We often highlight the seller tool for being able to show you sellers in your area, or showing agencies how to find new clients. There is a higher level use for the tool, but it can take some practice to perfect; it’s a way to use your competitors for sourcing.
Seller Tool
Let’s be clear: sourcing takes work. Google can be surprisingly effective, but the best sourcers know there will be several steps before they’re on the phone with the right person. So this is not a magic bullet, but it’s definitely a good first step in your sourcing journey.
Now look up those sellers in SmartScout’s seller search.
Here’s the key: you’ve both found the same product already, what’s stopping you from finding their other products? Part of this is mindset: if someone else can do it, I can do it, too.
Since some suppliers only work with sellers of a certain level (time in business, sales in a year, etc), you can look at sellers with a similar number of reviews as you to approximate what’s available for someone of your status.
Google the product name with “manufacturer” or “distributor”. If you find a potential source, don’t be afraid to get on the phone. If they’re not the right person to talk to, who is? If they can’t sell you the product, ask if there’s someone else who can.
- Start with products you’re already selling. Go to the Amazon page and see who else is also selling it (this is easiest to do directly from your Seller Central account).
- Now look up those sellers in SmartScout’s seller search. Here’s the key: you’ve both found the same product already, what’s stopping you from finding their other products? Part of this is mindset: if someone else can do it, I can do it, too.
- Since some suppliers only work with sellers of a certain level (time in business, sales in a year, etc), you can look at sellers with a similar number of reviews as you to approximate what’s available for someone of your status.
- Sort a seller’s items by highest revenue and start searching there.
- Google the product name with “manufacturer” or “distributor.” If you find a potential source, don’t be afraid to get on the phone. If they’re not the right person to talk to, who is? If they can’t sell you the product, ask if there’s someone else who can.
As we said, there is work. However, finding the first step can be crucial. So go pick out your similar competitors, find their best products, and see if you can snag some of their sales. Even if those exact products don’t work out for you, it can help you to find reliable suppliers who will work with you.
