Summary of this article：Alibaba.com is one of the largest B2B wholesale marketplaces in the world. If you want to buy things in Alibaba.com, you will need to go through a proper procedure in which you verify the suppliers who ask for samples, reach agreement with suppliers regarding terms such as product quality control, packaging, and shipment.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Before buying things on Alibaba.com, make sure you have your criteria clarified: product specification, target cost per unit and per landed cost, MOQ, quality standards, shipping methods etc. If you give suppliers a vague product description, they will do everything by themselves, making you not always satisfied with the result.
Buying Process in Alibaba.com
1. Compile a shortlist of salespeople
Collect a list of 8-15 suitable sellers based on research. Compare their prices, MOQ, packaging and communication. Usually, sellers that communicate well during the first stage also provide good services after payment.
2. Evaluate the supplier
Ask about their company, major products, authentic production photos, MOQ, lead time, defect policy and return policy. Red flags could include sellers trying to rush you into payment, refusing to send you samples, and only being willing to use phone/chat communication.
3. Submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and compare quotes
Use the RFQ tool on the Alibaba website, enter the accurate product specification, desired order quantity, price, required certification and destination. Send this RFQ to several suppliers at once.
4. Negotiate on things besides unit prices
Negotiate on MO Q, price breaks, cost of samples, production lead times, packaging requirement and payment terms, except for the price per unit.
5. Order samples
Always order samples when making your first order. Analyze the product quality, workmanship, dimensions, packaging and whether the goods match what is shown in the photos. Spending money on samples is much less than dealing with returns later
6. Agree with the details of your order
The agreement on the goods you order should be clear regarding product specifications, packaging, quantity tolerance, defect standard, shipping terms and conditions for refunds.
7. Get trade assurance
This is Alibaba's insurance, which covers shipping and quality issues according to the details agreed. Your more complete agreements guarantee better protection.
8. Use safe payment options
Only use platform-provided safe payment methods such as credit card, PayPal and trade assurance bank wire.
9. Arrange for quality inspection before shipment
Check product quantity and basic defects, packaging, labeling and barcodes before the shipment.
10. Choose Incoterms
•FOB - the most cost effective
•CIF - the suppliers can organize shipping
•DDP - easy for beginners but costly
FAQ
•Is it safe to buy on Alibaba.com? If a systematic method is applied, it's likely to be safe, since Trade Assurance aims at ease the shipment and quality negotiation in case of breach of terms of orders.
•What is the safest payment method on Alibaba.com? Try to use Trade Assurance payment methods as Alibaba offer choices like Credit Card Payment, PayPal and Trade Assurance-TT.
•Should I use RFQ? It is not mandatory but helpful if sellers quote for a common specification.
Safety Tips
Pay through the payment system on the website, order samples first before bulk purchase, request carton size in advance, be careful about counterfeits, start with a small order, keep records of everything.
