5 Tips For Better Sourcing Suppliers from Alibaba

Do your research.  There will be hundreds, if not thousands of different suppliers that can provide the product you are looking for so always do your market research and get confirmed quotes from 3-5 alternative suppliers based on key indicators.

Analyze the search results, are you dealing with a factory or trading company?  When you look through a supplier’s page on Alibaba, take a good look at the product categories.  Are they trying to sell too many different types of products?  If they are listing too many kinds of products, then it’s most likely that they are a trading company and not the factory that manufactures the product.

Sometimes dealing with a trading company is fine as they can generally provide you with products in a lower quantity (MOQ) than some factories.  It can be hard to control the consistency of quality when dealing with some trading companies as they buy products from different factories for each order.  This gives them little to no control over lead times, quality control, packaging etc. Dealing with a factory is always the best option.

When analyzing supplier’s quotes, if one supplier’s pricing looks too good to be true then it usually is. Carefully compare the supplier’s Price VS. Quality VS. Specifications VS. Minimum Order Quantity VS. Track Record.

When comparing Alibaba wholesalers, always scrutinize each supplier’s offers in detail as the cheapest option could become an expensive trap. You may narrow your search down to 2 or 3 potential suppliers before moving forward with getting samples made.  Is their Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) too high?  Sometimes you can negotiate the MOQ down, but be prepared to pay a higher price.

Another thing you can do is ask to place a “trial” order of a lower quantity. For example, explain to the supplier that you want to do a “trial order” of a few pallets of products so that you can receive and test them in your market before proceeding with more significant orders in future.

You must understand it’s a fine line between negotiating a good deal and receiving products of inferior quality. Even though there will be an element of negotiation involved, you must be careful because if you push a supplier too far on price then they will look at ways to reduce their costs of raw materials, reduce workmanship, quality control checks, packaging, etc.

Therefore, you must remember that these factories are running a business so they must also make a profit.  To avoid having quality issues make sure you agree on a fair price so that they make products to suit your quality.  If their pricing is a little high you may be able to get better pricing with increased volume.

If you have received a quote for a small LCL shipment, ask the supplier for pricing on a full 20’ container of product, or a 40’GP (General Purpose) or 40’HC (High Cube) container of products.  Increasing the volume reduces the supplier’s cost in most cases.

Some Alibaba wholesalers may appear to have the exact product you’re looking for. The information, specifications and photos that they have sent you may look like it’s exactly what you need in your market.  Although the products may seem right, you would be surprised in the differences you can get in actual functionality, strength, durability and the materials used!  It may be a lot different to your exact requirements.

Never proceed with a first order without receiving actual samples made to your exact specifications. Once you have these samples, make sure you thoroughly test them so that you are satisfied with the end result. Samples will cost a lot more than the agreed production price, but it’s well worth it to spend time and money to ensure you get the products right the first time!

Production lead times will obviously vary with the different products to be manufactured.  Remember that factories will not have products in stock ready to ship.  Their products are generally made from scratch and will take some time to properly organize the manufacturing process.  They may have to arrange the purchasing of raw materials, manufacturing, quality control tests/checks, packaging and loading for export.

It’s important to leave enough time for the factory to finish making the goods without being rushed. If you rush the production, then you run the risk of the factory making mistakes and shortcuts can be made which will cost you more in the long run. Make sure you receive detailed photos and videos of the finished products before they are packaged and loaded into containers. A good supplier will send you pictures and updates on the progress of your order.

Always plan enough time and allow for a delayed shipment if necessary.  Typical lead times are around 25-30 days upon confirmation of a new order. Suppliers will not start manufacturing until the money has actually been received into their bank account.  When the goods are finished, the supplier will request the balance payment. If you are happy with the product, make the balance payment without delay.  Note that International payments can take from 2-5 business days to clear.  Always lead enough time for the container to be loaded, trucked to the port and loaded on board the vessel.

Sourcing suppliers from Alibaba or other online trade marketplaces can be time consuming.  However, finding the right supplier is key to your import export success. To achieve that success you must:

• Do exhaustive research about all the suppliers out there.
• Compare all of the supplier’s offers in detail.
• Agree on a fair price, so they make products to suit your quality.
• Never proceed with a first order without receiving actual samples made to your exact specifications.
• Leave enough time for the factory to finish making the goods without being rushed.

Frequently asked questions about sourcing suppliers from Alibaba

What are the main differences between Alibaba wholesalers and manufacturers? 

Wholesalers typically buy products in bulk from manufacturers and then sell them in smaller quantities. On Alibaba, wholesalers might offer a variety of products from different brands or manufacturers. Manufacturers, on the other hand, are the entities that produce the goods. When you buy from a manufacturer on Alibaba, you’re sourcing directly from the factory that makes the product, which can often lead to better pricing but might require larger minimum order quantities.

How can I ensure the authenticity of suppliers when sourcing from Alibaba? 

To ensure a supplier’s authenticity on Alibaba, look for verified badges like the “Gold Supplier” or “Assessed Supplier.” These badges indicate that Alibaba has conducted on-site checks and third-party verification. Additionally, always review supplier profiles, check customer reviews, and consider using Alibaba’s Trade Assurance program for added protection.

What are the common payment methods when ordering from Alibaba? 

Common payment methods on Alibaba include T/T (Telegraphic Transfer), PayPal, Western Union, and Letter of Credit (L/C). Alibaba also offers its own secure payment method called “Alipay,” which acts as an escrow service, holding the funds until the buyer confirms receipt of the goods in satisfactory condition.

How can I protect my business from potential scams on Alibaba? 

To protect your business, always use secure payment methods like Alipay or Alibaba’s Trade Assurance. Avoid making payments outside the platform. Thoroughly vet suppliers by checking their reviews, ratings, and transaction history. It’s also a good practice to order samples before making a large purchase and to communicate clearly with suppliers to ensure understanding on both sides.

Are there any certifications or verifications I should look for when choosing an Alibaba supplier? 

Yes, look for suppliers with “Gold Supplier” or “Assessed Supplier” badges. These badges indicate that the supplier has undergone verification by Alibaba or third-party agencies. Additionally, some suppliers might have industry-specific certifications that attest to the quality or safety of their products.

How does Alibaba’s Trade Assurance program work, and how can it benefit my business? 

Answer: Alibaba’s Trade Assurance program is a free service that protects your orders from payment to delivery. If the supplier fails to meet the terms of the order agreement, like shipping time or product quality, Alibaba will refund your payment. This program gives businesses an added layer of security, ensuring that they get the product they paid for or get their money back.

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