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How to source products for e-commerce: A practical guide for scaling brands

Last update: July 11, 2025

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When you’re scaling up your e-commerce business, product sourcing can get a whole lot more complex and strategic.

You have to juggle price comparisons across platforms, navigate supplier minimum order quantities (MOQs), request samples, review lead times, and try to unlock better margins by sourcing wholesale from platforms like 1688.com. On this platform, the pricing is often unbeatable, but access can be tricky – especially if you’re an international seller without a local Chinese bank account.

Then comes the trickiest part: paying your supplier.

If you’ve ever tried to transfer money from the UK or overseas to a manufacturer in China, you’ve likely hit at least one of these pain points:

You’re told you need a Chinese business registration just to pay
You get stung by hidden FX fees and poor conversion rates
Your funds take days to arrive via SWIFT
You’re not sure of the final amount you’ll pay, or when it’ll land

That’s where WorldFirst comes in. We make it easier to source products globally, helping e-commerce sellers scale faster and smarter. From setting up a virtual CNH (Chinese yuan) account to paying 1688.com suppliers directly – without a local Chinese entity – our WorldFirst account removes sourcing bottlenecks and streamlines cross-border payments.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

Four strategies to source products for e-commerce
What to look for in a good supplier
How WorldFirst helps you pay international suppliers with less hassle (and more control)
Case study: Bull Doza’s knockout move into global markets

Let’s dive in.

If you’re looking to pay suppliers affordably and quickly across the globe, WorldFirst can support you. Open a WorldFirst account for free today.

4 strategies to source products for e-commerce

Whether you’re just launching your first store or looking to scale up efficiently, these four proven sourcing strategies can help you find quality products, build reliable supply chains and grow your margins.

1. Source directly from manufacturers on B2B platforms

For cost-effective bulk orders and greater control over your supply chain, going direct to the manufacturer is still one of the most popular and scalable sourcing methods.

Today, B2B sourcing platforms make it easier than ever. These platforms connect you directly with factories, wholesalers and verified suppliers, allowing you to compare quotes and build long-term relationships without the layers of middlemen that erode your margins.

Some of the most widely used platforms include:

1688.com – China’s largest B2B marketplace with highly competitive, factory-direct pricing. A favorite among domestic suppliers, but access has traditionally been limited for international buyers.
Alibaba.com – Designed for global trade, it’s easier to navigate as an international seller but may include agents or resellers, meaning slightly higher prices.
TaoWorld – A rising B2B platform offering access to curated Chinese suppliers, increasingly used by global brands seeking unique SKUs.
Global Sources – A go-to for sourcing electronics and consumer goods, with verified suppliers across China and Southeast Asia.

If you’re price-sensitive and scaling, 1688 is hard to beat. It offers local market pricing but many suppliers only accept CNY payments via local bank accounts, making it difficult for international sellers to buy direct.

That’s where a WorldFirst account with CNH payment capabilities comes in. With WorldFirst, you can hold CNH (offshore Chinese yuan) and use it to pay Chinese suppliers directly on 1688.com without needing a local business entity. With our exclusive integration with 1688, your CNH balance is automatically converted into CNY (onshore yuan) within the 1688 system, allowing you to settle payments just like a local.

2. Use dropshipping to test product demand

If you’re still validating your product ideas or exploring a new niche, dropshipping offers a low-risk way to get started without holding inventory or investing in bulk orders upfront.

Platforms like DSers, Zendrop, Sprocket, and AliDropship allow you to import products directly from global dropshipping suppliers into your online store. You only pay for the product once a customer places an order, which makes it ideal for testing new ranges or entering unfamiliar markets.

While fulfilment times are longer and profit margins are typically slimmer, dropshipping is a smart way to:

Test demand for specific new product types or categories without committing to stock
Building a proof of concept for your brand or store before investing in inventory
Identifying products with consistent sales that are worth bulk ordering later

Many successful online retailers start as dropshippers to spot what works. Then they switch to bulk sourcing once they see consistent traction and want to improve margins.

Find out more: How to get started with Etsy dropshipping

3. Source locally or regionally for faster fulfilment

Overseas sourcing isn’t always the best fit. Depending on your product category and customer expectations, sourcing closer to home may offer better speed, service or brand alignment.

You can explore regional sourcing by:

Attending local trade shows and maker fairs
Using B2B wholesale platforms like Faire or Ankorstore
Contacting domestic manufacturers, distributors or artisans directly

This strategy works well for niche types of products, seasonal lines or premium offerings where faster fulfilment improves customer experience and local products enhance your brand’s positioning around ethics, support for local economies and craftsmanship.

