Did anyone bought anything in bulk from Alibaba?

Bross · Oct 21, 2011

Hi guys,

I am in need to buy a certain product in bulk.
I researched a few sites and Alibaba seem to have the most retailers from china.

I am looking to order something like 3000 pieces and really don't have any experience buying there. (I do have experience handling customs, imports, etc. though).

- How to spot real factories rather than a middleman?
- What does Gold supplier means? (does it mean I can usually trust these sellers?).
- How to avoid scams?

And most important - Do you pay using Alibaba's mechanism or deal directly with the seller?

Any tip will be great help. I never bought anything there.

Thanks.

drac313 · Oct 21, 2011

escrow would be best for payment probably. IF you are buying counterfeit, it is not wise to buy so many at once, you will get caught at customs and they will take and destroy the merchandise unless you intervene, in which case you will go to court and be found guilty and sent to jail or fined! Also, know shipping costs before hand. The suppliers from china are weasels that tell you the shipping cost at the end, as if it were negligible. It can cost anywhere from 100$ or more per box of good shipped to you, 3000 pieces is many boxes.

BENNY8877 · Oct 21, 2011

I'm pretty sure that Gold means they are trusted sellers. I took a look on there a few weeks back and was looking for a certain item, but all of the sellers seemed really shady to me.

rakoom2002 · Oct 21, 2011

Alibaba is all scammers. Like 98% of them, even the gold members. Trust no one. I would only buy through a dropshipper that comes recommended from friends or multiple people on here or something.

dowser · Oct 21, 2011

I have to say I've had a good experience buying through Alibaba (at least with the merchant I chose), because my orders were relatively small (under $3,000) I've used PayPal without a problem. Shipping is always a bitch as they used DHL and I don't have good relations with them - they stole from me on several occasions, but this time it went relatively smooth. I guess it depends on the merchandise and the merchant, I might have been lucky.

I've made an arrangement with another merchant to send me samples and he never did... (I never paid for it, though, so no damage was done).

520am · Oct 21, 2011

Try aliexpress.
They have a good escrow service.

p0532673 · Oct 21, 2011

Also, try looking for factories which have been physically inspected, they will indicate beside the gold seller icon if the factory's been inspected audio/visually or physically. And ask plenty of questions before you buy !

klawre1221 · Oct 21, 2011

Many good and bad sellers. Use the escrow service. If they won't do that then you know not to deal with them.

ygg · Oct 21, 2011

Bought 1 item from aliexpress once (cheap $120 tablet)

The sending and everything was really good. I had big problems at the customs in my country....

Did anyone bought anything in bulk from Alibaba?

Bross

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