Amazon, the global ecommerce giant, boasts a massive customer base, making it an attractive platform for sellers. Amazon’s dominating the online market. In the united States, they hold a substantial 10.4% share of the overall retail market. However, sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices can be a challenge, which leads to better understanding of how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba. 

What is Alibaba?

Founded in 19999, Alibaba is a colossal online marketplace facilitating international trade primarily between manufacturers and wholesalers in Asia and businesses worldwide. 

It connects millions of suppliers with buyers, offering a wide selection of products across various categories. 

Buying on Alibaba and selling on Amazon serves as a middle ground, allowing buyers to discover reliable suppliers and negotiate bulk purchases at competitive prices. 

Why do Amazon Sellers Use Alibaba.com?

Amazon sellers are drawn to Alibaba for several compelling reasons: 

Cost-effective Sourcing: Alibaba suppliers often offer significantly lower prices compared to those found in traditional wholesale markets, allowing Amazon sellers to increase their profit margins and compete effectively. 

Extensive Product Selection: Alibaba has a staggering variety of products, making it a one-stop shop for sourcing almost any product imaginable. Whether it’s electronics, clothing, home goods, or any other category, you’re most likely to find it on Alibaba. 

Direct Manufacturer Connection: Unlike traditional wholesale markets, Alibaba connects you directly with manufacturers, allowing for greater control over product customization, quality control, and potentially, faster turnaround times.

Alibaba to Amazon FBA: How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon

Identifying profitable products is important for success on Amazon. 

Conduct In-Depth Market Research

Use a combination of Amazon product research tools and trend analysis platforms (Google Trends, Trend Hunter) to identify high-demand, low-competition product niches. 

Analyze customer reviews on existing Amazon listings to identify gaps in the market, unmet customer needs, or opportunities for product improvement. Identify products with strong seasonal demand to capitalize on peak selling periods. 

Use Alibaba’s Search Filters

Use Alibaba’s powerful search filters to refine your product searches. Narrow down your search to specific categories that align with your interests and target audience. 

Consider your projected sales volume and choose suppliers with reasonable MOQs to avoid overstocking. 

Explore options for sourcing from different regions to compare prices and delivery times. 

Assess Product Viability

Evaluate each potential product based on key factors: 

Profitability: Calculate estimated costs (sourcing, shipping, Amazon fees, marketing) and project potential sales volume to determine profitability. 

Competition: Analyze your competition on Amazon for each product. Consider factors like the number of sellers, average prices, and customer reviews. 

Shipping Costs: Estimate shipping costs from the supplier to your Alibaba and Amazon FBA warehouse and factor them into your overall cost analysis. 

Analyze Supplier Profiles 

Carefully evaluate potential suppliers based on supplier history and reputation by reviewing seller ratings, feedback from other buyers, and years of experience. 

Be sure to check the product quality by requesting samples to best assess quality, durability, and adherence to safety inquiries. 

Evaluate the supplier’s communication and responsiveness to inquiries, doubts, or confusion to best ensure efficiency.

How to sell on Amazon from Alibaba

Selling on Amazon from Alibaba requires a systematic approach. To best sells here’s a quick Alibaba to Amazon FBA step by step: 

1. Create a Professional Amazon Seller Account: Register for a professional selling plan on Amazon Seller Central, this provides access to advanced features and reporting tools. 
2. Product Listing Optimization: Use professional, high-resolution images that showcase the product form multiple angles.
   1. Write detailed and informative product descriptions that highlight key features, benefits, and address customer concerns. 
   2. Research competitor pricing and set a competitive price that maximizes profits while remaining attractive to customers. 
   3. Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your product titles, descriptions, and backend search terms.
3. Source Products from Alibaba: Contact multiple suppliers to negotiate prices, negotiate terms, and discuss your specific requirements. Order samples from your chosen suppliers to assess product quality, packaging, and overall satisfaction.
   1. Implement quality control measures, such as conducting inspections when receiving your order to ensure that all products meet your standards. 
4. Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Make sure your products are properly packaged and labeled according to Amazon FBA guidelines.
   1. Use a reliable freight forwarder to ship your products to the designated Amazon FBA warehouse. 
   2. Keep a close eye on inventory levels and replenish stock promptly to avoid stockouts. 
5. Amazon Marketing: Run targeted Amazon PPC campaigns to increase visibility and drive sales. Optimize your product listings for organic search results within Amazon. Use Amazon’s promotional tools (e.g., coupons, lightning deals) to attract customers and boost sales.  