That said, local sourcing isn’t right for every business. Challenges can include higher production costs that reduce your margin – especially if you’re competing on price. Plus, if your manufacturer isn’t set up for large or repeat orders, it may make it harder to scale – and you’ll have less variety or specialisation compared to larger overseas factories.

4. Work with sourcing agencies or intermediaries

Not every online business has time to research, negotiate, then vet dozens of suppliers.

That’s where a trusted sourcing agent or intermediary can help. They can identify and negotiate with reputable factories and move through language barriers, conduct market research and quality checks and manage communications and timelines, as well as complex regulations.

Most charge a flat fee or commission on orders. But they do help you save time – particularly if you’re sourcing through 1688.com, where many listings aren’t translated and supplier comms are limited.

Note: When working with agents, make sure that they’re transparent about their costs, markups and payment terms. A good agent should add value rather than confusion.

What to look for in a good supplier

A high-quality product idea means little without a reliable supplier behind it. Low prices can quickly be offset by poor communication, long delays or inconsistent quality.

Here’s what to check before placing your first order from any potential supplier:

Clear, responsive communication: Look for suppliers who reply promptly, answer questions directly, and set clear timelines and expectations

Transparent pricing and payment terms: A trustworthy supplier should be upfront about unit prices and MOQs, shipping and payment costs, as well as payment terms like deposit percentages or final payment deadlines

Consistent product quality: Always request samples before committing, checking for things like material quality and finish, durability and packing, consistency across units and sustainability credentials

Scalable production and reliable lead times: Also check to see if they can keep up as you grow with weekly or monthly production capacity, turnaround times for repeat orders, and whether production is in-house or outsourced
Commitment to long-term partnership: The best suppliers act like partners. Good signs range from flexibility on order volumes as you scale, to willingness to customise or co-develop products and proactive updates on timelines, changes or improvements

How WorldFirst helps you pay international suppliers with less hassle (and more control)

Once you’ve found the right supplier, the next hurdle is actually paying them – especially if they’re based in China.

Many Chinese suppliers only accept domestic transfers in yuan (CNY). If you’re sourcing internationally without a Chinese business entity or bank account, this can block you from accessing some of the most competitive wholesale prices available.

With a WorldFirst account, you can open a virtual CNH (offshore yuan) account and pay Chinese suppliers directly without needing a local entity, agent or third-party workaround. It’s fast, transparent and built for scaling e-commerce sellers.

Here’s how WorldFirst supports you at every stage of the sourcing process.

Pay suppliers on 1688.com like a local

Sourcing from 1688.com gives you access to 50+ industries, 1,700+ subcategories and 10+ million wholesale suppliers.

But for most international sellers, paying is the hard part. Many suppliers require local payment methods, and using unapproved workarounds can lead to delays, hidden fees, or even Alipay account suspensions.

With WorldFirst’s 1688 payment solution, you can:

Make direct CNH payments to 1688.com suppliers from your WorldFirst account
Avoid third-party agents or complex workarounds
Settle transactions in local currency, fully compliant with 1688’s policies

As the official global payments partner of 1688.com, WorldFirst offers a secure, approved way to pay. That means:

No risk of your Alipay account being suspended for non-compliance payments
A seamless connection between your supplier negotiations and settlement process
A major sourcing advantage for non-Chinese businesses

You also get:

A virtual CNH account (no Chinese business entity required)
A centralised payment dashboard to manage suppliers and track transactions
Domestic-level access to browse products and negotiate directly with manufacturers

Hold and pay in 20+ currencies and save on FX costs on supported balances

Running a global e-commerce business means working with different suppliers, online marketplaces and partners across multiple regions – but that shouldn’t mean losing money on currency conversion.

With a WorldFirst account, you can hold balances in more than 20 major currencies, pay suppliers and partners directly without conversion fees, and choose when to convert currencies based on the market. This way, you can protect your margins and manage cash flow with more flexibility.

What’s more, with your WorldFirst account, you can:

Hold balances in 20+ currencies: AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, MXN, NZD, PLN, SEK, SGD, and USD
Pay out directly in these currencies using your WorldFirst account with no FX fees, provided you hold balance
Avoid “forced conversions” when payment platforms or banks automatically convert your funds into a different currency – even if you already hold the correct one in your account

Plus, with a WorldFirst account, you get access to a World Card, our multi-currency virtual card.

It works anywhere Mastercard is accepted globally, letting you pay suppliers, cover travel, or manage ad spend in over 150 currencies. When you spend directly from your existing balance in 15 major currencies, you’ll pay no FX fees.

