7 Best Places to Source Products for Online Selling: A Beginner's Guide to Profit

Many aspiring online sellers often ask, "What are the best products to sell online?" But we believe an equally crucial question for beginners is, "Where can I source products for online selling to ensure good profit margins and rapid business expansion?" If you're new to the game and unsure where to find products, this article is for you. We'll introduce you to 7 excellent sourcing channels:

‍

1. China

Many new online sellers opt to source products from China due to their low prices and quick production capabilities, which allows them to keep up with trends. It's generally understood that the quality often aligns with the price, meaning products might not be highly durable. Historically, a downside was the need to travel there for sourcing.

However, the landscape for online sellers has evolved. You can now source products by ordering directly from Chinese websites and negotiating with suppliers online. Several popular Chinese websites offer a vast selection of products at competitive prices with straightforward shipping, including:

• Taobao - A major Chinese online marketplace known even before e-commerce became widespread. It offers a diverse range of products across all categories, including clothing, tableware, electronics, and much more.
• AliExpress - Available as both a website and an app, AliExpress features products from Chinese and Hong Kong sellers. It spans numerous categories like fashion, watches, children's toys, bags, shoes, and more. A key advantage is the ability to purchase directly from factories and manufacturers, cutting out middlemen.
• Alibaba - A colossal e-commerce platform, Alibaba is a hub for all kinds of goods, from clothing and sports equipment to home decor and cosmetics.
• 1688 - Similar to Taobao, Alibaba, and AliExpress, 1688 offers a good balance of price and quality. Crucially, it covers every product category, including adult and children's clothing, food, and accessories.
• Tmall - Comparable to platforms like Lazmall and Shopeemall, Tmall hosts highly reputable stores. Prices tend to be higher than general marketplaces, as it focuses on selling high-quality products with certified production standards.

‍

2. Sampeng Market

Did you know that Sampeng is a popular wholesale market where online sellers frequently source their products? It's the largest wholesale hub in Thailand, primarily featuring goods imported from China by Thai merchants who then sell them at wholesale prices. This makes it one of the first places people consider for sourcing products, both for online and physical stores. Crucially, it offers products in almost every category, including:

• Fashion apparel
• Cosmetics
• Household items
• Toys
• Stationery

Additionally, you can find raw fabrics, bulk textiles, dried foods, and much more. If you know what you want to sell but are unsure where to source it, Sampeng is the first wholesale market you should explore. If you plan to visit, be sure to check Sampeng's opening hours, as it operates in two shifts: daytime from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and a morning market (night shift) from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM.

‍

Try Zaapi For Free & Power Up Your Chat Commerce

‍

3. Rong Kluea Market

Many might assume Rong Kluea Market is solely for second-hand goods, but in reality, it also sells new products. After a period of closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rong Kluea Market has reopened, presenting a great opportunity for new online sellers to find products to sell. The market offers a wide and comprehensive range of products, including items from neighboring countries, such as:

• Clothing
• Bags
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Silverware
• Tableware
• Electrical appliances
• And more

Beyond these, you can find fruits from China, goods from Vietnam, and both new and second-hand items from Korea, Japan, America, and various other countries. However, if you plan to visit Rong Kluea Market to source products, you'll need to plan carefully as the market is vast, divided into five zones:

• Golden Gate Market - Sells both new and second-hand goods.
• New Rong Kluea Market - Specializes in bags.
• Old Rong Kluea Market - Known for good condition second-hand goods.
• Det Thai Market - Offers both new and used shoes.
• Benjawan Market - Sells new products directly from factories.

‍

4. Handmade Products

Handmade or D.I.Y. products require minimal investment and equipment, making them an excellent alternative for sellers who prefer not to source from general markets where products might be similar to other stores. Instead, by purchasing raw materials for handmade items, you can create and sell unique products online with just a bit of creativity. You can find wholesale suppliers for D.I.Y. materials at the aforementioned online sources like Chinese websites, Sampeng, and Rong Kluea Market.

Once you have your products, start promoting them on Facebook and Instagram. If you see potential, then create dedicated store pages and accounts to begin selling seriously. If you hit the right product niche, success is almost guaranteed, as handmade items are unique and one-of-a-kind. Essentially, crafting and selling your own products can be a lucrative online venture.

‍

5. Custom Manufacturing

Many who aspire to sell online and build their own brand often choose not to source products from others but instead opt for custom manufacturing with their unique designs and branding. This method is ideal for online sellers with substantial capital, as custom production typically involves specific designs and special orders.

For instance, if you're custom manufacturing your own clothing line, cosmetics, soaps, shoes, skincare, or other products, you'll need reserve capital for additional expenses such as:

• Packaging costs
• FDA/regulatory approvals
• Certification fees
• Shipping costs
• Design fees
• And more

Therefore, if you prefer to custom manufacture rather than source pre-made products, you'll need a significant investment.

‍

6. Product Auction Websites

If you're looking to sell rare items, product auction websites are an excellent source for online selling. Auction sites can help you acquire rare items at prices lower than the general market, allowing you to resell them for a profit. This method is highly popular, especially among enthusiasts of vintage items like clothing, watches, and collectibles.

Several popular product auction websites include:

• Yamato
• Chilindo
• Japanbid
• UNSOJP

Most of these are Japanese auction sites. Explore which one has the items you're looking for and start bidding to sell online. You're sure to make a profit.

‍

7. Pre-order Products

Pre-order products are another popular choice among online sellers. This method involves taking orders without needing to stock inventory, making sales straightforward. Simply select products that resonate with your target audience, then photograph and post them for sale. Once a customer places an order, you purchase and ship the item. Naturally, you'll add a service fee for handling the pre-order. This approach is highly favored by customers who lack time or cannot travel to purchase items themselves.

An example of a store that successfully sells pre-order products with massive online sales is the Products from Japan page. If you observe closely, you'll notice that this page selects only high-quality products that meet customer needs. They also feature highly engaging content and product captions. If you plan to sell products via pre-order, you don't need to source large quantities at once. Just identify your store's unique selling proposition, and customers will easily become loyal.

Conclusion

These are 7 excellent sources for sourcing products online, offering affordable wholesale prices that can help new sellers easily generate income. Once you know what you want to sell online, find a nearby wholesale source to begin. For optimal results, meticulously calculate the cost-effectiveness of both travel and shipping to determine where you can purchase items and maximize the capital available for your online store.

‍

Zaapi is a unified chat system for businesses and online stores, covering social media and e-commerce platforms such as Facebook Page, Instagram, LINE OA, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Zaapi unifies all your chat channels and empowers your business with an easy-to-use chatbot builder and intelligent AI agent. With Zaapi's All-in-one Inbox, you can streamline customer communication. Leverage Zaapi's Automation feature to handle repetitive tasks, and utilize Insights from the Dashboard to Turn Chats into Sales.

‍

Try Zaapi For Free & Power Up Your Chat Commerce

{{cta-button="/cms-injection-content"}}

‍

Got Any Questions? Contact Us.

Head to our Contact Us or Book a demo page to get in touch.

‍

Chat, Sell, Scale - The All-in-One Conversation and Commerce Hub

‍

Image by vectorjuice on Freepik

‍