With the e-commerce industry growing daily, sourcing has become a critical aspect of online selling that can either make or break your business. The availability of a large variety of products, their quality, and reasonable cost can significantly impact your ability to attract and retain customers, generate revenue, and stay competitive in the e-commerce market.
This article will delve deeply into why sourcing is essential for online selling. We will also provide beneficial tips on sourcing products that match your business goals and customers’ requirements.
Table of Contents
What is Product Sourcing?
Product sourcing involves buying product catalogs from a supplier and then reselling them. , you identify the products you want to sell in your online store, purchase them from a supplier, and resell them through product sourcing. It’s essential to be careful when sourcing products because it significantly affects your sales. Poor product selection or low-quality products can result in disappointing sales if you don’t have an effective product-sourcing process.
Sourcing Strategies to Consider
There are two sourcing strategies: direct sourcing and indirect sourcing. Direct sourcing refers to buying goods, raw materials, and services directly used in a business’s operations. These directly sourced goods and services become part of the final product. On the other hand, indirect sourcing refers to the source of goods and services that are not related to a business’s manufacturing process but are necessary for the business to maintain and operate.
Suppose you’re interested in starting an e-commerce business in Pakistan. In that case, you can check out this comprehensive guide on How to Start an E-commerce Business in Pakistan for valuable insights and step-by-step instructions.
How to Source Product
Sourcing products is a critical aspect of any business that involves buying and selling goods. Whether running an e-commerce store, a retail business, or a wholesale company, finding the right products to sell online is critical to your success. To source products for your business, there are several steps you can follow, including recognizing your needs, researching potential suppliers, accessing suppliers, negotiating pricing, and establishing a relationship.
Proven Product Sourcing Strategies
The supply world is vast and fascinating, but it can be overwhelming to delve too deeply into research. If you want your search to be authentic, follow these sourcing tracks:
1. Finding a Manufacturer for Sourcing
Finding the proper manufacturer to source your products can make your business successful, but it can be challenging if you are new to the industry.
First, you must identify potential manufacturers matching your product requirements and budget. Start by searching online directories and marketplaces, attending trade shows and exhibitions, and asking for recommendations from industry contacts. Having a list of potential manufacturers is the first step in ensuring that they are reliable, reputable, and capable of meeting your production demands. Through this process, you can verify their certifications, quality control processes, production capacity, and lead times.
2. DIY Products For Sourcing
Creating your products through DIY sourcing can be attractive for hobbyists and small businesses due to the uniqueness it provides. However, it can be challenging to fulfill larger orders, and the cost of materials may be higher when purchasing smaller quantities. It’s also important to consider storage and assembly space because DIY products require time and effort. They should be sold at a higher price than mass-produced goods. Many options are available to source materials, including mass production suppliers, recycled material suppliers, and flea markets. When pricing DIY products, it’s essential to factor in your salary and the cost of branding and packaging. It may be challenging to determine a reasonable price, but a niche product that showcases your undeniable skill can command a premium price, as customers value unique and personalized items.
3. Finding a Wholesaler for Product Sourcing for eCommerce
If you want to purchase and sell products in large quantities, working with wholesalers can get you a better price per unit. However, you’ll need to handle tasks like shipping and packaging, and you’ll have to pay upfront for inventory while taking the risk of not selling everything. Additionally, you may need extra storage space, which can increase your costs.
Alternatively, you can search for international manufacturers with transparent pricing on online marketplaces like Alibaba or Shopify’s Handshake. To make the products your own, consider white or private labeling. Wholesalers may also be able to help with branding and packaging, so don’t hesitate to inquire about these options.
4. Dropshipping Supplier for Sourcing Product
Dropshipping can be a convenient way to source products for your online store because you only need to focus on marketing and product curation while your supplier takes care of the rest. It’s a low-cost and scalable business model but also highly competitive, with slim profit margins and potential supply chain issues that can harm your reputation. To succeed in dropshipping, you must understand your target audience and constantly adapt your product offerings. When choosing a dropshipping supplier, conducting thorough research and selecting a reputable and reliable partner is crucial.
