You don’t need a warehouse or secret contact list to succeed with e-commerce. What you need is to learn how to find wholesale suppliers for Amazon the smart way. Top sellers don’t rely on luck. They use tested product sourcing tips, follow the wholesale model, and work with trusted Amazon FBA suppliers.
To find wholesale suppliers for Amazon, start by choosing a product with steady demand. Then look for authorized distributors who support Amazon sellers and offer reseller approval. A strong supplier keeps your margins healthy and your inventory moving.
In this blog, you’ll learn where top sellers find trusted wholesale suppliers, Red flags to avoid when sourcing, how to manage your stock for steady cash flow, and key product sourcing tips that actually work.
What Is an Amazon Wholesale Supplier?
An Amazon wholesale supplier is a company that sells brand-name products in bulk to approved Amazon sellers. These suppliers don’t create products themselves. They work with manufacturers or authorized distributors and allow resellers to purchase large quantities at discounted rates.
Unlike general wholesalers, Amazon wholesale suppliers must provide legit invoices, support reseller approval, and often understand Amazon’s rules for ungating and compliance. Many work only with registered businesses that can show a valid business license or seller permit.
Most Amazon wholesale suppliers require a minimum order quantity (MOQ), which might range from 25 to 500 units, depending on the product. Some also offer Net 30 terms, letting sellers receive inventory now and pay within 30 days. This helps manage cash flow and keep your store running smoothly.
Amazon Wholesale Compared
Amazon wholesale is about buying brand-name products in bulk and reselling them on Amazon. You don’t build a brand or design packaging. You sell products that already have demand and trust.
This model is not the same as manufacturing, where you create products from scratch. It’s also different from dropshipping, where the supplier ships single units directly to the customer. With wholesale, you buy the inventory upfront and either store it or send it to FBA.
Compared to private labels, wholesale doesn’t involve building a brand identity. You’re working with items that already have a customer base.
Amazon wholesale gives you more control over pricing, faster launch timelines, and less risk than starting with untested products.
Why Selling Wholesale on Amazon Works?
Wholesale helps you avoid long startup timelines and lowers your upfront investment. Instead of creating new products, you work with brands that already have customer trust. Since you aren’t building a brand, there’s no need for custom design, labeling, or packaging. That cuts weeks of setup time and thousands in upfront costs.
Your profit comes from buying low and selling at solid wholesale profit margins. You choose products that already sell well. This lowers marketing needs, reduces returns, and keeps inventory moving. With an Amazon FBA business, Amazon handles the packing, shipping, and storage for you.
You also avoid risky guesses. You’re not testing new products. You’re investing in what’s already proven to work. This improves your ROI and helps your business grow without wasting time or money.
Wholesale makes scaling easier, too. You don’t launch new products often. You reorder what sells, then restock and repeat. Over time, this creates steady income that’s easier to track and manage.
It also helps with engaging. Amazon often asks for invoices when you apply to sell in gated categories. Since wholesale uses real invoices and suppliers, you meet those requirements with ease. Invoice verification is simple and reliable with approved distributors.
How Wholesale Helps Win the Buy Box?
The Buy Box is the main button buyers use to add products to their cart. Most Amazon sales happen through it. If your offer appears in the Buy Box, you’re more likely to make a sale.
Amazon doesn’t give the Buy Box to just anyone. It looks at your price, shipping speed, return rate, and account performance. Using FBA gives you a big advantage. Amazon takes care of fast shipping and customer service, which improves your seller metrics.
Wholesale gives you a better chance to meet these standards. You’re selling trusted, brand-name products that already have strong demand. You’re also buying at lower prices, which lets you stay competitive without losing profits.
If your account is in good shape and you use FBA, Amazon sees your offer as reliable. Combine that with solid pricing and brand registry, and your chances of winning the Buy Box increase. The more often you win it, the more customers you reach and the more sales you make.
