Where to Get Productsto Sell Online
Finding the right products is the foundation of any online business. Compare 15+ sourcing methods from wholesale and dropshipping to print-on-demand and handmade goods.
The Quick Answer
4 main categories of product sourcing
Wholesale
Buy in bulk, higher margins
Startup: $500+
Dropshipping
No inventory needed
Startup: $100-500
Print-on-Demand
Custom designs printed
Startup: $0-100
Handmade
Create your own products
Startup: $100-1,000
Best for beginners: Start with print-on-demand or dropshipping to test products with minimal risk, then scale to wholesale or private label as you grow.
Main Product Sourcing Methods
Compare the four most popular ways to source products for your online store
Wholesale
Investment: $500-5,000+ | Margins: 40-60%
Buy products in bulk at discounted prices from manufacturers or distributors.
Best for:
Established sellers with capital who want higher margins and inventory control.
Popular platforms:
Alibaba, Faire, Handshake, ThomasNet
Pros:
- + Higher margins
- + Quality control
- + Faster shipping
Cons:
- - Upfront investment
- - Inventory risk
- - Storage needed
Dropshipping
Investment: $100-500 | Margins: 15-30%
Sell products without holding inventory. Supplier ships directly to your customers.
Best for:
Beginners with limited capital who want to test products without risk.
Popular platforms:
Spocket, CJ Dropshipping, Zendrop, DSers
Pros:
- + No inventory
- + Low startup cost
- + Easy to test products
Cons:
- - Lower margins
- - Shipping times
- - Less control
Print-on-Demand
Investment: $0-100 | Margins: 20-40%
Create custom-designed products that are printed and shipped when ordered.
Best for:
Artists, designers, and creators who want to monetize their designs.
Popular platforms:
Printful, Printify, Gooten, Gelato
Pros:
- + No inventory
- + Unlimited designs
- + Easy to start
Cons:
- - Limited products
- - Quality varies
- - Lower margins
Handmade
Investment: $100-1,000 | Margins: 50-80%
Create products yourself using raw materials and your skills.
Best for:
Crafters and artisans who can create unique, handcrafted products.
Popular platforms:
Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Own website
Pros:
- + Highest margins
- + Unique products
- + Full control
Cons:
- - Time intensive
- - Limited scale
- - Skill required
More Product Sources
Additional ways to find products for your online store
Liquidation & Overstock
Investment: $200-2,000
Buy returned or overstock items from major retailers at deep discounts.
Platforms: B-Stock, Liquidation.com, Direct Liquidation
Thrifting & Vintage
Investment: $100-500
Source unique and vintage items from thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets.
Platforms: Local thrift stores, estate sales, Facebook Marketplace
Private Label
Investment: $2,000-10,000+
Work with manufacturers to create products with your brand and specifications.
Platforms: Alibaba, Maker's Row, ThomasNet
Digital Products
Investment: $0-100
Create and sell downloadable products like templates, courses, or ebooks.
Platforms: Etsy, Gumroad, Teachable, your own site
Craft Supplies
Investment: $100-500
Source materials for crafters: beads, fabric, tools, kits.
Platforms: Wholesale suppliers, fabric mills, bead wholesalers
Local Artisans
Investment: $500-2,000
Partner with local makers to sell their products in your store.
Platforms: Craft fairs, maker spaces, local directories
Sourcing Methods Comparison
| Method | Startup Cost | Risk Level | Time to Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print-on-Demand | $0-100 | Very Low | 1-2 days |
| Digital Products | $0-100 | Very Low | 1 week |
| Dropshipping | $100-500 | Low | 1-2 weeks |
| Thrift/Vintage | $100-500 | Low | 1 week |
| Handmade | $100-1,000 | Low-Medium | 2-4 weeks |
| Wholesale | $500-5,000 | Medium | 2-4 weeks |
| Private Label | $2,000-10,000+ | High | 2-3 months |
How to Find Products: Step-by-Step
Define Your Niche
Choose a product category based on your interests, skills, and market demand.
Set Your Budget
Determine how much you can invest in inventory, samples, and testing.
Choose Method
Select a sourcing method that fits your budget and risk tolerance.
Validate Suppliers
Research suppliers, order samples, and verify quality before committing.
Start Small
Begin with small orders, test demand, then scale what works.
Pro Tips for Product Sourcing
Always Order Samples First
Never commit to large orders without testing product quality, packaging, and shipping times yourself.
Research Before Sourcing
Validate demand using tools like InsightAgent to see what's actually selling before investing in inventory.
Diversify Your Sources
Don't rely on a single supplier. Build relationships with backup suppliers to avoid stockouts.
Calculate All Costs
Include shipping, customs, packaging, returns, and platform fees when calculating your true margins.
Build Supplier Relationships
Long-term relationships lead to better pricing, priority during busy seasons, and exclusive products.
Start with Low MOQs
Many suppliers offer lower minimum order quantities for new buyers. Ask for samples and small test orders.
Common Sourcing Mistakes to Avoid
Ordering too much inventory upfront
Start with small test orders to validate demand before committing to large quantities.
Not calculating true profit margins
Include all costs: product, shipping, customs, fees, returns, marketing, and your time.
Choosing products based only on trends
Consider competition levels, your ability to differentiate, and long-term sustainability.
Ignoring shipping times and costs
Factor in customer expectations. Consider domestic suppliers for faster delivery.
Not verifying supplier legitimacy
Check reviews, request samples, verify business registrations, and start with escrow payments.
Copying exact products from competitors
Add value through better quality, unique variations, superior branding, or better customer service.
Sourcing for Etsy Sellers
Etsy's Product Requirements
Etsy has specific rules about what you can sell. Your products must fall into one of these categories:
- •Handmade: Items you make yourself or with disclosed production partners
- •Vintage: Items 20+ years old
- •Craft Supplies: Materials, tools, and ingredients for creating
- •Digital Products: Downloadable files you created
Best Sourcing for Etsy
- + Handmade products you create
- + Print-on-demand with custom designs
- + Vintage items from thrift/estate sales
- + Digital products (templates, art)
- + Craft supplies from wholesalers
- + Production partners (with disclosure)
What NOT to Sell on Etsy
- - Mass-produced items you didn't make
- - Reselling wholesale without adding value
- - Items from AliExpress/Alibaba as-is
- - Counterfeit or trademarked items
- - Products violating Etsy's policies
- - Non-vintage items claiming to be vintage
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about finding products to sell online.
Sourcing platforms, fees, and policies change frequently. Always verify current information on each platform's official website before making business decisions.
Ready to Find Your Best-Selling Products?
InsightAgent helps you discover trending products on Etsy, analyze what sells, and find the keywords that convert - so you can source products buyers actually want.