E-commerce has made buying and selling products internationally more accessible. Business owners can find suppliers in China, the United States, Japan, and other countries without having to travel to the country of origin. At the same time, Thai sellers can list their products on marketplaces that serve customers in many countries.

However, each website is designed for different users and trading models.

Some platforms are suitable for ordering just a few items to test the market, while others are better for negotiating with factories and placing large commercial-lot orders.

Therefore, before choosing a platform, start by asking:

Do you want to buy products for personal use, test the market, import products for resale, or find channels for exporting products overseas?

What Role Do International E-commerce Websites Play in Business?

International marketplaces connect buyers and sellers from different countries, allowing business owners to use these platforms for various purposes, such as:

• Finding suppliers
• Comparing product prices
• Finding product ideas
• Ordering samples
• Placing bulk orders
• Finding OEM / ODM factories
• Selling products to overseas customers
• Testing new markets
• Studying competitors
• Exploring products and trends in each market

However, a marketplace is only one part of the trading process.

When goods are actually traded across borders, you must also consider:

• Payment
• Shipping
• Customs
• Import Duty
• VAT / Tax
• Product Regulation
• Documentation
• Insurance
• Returns
• After-sales Service

Businesses importing products for resale should not make decisions based solely on the prices displayed on a website.

1. Amazon

Amazon is an e-commerce marketplace operating in many countries and offering a wide variety of products. It is suitable both for buyers looking for products from overseas and for business owners researching retail markets in different countries.

Products available include:

• Electronics
• Home & Living
• Fashion
• Beauty
• Books
• Toys
• Sports
• Automotive Accessories
• Consumer Goods

Sellers also have several fulfillment options, such as shipping orders themselves or using Amazon's fulfillment services in supported markets.

Who Is Amazon Suitable For?

It is suitable for people who want to:

• Buy products from overseas
• Research selling prices in destination markets
• Read product reviews
• Analyze competitors
• Sell through a B2C model
• Build a brand in overseas markets

Thai businesses planning to export should check each target country's marketplace separately, because product categories, seller requirements, fees, and fulfillment options can vary from market to market.

2. eBay

eBay is a marketplace offering a wide range of products, including both new and used goods, as well as items serving specialized markets.

Examples of available products include:

• Collectibles
• Fashion
• Watches
• Electronics
• Automotive Parts
• Toys
• Hobby Products
• Vintage Items
• Consumer Goods

One useful feature for business owners is the ability to use eBay to explore demand for particular product categories overseas and compare the price ranges of similar products.

What Types of Products Are Suitable for eBay?

There is no fixed product category, but it can be suitable for businesses selling:

• Niche Products
• Collectibles
• Used Products
• Spare Parts
• Hobby Products
• Handmade or differentiated products
• Products that can be sold cross-border on an order-by-order basis

However, sellers should plan their international shipping and return policies carefully. When customers are overseas, the cost of returning goods can be much higher than for domestic sales.

3. Taobao

Taobao is a Chinese marketplace with a vast selection of products, primarily serving consumers and buyers within China.

Thai business owners often use Taobao to:

• Search for products
• Find product ideas
• Compare prices
• Order samples
• Test small quantities of products
• Find sellers within China

A wide variety of products is available, such as:

• Clothing
• Bags
• Accessories
• Home Decorations
• Packaging
• Household Items
• Gadgets
• Seasonal Products
• Shop Equipment

Is Taobao Suitable for First-time Importers?

It can be used to test products, but buyers should understand that many Taobao sellers primarily operate in the Chinese domestic market.

You may therefore need to check:

• The language used for communication
• Payment methods
• Domestic Shipping within China
• International Shipping
• Warehouses in China
• Consolidation
• Export Documentation

In some cases, Thai buyers may use a warehouse or logistics provider in China to collect goods from several stores before shipping them to Thailand.

This approach allows multiple orders to be combined into a single shipment, but you should check whether each item can be imported into Thailand before consolidating the goods.

4. Alibaba.com

Alibaba.com is a marketplace focused on B2B – Business to Business transactions. It is therefore suitable for business owners looking for suppliers, manufacturers, or products to import for commercial resale.