5. Assist Trade Shows for Product Sourcing to Sell Online
Trade shows provide an exceptional opportunity to procure fresh products for your business. These events enable you to connect with many vendors, manufacturers, and distributors from across the globe, all gathered in one place. Attending trade shows allows you to examine and experience the products firsthand, discuss pricing and availability, and establish relationships with potential suppliers. Attending trade shows can be an innovative and effective strategy for sourcing top-quality products. You can be among the first to discover new products and trends before they hit the market, giving your business a competitive advantage. Therefore, if you want to expand your product line or find new sources for your existing products, attending trade shows is a great way to achieve your goals.
You can explore this informative article on Product Hunting to enhance your product sourcing efforts and discover unique and trending products. It provides valuable tips and techniques for finding innovative products to enrich your sourcing strategy.
Product Sourcing and Selling Platform
If you’re looking for the best product-sourcing apps, there are five that stand out:
- Alibaba
Alibaba is a leading product-sourcing app that offers a vast database of suppliers from all over the world. It connects buyers with manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors, helping them find the best product deals. The app’s user-friendly interface allows users to search for products by keyword or category, making it easy to find precisely what they want. Additionally, the app provides a secure communication platform that enables buyers to negotiate prices, place orders, and manage shipments with suppliers directly. With Alibaba, businesses can access various products at competitive prices. It is an excellent choice for those looking to expand their product offerings or source goods from new markets. - Sourcify
Sourcify is a highly specialized product-sourcing platform specifically designed to assist businesses in finding and connecting with manufacturers and suppliers in China. Through Sourcify, businesses can access a vast network of pre-vetted suppliers who have undergone careful screening for quality and reliability. One of the key benefits of using Sourcify is that the app provides businesses with a dedicated project manager who can guide them through every step of the sourcing process. This includes identifying potential suppliers, negotiating pricing, and managing orders. Such guidance is precious for businesses new to sourcing products from overseas and may not be familiar with the nuances of the Chinese manufacturing market. By leveraging Sourcify’s expertise and resources, businesses can save time, reduce risks, and ultimately find the best possible suppliers to work with. - Printify
Printify is an innovative product-sourcing app that streamlines the process of creating custom merchandise to sell. It eliminates the need to manage inventory and shipping, providing a hassle-free experience for users. With Printify, users can access a wide range of high-quality products, including t-shirts, phone cases, and mugs, and easily upload their designs onto the platform. The app then connects users with a network of professional printing companies that handle the production and shipping of the products directly to customers. This allows users to focus on the creative aspects of their business while Printify takes care of the logistics. Its intuitive interface and extensive product options make Printify a valuable tool for anyone looking to start a thriving e-commerce business. By leveraging the power of Printify, users can effortlessly turn their design ideas into tangible products, helping them build a successful online store and reach a wider audience. - Doba
Doba is an app designed to simplify the product sourcing process for e-commerce entrepreneurs. With its vast network of suppliers, users can easily find and compare products in one place without handling inventory or shipping. Doba offers a range of tools to help users manage their businesses efficiently, including automated order processing and real-time inventory updates. Additionally, users can access detailed product information, pricing, and inventory levels from multiple suppliers, enabling them to make informed decisions about the products they offer in their stores.
Related Articles:
- Knowing current trends in e-commerce in Pakistan
- Choose the right product to sell online in Pakistan
- Choose the e-commerce platforms that work best in Pakistan
- Launching your product online
- Marketing your e-commerce products
Conclusion
When sourcing products for online selling, the options are virtually endless. It’s essential to take the time to research and explore all your options to find the best match for your needs. Don’t be afraid to contact potential suppliers via phone or email, even if it feels intimidating. Remember, they are also looking to establish a business relationship with you. With a bit of enthusiasm and effort, this could be the beginning of an exciting venture. I suggest pursuing your goal with complete determination and without hesitation or restraint.
About The Author
Shahzad Ahmad Mirza
Shahzad Ahmad Mirza is a web developer, entrepreneur, and trainer based in Lahore, Pakistan. He started his career in 2000 and founded his web development agency, Designs Valley, in 2012. Mirza also runs a YouTube channel, “Learn With Shahzad Ahmad Mirza,” where he shares his web programming and internet marketing expertise. He has trained over 50,000 students, many of whom have become successful digital marketers, programmers, and freelancers. He also created the GBOB (Guest Blog Posting Business) course, which teaches individuals how to make money online.
