Forget Alibaba! Here are 7 Alternatives For Wholesale Suplliers

Santrel Media
6 Oct 202314:41

TLDRThis video discusses seven alternatives to Alibaba for finding wholesale suppliers, emphasizing the importance of diversifying your supplier network. It introduces platforms like Global Sources and Thomas Net, as well as strategies such as using the Jungle Scout supplier database and attending trade fairs. The video also touches on the benefits of working with sourcing agents and the potential of finding manufacturers through Google searches, offering a comprehensive guide for beginners and experienced sellers alike.

Takeaways

  • 🔍 **Diversify Your Suppliers**: Don't rely solely on Alibaba. Explore other wholesale suppliers to find the best prices and quality for your e-commerce business.
  • 🏭 **Understand the Difference**: Recognize the difference between manufacturers who create products and trading companies that act as middlemen.
  • 🌐 **Global Sources**: Consider Global Sources as an alternative to Alibaba, despite it being less beginner-friendly and often requiring established business connections.
  • 🔎 **Competitor Analysis**: Utilize tools like Jungle Scout's supplier database to discover what your competitors are selling and where they source their products from.
  • 🚀 **Go to the Source**: For serious sourcing, consider physically going to manufacturing hubs like China, Thailand, or Taiwan to connect directly with factories.
  • 📚 **Trade Fairs**: Attend large trade fairs such as The Canton Fair for opportunities to meet manufacturers and establish direct connections.
  • 💬 **Sourcing Agents**: Use sourcing agents to help navigate language barriers and vet manufacturers, but be cautious of potential backdoor deals.
  • 🛍️ **Platform Testing**: For beginners, use platforms like Dhgate and AliExpress to test products and the market without large initial investments.
  • 🇺🇸 **Local Manufacturing**: Consider using Thomas Net for U.S.-based manufacturers, which can be beneficial for certain products and customer preferences.
  • 🔗 **Cross-Platform Similarities**: Recognize that platforms like Made in China offer similar benefits to Global Sources and may have overlapping manufacturers.
  • 🔑 **Direct Google Search**: Sometimes, a simple Google search with specific product and manufacturer keywords can yield effective results for finding suppliers.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is discussing seven alternative wholesale suppliers for sourcing products, besides Alibaba.

  • Why is it a mistake to only look at Alibaba for wholesale products?

    -It's a mistake because competitors might be using other wholesale suppliers, which allows them to source from a variety of networks and potentially offer better prices and quality.

  • What is the difference between a manufacturer and a trading company?

    -A manufacturer creates or custom makes products, often owning the factory, while a trading company acts as a middleman between the manufacturer and the wholesaler or buyer.

  • What is one of the first alternative wholesale suppliers mentioned in the video?

    -One of the first alternative wholesale suppliers mentioned is Global Sources.

  • Why might a beginner seller find it difficult to work with Global Sources?

    -Global Sources may not be as beginner-friendly because many manufacturers on the platform prefer to work with well-established companies.

  • How can the Jungle Scout Supplier Database help a seller?

    -The Jungle Scout Supplier Database allows sellers to see what competitors are importing, who their manufacturers are, and potentially connect with those manufacturers.

  • What is the Canton Fair and why is it beneficial to attend?

    -The Canton Fair is a massive trade event in Guangdong, China, where thousands of manufacturers connect with buyers. Attending can help sellers find the best deals and manufacturers by connecting directly with them in person.

  • What is a sourcing agent and how can they help in finding manufacturers?

    -A sourcing agent is a dedicated person who helps find manufacturers, dealing with language barriers, and vetting manufacturers beforehand. They can be beneficial but there's a risk of backdoor deals.

  • Why is DHgate suitable for first-time sellers or those testing products?

    -DHgate is suitable for first-time sellers or product testing because it allows for low order quantities and has no minimum order quantity on most items, making it easy to test the market.

  • What is Thomasnet and what types of suppliers does it typically host?