Products available include:

• Machinery
• Industrial Equipment
• Electronics
• Packaging
• Raw Materials
• Fashion
• Furniture
• Consumer Goods
• Auto Parts
• Home Products

Some sellers can provide services such as:

• OEM
• ODM
• Custom Logo
• Custom Packaging
• Private Label

This makes the platform suitable for businesses that want to develop products under their own brands.

How Is Alibaba.com Different from Taobao?

The key difference lies in the trading model.

Taobao is more retail-oriented and is generally better suited to smaller purchases.

Alibaba.com, on the other hand, focuses on business negotiations and larger order quantities. Sellers may be manufacturers or trading companies.

When buying through Alibaba.com, you will often encounter the term MOQ or Minimum Order Quantity.

For example:

• MOQ 100 pcs
• MOQ 500 pcs
• MOQ 1,000 pcs

Before making a decision, ask the supplier whether the stated MOQ is the minimum for standard products or for products with a custom logo / custom packaging.

5. AliExpress

AliExpress is a cross-border marketplace suitable for purchasing relatively small quantities compared with many types of B2B marketplaces.

It can therefore be used to:

• Test products
• Order samples
• Buy small quantities
• Compare suppliers
• Test demand before placing a commercial-lot order

Products span several categories, including:

• Electronics
• Gadgets
• Fashion
• Home Products
• Accessories
• Beauty Tools
• Automotive Accessories
• Hobby Products

For business owners looking for new products, starting with a small lot can help reduce inventory risk before switching to larger orders directly from a supplier or manufacturer.

How Are Alibaba.com and AliExpress Different?

Although they are part of a related ecosystem, their purchasing models differ.

Alibaba.com

It is generally more suitable for B2B transactions and commercial-lot orders.

It is often associated with:

• MOQ
• Negotiation
• Manufacturers
• OEM / ODM
• Private Label
• Bulk Orders

AliExpress

It is generally more suitable for retail purchases or small quantities.

It can be used to:

• Buy just a few items
• Test a product
• Order samples
• Test the market

If a business finds that a product sells well and needs a higher volume, it can then consider finding a supplier that supports wholesale or manufacturing at a scale appropriate for the business.

How Should You Choose Among These 5 Websites?

Choose according to your objectives as follows.

If You Want to Buy Products or Research Overseas Retail Markets

Consider:

• Amazon
• eBay

If You Want to Test Small Quantities of Products from China

Consider:

• Taobao
• AliExpress

If You Want to Find Suppliers or Factories

Consider:

• Alibaba.com

If You Want to Sell Products to Overseas Customers

You can research the market through:

• Amazon
• eBay

However, check the seller requirements and logistics arrangements for each country before starting to sell.

What Is the Difference Between B2B and B2C?

Before choosing a marketplace, you should understand which trading model you will use.

B2B – Business to Business

This refers to transactions between businesses.

For example:

A Chinese factory sells 1,000 units to a Thai importer.

This often involves:

• MOQ
• Negotiation
• Commercial Invoice
• Production Lead Time
• Bulk Shipping
• Customs Clearance

B2C – Business to Consumer

This refers to a business selling directly to a consumer.

For example, a Thai store sells one item to a customer in Japan through a marketplace.

This often involves:

• Individual Orders
• Courier
• Last-Mile Delivery
• Returns
• Marketplace Fees
• Customer Service

The logistics models for B2B and B2C can therefore differ significantly.

Is the Price Listed on a Website the Actual Cost?

Not always.

The price displayed on most marketplaces is simply the Product Price, or the price under the seller's stated terms.

When importing products into Thailand, the actual cost may include:

• Product Cost
• Domestic Shipping in the Origin Country
• Warehouse
• Consolidation
• Export Handling
• International Freight
• Insurance
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Customs Clearance
• Destination Handling
• Delivery
• Permits
• Packing

Together, these make up the Landed Cost.

Therefore, a product listed at THB 100 on a website does not mean that its cost upon arrival at a warehouse in Thailand will also be THB 100.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Customs Value (CIF)? 4 Steps to Calculate Import Duties

How Should You Check a Supplier Before Ordering?

Marketplaces make it easier to find suppliers, but that does not mean every seller is suitable for a commercial order.

Before placing a large order, check information such as:

• Company Profile
• How long the store has been operating or the business has been established
• Rating
• Reviews
• Transaction History, based on the information displayed by the platform
• Product Specification
• Factory Information
• Business License, where applicable
• Sample
• Lead Time
• MOQ
• Payment Terms
• Return / Claim Conditions

For high-value orders or products manufactured to specific specifications, you may need to conduct additional supplier checks, such as a factory audit or third-party inspection, depending on the business's risk level.

