Cross-border e-commerce strategy for finding high-quality supply through multiple channels

In the field of cross-border e-commerce, finding high-quality supply is one of the key factors that determine the success of an e-commerce company. This article will explore how to efficiently find supply sources by combining the data mining channels of the entire network of e-commerce, foreign trade e-commerce market research methods, direct cooperation with factories, and non-source e-commerce models.

1. Use e-commerce platforms to mine data

1. ETSY – the choice of handicrafts

ETSY is a world-renowned handicraft e-commerce platform, famous for its rich range of lifestyle home furnishings, kitchen tableware and fashion apparel categories. For cross-border e-commerce sellers, ETSY is not only a platform for product sales, but also an important source of creative inspiration. By observing the best-selling products on ETSY, sellers can obtain valuable information on new product development and launch time.

2. TARGET – product selection reference in O2O mode

TARGET is a retailer that integrates online and offline operating models. Although its platform is relatively small, it can still provide valuable product selection references for Chinese sellers. Especially in the trend analysis of mass consumer goods, TARGET’s data performance is worth learning from.

3. WATCHCOUNT – eBay product list

By monitoring the best-selling lists on eBay and using tools such as WATCHCOUNT, you can help sellers grasp the latest market trends and guide product selection decisions.

2. In-depth research on target market channels

For foreign trade e-commerce merchants who want to have an in-depth understanding of the market in a specific region, they can obtain information through the following channels:

• Local research agency: Provide detailed market analysis reports.
• Internet Portal: Gather consumer preferences, competitor intelligence, etc.
• Industry Shows: Direct access to potential customers and suppliers.
• Professional magazines and websites: Keep track of the latest industry developments and trends.

3. Cooperate directly with factories

Method 1: Purchase directly from the factory

For e-commerce companies of a certain scale, purchasing directly from factories can effectively reduce costs and ensure product quality. Both parties need to reach an agreement on the purchase quantity, price, etc.

Method 2: Entrust the factory to customize production

Another cooperation model is for factories to produce specific products according to the needs of e-commerce companies. The advantage of this method is that it can achieve zero inventory management, but the disadvantage is that it is difficult to monitor the production process in real time.

4. Make use of brand overstock

Contracting brand overstock inventory is a more cost-effective way to purchase inventory, especially for small e-commerce merchants who want to quickly start their business. However, it should be noted that this type of inventory may be difficult to sell.

5. Exploring the no-source e-commerce model

For entrepreneurs who lack initial capital support, the “no supply” store model provides a low-threshold opportunity to start a business. By acting as an agent for the products of other merchants, sellers only need to focus on the sales end to make profits.

6. Supply selection for Philippine e-commerce companies

For cross-border e-commerce sellers who want to explore the Philippine market, you can consider the following platforms as supply channels:

• 1688: A comprehensive wholesale platform.
• Marco Polo Net: Focus on industrial supplies and machinery.
• Yiwu Gou: small commodity wholesale market.
• Bao Niuniu: Focus on luggage products.

To sum up, cross-border e-commerce sellers should flexibly use the above methods according to their own actual conditions and constantly explore the most suitable supply solution for them.