For Amazon Private Label, the supplier you choose affects your margin, your quality and your reviews. Most new sellers make the same mistakes. Here is what goes wrong and what works better.
5 rules for better supplier deals
- Talk to 5 to 8 suppliers and compare. One reply is not an offer. Compare several.
- Do not judge by price alone. Also check rating, years in business, Trade Assurance and sample quality.
- Always test a sample before any bulk order.
- Get it in writing. Price, MOQ (minimum order quantity), lead time, packaging, shipping and duty should all be written down, not verbal.
- Build a long-term relationship. Clear communication and on-time payment often bring better terms next time.
Use a simple comparison sheet
Make a sheet with one row per supplier and columns for offer, sample, lead time, terms and your verdict. When you see everything side by side, the best offer and the suppliers to skip become clear. It also keeps your decision based on facts, not on who replied fastest.
Supplier negotiation is only one part of the process. See the 7 steps from research to launch to understand where it fits.
Need help with sourcing?
I support Amazon sellers with supplier negotiation, budget planning and launch roadmaps. See my Amazon Private Label services.