Why Should You Order a Sample Before a Commercial Lot?

A sample allows business owners to check several aspects of a product before making a large investment, such as:

• Material
• Size
• Color
• Function
• Packaging
• Product Quality
• Label
• Specification

Images on a marketplace may not show all these details.

If the product is subject to standards or licensing requirements, use the sample and product specifications to check compliance before placing a commercial-lot order as well.

Do You Need to Check the HS Code When Buying from an Overseas Marketplace?

If you are importing for business purposes, you should check the HS Code.

The HS Code affects:

• Import Duty
• Permits
• FTA
• Import Measures
• Customs Declaration

Products with similar names but different materials or functions may have different HS Codes.

For example, the term:

Electronic Accessory

is not detailed enough to determine an HS Code because you need to know what the product is, what it is used for, and what components it contains.

You should therefore request the product specifications from the supplier before placing an order.

Can All Products from Marketplaces Be Imported into Thailand?

No.

The fact that a product can be purchased through a website does not mean it can be imported and sold in Thailand without additional requirements.

Some product categories may be subject to specific authorities or laws, such as:

• Food
• Dietary Supplements
• Cosmetics
• Medicines
• Medical Devices
• Electrical Appliances
• Communication Equipment
• Plants
• Animals
• Chemicals
• Hazardous Substances
• Products Containing Batteries

You should therefore check product regulations before paying the supplier, especially when importing goods for resale.

Can Orders from Multiple Stores in China Be Consolidated into One Shipment?

In many cases, Consolidation can be arranged.

For example, you may order products from:

• Taobao Store A
• Taobao Store B
• Alibaba Supplier C

Then ask the suppliers to send the products to the same warehouse in China.

After that, the process may be:

Receiving → Quantity Check → Consolidate → Repack → Ship to Thailand

This method can reduce the number of international shipments, but you must check whether the products can be consolidated together.

Examples of goods that may require separate processing include:

• Dangerous Goods
• Batteries
• Liquids
• Chemicals
• Food
• Temperature-Controlled Goods

You should provide the product details to your logistics provider for review before sending the goods to the warehouse.

Should You Choose Air Freight or Sea Freight for E-commerce Products?

It depends on volume, weight, size, and lead time.

Air Freight

Suitable for:

• Samples
• Small Lots
• Urgent Shipments
• Product Launches
• High-value Products
• Stock that needs to be replenished quickly

Sea Freight

Suitable for:

• Commercial Lots with larger volumes
• Large-sized Products
• Shipments with flexible lead times
• Businesses seeking to reduce freight costs per unit in many cases

Business owners should not choose a mode of transport based only on the assumption that “air is expensive and sea is cheap.” They should also calculate the cost per unit and consider inventory requirements.

Suggested Internal Link: Which Products Are Suitable for Air Freight? What You Need to Know Before Shipping

How Should You Plan Logistics When Selling Products on Overseas Marketplaces?

There are several ways to arrange logistics when selling products overseas.

Ship from Thailand After Receiving an Order

Once an order is placed, ship the product from Thailand to the overseas customer.

Suitable for:

• Market testing
• A low order volume
• High-value products
• Small inventory levels

Key considerations include freight cost per order and transit time.

Send Products to a Warehouse in the Destination Country

A business can ship products in bulk to a warehouse or fulfillment center first, then distribute them when orders come in.

Suitable when:

• Order volumes are increasing
• Faster domestic delivery is needed
• Demand is relatively predictable

However, you need to plan for:

• Importer of Record
• Customs
• Inventory
• Warehouse
• Tax
• Fulfillment Fees
• Unsold Stock

It is therefore advisable to test demand before sending large quantities of inventory to be stored overseas.

How Should You Handle Destination-Country Taxes in Cross-border E-commerce?

Shipping products to customers overseas does not mean that import duties or taxes will not apply.

Rules vary by country and also depend on:

• Product
• HS Code
• Customs Value
• Country of Origin
• Destination
• Import Scheme
• Marketplace Arrangement
• The threshold set by the destination country

De Minimis policies and e-commerce tax rules can change. You should therefore check the destination country's requirements at the time you actually plan to sell, rather than relying on information that is several years old.