The Different Types of Amazon Wholesale Suppliers
Not all wholesale suppliers work the same way. Some are directly approved by brands. Others buy closeout inventory or manufacture goods for bulk resale.
As an Amazon seller, knowing the difference helps you choose partners who match your goals, product type, and selling model.
Below are the most common types of wholesale suppliers Amazon sellers work with. Each has its own benefits, risks, and use cases.
Brand-Approved Distributors
These suppliers work directly with well-known brands and are officially allowed to sell their products to resellers. They provide valid invoices, support Amazon ungating, and often offer better bulk pricing.
Many brands list their authorized distributors on their websites. This option is ideal if you want to sell recognized products with full documentation and Buy Box eligibility.
Direct Brand Wholesale
Some brands manage their own wholesale programs in-house. You apply directly through their site or wholesale contact form.
To get approved, you’ll usually need a business license, seller permit, and proof that you sell on Amazon or other marketplaces. This model gives you more control and often leads to stronger long-term relationships.
Factory-Direct or Manufacturer Wholesale
Buying directly from the factory can get you the lowest per-unit cost. But this option usually comes with high minimum order quantities (MOQs), slower communication, and longer lead times.
Most factory-direct wholesale is overseas, so you’ll also need to manage customs, freight, and compliance. This works well for high-volume sellers with experience.
Closeout and Liquidation Wholesalers
These suppliers offer deeply discounted overstock, returned, or discontinued items. You’ll often find deals below market pricing, but quality and consistency can vary.
Since many items are no longer actively sold by brands, you may not get brand support or clean invoices for ungating. This is best for FBM sellers or short-term profit flips.
Niche or Domestic Wholesalers
Niche wholesalers focus on specific product categories such as eco-friendly goods, handmade items, or regional food brands.
These suppliers may not appear on big directories but often work well with Amazon sellers who want to offer unique products. They’re also great for small MOQs and faster shipping times.
3PL or Surplus Inventory Wholesalers
Some third-party logistics companies also sell unsold inventory or bulk returns from other sellers. These deals can include name-brand products at low cost, but documentation might be limited.
If you go this route, be sure to verify invoices and resale rights before listing anything on Amazon.
How to Find Wholesale Suppliers for Amazon?
It’s not always easy to find trusted wholesale suppliers, even after hours of research. You Google a product and land on sketchy websites. Or worse, you buy from a fake supplier who disappears after getting paid.
Here’s a real story. A new Amazon seller spent $500 on a “wholesale lot” from a random online store. The box arrived filled with outdated, damaged items. None had invoices. Amazon rejected every listing. That’s how fast a simple mistake can ruin your chances.
To avoid scams and wasted money, you need trusted Amazon sourcing methods that top sellers actually use. These five methods below will show you how to find genuine, verified wholesale suppliers using clear steps and simple tools.
1. Supplier Directories and Online Marketplaces
Directories and online platforms are one of the fastest ways to search for wholesale suppliers. Sites like Alibaba, Global Sources, and ThomasNet let you browse by category, location, and business type.
Most platforms have filters for verified suppliers. Look for things like gold ratings, trade assurance, and certification tags. These signs help you avoid middlemen or fake resellers posing as factories.
One major advantage is the large product selection. You can explore thousands of listings in one place. But the downside? It takes time to vet each supplier and check communication quality. Some are wholesalers, but others are only agents.
To reduce risk, check for supplier badges, use the messaging tools, and ask for sample invoices. Make sure the product catalog matches what you need. If a seller is vague, move on.
2. Contacting Brands Directly
One of the cleanest ways to source wholesale is by contacting the brand itself. If a product sells well on Amazon, visit the brand’s website and look for its wholesale or reseller section.
Reach out with a short, polite email. Mention your business name, seller permit, and intent to resell on Amazon. Keep it simple and honest. Ask if they offer reseller approval or require a reseller license.
Some brands work only with authorized distributors. Others might approve your account directly. Be ready to show business documents and commit to their minimum order quantity or order frequency.
