Timeline to Start Working with Amazon FBA Wholesale Suppliers

Building a successful business through Amazon FBA wholesale starts with one crucial step: finding and establishing relationships with reliable suppliers. Unlike private label or retail arbitrage, wholesale sourcing involves working directly with authorized distributors or manufacturers to resell branded products. But how long does this process actually take?

Let’s break down the full timeline to start working with Amazon FBA wholesale suppliers, from initial research to getting your first products into Amazon’s warehouses.

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🕵️ Step 1: Researching Wholesale Suppliers (1–2 Weeks)

The first phase in your Amazon FBA wholesale journey is identifying trustworthy suppliers who can provide brand-approved products at competitive prices. You’ll need to:

• Search supplier directories (e.g., Wholesale Central, SaleHoo, Worldwide Brands)

• Check manufacturer websites for authorized distributor lists

• Verify business credentials and check for brand restrictions on Amazon

Take time to research and build a list of 10–15 potential suppliers. Avoid middlemen or shady websites—stick to authorized distributors or wholesalers with proven track records.

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📧 Step 2: Contacting Suppliers & Setting Up Accounts (1–2 Weeks)

Once you have a list, begin reaching out. Most legitimate wholesale suppliers require proper documentation before opening an account. Be ready to submit:

• Your business license or LLC formation documents

• A reseller certificate or sales tax ID (in the U.S.)

• Company information and contact details

• Amazon Storefront link or proof of resale ability

Some suppliers respond quickly (within 2–3 business days), while others—especially larger distributors—may take longer. This step can involve back-and-forth communication, especially if you’re a new seller.

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🛒 Step 3: Product Selection & Placing Your First Order (1 Week)

Once your wholesale account is approved, you’ll gain access to their product catalog and pricing. Now you can start analyzing potential listings using tools like:

• Keepa (for sales history & price tracking)

• SellerAmp or Jungle Scout (for profit margin and demand analysis)

Choose a handful of products that:

• Are profitable after FBA fees

• Have consistent demand

• Are not heavily saturated with low-price competition

Start with a small test order to assess product quality and minimize risk.

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📦 Step 4: Preparing for FBA & Shipping to Amazon (1–3 Weeks)

Once your products arrive, it’s time to prep them for Amazon FBA. This includes:

• Labeling (FNSKU labels or manufacturer barcodes)

• Bundling (if needed)

• Packaging according to Amazon’s prep requirements

You can do this yourself or use a prep center to save time. After prep, your inventory is shipped to Amazon warehouses. Depending on the shipping method and supplier location:

• Domestic shipping takes 3–7 business days

• International shipping (by air or sea) can take 10–21 days

Once Amazon receives and processes your inventory, your listings go live.

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⏳ Total Time Estimate: 4–6 Weeks

From the day you start researching suppliers to having products live on Amazon, the entire Amazon FBA wholesale onboarding process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s a quick recap:

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✅ Final Thoughts

Patience and preparation are key when starting with Amazon FBA wholesale. It’s not a get-rich-quick model, but a long-term strategy built on repeatable systems and strong supplier relationships. Once you find reliable wholesale sources and understand the process, you’ll be able to reorder inventory consistently and scale your business faster.

Looking to get started? Let me know your niche, and I’ll help you build a supplier list and product shortlist to fast-track your success!