Should Marketplace Fees Be Included in Cost Calculations?

If you are a seller, yes.

Online selling costs may include:

• Marketplace Commission
• Payment Fee
• Advertising
• Fulfillment
• Warehouse
• Pick & Pack
• Returns
• International Freight
• Domestic Delivery
• Duty / Tax
• Currency Conversion

Therefore, generating THB 1,000 in revenue from one order does not mean you will make THB 1,000 in profit.

You should establish a cost structure before setting your selling prices.

Buying at the Lowest Price Does Not Necessarily Mean Making the Most Profit

Choosing a supplier based only on the lowest unit price may increase other costs.

For example, Supplier A:

Product = THB 80
MOQ = 5,000 units

Supplier B:

Product = THB 100
MOQ = 500 units

Although Supplier A has a lower price per unit, the business must invest:

80 × 5,000 = THB 400,000

Supplier B requires:

100 × 500 = THB 50,000

If demand is still uncertain, choosing Supplier B may help reduce inventory risk, even though its unit cost is higher.

You should therefore consider all of the following:

Price + MOQ + Freight + Inventory + Demand + Cash Flow

How Should Beginners Start Importing Products from Marketplaces?

You can start by following these steps.

1. Choose a Product

Find a product with demand that is differentiated from competitors' offerings.

2. Check Whether It Can Be Sold in Thailand

Review regulations, permits, and product restrictions.

3. Find Several Suppliers

Do not contact only one store.

4. Request Product Specifications

Use them to check the product, HS Code, and applicable requirements.

5. Order a Sample

Check quality before investing.

6. Calculate Landed Cost

Include Product + Freight + Tax + Other Costs.

7. Test the Market

Start with a quantity that allows you to manage risk.

8. Increase Volume Once Demand Is Clear

After collecting sales data, negotiate pricing, MOQ, or OEM arrangements further.

Suggested Internal Link: 7 Things Beginners Need to Prepare Before Starting an Import-Export Business

Information to Request from a Supplier Before Importing

Before confirming a purchase order, make sure you have information such as:

• Product Name
• Product Photo
• Product Specification
• Material
• Function
• Country of Origin
• Quantity
• Unit Price
• MOQ
• Package Size
• Gross Weight
• Net Weight
• Carton Quantity
• Production Lead Time
• Ready Date
• Incoterms
• Pickup Address
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificates, depending on the product type

If the supplier only provides a price but no specifications or sufficient product details, request additional information before arranging the shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions About International E-commerce Websites (FAQ)

Which Website Should I Start With If I Want to Import Products from China for Resale?

It depends on the volume. If you want to test small quantities, you can explore Taobao or AliExpress. If you need suppliers for commercial lots, OEM, or wholesale, you can consider Alibaba.com.

Can I Buy from Alibaba.com and Ship the Products Directly to Thailand?

Shipping can be arranged, but before shipment you should check the product type, HS Code, permits, and Thailand's import requirements. Do not ask the supplier to ship the goods before checking the applicable requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Taobao and Alibaba.com?

Taobao focuses more on the retail market and purchasing goods within China, while Alibaba.com focuses on B2B transactions, finding suppliers, and business-scale purchases.

Can Amazon Be Used to Sell Thai Products Overseas?

Amazon can be one channel for businesses to reach overseas customers. However, before starting to sell, you should check the seller requirements, product regulations, fees, taxes, and fulfillment options for the target country's marketplace.

Do Small Orders Have to Pay Import Duties?

You should not determine this based solely on the quantity of goods. Duties and taxes depend on the value, product type, import rules, and conditions applicable to the shipment.

Does the Product Price on a Website Include Thai Import Taxes?

Not necessarily. Product price, freight, import duty, VAT, and destination costs are separate components unless the sales terms or service description explicitly state otherwise.

International Import–Export Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international freight services by air, sea, and road, along with consolidation, packing, shipping documents, and customs clearance services according to the scope of each shipment.

If you are purchasing products from Amazon, eBay, Taobao, Alibaba.com, AliExpress, or an overseas supplier, prepare the product link, product photos, product details, quantity, dimensions, weight, value, origin, and destination. The CPL INTER team can then help review shipping options and relevant information before booking.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.