    -Thomasnet is a platform that primarily hosts US-based suppliers, including manufacturers. It's particularly useful for finding suppliers of larger, industrial items that are not cost-effective to manufacture and ship internationally.

  • How can Google be used to find manufacturers?

    -Google can be used to search for specific items along with the term 'manufacturer' to find companies that produce those items. It's a simple method that can yield results even on later search result pages.

  • What is the final advice given in the video for finding manufacturers?

    -The final advice is to use the Jungle Scout Supplier Database, which is described as a game changer for finding manufacturers and offers a heavy discount for using the provided link.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Exploring Diverse Wholesale Suppliers Beyond Alibaba

The video discusses the importance of looking beyond Alibaba for wholesale suppliers, emphasizing the competitive edge gained by sourcing from a variety of networks. It mentions the common mistake of relying solely on Alibaba and how it can put sellers at a disadvantage. The speaker introduces the concept, encourages beginners to diversify their supplier search, and promises to cover both manufacturers and trading companies in the video.

05:00

🔍 Understanding the Difference Between Manufacturers and Trading Companies

The paragraph explains the distinction between manufacturers, who actually produce goods and may own the factory, and trading companies, which act as intermediaries. It highlights the goal of establishing a direct connection with manufacturers to eliminate middlemen and reduce costs. The video also mentions including both types of entities in the discussion to follow.

10:01

🌐 Introducing Global Sources as a Prominent Wholesale Platform

Global Sources is introduced as a significant platform for wholesale suppliers, with a history dating back to 1971 and over a million suppliers. While it is highly regarded, the video notes that it may not be as beginner-friendly due to its preference for established companies. However, it is still presented as a strong option outside of Alibaba for finding products and manufacturers.

🕵️‍♂️ Utilizing Jungle Scout's Supplier Database for Competitive Advantage

The video outlines how to use Jungle Scout's supplier database to discover what competitors are selling and where they source their products. It explains that public import/export information can reveal valuable insights into competitors' supply chains. The speaker also provides a discount code for Jungle Scout and promises a tutorial on using the platform.

🛍️ Directly Sourcing from Manufacturers by Attending Trade Fairs

The speaker suggests attending trade fairs, such as The Canton Fair in China, as a method for finding and connecting with manufacturers directly. This approach is recommended for those with some experience in the field, looking for the best deals and quality. It is described as a potentially costly but worthwhile endeavor for building strong supplier relationships.

📞 Working with Sourcing Agents to Overcome Language Barriers

The paragraph discusses the use of sourcing agents who can assist in finding manufacturers and overcoming language barriers. They can vet manufacturers and facilitate communication. However, the speaker warns of potential backdoor deals and advises viewers to ensure the agent's legitimacy through referrals from trusted sources in the e-commerce community.

📦 Testing Products and Minimum Order Quantities with DHgate and AliExpress

For beginners and those in the product research phase, the video recommends using platforms like DHgate and AliExpress for testing products with no minimum order quantities. These platforms are ideal for evaluating product features and identifying manufacturers before committing to larger orders.

🏭 Thomas Net for US-Based Manufacturers and Industrial Products

Thomas Net is highlighted as a platform featuring US-based manufacturers, which can be beneficial for sellers looking for local suppliers. It is particularly useful for industrial products and larger items that are not cost-effective to manufacture and ship internationally. The speaker notes that while manufacturing in the US can be more expensive, there is a market segment willing to pay a premium for domestic manufacturing.

🔎 Finding Manufacturers Through Google Searches

The video concludes with a simple yet effective strategy for finding manufacturers: using Google. The speaker shares a personal preference for searching for specific items followed by the term 'manufacturer' and emphasizes the importance of thorough research, including checking multiple pages of search results to find the best options.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Wholesale Suppliers

Wholesale suppliers are businesses that sell products in large quantities at a lower cost than retail, directly to retailers or businesses rather than to the general public. In the context of the video, the term refers to the various platforms and companies that offer bulk products for businesses to purchase and resell, such as Alibaba, which is a well-known platform but the video discusses alternatives to it.

