Cross-border e-commerce import supply strategy: detailed explanation of online and offline channels

In China, the import cross-border e-commerce market has reached the trillion level. This market has attracted many players, including powerful e-commerce platforms such as Tmall Global and Kaola Online Shopping, which have their own full-link purchase, delivery and sales channels. However, there are still tens of thousands of individual small merchants in the market who rely on their own channels to source goods and deliver goods. So the question is, where do these small merchants usually find high-quality sources?

1. Online channels: B2B platforms, Taobao and forums

To succeed in the field of imported cross-border e-commerce, you must first have a supply of goods, and the supply must reach a certain amount. In the Internet world, there is a large amount of scattered supply information. There are some professional import procurement wholesale B2B platforms, such as Alibaba Global Wholesale Procurement, Huicong.com and Made in China.com, which provide detailed information such as cargo information, pictures, and patents. In addition, there are some professional forums, such as FOB Forum, Waipai.com and ESG cross-border e-commerce, where suppliers often publish supply information. As a mature e-commerce platform, Taobao not only has retail business, but also has many large and powerful sellers, some of which provide wholesale or consignment services.

2. Offline channels: product selection fairs and wholesale markets

One advantage of sourcing goods offline is that you can view and compare goods in person. In some cities in China with developed cross-border e-commerce industries, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, cross-border e-commerce exhibitions are held every year, bringing together thousands of brands covering a variety of product categories. By participating in these product selection conferences, you have the opportunity to find and discover some novel products, hot-selling products and products in demand. Sometimes, you can even find the products you need at the show. In addition, you can also go to the wholesale market to purchase goods directly, but the number of such markets is relatively small, and you need to be familiar with the market conditions.

3. Use personal connections

The key to this approach is building connections. If the social network is extensive, supply information can be found on private social platforms such as WeChat and QQ. Sometimes, a friend or acquaintance may introduce a known supplier, which can be a reliable channel.

4. Rely on big platforms

In addition to the above methods, another way is to rely on large e-commerce platforms to find supply. Large platforms such as Tmall Global and Kaola Online Shopping usually work with various suppliers to provide a variety of goods. As a small merchant, you can use these platforms to find suitable suppliers to cooperate with, obtain supply of goods, and sell them to consumers.

Notes on supply procurement

Cross-border import e-commerce sellers need to pay attention to the following points when sourcing goods:

• Conduct strict review and screening of suppliers, including supplier reputation, product quality and after-sales service.
• Establish long-term and stable cooperative relationships with suppliers, establish a supplier management system, and optimize supply chain management and procurement processes.
• According to market demand and sales, timely adjust the supply procurement plan to avoid inventory backlog and slow sales.
• Strengthen the quality control of supply sources to ensure that the quality of goods meets consumer expectations.

Summary

To sum up, the supply of goods for the imported cross-border e-commerce market can be obtained through various channels. Whether online or offline, you can find suitable sources of goods through B2B platforms, forums, exhibitions, wholesale markets, social networks, and cooperation with large e-commerce platforms. The key is to understand the market, build relationships, and choose the most suitable way to find and obtain supply, which will help you succeed in the highly competitive cross-border e-commerce market.

At the same time, cross-border e-commerce sellers also need to have all-round capabilities and qualities, conduct in-depth analysis and planning from market analysis, supplier selection, procurement planning, inventory management, quality control and cost control, and establish a complete Supply chain management and procurement system, thereby laying a more solid foundation for the development of cross-border e-commerce business.