Selling wholesale on Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) involves sourcing branded products in bulk from legitimate distributors or wholesalers, then reselling them on Amazon. Amazon handles storage, picking, packing, and shipping. This model differs from private label (creating your own brand) or arbitrage (buying retail and reselling).
However, Amazon has strict rules in 2026: You need proper invoices, proof of authenticity, and often brand approval (letters of authorization) for gated categories/brands to avoid suspensions. Many “suppliers” are not truly authorized, so focus on verified sources to stay compliant.
Key Methods to Find Legitimate Wholesale Suppliers
Here are proven, up-to-date ways to source suppliers (based on current recommendations from seller communities, blogs, and directories):
- Use Wholesale Directories and Marketplaces (Easiest for Beginners) These platforms vet suppliers and often cater specifically to Amazon FBA sellers.
- Wholesale Central (wholesalecentral.com): Free directory with thousands of US-based wholesalers offering brand-name products (e.g., electronics, beauty, home goods). It has a dedicated Amazon FBA section with closeouts and bulk deals. Highly recommended as a starting point no fees to browse.
- Faire (faire.com): Modern online wholesale marketplace with low minimum orders, net payment terms, and many brands open to Amazon sellers. Great for fashion, home, and beauty.
- SaleHoo (salehoo.com): Paid directory (subscription ~$67/year) with verified suppliers, market research tools, and Amazon-specific filters.
- Worldwide Brands (worldwidebrands.com): Lifetime access (~$299 one-time) to certified wholesalers. Focuses on legitimate, authorized distributors.
- Qogita (qogita.com): European/US-focused platform with 500+ vetted wholesalers, 500k+ products, and authenticity guarantees ideal for compliant FBA resale.
- ThomasNet or Global Sources: For manufacturing/wholesale, but more industrial.
- Contact Brands Directly
- Research popular Amazon products (using tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10).
- Visit the brand’s website and find “Wholesale,” “Distributor,” or “Become a Reseller” sections.
- Email or call for authorized distributor lists. This is the most reliable way for brand approval.
- Google Search Hacks
- Other Sources
- Trade shows (e.g., ASD Market Week in Las Vegas).
- Retail closeouts from sites like Walmart, Kohl’s, or liquidation platforms (but verify for FBA compliance).
- Communities: Reddit (r/FulfillmentByAmazon), Facebook groups (e.g., Amazon FBA wholesaling groups), or YouTube tutorials for supplier leads.
Top Recommended Suppliers/Platforms (From Current Lists)
These appear frequently in 2025-2026 recommendations as reliable for FBA:
- Wholesale Central suppliers: Many like Direct Wholesale Partners (appliances, high ROI brands like Shark Ninja).
- Bulk Apothecary: For health/beauty essentials.
- DHgate USA or similar (caution: More for sourcing, verify authenticity).
- Specialized distributors: Empire Product LLC, Premier Products Co US (promoted for FBA prep and branded goods).
Avoid unverified lists on Etsy/Fiverr or random PDFs they often lead to scams or unauthorized sellers.
Tips for Success as an FBA Wholesale Seller
- Start small: Test with ungated categories (e.g., toys, pet supplies).
- Get ungated: Submit invoices from legitimate buys. Tools: Use Keepa or Camel for pricing history; Tactical Arbitrage for deals.
- For international sellers (e.g., outside USA): Use freight forwarders for shipping to Amazon warehouses; consider US-based LLC for easier approvals.
- Budget: Expect $5,000–$10,000 initial investment for inventory.
- Risks: Wholesale is competitive focus on high-demand, low-competition products.
Wholesale FBA still works in 2026 but requires real, verified suppliers with proper documentation. Start with Wholesale Central or Faire for free/low-cost entry.