Amazon is a highly competitive marketplace, and as an Amazon FBA seller, you are always looking for ways to get an edge over your competition. One of the most effective strategies that often goes overlooked is visiting your supplier.
A face-to-face meeting with your supplier can lead to cost savings of 10% to 30% or more on your product, not to mention the myriad other benefits that come with it.
In this article, we will delve into the top benefits of visiting your suppliers before placing an order:
Understanding the Production Process
Visiting the factory allows you to see firsthand how your product is made. This insight into the production process can help you design a better and more cost-effective product. You can spot potential issues in the manufacturing process and understand how to improve the quality of your product by seeing the different material options available in the supplier’s warehouse.
Analyzing Your Competition’s Products
Visiting factories often provides an opportunity to see some of your competitors’ top-secret products being manufactured. Factories may be selling to over 100 countries, each with different packaging and bundling requirements. By observing these variations, you can glean ideas to improve your own product. Imagine the insights you could gain from seeing 500 different variations of your potential product all in one room!
Discovering New Products
Most factories have showrooms displaying thousands of products they have manufactured in the past, showcasing different materials, finishes, and special effects. Many of these products are not listed on sourcing websites or in the factory’s catalogs. Additionally, the factory might produce custom products for customers in other markets, providing you with ideas for products you can develop for the US market.
Attending Trade Shows
Trade shows are a treasure trove of opportunities to find the best suppliers and products. With the limitations on travel due to the pandemic, many trade shows and events are now being held online. Don’t miss out on the chance to see up to 500,000 products in one day and meet loads of new suppliers.
Building Relationships
Factories receive numerous emails daily from Amazon sellers. By visiting, you demonstrate your seriousness and commitment, making suppliers more likely to partner with you over other sellers. Additionally, getting to know the sales staff and factory managers personally can lead to faster and more efficient communication when you are back in your home country.
Negotiating Lower Prices
If you are only negotiating prices through online channels, you are likely paying 10 to 25% more than if you visited the factories in person. A trip to visit your supplier can pay for itself in knowledge and reduced costs. Face-to-face negotiation is much more powerful than negotiating via email. Additionally, being at the supplier’s location allows you to see alternative material options that can help bring costs down.
Checking Quality
Visiting your suppliers gives you the opportunity to assess the quality of production. You can observe their quality control processes, the finished products, and even watch them manufacture other customers’ products before placing your order. This can help you avoid any discrepancies between the sample they send you and the actual production capability.
Conclusion
Visiting your Amazon supplier can unlock a host of competitive advantages, from understanding the production process to negotiating lower prices and building stronger relationships. While it may seem like a significant investment of time and resources, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Ultimately, a trip to visit your supplier can lead to better quality products, lower costs, and a stronger partnership, all of which are crucial to succeeding as an Amazon FBA seller.