Why Some Products Are Simply Not Available for Sourcing

Brand Behind the Scenes:

Why Some Products Are Simply Not Available for Sourcing

Sometimes, even if you have the budget, you just can’t get your hands on the product you want.
In this post, we’ll explore the main reasons why certain products are unavailable for sourcing — and what you can do about it.

1. The Limitations of Open Market Channels

Open marketplaces tend to favor products with lower prices by giving them more exposure.
As a result, brands that are sensitive to pricing policies often avoid distributing their products through open markets.

This is especially true for Amazon US, where many brands prefer to operate their own official stores and therefore restrict supply to third-party sellers.

While some sellers do source products through prohibited channels, this approach is not sustainable.

In the worst-case scenario, a brand may request a stop-sale notice, leaving the seller with unsellable inventory.

At SEOUL4PM, we make these channel restrictions clear to our buyers.
We encourage sellers to operate their own DTC (direct-to-consumer) websites rather than rely on open marketplaces, and we actively support them with brand assets and marketing materials.

2. Country-Specific Supply Restrictions

There are two main reasons why a brand may restrict product supply to certain countries:

• The brand already has an exclusive distribution partner in that market
• The brand cannot meet local certification or documentation requirements

Each region has different regulatory standards.
Not all brands are certified for every country, and it’s essential to confirm what documentation is required before import.

Examples include:

• Europe: CPNP
• USA: MoCRA
• Indonesia: BPOM

Before placing an order, check if certification is required in your target market — and whether the brand is willing to provide the necessary documents.

At SEOUL4PM, we help by checking the availability of documents such as MSDS and import-related certificates directly with the brand on your behalf.

3. Inventory Shortages at the Brand Level

Some brands do not begin new production runs until existing stock is fully sold out.
In the case of hit products, sudden demand surges or production issues can lead to long lead times.

You might try sourcing leftover stock from the market,
but prices are often inflated — and by the time the product arrives, the trend may already be over.

A smarter strategy is to quickly pivot to a substitute product.
For example, when PDRN became a trending ingredient,
brands like Rejueol, Rejubenix, and Rejuran quickly entered the market.
Sellers selected brands that fit their specific channels and moved fast.

With over 10,000 products available on SEOUL4PM,
it’s easy to find alternative items that match your needs and stay ahead of the trend.

Final Thoughts

Just because a product isn’t available today doesn’t mean you should give up.
Look into other sourcing channels, or find alternative products that fit your sales strategy.

At SEOUL4PM, we don’t just supply products —
we aim to be your strategic partner for growth.

Start sourcing with SEOUL4PM today, and gain exclusive tips on ordering, marketing, and beyond.