How to Send from Alibaba to Amazon

In recent years, sourcing products from Alibaba and selling from Alibaba to Amazon has come out as a highly profitable business model within ecommerce, especially for new and small-scale entrepreneurs. So the question is “how to send from Alibaba to Amazon?”

The process of how to import from Alibaba to sell on Amazon, when executed with careful planning and strategic decisions, allows sellers to use Alibaba’s wide network of manufacturers and Amazon’s established logistics capabilities to build a successful business. 

In 2023, Alibaba reported a new revenue of approximately $126.5 billion, making steady growth in its core ecommerce and digital services sectors. The company has shown strong financial performance over recent years, becoming one of the largest.

What is Alibaba?

Alibaba is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, primarily connecting businesses to manufacturers and suppliers. 

The platform is popular among Amazon sellers looking to source products due to its wide range of items and competitive pricing. 

While Alibaba to Amazon caters to bulk purchases and business transactions, it’s necessary for new sellers to understand Alibaba’s processes and practices. 

How to Find Products on Alibaba to Sell on FBA?

When you’re planning to sell from Alibaba to Amazon, you need to choose the right product, and this places pressure on how to best find products on Alibaba to sell on FBA. 

Start by researching high-demand, low-competition products on Amazon. Use Amazon’s search suggestions and tools to assess the sales potential of different products. 

Once you have a product idea, use keywords on Alibaba to locate relevant suppliers. Refine your search by filtering for Gold Suppliers, Verified Suppliers, or those offering Trade Assurance to ensure reliability. 

Review supplier profiles carefully. Check for details such as company experience, ratings, transaction history, and certifications. Look for suppliers with consistent positive reviews and transparent business practices. 

As suppliers send product samples to evaluate the quality before committing to a bulk order. Be clear about quality expectations and any specific requirements relevant to your target market on Amazon. 

Selling on Amazon from Alibaba allows you to negotiate with suppliers for better rates, especially for larger orders, and this step helps establish a rapport with your supplier, which can be beneficial for future orders. 

How to Sell Products from Alibaba to FBA Step-by-Step

Once you’ve identified your product and supplier, follow these steps to send products from Alibaba to Amazon FBA step-by-step: 

1. Create an Amazon Seller Account

If you don’t already have an Amazon Seller Central account, set one up and choose the FBA option. This setup allows you to send inventory to Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon will handle storage, packing, and shipping. 

2. Generate a Product Listing

Create a product listing for your item on Amazon, filling out all required details, including product title, description, images, and pricing. Once completed, the product listing will generate a unique FNSKU barcode, which is required for FBA shipments. 

3. Prepare an FBA Shipment Plan

In Seller Central, create a shipment plan for your products. Amazon will provide you with specific instructions on packaging and labeling, including how the FNSKU barcode should be applied to each item. 

4. Arrange Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA

There are two main options here: 

  • Direct Shipping: Some suppliers on Alibaba offer direct shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA warehouses. Confirm that they understand Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements. 
  • Using a Freight Forwarder: To ship from Alibaba to Amazon FBA, consider using a freight forwarder who can handle customs, taxes, and other logistics. Freight forwarders can consolidate shipments and help ensure your products reach Amazon FBA smoothly. 

5. Confirm Quality and Packaging Compliance

    Ensure your supplier or freight forwarders adheres to Amazon’s FBA requirements. Many sellers request a third-party inspection to verify quality and packaging compliance before shipment. 

    6. Track Your Shipment

      Use tracking information provided by the supplier or freight forwarder to monitor the shipment’s progress. Once Amazon receives your products, your listings will go live on the marketplace, and Amazon will handle fulfillment.

      Alibaba to Amazon FBA FAQ

      Can I sell Alibaba items on Amazon?

      Yes, many Amazon sellers source products from Alibaba. However, it’s important to verify that products comply with Amazon’s policies and any necessary regulations, ensuring that your items are legal, safe, and authorized for sale. 

      Why is Alibaba so cheap?

      Alibaba suppliers often offer competitive pricing due to the bulk nature of transactions and the low-cost manufacturing base in regions like China. 

      Additionally, Alibaba’s marketplace model allows you to connect directly with manufacturers, bypassing intermediaries that would typically add markups. 

      Is Alibaba legit?

      Alibaba is a legitimate platform with millions of verified suppliers and buyers worldwide. However, like any online marketplace, there are risks associated with counterfeit or poor-quality products. 

      Conduct thorough due diligence, use Trade Assurance, and consider requesting samples before placing a larger order.

      What are Alibaba Payment Methods?

      Alibaba supports several secure payment methods to ensure smooth transactions. 

      Alibaba Trade Assurance: Provides protection for your order and ensures refunds if the supplier does not meet agreed-upon terms. 

      Bank Transfer (T/T): Suitable for larger transactions, where you transfer money directly to the supplier’s account. 

      PayPal: Often preferred for sample orders, as it offers payment protection. 

      Credit Card: Accepted by many suppliers and is generally fast and convenient. 

      Western Union: Often used for smaller orders, though it lacks the buyer protection offered by other methods.