Once you've identified the kind of product you want — ideally something that's a good size, has minimal electronics, and isn't a brand-name-only purchase — you're ready to contact suppliers. How you reach out determines the quality of replies you get, so it's worth doing well.

For an example, I'll use leather journals: a good size, no electronics, and not a brand-name purchase. I got the idea after seeing journals sell for $30+ online when comparable ones cost very little to produce. That gap between cost and selling price is exactly what you're hunting for.

Don't take the listed MOQ at face value

When you find a product on Alibaba.com, you'll often see a high minimum order quantity (MOQ) — sometimes thousands of units. Don't take it literally. Most suppliers will accept a much smaller first order, especially if you frame it as a sample or trial order of, say, 25–100 units. The listed MOQ is a starting position, not a hard rule, and negotiating it down for a first order is completely normal.

Write first messages that get replies

Keep your initial outreach short, specific, and easy to answer. Many suppliers' first language isn't English, so clarity beats cleverness — long, complex messages only cause confusion and slow things down. A good first message covers:

  • A one-line intro of who you are and that you're a serious buyer.
  • The specific product and any key specs (size, material, color).
  • Your real questions: unit price at a couple of quantity tiers, true MOQ, sample availability and cost, and lead time.
  • A clear next step (e.g., "Can you send a quote and a sample price?").

Because of time-zone differences it may take a day to hear back, so front-load the important questions rather than dribbling them out one at a time across days.

Questions worth asking up front in 2026

The basics above still apply, but a few modern questions save you trouble later:

  • Can we transact through Trade Assurance? A legitimate supplier will say yes. This protects your payment.
  • Can you provide product/packaging compliant with Amazon's requirements? Ask about polybag suffocation warnings, packaging that survives shipping, and any category-specific safety or certification needs.
  • What are your full landed terms? Get clarity on Incoterms (e.g., FOB vs. EXW vs. DDP), because the "price" means very different things depending on who pays for freight and duties — and with recent tariff volatility, landed cost is what actually matters.
  • Can we do a video call and see the production line? The best way to confirm a real factory before you commit.

How to evaluate the replies

Need a hand with this?

If you'd rather have an experienced team handle this part of your Amazon business, explore our Amazon seller consulting services from Goat Consulting.

Amazon seller consulting →

You're not just collecting prices — you're auditioning a long-term partner. Responsiveness, clear communication, willingness to do a sample and a video call, and Trade Assurance acceptance tell you as much as the quote does. I'd rather pay slightly more for a supplier who communicates well and makes many products in my niche (so I can expand with them later) than save a few cents with someone who's hard to reach. Remember that contacting suppliers is the start of a relationship, not just a transaction.