How to source products for e-commerce: A practical guide for scaling brands
Last update: 11 Jul 2025
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.
- Open 20+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
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.
How to source products for e-commerce: A practical guide for scaling brands
E-commerce brands have many options when looking to source products. In this guide, we share the most strategic choices – and how WorldFirst helps.
Jul / 2025
Multi-currency payments: How to manage business transactions across borders?
If you want to make payments in different currencies, your best option is a multi-currency account. Here’s what to know to get the best exchange rates.
Jul / 2025
How to sell online in Singapore
Want to sell online in Singapore? In this guide, we share what you need to know about e-commerce marketplaces and how to manage multiple currencies.
May / 2025WorldFirst articles cover strategies to mitigate risk, the latest FX insights, steps towards global expansion and key industry trends. Choose a category, product or service below to find out more.
- Almost 1,000,000 businesses have sent USD$300B around the world with WorldFirst and its partner brands since 2004
- Your money is safeguarded with leading financial institutions
