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If you’ve been exploring ways to build a successful eCommerce business, you’ve likely heard about FBA (Fulfillment by ).
If you’ve been exploring ways to build a successful eCommerce business, you’ve likely heard about FBA (Fulfillment by ). This business model allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers while the company handles storage, packaging, and shipping. One profitable route within the FBA model is wholesale — buying branded products in bulk from wholesale suppliers and reselling them on Amazon at a profit.
This article provides a complete guide to finding and working with amazon fba wholesale suppliers, covering how the model works, how to source products, how to vet suppliers, and tips for long-term success.
Amazon FBA wholesale involves purchasing bulk inventory from authorized suppliers or distributors and reselling those items on Amazon’s marketplace. Unlike private label (where you build your own brand), wholesale relies on established brands that already have demand and recognition.
Key elements of the FBA wholesale model:
You buy products in bulk from a wholesale supplier or distributor.
You ship your inventory to Amazon’s warehouses.
Amazon handles the fulfillment (packing, shipping, customer service, and returns).
You profit from the difference between your cost of goods and your selling price after Amazon fees.
This model is attractive because it reduces marketing costs, leverages existing brand demand, and scales quickly once reliable suppliers are found.
Your suppliers are the backbone of your Amazon wholesale business. A reliable wholesale supplier can offer:
Competitive pricing (higher profit margins)
Authentic branded products (avoiding counterfeit risks)
Consistent stock availability
Long-term business relationships
On the other hand, unreliable suppliers can cause:
Stock shortages
Poor product quality
Account suspensions (if products are inauthentic)
Financial losses from unsold inventory
Choosing the right suppliers ensures smooth operations, protects your seller account, and sets you up for scalable growth.
Here are the common categories of suppliers used in the FBA wholesale model:
These are companies that produce their own branded products. Some may be willing to sell directly to Amazon sellers.
Pros:
Best pricing (no middleman)
Higher margins
Opportunity for exclusive agreements
Cons:
Requires building trust and credibility
May require high minimum order quantities (MOQs)
Distributors are licensed to sell products from multiple brands. They buy in bulk from manufacturers and sell to retailers or resellers.
Pros:
Wide product range
Easier to get started
Lower MOQs than brand owners
Cons:
Lower margins than buying directly from the brand
High competition from other resellers
General wholesalers or business-to-business marketplaces carry assorted brands and product categories.
Examples include:
Pros:
Easy to find
Offer a wide selection
Can be useful for testing products
Cons:
Must verify authenticity and brand approval
Some listings may be outdated or unreliable
Finding the right supplier takes research, outreach, and relationship-building. Below are proven strategies:
Go to the official website of a brand and look for a “wholesale,” “reseller,” or “distributor” page. If none is listed, contact them through their sales or business email.
Tip: Use a professional business email and mention your Amazon storefront and sales strategy to build credibility.
Industry-specific trade shows are excellent places to network with brand representatives and distributors.
Popular trade shows:
(Las Vegas)
Meeting suppliers face-to-face helps establish trust and often leads to better pricing and terms.
Directories list verified wholesalers and distributors, saving time on research. Examples include:
Make sure to vet any directory you use to avoid outdated or unreliable listings.
Use Amazon’s product listings to identify which brands are selling well, then reach out to those brands or their distributors to request a wholesale account.
Steps:
Find best-selling products in your chosen category.
Check the “sold by” field to see the seller name.
Research the brand or distributor contact info.
Professional networks like can help you connect with sales reps, brand managers, and wholesale coordinators. Build your business profile and message potential contacts with a clear value proposition.
Before working with any supplier, verify their legitimacy and ensure they align with Amazon’s policies. Here’s how:
Ask for:
Business license or incorporation documents
Reseller permit or tax ID (you’ll need this too)
Brand authorization letters (if applicable)
For branded products, request:
Invoices
Certificates of authenticity
Letters of authorization from the brand owner
This documentation protects you if Amazon requests proof of authenticity.
Search for reviews or complaints about the supplier on forums, (BBB), and trade review sites.
Test the supplier’s reliability, product quality, and shipping times by placing a small order before committing to larger purchases.
Once you identify a reliable supplier, the next step is opening a wholesale account.
You’ll usually need:
A registered business (LLC or corporation)
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Reseller’s permit or sales tax ID
Business bank account
Professional business email and website (to appear credible)
Most reputable suppliers will not open accounts for individuals — they want to work with registered businesses.
Once your account is approved:
Select profitable products using tools like or to analyze sales rank, competition, and margins.
Negotiate pricing and MOQs to secure the best deals.
Place your order and have it shipped directly to you or to a prep center for labeling and inspection.
Create a shipment plan in your account to send inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Make sure to comply with Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements to avoid delays or fees.
Focus on high-demand, low-competition products – Use data-driven tools to avoid oversaturated items.
Maintain healthy supplier relationships – Consistent communication and timely payments help build trust.
Diversify your supplier base – Relying on one supplier is risky. Build multiple relationships.
Track your profit margins carefully – Account for Amazon fees, shipping costs, and returns.
Stay compliant with Amazon policies – Avoid counterfeit or unauthorized products to protect your seller account.
Reinvest profits to scale – The wholesale model scales quickly when you reinvest earnings into more inventory.
Not verifying suppliers – Leads to counterfeit risks and account suspensions.
Ordering too much inventory too soon – Ties up capital and creates storage fees.
Ignoring brand restrictions – Many brands are “gated” on Amazon and require approval.
Underestimating competition – Research thoroughly before entering a product niche.
Lack of proper bookkeeping – Track all expenses and revenues for tax and cash flow management.
Building an FBA wholesale business can be a profitable and scalable venture — but only if you work with reliable wholesale suppliers. By understanding where to find them, how to vet them, and how to build long-term relationships, you can create a strong foundation for success.
Start small, focus on authentic products from reputable suppliers, and use data to guide your purchasing decisions. With the right strategy and supplier network, Amazon FBA wholesale can become a sustainable and lucrative business model.
If you want, I can also create a ready-made list of 20 vetted wholesale suppliers specifically for Amazon FBA sellers to help you start faster.
Would you like me to do that?
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