Difference between revisions of "Buy from Alibaba"

#Create an Alibaba account. Go to the Alibaba homepage and sign in if you already have an account. If you don’t have an account, go to the signup page and follow the onscreen instructions to create one.<ref name="rf1">https://accounts.alibaba.com/register/ifm_reg.htm</ref>

#*In the United States, you can get help [[Obtain a Business License|obtaining a business license]] and tax ID on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.<ref name="rf2">https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-licenses-permits/state-licenses-permits</ref> For locations outside the U.S., look on your nation’s government website and search “set up a business” to find out about required licensing.<ref name="rf3">https://www.gov.uk/set-up-business</ref>

#Search for a product. There are multiple methods of searching for products on Alibaba. The most basic way is by entering keywords or phrases into the products search bar on the the main page. Select the “Products” tab, enter your search term in the search bar, select your country using the drop-down menu, and click the “Search” button.<ref name="rf4">https://www.alibaba.com/Products</ref>

#Filter your search results. Searching by product and category can return thousands of items, so it could take lots of time to sort through products. You can use the options on the left side of the search results page to narrow your search and return fewer, more specific results.<ref name="rf5">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/10609897.htm</ref>

#*You can also filter your product search results by the suppliers' country of origin. This will help you track down suppliers in your country, which will help cut shipping costs and time.<ref name="rf6">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/10592426.htm</ref>   

#Search by supplier. Instead of searching by product, you can select the “Suppliers” tab next to the search bar. This will return suppliers who specialize in the product you’re trying to purchase.<ref name="rf7">https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238937</ref>

#Post a request for quotation (RFQ). You can also request a quote that specifies your sourcing needs and compare direct quotes from multiple suppliers. Click on the “Submit RFQ” option and create your post in the space provided.<ref name="rf8">https://rfq.alibaba.com/rfq.html?spm=a2700.8073627.2025473.4.6bsDKc&tracelog=fangzhoutop</ref>

#Check supplier profiles for verification badges. Once you’ve found suppliers through the search engine tools or by RFQ, go to their profile pages to verify their legitimacy.<ref name="rf9">https://www.shopify.com/blog/16665772-alibaba-101-how-to-safely-source-products-from-the-worlds-biggest-supplier-directory</ref> Look for profile badges to make sure you’re dealing with a verified supplier:<ref name="rf10">http://service.alibaba.com/buyer/ab/safety_security/products/verification_services.php</ref>

#Look online for complaints about a supplier. In addition to checking for profile badges, you can find information about prospective suppliers online to avoid scams. Search online for comments or complaints about the supplier. You can also cross reference the contact information provided on their Alibaba profile with a Google search.<ref name="rf11">http://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/13719185.htm</ref>

#Look for a supplier with a warehouse in your country. Searching Alibaba will yield suppliers in a number of countries. Finding a supplier based in or with a warehouse in your country will cut down on shipping time and eliminate the need for you to deal with clearing customs.<ref name="rf12">https://www.bigcommerce.com/blog/alibaba-faqs-security-shipping-taxes/</ref>

#Contact the supplier and fill out the message form. Click the “Contact Supplier” button, then enter a subject line and the message body. This message should include any questions you might have about the products as well as your purchase request.<ref name="rf9" />

#Negotiate minimum order quantity. The product listing will likely list a price per unit and minimum order quantity (MOQ). Note well that both of these are negotiable.<ref name="rf12" />

#Verify the posted price. You should also verify if the listed price is FOB, or Free On Board. This means that the seller pays the costs associated with transporting goods to the port of loading, and the buyer pays for costs associated with transport across the ocean to the final destination.<ref name="rf9" />

#*Note that all prices and shipping costs quoted on Alibaba are in US dollars.<ref name="rf13">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/13886867.htm</ref> You contact your nearest bank or exchange agent for the most accurate exchange rate, or you can use an online conversion tool: http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/  

#Negotiate the payment price and method. You and the supplier can negotiate your payment currency and preferred payment method. If necessary, you can [[Exchange Currency|exchange currencies]] with your banking institution. Keep in mind the posted price is also negotiable.<ref name="rf9" />

#Ask for samples. When you contact a seller, you should also consider asking for samples before agreeing to purchase a large quantity of a specific product. That way, you can inspect for quality before spending money on hundreds or even thousands of units.<ref name="rf9" />

#Click the “Send” button then check your sent box. When you are finished composing your message, proofread it for clarity and check for any errors, then click “Send.” Go to your sent box to make sure the message was actually sent to the supplier.<ref name="rf12" />

#Use a low-risk payment method such as Paypal. When you negotiate a payment method with the supplier, be sure to settle on a low-risk option. The best payment methods include Paypal or, for purchases over $20,000 (U.S.), obtaining a letter of credit (for example, through a banking institution).<ref name="rf9" /> You can also go through a third-party escrow service, such as Alibaba’s secure payment service, which will hold the funds until both parties confirm delivery.<ref name="rf14">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/13719055.htm</ref>

#Calculate and pay your freight costs. Alibaba’s Freight Logistics resource helps the supplier determine and pay the costs of transporting goods internationally. You then pay the supplier the cost of transport. If they haven’t already, ask your supplier to log into Alibaba and visit its Logistics page to give you an accurate estimate of customs duties and taxes.<ref name="rf15">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/14396453.htm?tracelog=20160926loglp2</ref>

#*Duties and taxes will vary based on you and your supplier’s locations.<ref name="rf16">http://www.chinaimportal.com/blog/customs-taxes-importing-china-ultimate-guide/</ref> Remember that you can try to find a supplier with a warehouse in your country to avoid the cost of international transport.  

#Hire a customs broker. Even though the supplier uses Alibaba Logistics to cover transport costs, you should still hire a customs broker just to be certain you’ve paid the proper duties and taxes, that your products will clear customs, and that you hold the proper licensing.<ref name="rf17">https://www.sba.gov/blogs/importing-goods-us-introductory-guide-small-business-owners</ref>

#*In the U.S., you can find a customs broker using the search tool on the website of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.<ref name="rf18">http://www.ncbfaa.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=8579&MenuKey=members</ref> If you live outside the U.S., check with your nation’s customs and border control government website or search online for a customs broker.

#Have your goods shipped from the destination port. If your goods have been shipped across the ocean in freight container, you’ll need to arrange transport from the port to your location. Alibaba’s Logistics page can help you ship your products over land using a carrier like FedEx or by rail, depending on your location.<ref name="rf19">https://shippinggateway.alibaba.com/widget/logistics_home.htm?spm=5386.1257506.1998113702.4.4PpZv4&tracelog=sc4_wumao0707</ref> If you live relatively close to the destination port, the cheapest option is to hire a trucking service or rent a truck to pick up your goods.<ref name="rf20">https://consumerist.com/2014/09/16/what-is-alibaba-and-can-i-use-it-to-buy-280-pairs-of-pants-at-a-time/</ref>

#*You’ll need to send photographs of the goods that show why you’re unsatisfied, along with the initial agreement, payment documents, and all correspondence between you and the supplier.<ref name="rf21">https://service.alibaba.com/buyer/faq_detail/13719239.htm</ref>

#Avoid purchasing branded goods through Alibaba. Branded goods sourced through Alibaba are likely to be counterfeit, and you could face legal consequences for reselling them. It's always best to purchase branded goods directly from the brand if you're buying wholesale to sell retail.<ref name="rf22">http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/18/buying-counterfeit-goods-on-alibabas-platforms-is-easy-proving-it-is-harder.html</ref>