Sourcing is a trade between money up front, control over quality and speed of shipping.
The main options
- **Wholesale or private label:** you buy stock in advance. Better margins and control, but cash is tied up and unsold stock is a loss.
- **Dropshipping:** the supplier ships to your customer. Little upfront cost, but thinner margins, less control over quality and delivery times, and many competitors selling the same items.
- **Print on demand:** products are made when ordered. Good for designs and low risk, with lower margins per item.
- **Making your own:** the most control and uniqueness, with the most work.
Vet any supplier
Order samples yourself. Ask about minimum orders, lead times, defect and return handling, and who pays for what. Look for a track record you can verify rather than relying on a sales page.
Know your landed cost
Landed cost is everything it takes to get one unit to the customer: product, shipping to you or from the supplier, payment fees, packaging and returns allowance. Price must cover it with room left for marketing and your time.
Fulfillment choice
Shipping yourself keeps costs low at small volume. A fulfillment service saves time as orders grow. Compare their fees against the hours you would spend.