💡Alibaba

Alibaba is a Chinese multinational conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, artificial intelligence, and technology. It is one of the world's largest wholesale marketplaces where businesses can source products from manufacturers and suppliers. The video mentions Alibaba as a starting point but encourages viewers to explore other options as well.

💡Global Sources

Global Sources is a B2B media company that connects global buyers with Asia-based suppliers of consumer products. It has been in operation since 1971 and is known for its extensive network of suppliers. The video highlights it as one of the prominent alternatives to Alibaba, although it may not be as beginner-friendly.

💡Jungle Scout

Jungle Scout is a platform that provides tools for Amazon sellers, including a supplier database that can be used to discover what products competitors are selling and where they are sourcing them from. It's mentioned in the video as a 'hack' to potentially identify and connect with manufacturers that are already supplying successful brands.

💡Sourcing Agents

Sourcing agents are professionals who assist businesses in finding manufacturers and suppliers, particularly useful for overcoming language barriers and vetting potential partners. They are discussed in the video as a potential resource for finding reliable manufacturers, although there is a caution about the possibility of backdoor deals.

💡Dhgate

Dhgate is an online marketplace for wholesale products from Chinese manufacturers. It is highlighted in the video as a platform suitable for first-time sellers or those looking to test out products before committing to larger orders. It's noted for its low-cost products and lack of minimum order quantities.

💡Thomas Net

Thomas Net is an online platform that lists manufacturers, particularly those based in the United States. It is mentioned as a resource for finding American suppliers, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to source products domestically, potentially appealing to customers who prefer products made in the USA.

💡Made in China

Made in China is a platform similar to Global Sources and Alibaba, offering a wide range of products from Chinese manufacturers. It is referenced in the video as another long-standing option for finding suppliers, with a user interface and supplier base that overlaps with other major platforms.

💡Manufacturers vs. Trading Companies

The video script distinguishes between manufacturers, who actually produce goods, and trading companies, which act as intermediaries between manufacturers and buyers. Manufacturers may custom-make products, while trading companies are more likely to offer a range of existing products. This distinction is important for sellers looking to source products with different needs and preferences.

💡Canton Fair

The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a major trade event held in Guangdong, China. It is mentioned in the video as a significant opportunity for buyers to connect directly with a multitude of manufacturers in one location, making it a valuable source for establishing business relationships.

💡Product Research

Product research is the process of investigating and analyzing the market to identify potential products to sell. The video emphasizes the importance of not just relying on Alibaba for product research but also considering other sources to find the best prices and quality, which is crucial for the success of an eCommerce business.

Highlights

Discussing seven alternative wholesale suppliers to Alibaba for sourcing products.

Advising against relying solely on Alibaba due to competition and suggesting exploring other networks.

Differentiating between manufacturers and trading companies, with a focus on establishing connections with manufacturers.

Introducing Global Sources as a prominent platform with over one and a half million suppliers.

Mentioning the pros and cons of using Global Sources, including its less beginner-friendly nature.

Using Jungle Scout Supplier Database to discover competitors' suppliers and potentially connect with them.

Highlighting the Canton Fair in Guangdong, China, as a massive trade event for manufacturers and buyers to connect.

Suggesting that visiting trade fairs and manufacturers in person can be beneficial despite the language barrier.

Discussing the use of sourcing agents to help find manufacturers and overcome language barriers.

Warning about potential backdoor deals with sourcing agents and the importance of vetting them.

Recommending DHgate for first-time sellers or those looking to test products with no minimum order quantity.

Presenting Thomasnet as a US-based platform for finding American manufacturers, suitable for certain product types.

Noting the higher costs associated with manufacturing in the United States and its impact on product pricing.

Introducing Made-in-China.com as a platform similar to Global Sources with a large number of suppliers.

Emphasizing the effectiveness of using Google to search for specific manufacturers by product type.

Encouraging viewers to check out the Jungle Scout Supplier Database for a game-changing experience in sourcing.

Offering a discount link to Jungle Scout in the video description for viewers interested in the platform.