This method often leads to better pricing and stronger supplier relationships. You’re not just buying from anyone. You’re dealing with the source.
Always include these in your email: business license, tax ID, where you plan to sell, and estimated order volume. Following up politely can also help if you don’t hear back right away.
3. Trade Shows and Expos
If you want to build real relationships and touch the products, trade shows are worth your time. Events like ASD Market Week in Las Vegas or the Canton Fair in China bring together top manufacturers and distributors.
At these events, you meet suppliers face to face, ask questions, and see the products up close. This builds trust fast. Suppliers take you more seriously when you show up in person.
Many trade shows now also offer virtual expos if you can’t attend in person. These online platforms let you book meetings, download catalogs, and chat with reps directly.
Networking is key. Bring business cards, a product list, and your seller credentials. Ask smart questions. Take notes. Follow up after the event to secure pricing and product details.
4. Local or Niche Suppliers
Not every good supplier is overseas or at a big trade show. Many local wholesalers and niche distributors offer great deals with shorter shipping times and easier communication.
Start by searching Google using product-related terms plus your city, state, or region. You can also browse business directories, check Chamber of Commerce websites, or search using NAICS codes to identify relevant suppliers.
This works well in categories like eco-friendly goods, handmade items, or regional food and beverages. Many small brands don’t list themselves on large platforms. But they may be open to wholesale relationships if you reach out.
5. Reverse Sourcing Strategy
Reverse sourcing flips the usual approach. Instead of looking for suppliers first, you start with what’s already working on Amazon. This method helps you skip the guesswork. You focus only on products with proven demand, then trace them back to their source.
It’s a favorite strategy among experienced sellers because it uses real sales data to find supplier leads. You’re not hoping a supplier has something good. You’re finding what’s good, then tracking the supplier.
Here are some steps of reverse source below:
- Use tools like Keepa, Jungle Scout, or Helium 10.
- Find high-demand listings with low seller count.
- Copy the ASIN or brand name.
- Search for the brand online or use WHOIS to find the site owner.
- Contact them to ask about reseller approval.
How to Check If a Wholesale Supplier Is Legit?
Even if a supplier looks professional online, that doesn’t always mean they’re real. Some fake suppliers create convincing websites but disappear after taking your money.
Before you commit to a wholesale deal, take time to verify the supplier. One small check now can save you from big losses later.
Documents You Should Always Request
A real wholesale supplier should have proper business documents. Always ask for:
- Business license with the legal company name and registration number.
- Reseller or brand certificate if they claim official authorization.
- Sample invoice showing product codes, brand names, and prices.
- Factory audit report if they say they manufacture or work directly with factories.
If they refuse to send these or give unclear documents, walk away. Legit suppliers always prove their status.
Red Flags That Signal a Fake Supplier
Here’s what to look out for when checking legitimacy:
- No verified address, phone number, or real contact person.
- Pushy behavior or urgent requests for fast payment.
- Accepts only risky payment options with no payment security, like crypto or wire transfers.
- Prices are unrealistically low with no clear reason.
- The website looks sloppy, with bad grammar, fake reviews, or missing product info.
If more than one of these appears, avoid the deal. These are all signs to avoid scams.
Always Order a Sample First
Product samples help you check real quality and supplier behavior. Always start with a small order.
Check for:
- Branded packaging, accurate labels, and clean presentation.
- Shipping speed, tracking, and safe delivery.
- Matching details between the invoice and the delivered product.
- How they respond if there’s a problem or return.
A good sample experience means the supplier is more likely to be real and reliable.
Best Practices When Contacting Suppliers
Your first message to a supplier matters. It shows how serious you are and what kind of buyer you’ll be. A clear, professional message makes it more likely you’ll get a reply, a better price, and access to their supplier catalog.
What to Include in Your Message
Before you contact a supplier through an outreach email or contact form, make sure you include these details:
- Business name and location (include your website if available).