How to Ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA

Select a reputable freight forwarder with expertise in international shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA and experience in handling shipments to Amazon FBA warehouses. Research and compare different freight forwarders based on their services, pricing, and customer reviews. 

Air Freight: Offers faster delivery times but is generally more expensive. It’s suitable for smaller, high-value items or urgent orders where speed is critical. 

Sea Freight: More cost-effective but slower than air freight, suitable option for larger shipments or less time-sensitive products. 

Consider factors such as: 

• Product dimensions and weight 
• Order volume 
• Time-to-market requirements 
• Budget constraints. 

Work closely with your freight forwarder to determine the most suitable shipping method based on your specific needs. 

Prepare Shipping Documentation

Obtain all necessary shipping documents, including: 

Commercial Invoice: A detailed document that includes information about the goods being shipped, the value of the goods, and the exporter and importer. 

Packing List: A detailed list of all items included in the shipments, including quantities, weights, and dimensions. 

Bill of Lading: A document issued by the carrier that serves as a contract of carriage for the goods. 

Certificates of Origin: May be required for certain products and destinations. 

Customer Clearance

Ensure strict adherence to all customs regulations in both the exporting and importing countries. 

Collaborate closely with your freight forwarder and customs broker to navigate customs procedures efficiently and minimize potential delays. 

Prepare all necessary customs documentation, including import licenses and other required permits, to ensure smooth clearance and avoid costly delays. 

Packaging and Labeling

Proper packaging is important for protecting your products during transit. Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and void fill to protect products from damage. 

Adhere strictly to Amazon FBA labeling requirements, which typically involve applying unique FBA labels to individual units or cases, as instructed by Amazon. 

Ensure that all packages are clearly labeled with the correct shipping address and Amazon FBA center ID to facilitate accurate and timely delivery to the designated fulfillment center.  

Alibaba to Amazon FAQ

Why is Alibaba so cheap?

Alibaba connects buyers directly with manufacturers, eliminating the need for intermediaries like wholesalers and distributors, streamlining the supply chain, reducing costs and allowing manufacturers to offer more competitive prices. 

Alibaba facilitates large-volume transactions. Manufacturers can often offer significant discounts for bulk orders, making it more cost-effective for buyers to purchase in larger quantities. 

Many Alibaba suppliers operate with lower overhead costs compared to traditional businesses in developed countries, allowing them to offer more competitive prices while maintaining profitability. 

The highly competitive environment on Alibaba encourages suppliers to constantly strive for lower prices to attract and retain buyers. 

What types of products is Alibaba good for?

• Consumer Electronics: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, headphones, smartwatches, and other electronic gadgets. 
• Clothing and Apparel: Clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and fashion accessories. 
• Home Goods: Furniture, home decor, kitchenware, bedding, and other home furnishings. 
• Toys and Games: A wide variety of toys, games, and educational materials for children. 
• Beauty and Personal Care: Cosmetics, skincare products, hair care products, and other personal care items. 
• Industrial Supplies: Tools, machinery, equipment, and other industrial supplies. 
• Private Label Products: Alibaba provides an excellent platform for sourcing private label products, allowing businesses to develop and manufacture their own unique product lines. 

Is Alibaba legit?

Alibaba is a legitimate and reputable B2B marketplace, but it’s crucial to exercise due diligence when dealing with suppliers. 

Thoroughly research potential suppliers by reviewing their company profiles, reading reviews from other buyers, and verifying their business licenses and certifications. 

Use Alibaba’s Trade Assurance program for added protection against potential risks such as shipping delays and product quality issues. 

Order samples to assess product quality and conduct thorough inspections upon receiving your order. 

Negotiate terms carefully, including payment methods, such as Alibaba’s Escrow service, which holds your payment until you confirm that you have received the goods and are satisfied with their quality.