Find out more: What’s the best business bank account for e-commerce companies? 7 options

Pay more quickly than with traditional banks and avoid delays

Sending domestic payments is usually straightforward. But when it comes to cross-border transfers, you still typically have to rely on outdated systems like SWIFT – where payments can take days, pass through multiple intermediaries and rack up unexpected fees.

With your WorldFirst account you can:

Send same-day or next-day payments in major currencies
Track payments in real time, with full visibility on what you’re paying, what your supplier receives and when it will arrive
Avoid intermediary bank fees that eat into your margins
Lock in FX rates in advance to manage currency risk

Plus, if ever you need support, you can always call, email, or use our live chat to speak to our team directly.

Boost margins with cashback and better FX rates

Every percentage point matters when you’re scaling. WorldFirst helps you stretch your budget with transparent FX, low fees and cashback on every business purchase.

Real-time FX rates with no hidden markup
Send international payments for less, with clear, upfront fees
Earn 1% cashback on all eligible World Card spend
Use your World Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted, from supplier payments to travel, marketing or inventory tools

Case study: Bull Doza’s knockout move into global markets

When Nathaniel Doza launched Bull Doza Fight Wear, he set out to deliver premium punching bags at affordable prices. But as international demand grew, he hit a wall: UK banks couldn’t provide the local account details needed to open Amazon stores in the US and EU.

Nathaniel turned to WorldFirst. With a WorldFirst account, Bull Doza was able to:

Open local currency accounts without a foreign entity
Launch on Amazon US and EU, cutting market entry time by 3–6 months
Save 1–3% on every £10,000 FX transfer

Now, Bull Doza is scaling into new markets and aiming for 10x growth with WorldFirst as its global payments partner.

Read the full case study: Bull Doza’s knockout move into global markets

Simplify global sourcing and payments with WorldFirst

Sourcing the right products is only half the battle. For growing brands, the real challenge lies in managing international e-commerce payments, navigating local marketplace requirements and protecting your profit margins along the way.

That’s where WorldFirst makes the difference, with:

Local currency accounts in 20+ currencies
Direct payment access to 1688.com suppliers
Support for 130+ currencies
integrations with Shopify, marketplaces such as Amazon and more

Whether you’re launching your first store or expanding into new markets, we’ll help you go further, faster. Sign up for a WorldFirst account for free today.

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How to source products for e-commerce: A practical guide for scaling brands

4 strategies to source products for e-commerce

1. Source directly from manufacturers on B2B platforms

2. Use dropshipping to test product demand

3. Source locally or regionally for faster fulfilment

4. Work with sourcing agencies or intermediaries

What to look for in a good supplier

How WorldFirst helps you pay international suppliers with less hassle (and more control)

Pay suppliers on 1688.com like a local

Hold and pay in 20+ currencies and save on FX costs on supported balances

Pay more quickly than with traditional banks and avoid delays

Boost margins with cashback and better FX rates

Case study: Bull Doza’s knockout move into global markets

Simplify global sourcing and payments with WorldFirst

Continue reading

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The simpler way to pay and get paid

How to source products for e-commerce: A practical guide for scaling brands

4 strategies to source products for e-commerce

1. Source directly from manufacturers on B2B platforms

2. Use dropshipping to test product demand

3. Source locally or regionally for faster fulfilment

4. Work with sourcing agencies or intermediaries

What to look for in a good supplier

How WorldFirst helps you pay international suppliers with less hassle (and more control)

Pay suppliers on 1688.com like a local

Hold and pay in 20+ currencies and save on FX costs on supported balances

Pay more quickly than with traditional banks and avoid delays

Boost margins with cashback and better FX rates

Case study: Bull Doza’s knockout move into global markets

Simplify global sourcing and payments with WorldFirst

Continue reading

How to buy from 1688: a complete guide for UK importers

Do you have to pay to sell on Amazon? UK seller fees explained for 2026

Top 7 Payoneer alternatives for global payments [2026]

7 best Monzo alternatives for UK businesses in 2026

Is Dropshipping Legal in the UK? Rules, Tax and VAT Explained

AI Dropshipping: How It Works, Tools and Real Costs

The simpler way to pay and get paid

Pay in 15 currencies with World Card, no FX fees

Enjoy zero FX fees when paying in the following 15 currencies with World Card.

Send money in 100+ currencies

You can send money in your WorldFirst account to any of the currencies we support.

Get Paid by 130+ marketplaces

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Collect money in 20+ currencies

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