Ecommerce sourcing is the selection and purchase of products, components or packaging for sale through online channels. The sourcing decision has to account for product demand, marketplace or store requirements, fulfilment economics and the cost of returns.
Build the brief from the sales channel
Document the target customer, selling price, product claims, required packaging, destination markets and fulfilment method. A product that works in wholesale cartons may need different labels, protection or pack sizes when shipped as individual ecommerce orders.
| Area | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Demand case | Expected sales, seasonality and reorder assumptions |
| Product file | Specification, approved sample and testing evidence |
| Fulfilment fit | Dimensions, weight, labelling and pack-out requirements |
| Economics | Unit cost, landed cost, fulfilment cost and expected returns |
A practical limit
A low factory price cannot repair weak unit economics. Test the product against realistic order volume and fulfilment charges before accepting the supplier’s minimum order.
Related terms
supplier sourcing, private label sourcing, minimum order quantity, ecommerce fulfilment.
