How to Source Products for Your Online Store in Bangladesh: Product Sourcing Checklist

You’re scrolling through your feed, half-paying attention, when suddenly — BAM — it hits you.

A friend from college, the one who barely passed, just posted a photo of their brand-new car. Paid in cash. No bank loans. No rich uncle. Just pure, undeniable profit from their online store. And here’s the kicker — they’re not dropshipping from China!

They’re not selling overpriced supplements. They’re not even doing anything complicated.

They found a loophole. A backdoor. A hidden goldmine that 99% of online sellers completely ignore because they’re too busy chasing the same saturated markets.

That goldmine, my friend is Bangladesh.

But not the Bangladesh you see in headlines. Not the Bangladesh of crowded streets and political noise. I’m talking about the other Bangladesh — the one quietly producing $42 billion worth of apparel every year (yes, billion with a big B). The one where factory owners are practically begging for serious buyers because they’re tired of dealing with middlemen who take all the profit. The one where a simple cotton T-shirt costs less than a cup of coffee to make, but sells for 10x that price in Europe or America.

Think about that for a second.

If you could buy something for $2 and sell it for $20, how fast would your bank account grow?

Now, what if I told you that this exact scenario is happening right now — but most people are too scared, too lazy, or too uninformed to take advantage of it?

Here’s the truth:

The world’s biggest retailers — H&M, Zara, Walmart — have been sourcing from Bangladesh for decades. They’ve built empires on the back of its cheap labor, skilled artisans and unbeatable production costs. Meanwhile, the average online seller is still overpaying for Alibaba suppliers, waiting weeks for shipments and losing money because they didn’t do one simple thing: look next door to one of the most profitable manufacturing hubs on the planet.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

You don’t need a million-dollar business to tap into this. You don’t need connections. You don’t even need to leave your house.

This isn’t theory. This isn’t some vague “maybe it’ll work for you” advice. This is a step-by-step blueprint used by e-commerce sellers who are quietly making $10K, $50K even $100K per month — without fancy ads, without a huge team and without the stress of competing in oversaturated markets.

So here’s my question for you: Are you going to keep doing what everyone else is doing… Or are you ready to go where the real profit is hiding?

Keep reading. This could be the last product sourcing guide you’ll ever need.

Why Product Sourcing Matters

Before you pick a product, ask yourself: What makes one store a success and another a flop?

The answer is simple — product sourcing. Great sourcing means unique items, fair prices and reliable delivery. Poor product sourcing leads to out-of-stock messages, low profit margins and angry customers.

In 2023, Bangladesh’s e-commerce market was valued at approximately US$6.9 billion, growing at an annual rate of 9.33% (businesswire.com).

That’s nearly 753 crore Taka every month! Do you want a slice of that cake?

Then mastering product sourcing is non-negotiable.

The First Step to Smart Product Sourcing

Understanding Your Customers

Start by asking: Who’s buying?

Teenagers love trendy phone accessories; working moms prefer home essentials. Use Google Analytics, Facebook Insights or simple surveys to learn: age, gender, budget and shopping habits.

Identify Best-Selling Categories

Bangladesh’s top e-commerce categories (by revenue share) are:

• Electronics (23.9%)
• Hobby & Leisure (20.4%)
• Fashion (18.9%)
• Home & Furniture (12.1%)
• Grocery (9.0%) (ecommercedb.com)

Pick one or two categories and dive deep. Specializing helps you become the go-to shop.

Local Suppliers: Your Goldmine

Why choose Local?

• Faster shipping: No long waits.
• Lower risk of customs delays.
• Supports local economy: Builds goodwill.

But, Where to Find Local Suppliers?

• Dhaka’s North & South Circular Road: Electronics and garments hubs.
• Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ): Garments and textiles.
• Gazipur Industrial Area: Fashion and home décor.

And, How to Approach Local Product Suppliers?

1. Visit in person: A friendly visit builds trust.
2. Ask for samples: Test quality before committing.
3. Negotiate terms: Price, minimum order quantity (MOQ), payment methods.

Pro tip: Use the Rule of Three in your pitch: “Fast delivery, premium quality, unbeatable price — choose all three.”

Wholesale Marketplaces in Bangladesh

Top Platforms

• Daraz Wholesale: Local version of Alibaba.
• Kakoli: Wholesale portal in Bangladesh.
• Alibaba.com: For global sourcing (MOQ usually higher).

How to Use These Platforms

1. Search with exact keywords: e.g., “mobile phone cover wholesale”
2. Filter by ratings and reviews: Aim for suppliers with 4.5+ stars.
3. Request quotes: Compare price, shipping, and lead time.
4. Order samples: Always a must.

Bangladesh’s smartphone penetration reached 80% of internet users in 2024, creating huge demand for accessories (en.wikipedia.org).

Trade Fairs & Exhibitions in Bangladesh

Why Attend?

• Instant trust: Seeing products in person removes doubts.
• Network: Build connections beyond email.
• Discover trends: Spot what’s new before competitors.

Key Events in Bangladesh

• Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF): Annual in January.
• Bangladesh E-commerce Expo: Held mid-year.
• Local Industry Association Fairs: Check the E-commerce Association of Bangladesh’s calendar.

After the fair, send a follow-up email: “It was great meeting you at DITF. Your eco-friendly bags caught my eye — let’s discuss how we can collaborate.”

Online B2B Platforms

While local suppliers are great, global marketplaces widen your options.

Top Global Platforms

• Alibaba.com
• GlobalSources.com
• DHgate.com

Pro Tips for Global Product Sourcing

1. Check certifications: CE, ISO, etc.
2. Understand import duties: Use the National Board of Revenue’s tariff guide.
3. Calculate landed cost: Item cost + shipping + duties.

Importing & Customs

Main Steps

1. E-TIN registration: Mandatory for importers.
2. Bond license: Issued by the Customs Authority.
3. HS code classification: Identify correct codes for duty rates.
4. Documentation: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin.

Avoiding Delays

• Hire a customs broker: Saves time and hassles.
• Stay updated on policy changes: Check NBR announcements.

Manufacturing in Bangladesh

Why Manufacture Locally from Bangladesh?

• Cost-effective labor: BDT 3,000–5,000 per month average wage in garment sector.
• Government incentives: Duty exemptions in EPZs.
• Made-in-Bangladesh label builds local pride.

Finding Manufacturers in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
• Online directories like ConnectBD.

Steps to Start Manufacturing in Bangladesh

1. Prototype development with local designers.
2. Small batch production to test market.
3. Scale up once demand is proven.

Social Media Product Sourcing

Platforms to Explore

• Facebook Groups: e.g., “Bangladesh Wholesale Marketplace.”
• Instagram: Follow hashtags like #bdhandicrafts #bdreseller.
• TikTok: Short videos showcasing product quality.

How to Engage

• DM suppliers with clear product requests.
• Join live streams where sellers showcase stock.
• Ask community members for recommendations.

Ultimate Product Sourcing Checklist

• Defined target market and categories.
• Shortlisted 3–5 suppliers.
• Ordered and tested samples.
• Calculated landed cost and profit margin.
• Established clear communication channels.
• Set pricing strategy.
• Planned for quality control.
• Considered dropshipping or local manufacturing options.

Sourcing products isn’t just a business step — it’s a journey of discovery.

Every supplier you meet, sample you test and deal you negotiate teaches you something new. In Bangladesh’s booming e-commerce market — set to reach US$8.02 billion by 2025 (ecommercedb.com) — your ability to find the right products will set you apart.

Your online store’s future depends on the products you choose today.

Happy sourcing!