Alibaba Purchasing Guide
Alibaba and Aliexpress are basically the same and is owned by the same company. The only difference is that Aliexpress is geared towards retail shoppers (which is why prices are displayed) and Alibaba for wholesale/bulk buyers (which is why price isn’t displayed as it is negotiable depending on your quantity).
Take note that this guide is for you to be able to purchase from this website while at the same time use our hassle free and easy service.
Now let’s move on to the good part.
Ordering from Alibaba isn’t like your typical online shopping experience as everything needs to be discussed first between the client and the seller before both parties can come to an agreed price. Things such as quantity, best price for that quantity, shipping cost to destination, payment mode, etc. Even though the experience isn’t like the typical online shopping setup, I would have to say that it’s more of the conventional method as if you’re going to meet up with someone to purchase something. You will ask for all the details, negotiate for the price and then once you two come to an agreement, then it’s time to meet up (or in this case payment).
Aliexpress Purchasing Guide
We are all used to online shopping wherein you find the item, click on it, and buy. This will be the usual setup and it can be easily done here in Aliexpress but since we want to be using our service, there are just a few additional steps we have to make.
Our main goal here is to communicate with the seller and inquire if he/she can ship locally to our warehouse in China.
As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us should you have further concerns.
How does Alibaba work?
Alibaba is a global e-commerce giant with more than 2 billion customers. It is the largest online marketplace that serves as a go-to source for buyers. It is a one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers. It is a wholesale business-to-business (B2B) platform that connects buyers and sellers. Alibaba Group, the multinational company behind the website is based in China. Most of the businesses that buy from Alibaba are retailers and sourcing agents. The company is known to have several measures to protect payments, security is an important aspect to their business. `
Can anyone buy from Alibaba?
Technically, anyone can buy from Alibaba. Although, there is a minimum order amount and size, so you cannot order or buy a single item. This make Alibaba a wholesale supplier.
How to buy from Alibaba
Buying from Alibaba is pretty easy, even if you are just buying as an individual. It is as simple as going to the site and making a purchase.
- Sign up to the website.
- Type your email address on the sign up.
- Fill up the personal information. Under the “company name” you can put in any name since Alibaba does not have a verification process for businesses. It does not have to be an official company
How to find a niche to sell your products
Every business needs a niche to sell their products. A niche is a small, specific group of people that will be interested in your product. For example, if you are selling shoes, you can find a niche of people who are interested in shoes.
- Decide what niche you want to sell
- Search for products that meet your niche in Alibaba
- Look at the results and look at ratings. Get the ratings of 4 and higher
- Repeat for other product related categories
Tips on how to source products
- Make a list of suppliers
The first thing you should do is find suppliers that are reliable and trustworthy.
- Contact them and find out their terms and conditions.
- Alibaba has a system of badges rates the reliability and trustworthiness of suppliers.
- Ask questions
- What is the minimum order quantity
- Price per unit and wholesale discount
- Tax, tariffs and duties attached to the product
- Other documentations
Should you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Happy shopping!
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