When you think about Amazon sellers pulling in 7 or 8 figures annually, what comes to mind? Savvy PPC campaigns? Seamless inventory management? Mastery of product research tools? Sure, those play a role. But there’s one strategy many of these top sellers are using that often flies under the radar: sourcing trips and factory visits.

Imagine seated in a conference room in Yiwu, China, across from you is a seasoned supplier whose portfolio is as impressive. Between you lies a table filled with product samples—innovative items you’ve only dreamed of adding to your catalogue. After hours of discussions and negotiations, you’ve secured a deal that cuts your costs by 20%. The cherry on top? Priority manufacturing for your orders next season.

For many top-tier Amazon sellers, this isn’t a fantasy. It’s their reality.

While most sellers stick to emails, catalogs, or online platforms, 7 and 8-figure players are taking things to the next level by hitting the ground running—literally. They know that to scale their business, they need to get out from behind their screens and dive into the world of face-to-face sourcing.

And here’s the good news: you can do it too.

The Story Behind Every Winning Product

Every best-selling product has a story. And more often than not, that story starts far from a keyboard.

In the cutthroat world of Amazon, finding the right supplier is like finding a diamond in the rough. Can you stumble across one on Alibaba or Google? Maybe. But the truth is, the real gems are uncovered in person.

Take it from a veteran 8-figure seller who shared their breakthrough moment:

“It wasn’t until I flew to China and spent time with suppliers that my business truly scaled. Shaking hands, seeing the products up close, and negotiating face-to-face made all the difference.”

Picture this: You’re wandering through sprawling trade markets, inspecting products firsthand, and meeting suppliers who could become your long-term partners. That hands-on approach isn’t just practical—it’s transformative.

Why Sourcing Trips Are Non-Negotiable>

Think about your top-performing product. Now imagine slashing its production costs, tweaking its design for better reviews, or bundling it with a complementary item to double your profit margin. That’s what sourcing trips can do.

Take Clara, for instance, a 7-figure seller who had been battling unreliable suppliers and high shipping costs. On her first sourcing trip, she not only negotiated a 15% discount but also found a supplier who could deliver directly to Amazon’s warehouses—cutting out the middleman entirely.

Clara’s takeaway? “The difference between working with a supplier I met in person versus one I found online is night and day. Face-to-face meetings build trust, and trust gets you better deals.”

How Sourcing Trips Transform Businesses

Emails and Zoom calls can only get you so far. A handshake across the table? That’s where the magic happens.

Meeting suppliers face-to-face:

  • Builds trust that digital communication struggles to replicate.
  • Leads to better pricing, payment terms, and priority service.
  • Provides clarity on product specs, lead times, and shipping logistics—avoiding costly miscommunication.

Seasoned sellers prepare for these trips like pros, armed with a checklist:

  • Bulk discounts.
  • Flexible shipping terms.
  • Customization options.

And it pays off. They return with deals that would be nearly impossible to secure through email alone.

The Power of Factory Visits

Would you sell a product you’ve never touched? Shockingly, many sellers do. And when that product fails, it leads to poor reviews, returns, and even account suspension.

Factory visits eliminate that risk. They give you the chance to:

  • Inspect product quality firsthand.
  • Spot potential design flaws and fix them before mass production.
  • Build a deeper understanding of the manufacturing process.

And beyond the products themselves, these visits give you a peek behind the curtain. You learn about your supplier’s operations, their capacity, and even their challenges—insight that can shape your strategy.

More Than Just a Trip: It’s an Education

Sourcing trips aren’t just about browsing booths or touring factories. Many include expert-led sessions on:

  • Negotiation tactics to lower MOQs and secure win-win deals.
  • Spotting red flags in contracts or quality control.
  • Cultural nuances that build rapport with international suppliers.

These insights give sellers an edge that online sourcing simply can’t match.

Inspiration Around Every Corner

Walking through a market like Yiwu, you’re surrounded by endless possibilities. Thousands of booths showcase products you’ve never seen before, sparking ideas for new niches or bundles.

For sellers looking to expand their catalog or stay ahead of trends, these markets are a goldmine of inspiration.

The Bigger Picture

Scaling your business isn’t just about numbers—it’s about relationships. Suppliers who see you as more than just a name in their inbox are more likely to prioritize your orders, offer exclusive deals, and deliver on time.

Visiting their country helps you understand their culture, business practices, and even holiday schedules—critical details that make you a more effective partner.

For example, in China, the concept of >guanxi (relationship-building) is foundational. Sharing a meal or spending time with your supplier can cement partnerships in ways emails never could.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

With global supply chains shifting and costs rising in traditional hubs, diversification is more important than ever. Emerging markets like Indonesia are becoming sourcing powerhouses, offering high-quality products and competitive pricing.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure this out alone. Why not fast-track your learning and sourcing experience by joining a guided trip with seasoned experts? We’re heading to Indonesia on an upcoming sourcing trip, and this is your chance to be part of it. Imagine:

  • Meeting suppliers face-to-face.
  • Touring factories to see exactly how products are made.
  • Learning negotiation and sourcing strategies directly from industry leaders.
  • Sightseeing in Jakarta and Bali

In a time where supply chain diversification is more crucial than ever, this trip is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build lasting relationships, and take your Amazon business to the next level.

Take the Leap

The truth is, you don’t have to be a 7-figure seller to start thinking like one. Whether it’s attending your first trade show or joining a guided sourcing trip, the steps you take today could be the game-changer your business needs.

So, what’s next? Start planning your sourcing trip. Research markets like Yiwu or the Canton Fair. Or, better yet, join an expert-guided trip where you’ll gain insider knowledge and logistical support.

If the top sellers are doing it, why not you?