- Full name and title (such as owner or purchasing manager).
- Let them know you sell on Amazon or other online channels.
- Mention your seller permit or business license.
- State what products or categories you’re interested in.
- Ask for their minimum order quantity (MOQ) and wholesale price list.
- Mention expected order volume or budget range.
This helps the supplier take you seriously and respond with useful information.
What Not to Say
Avoid messages that sound unsure or unprofessional. Don’t say things like, “I don’t have a business yet” or “I’m just getting started.” These phrases make you seem unprepared.
Don’t ask for discounts in the first message or mention that you’re still deciding what to sell. Never ask questions you could answer yourself by reading the website.
A weak supplier pitch can get ignored fast. Show confidence, keep it short, and focus on what you need to move forward.
Example Outreach Email Template
Your first message to a supplier matters. It shows if you’re serious, prepared, and ready to do business.
When you send an outreach email or use a contact form, keep it clear and polite. Focus on who you are, what you sell, and what you need. Avoid sounding unsure or asking for discounts too soon.
You can check the templates as examples below:
Tools to Research Profitable Wholesale Products
With the right tools, you can focus on products that sell and avoid risky inventory mistakes. It lets you check demand, track price trends, and even trace suppliers.
If you combine product research with supplier checks, you’ll find safer and more profitable wholesale options faster.
Keepa
Purpose: Price history and sales rank tracker.
Keepa helps you see how often a product sells and if the price stays stable over time. If the rank is steady and prices don’t drop too much, it’s likely a solid product with regular demand.
Jungle Scout
Purpose: Product research and keyword tracking.
This tool is great for spotting high-demand, low-competition products and tracking sales patterns. Use it with Keepa to double-check sales consistency before looking for a supplier.
Helium 10
Purpose: Deep Amazon product analytics.
Helium 10 shows sales rank, revenue estimates, and how many FBA sellers are competing. Avoid products with too many sellers to protect your profit margin and reduce risk.
Google and WHOIS
Purpose: Find supplier contact info for existing products.
Once you find a good product, use Google or WHOIS to locate the brand’s website or domain owner. This helps you contact the supplier directly, skipping marketplaces and middlemen.
DS Amazon Quick View (Chrome Extension)
Purpose: Fast BSR and seller visibility right on Amazon pages.
This extension lets you scan products without clicking each one. Just hover to see sales rank, pricing, and who’s selling. It saves time when checking multiple listings at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Even experienced sellers run into questions when sourcing wholesale. These FAQs cover common points that can impact your success, from legal requirements to return policies and supplier trust.
Yes, most wholesale suppliers require a business license or seller permit before they approve you. This proves you’re a real business, helps you access wholesale pricing, and allows tax-exempt purchases in many states.
Authorized suppliers are approved by the brand or manufacturer and can provide proper invoices. Unauthorized suppliers might offer lower prices, but using them risks account suspension, IP complaints, or rejected listings on Amazon.
Yes, but only if they offer a wide enough product range. Always review their full catalog, MOQ, and pricing. Sticking with one supplier can simplify logistics but never sacrifice product quality or profit margins.
A good MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) for new sellers is around 25 to 100 units. This helps keep your startup costs low while letting you test product performance without overstocking or risking cash flow issues.
If you’re using Amazon FBA, Amazon will manage customer returns for you. For FBM, discuss return terms with your supplier before ordering. You should have a clear return policy to avoid losses and customer disputes.
Ready to Source Smarter? Brand’s Bro Can Help
Sourcing isn’t just about finding suppliers. It’s about building relationships that support your profit, speed, and scale. That’s what we help sellers do every day.
With over 12 years of experience, Brand’s Bro has helped launch, grow, and improve Amazon businesses using proven wholesale strategies. From supplier outreach to FBA setup, we handle every step with clarity and results.
If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, we’re ready to help. Let’s connect and talk about your goals.
