How to Source Purchase?
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- Issue Time
- Oct 21,2022
Summary
Product sourcing is the main stage of the import business. Below we've covered some of the basics of how to do product sourcing to help your e-commerce business pursue quality products.
Product sourcing is the main stage of the import business. Many businesses try to source high-value products from international markets. Retailers, import/export, e-commerce, and manufacturing businesses need to source products.
However, it's not just about sourcing products for your eCommerce business. You cannot run a successful business without access to the right quality products at competitive prices.
So, we've covered some of the basics of how to do product sourcing to help your eCommerce business pursue quality products.
What is product sourcing?
Simply put, product sourcing is the simple process of finding products for your business to sell.
It does not matter whether the source is international or domestic. It's all about making the product always available to your business.
If you are a new business, keep in mind that your business must operate before sourcing products.
Otherwise, you will not be able to sell, and the product may remain unsold in the warehouse for a long time. Some things you must have before purchasing a product:
All business documents
You have to define your niche business and market etc accordingly.
A well-established approach to product sourcing
Product purchasing process
Sourcing a product is not just about finding the cheapest supplier on Alibaba or any other forum and signing an agreement.
Almost every business person already knows this. Many people don't realize that the procurement process starts before finding a supplier.
Here are some impact steps you must consider in this situation:
Try to find the exact practices that can lead to a successful purchase.
Try to understand all the links in the supply chain that are suitable for quality products.
Figure out how a purchasing agent can best benefit you
Striving for the advantages and disadvantages of domestic and international sourcing.
Now look for suppliers from domestic or international markets.
After identifying the supplier, carefully analyze each sub-process from finding the supplier to shipping the product.
Now you will be able to use every step of the way to make informed management decisions.
How to source products for your business?
Product sourcing is a business where you consult your customers about what to buy and where to buy from. For small purchases, it may seem simple.
Although it is a lucrative business, you should make some strategic moves.
1. Market research:
All e-commerce retailers must do adequate research on existing products. Check for factors such as minimum order quantity, how much inventory you need, online demand, and more.
Remember, every successful eCommerce business starts with good research. So make sure you follow more than one method for in-depth analysis.
2. Identify a profitable niche:
In market research, you end up with a list of potential products, buyers, and competitors.
However, experts recommend starting with the smallest niche. Once successful, you can add more categories to your business.
3. Make your product compliant with legal requirements:
You may also need to consider legal formalities before sourcing products. It includes tasks such as ensuring product quality, paying customs duties, and more.
Handmade items sold at craft stores often receive tax discounts. But every product in transit needs to go through a verification and documentation process.
Many times, the purchasing company will handle this task on your behalf. Product sourcing companies often have a separate team to handle legal proceedings.
4. Order samples
Make sure to evaluate it against the manufacturer's work ethic and other factors. One of those aspects is ordering product samples. Dropshipping suppliers often provide product samples to assess quality.
Some wholesale manufacturers do not offer this facility. But if their minimum order quantity is high, you should ask for a sample.
You don't have to face this situation when working with a product-sourcing company. They can ensure product quality by visiting the factory.
5. Focus on technology:
In this day and age, you cannot deny the importance of technology. At a minimum, you must have purchasing and purchasing management software to handle your purchasing business.
It will help you in many ways and simplify the basic work of your team.
In conclusion
In this article, we try to uncover some basics related to product sourcing. We start with the importance and complete the complete product procurement process.
So, if you are looking for answers to your product sourcing-related questions for your wholesale business, you will find this article very valuable. Of course, after determining your product, you can look for a purchasing agent to help you with product purchasing. Sourcing agents are professionals who can develop a product sourcing strategy for you. They are experts in sourcing products. They also help businesses grow and become more profitable. They can perform their duties in a variety of industries and work environments. If you want to find a product purchasing agent, please contact us.
RND is a professional Chinese product sourcing agent that can assist you in your shipping and purchasing process. We are purchasing agents, which means we can help you lower your prices. We started working with Amazon and Shopify sellers 6 years ago on product sourcing, development, bundling, packaging, manufacturing, supplier management, FBA shipping, and more. With our help, more and more of their products have become Amazon Choice and Best Seller.