Easy custom branding (logo, packaging, etc.)
✅ Trade Assurance protects your payment
✅ Flexible MOQs (300–500 units)

But it's not risk-free. Many new sellers fall into traps like:

• Choosing the cheapest supplier

• Paying 100% upfront

• Skipping the sample process

• Not confirming FBA prep requirements

That’s why sourcing smart—not just fast—is essential.

2. Step-by-Step: How to Source from Alibaba

Let’s break it down into the 8 steps we use with our own clients:

Step 1: Define Your Product Requirements

Before messaging any supplier, be crystal clear about what you need.

✅ Product specs: size, material, color, packaging
✅ Logo or branding requirements
✅ Target cost per unit (aim for 25–35% of Amazon selling price)
✅ Quantity for first order (usually 300–500 units)

🧠 Tip: Create a short 1-page spec sheet or PDF you can send with your request. It saves time and builds trust.

Step 2: Search for Products on Alibaba

Go to alibaba.com and type in your product idea (e.g. “bamboo cutting board”).

Then filter your results:

Look for 5–10 suppliers that match your product vision.

Step 3: Contact Multiple Suppliers (5–10 Minimum)

Don’t stop at one. Contact several suppliers using a clear, professional message.

Message Template:

Subject: Private Label Product Inquiry for Amazon

Hi,

We’re looking to source [Product Name] for the U.S. market.

Please provide:

1. Unit price for 300 / 500 / 1000 units

2. MOQ

3. Custom branding options (logo + box)

4. Sample cost + lead time

5. Production timeline

6. Shipping terms (FOB, DDP)

7. FBA prep support (labeling + carton marking)

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Brand or “Amazon Seller”]

Step 4: Order and Compare Samples

Expect to pay $30–$80 per sample including shipping.

Order from 2–3 of your top suppliers.

What to Evaluate:

• Product quality and durability

• Packaging design (is it FBA-compliant?)

• Finishing details (printing, logos, etc.)

• Accuracy to your specs

📦 Make sure the product arrives in packaging that won’t get flagged or damaged in Amazon’s warehouse.

Step 5: Negotiate Price and MOQ

You don’t need to be a pro negotiator—but you do need to ask.

Use your quotes from other suppliers as leverage.

Questions to Ask:

• “Can you match this price if I order 500 units?”

• “Would you accept 300 units for the first order?”

• “Can we lock this pricing for future orders?”

Most suppliers are flexible—especially if they see long-term potential.

Step 6: Confirm Order Terms in a Proforma Invoice (PI)

Before paying anything, review the full order details:

🧠 Always use Alibaba Trade Assurance or Escrow to protect your payment.

Step 7: Inspect Before Shipping

Never ship to Amazon FBA blind—especially for your first order.

Options:

• Hire a third-party inspection company (Flapen can recommend one)

• Or request detailed photos/videos from your supplier

Also confirm:

• FNSKU barcodes are applied

• “Made in China” label is on product or packaging

• Cartons are labeled per Amazon's requirements

Step 8: Arrange FBA Shipping (Air or Sea)

Two common options:

For first-time sellers, we highly recommend DDP shipping—the supplier handles customs and delivery to Amazon.

Flapen’s logistics team can coordinate this end-to-end.

3. How to Evaluate and Compare Suppliers

Use this supplier scorecard during sampling and quoting:

Score each on a 1–5 scale to help make the final decision easier.

4. What to Ask Before Placing an Order

These questions should be answered before money changes hands:

• What is your MOQ and price per unit?

• Do you support custom packaging and logo printing?

• What’s your production and sample timeline?

• What are your shipping terms (FOB, CIF, DDP)?

• Have you worked with Amazon FBA sellers before?

• Do you apply FNSKU barcodes and provide Amazon carton labels?

• What payment methods do you accept?

• Do you offer Trade Assurance protection?

• What happens if there’s a defect?

✅ If a supplier answers all of these clearly—it’s a good sign you’re in safe hands.

5. Tips to Avoid Common Sourcing Mistakes

💡 Every sourcing mistake costs time, money—or both. Slow down and double-check before you commit.

6. Final Thoughts

Sourcing through Alibaba is where real Amazon businesses begin.
It’s also where the riskiest decisions are made.

To win, you need to:

• Contact multiple suppliers

• Evaluate product and packaging carefully

• Negotiate with confidence

• Protect your payment

• Ensure FBA compliance before shipping

At Flapen, we simplify the entire process—from supplier vetting to production oversight and FBA logistics—so you can launch fast and profitably without the sourcing stress.