How to Sell on Amazon from Alibaba: A Quick Guide
Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by mia
Selling on Amazon offers incredible growth potential, but starting can feel like a challenge.
Buying products from Alibaba is budget-friendly, yet identifying the right suppliers and ensuring quality often become a hurdle for new businesses.
Startups frequently face difficulties with choosing profitable items, managing shipping, and dealing with Amazon’s strict requirements while trying to keep costs low.
These obstacles can slow your progress and create unnecessary stress.
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10 Tips To Sell On Amazon From Alibaba
1. Research a Profitable Niche
Start by identifying products that are in demand on Amazon and easy to source from Alibaba.
Look for items with high sales volume but avoid categories crammed with fierce competition.
Use Amazon’s Best Sellers list to pinpoint trending products and consider tools like Jungle.
Scout to analyze demand versus competition. Avoid selling complicated products like electronics that could lead to returns due to defects.
Instead, aim for simple items like kitchen tools, phone accessories, or fitness gear. By researching thoroughly, you set yourself up to sell products that people actually want to buy.
Remember, your end goal is finding products with a reliable market.
2. Compare Prices on Alibaba
Once you’ve chosen a product, check its price on Alibaba to see if you can make a profit after Amazon’s fees.
Calculate all costs, including buying price, shipping, customs charges, and Amazon’s 15% referral fee (plus other fees like storage if you use FBA).
The rule of thumb is to find products that you can sell for at least 3 times your purchase cost to ensure healthy margins.
Compare multiple suppliers on Alibaba to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Many Alibaba suppliers allow negotiation, so don’t hesitate to ask for discounts.
Request samples to evaluate quality before placing your first bulk order to avoid surprises. Low-quality goods can hurt your reputation on Amazon and lead to poor reviews.
3. Verify Supplier Credibility
Not every supplier on Alibaba is trustworthy, so you’ll want to double-check who you’re dealing with.
Stick to suppliers classified as “Gold Suppliers” has a track record of dependable transactions and favorable evaluations.
Ask for necessary certifications, especially if you’re selling restricted categories like cosmetics or toys that may need safety approval.
Conduct a small trial order before committing to a large volume to ensure the supplier meets your expectations.
Look for clear communication and willingness to address your concerns, which is a good sign of professionalism.
Scammers exist on Alibaba, so if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. Partnering with a trustworthy supplier can save you a ton of headaches down the road.
4. Calculate Your Amazon Fees
There are a number of fees associated with selling on Amazon, so don’t skip this step.
Use the Amazon FBA Calculator to understand how much you’ll pay in referral fees, storage costs, and FBA fulfillment costs.
These fees can eat into your margins if you don’t plan properly. For example, if your product sells for $20 but Amazon takes $8 in fees, you may not have much room for profit.
Include these calculations when determining your retail price to ensure every sale is worth it.
Always aim for at least 30% net profit after fees; otherwise, the venture could become unsustainable. These details are key when learning how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba.
5. Brand Your Product for Better Appeal
Products with strong branding sell better, even if there are similar unbranded items available.
Alibaba lets you work with suppliers to create private-label versions of the product with your own brand name and packaging.
The way your product stands out on Amazon can be greatly improved by having a professionally designed logo and packaging.
Good branding builds trust with shoppers and makes them more likely to buy your product over generic options.
Think about adding small touches like custom instructions or messages of gratitude to improve the unpacking experience.
Even on a budget, these details create a stronger connection with customers. A unique, branded product gives you an edge over competitors selling generic alternatives.
6. Create a Killer Amazon Listing
Your product’s listing is your chance to grab attention and convince browsers to hit “Add to Cart.” make use of high-quality images that showcase your product from various perspectives as well as in use.
Write a clear title that includes relevant keywords, like how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba, to help with search results.
Highlight the product’s benefits in bullet points, not just features, so buyers immediately know how it solves their problems.
Add a detailed description with persuasive yet simple language to tell buyers why they need this product.
Positive reviews are critical, so make sure your listing delivers on what it promises. Invest time in this step because a bad listing will kill sales no matter how good your product is.
7. Start Small and Scale Up
Don’t rush into buying large quantities of inventory right away. Start small with a test batch, around 50-100 units, to gauge how well it sells.
This lets you spot any issues that might come up, such as slow sales or customer complaints about quality.
If the test goes well, you can confidently order larger quantities and scale your operations.
Keep track of your profits and reinvest them wisely to grow your business steadily without overstretching your finances.
Scaling too fast can lead to excess inventory and cash flow problems, so take things one step at a time. Sell steady, reinvest profits, and build your way up gradually on Amazon.
8. Use Amazon FBA to Automate Shipping
Managing your own stock and delivery might be difficult, especially as your sales grow.
Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program allows you to send your products to their warehouse, where they handle storage, shipping, and even returns.
Additionally, FBA products qualify for Prime Shipping, which attracts more buyers seeking faster delivery.
Although FBA fees might seem high, you save time and headaches by letting Amazon handle everything.
Make sure your products are labeled and prepped correctly according to Amazon’s FBA guidelines.
Having your products in the FBA program increases the likelihood that you will win the Buy Box. Automating logistics gives you more time to focus on growing your store.
9. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Good reviews build trust, while bad ones can hurt your sales.
Encourage early buyers to leave honest feedback by following up with polite emails through Amazon’s messaging system.
To avoid negative reviews, ensure your product quality and shipping times meet customer expectations.
If you do get a bad review, respond professionally and make an effort to address the problem in order to win over disappointed customers.
Reviews are a key ranking factor on Amazon and can even influence where your product stands in search results.
Aim for a steady flow of positive feedback to boost your product’s visibility and sales. Reviews also help other potential buyers decide, making them invaluable.
10. Monitor and Adapt
Selling on Amazon is not a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. Keep an eye on your sales performance, your product ranking, and your competitors’ prices.
Use Amazon’s Seller Central tools or e-commerce software to track these metrics in real-time.
Stay flexible and adjust your pricing, product descriptions, or advertising strategy based on market trends.
If a product isn’t working, consider cutting your losses and moving on to something else.
Experiment with Amazon PPC (pay-per-click) ads to see if they increase sales without burning through your startup marketing budget.
Regularly adapting your approach ensures you stay ahead in the competitive Amazon marketplace.
How Do I Choose The Right Products On Alibaba To Sell On Amazon?
Choosing the right products on Alibaba to sell on Amazon starts with researching what’s already selling well on Amazon.
Look for trending items with high demand but not too much competition, as this gives your startup the best chance to stand out.
Once you have a product idea, search for suppliers on Alibaba who offer high-quality items at competitive prices, and always check reviews and ratings to ensure they are reliable.
Don’t skip ordering samples, as this step helps you confirm the product matches the description and meets your expectations before you commit to buying in bulk.
It’s also smart to calculate all costs upfront, including manufacturing, shipping, and Amazon fees, to make sure your chosen product is profitable.
To be successful in how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba, the product should solve a problem, appeal to a specific audience, or offer something unique compared to competitors.
When everything checks out, negotiate with suppliers to secure the best deal, and start small before scaling up to avoid unnecessary risks.
What Are The Costs I Should Consider When Sourcing From Alibaba And Selling On Amazon?
When learning how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba, start by understanding the costs involved to avoid surprises.
The first expense to consider is the price of the products themselves, which can vary depending on the supplier, minimum order quantities, and the type of goods you’re sourcing.
Shipping fees are another major factor, as you’ll need to decide between air or sea freight based on your budget and timeline, and don’t forget additional customs duties or taxes that might apply.
Amazon fees, like the referral fee and fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) costs, are unavoidable and have to be taken into account while setting your prices in order to guarantee profitability.
Packaging and labeling expenses can also add up, especially if your product requires custom branding to stand out on Amazon’s competitive marketplace.
Marketing costs, such as ads on Amazon or social media, will also be crucial for driving traffic to your product listing.
Finally, always calculate storage fees if your inventory sits in Amazon’s warehouses for extended periods, so you can manage your cash flow wisely while scaling your business.
Are There Legal Requirements Or Restrictions I Need To Be Aware Of When Importing?
Yes, there are legal requirements and restrictions you need to know before importing, especially if you’re a startup.
First, ensure that the products you want to bring in comply with the laws and regulations of your country, like safety standards, labeling rules, and import taxes.
For those aiming to understand how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba, it’s crucial to verify if the specific items are allowed on Amazon and meet their platform standards.
Additionally, you’ll need startup market research on your country’s customs rules, as restricted or banned items could lead to fines, delays, or seizure of your shipment.
It’s also important to check if you need specific licenses or permits for your products, such as electronics or cosmetics, which often have stricter rules.
Businesses can save time and prevent expensive errors by collaborating with a customs broker.
By staying informed about both your country’s laws and Amazon’s guidelines, you can grow your business while avoiding unnecessary legal troubles.
How Can New Startups Help My Business?
New Startups helps your business by providing tools, guidance, and startup marketing strategies built specifically for startups.
For those who are curious about how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba, this platform walks you through each step with clear and easy-to-follow advice.
It connects you with resources to source quality products on Alibaba, figure out the right pricing, and create a strong plan for selling them effectively on Amazon.
You’ll also find practical solutions to tackle common challenges like shipping, branding, and marketing, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
With its detailed tips, even complex processes like importing from Alibaba become more manageable.
On top of that, you can join a community of startup owners who share their experiences and insights, making the learning process even faster.
By using the support and knowledge they offer, you’ll feel more confident in growing your business and selling on Amazon successfully.
Conclusion
Selling on Amazon from Alibaba can be a smart strategy for creating a successful internet business.
By sourcing products at wholesale prices on Alibaba and selling them on Amazon, you can create a system that generates steady income.
Understanding how to sell on Amazon from Alibaba involves choosing the right products, ensuring quality, and calculating costs like shipping and fees.
You’ll also need to focus on creating a compelling product listing with excellent photos and descriptions to attract customers.
With careful planning and consistent effort, this business model can help you get started with limited resources. If you’re unsure about how to set up your process or need guidance,
New Startups can assist in laying the foundation of your business. From finding suppliers to navigating Amazon’s platform, their support can make your startup idea become a reality.