How to Find Legitimate Amazon FBA Suppliers in 2026 (Without Getting Scammed)
Finding reliable wholesale suppliers for your Amazon FBA business shouldn’t feel like navigating a minefield. But if you’ve spent hours sorting through fake suppliers, overseas scammers pretending to be US-based, or “wholesalers” who are just dropshippers with marked-up prices—you know the struggle is real.
This guide shows you exactly how to find legitimate Amazon FBA suppliers, what red flags to watch for, and where to source products that actually help you build a profitable business.
Why Finding Real FBA Suppliers Is So Hard
The problem: Anyone can claim to be a wholesale supplier online. There’s no verification process on most platforms. This means:
- Scammers list fake inventory they don’t actually have
- Dropshippers pose as wholesalers and charge you retail prices
- Overseas sellers claim to be US-based (then you wait 6 weeks for shipping)
- “Suppliers” disappear after you pay
The result: You waste time, lose money, and struggle to find products that actually generate profit on Amazon.
7 Red Flags That Scream “Fake Supplier”
Before you contact any supplier, check for these warning signs:
1. They Don’t Require Business Documentation
Real wholesalers verify you’re a legitimate business before giving you access. If they’ll sell to anyone without checking—they’re not a real wholesaler.
2. No Minimum Order Requirements
Real wholesalers work in volume. If there’s no minimum order quantity (MOQ), you’re likely dealing with a dropshipper or middleman.
3. Prices That Are “Too Good to Be True”
If the wholesale price is barely below retail, or suspiciously low compared to market rates—run. Real wholesalers have consistent, competitive pricing.
4. No Physical Address or Vague Location
Red flag phrases: “Based in USA” (but no actual address), PO Box only, or addresses that don’t match their claimed location.
5. They Only Accept Wire Transfers or Cryptocurrency
Legitimate suppliers accept standard business payment methods: credit cards, ACH, net terms. If they only want wire transfers—it’s likely a scam.
6. No Verifiable Shipping History
Ask for tracking numbers from recent shipments. Real suppliers can prove they actually ship products.
7. Generic Product Photos or Stock Images
If their product photos look like they’re pulled from Amazon or AliExpress—they probably are. Real suppliers have their own product photography.
How to Verify a Supplier Is Legitimate
Don’t just trust what suppliers say. Verify everything:
Check Their Business Registration
- Search their business name in their state’s Secretary of State database
- Verify their EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Confirm their physical address exists
Request References
Ask for 2-3 current clients you can contact. Real suppliers will provide them.
Start With a Small Test Order
Before committing to large orders, place a small test order to verify:
- Product quality matches descriptions
- Shipping times are accurate
- Communication is professional and responsive
Review Their Online Presence
- Check Google reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings
- Look for complaints on forums or Reddit
- Verify their domain age (new websites are riskier)
Where to Find Verified Amazon FBA Suppliers
Option 1: Wholesale Directories (Choose Carefully)
Not all directories are created equal. Most are flooded with unverified listings. Look for directories that:
- Verify business documents before approval
- Check shipping records and online reputation
- Are commission-free (no middleman fees eating your margins)
- Have been operating for years (not fly-by-night operations)
Option 2: Trade Shows
Attending wholesale trade shows lets you meet suppliers face-to-face. Major shows for FBA sellers:
- ASD Market Week (Las Vegas)
- AmericasMart (Atlanta)
- NY NOW (New York)
Downside: Expensive and time-consuming.
Option 3: Direct Manufacturer Contact
Reach out to manufacturers directly. This cuts out middlemen but requires:
- Higher minimum order quantities
- More negotiation
- Longer relationship-building process
Best Product Categories for Amazon FBA in 2026
Based on current market trends, these categories offer strong opportunities:
High-Demand Categories:
- Health and wellness products
- Pet supplies
- Home organization and storage
- Beauty and personal care
- Phone and tech accessories
What to avoid:
- Oversaturated categories (generic phone cases, basic t-shirts)
- Products with high return rates
- Items with strict Amazon restrictions (supplements, topicals)
Questions to Ask Every Supplier Before You Buy
- What are your minimum order requirements?
- What payment terms do you offer? (Net 30, credit card, etc.)
- What’s your average shipping time to my location?
- Do you provide product certifications? (Safety, authenticity, etc.)
- What’s your return/defect policy?
- Can you provide MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) agreements?
- Do you work with other Amazon FBA sellers? (Get references)
Calculate Your Profit Margins Before You Commit
Use this simple formula to determine if a product is worth selling:
Amazon FBA Profit Formula:
- Selling Price (what customers pay)
- Minus: Amazon fees (referral + FBA fees, typically 30-40%)
- Minus: Wholesale cost per unit
- Minus: Shipping to Amazon warehouse
- Equals: Your profit per unit
Minimum target: Aim for at least 30% profit margin after all fees.
Red Tape: Legal Requirements for Amazon FBA Sellers
Before you start sourcing:
You’ll need:
- Business license or LLC registration
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- Resale certificate (to buy wholesale without paying sales tax)
- Amazon Seller account (Professional plan recommended)
Most legitimate suppliers will request these documents.
Common Amazon FBA Sourcing Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Choosing Products Based on Personal Preference
Instead: Use data. Check Amazon Best Sellers, analyze competition, and verify demand with tools like Jungle Scout or Helium 10.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Shipping Costs
Shipping can destroy your margins. Always calculate total landed cost (product + shipping + fees).
Mistake 3: Ordering Too Much Inventory Upfront
Start small. Test demand before committing to large orders.
Mistake 4: Not Checking for Patent or Trademark Issues
Verify products aren’t patented or trademarked. Amazon will suspend your account for IP violations.
Mistake 5: Trusting Suppliers Without Verification
Always verify. Always test. Never assume.
How to Build Long-Term Supplier Relationships
Once you find a good supplier:
Communicate clearly: Be professional and responsive
Pay on time: Build trust and potentially negotiate better terms
Provide feedback: Help them improve (they’ll prioritize good clients)
Grow together: As your volume increases, negotiate better pricing
Good suppliers become business partners, not just vendors.
Start Sourcing Smarter
Finding legitimate Amazon FBA suppliers doesn’t have to be a nightmare. The key is knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and where to find verified suppliers who’ve already been vetted.
Ready to find verified FBA suppliers? Browse 110+ verified Amazon FBA suppliers on Suppliers Central—every supplier is verified before they can list. No scammers. No middlemen. Just direct connections to legitimate US wholesalers.
Browse Verified Amazon FBA Suppliers
About Suppliers Central: America’s original B2B wholesale directory, connecting verified suppliers with qualified buyers since 2015. Recommended by Forbes. Commission-free. Strictly B2B.
