Product selection strategy for Southeast Asia e-commerce market: inspiration and data sources

When entering the Southeast Asian e-commerce market, product selection is a key step. This article will explore several effective product selection channels, including personal interests, B2B websites, exhibitions, data analysis platforms, and interpersonal networks, to help sellers find products that suit them.

1. Start with yourself and choose products you understand

In the product selection process, sellers should first consider which products they are passionate about and interested in. You can think about it through the following questions:

• What products or markets are you very interested in?
• What products are your friends paying attention to?
• What are the pain points in life that need to be solved urgently?

For example, because Max spent time styling his hair every morning, he developed a shower cap made of absorbent towels – Morning Head, which solved his problem.

2. B2B wholesale website

B2B wholesale websites are an important way to find inspiration and sources of goods. On these platforms, sellers can find thousands of potential products. For example, Alibaba connects consumers with manufacturers and wholesalers in Asia and is a very rich resource. In addition to Alibaba, there are wholesale websites such as TradeKey, Global Sources and Made-in-China that are also worthy of attention.

3. Product upstream suppliers and industry belts

Finding products through upstream suppliers is also a good option. Understanding the concept of industrial belts, cross-border e-commerce sellers can go deep into factories, conduct price comparisons, select suitable products and establish long-term cooperative relationships. In the Southeast Asian market, due to limited consumption levels, purchase price has become a key factor to consider when selecting products.

4. Exhibition development

Exhibitions are another important place to get the latest products. By participating in various exhibitions, such as the Global Sources Electronics Show in Hong Kong, China, sellers can contact many manufacturers, communicate directly with them, and obtain the latest resources and trends.

5. Southeast Asia e-commerce platform best-selling list

Following the best-selling list data of Southeast Asian e-commerce platforms is also an effective way to quickly obtain market trends. Taking the Shopee Philippines site as an example, sellers can observe the trends of best-selling products on the market through three categories: “Popular”, “Latest” and “Top Sales”.

6. Use data analysis tools

In addition to direct data sources, sellers can also use some data analysis tools, such as Google Global Market Finder and Google Trends, to conduct more in-depth market trend research. This can provide a more comprehensive reference for product selection and help sellers make wise choices.

7. Interpersonal relationships

Human network is a resource that cannot be ignored in cross-border e-commerce. Obtaining advice from friends who are involved in cross-border logistics, or participating in industry forums and communication groups, and communicating with peers are also important ways to find inspiration.

In summary, there are various product selection channels. Sellers can find products that suit them and occupy a place in the Southeast Asian market by combining personal experience, market data, exhibition information and interpersonal resources.