How to Find a Reliable Supplier on Alibaba: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alibaba is a giant online platform that connects suppliers and buyers from all over the world. Like 1688, it is owned by the Alibaba Group corporation. It is one of the first resources registered by the company. Initially, it was intended for trade relations between small and medium-sized businesses in China. However, it quickly grew into one of the largest global ecommerce platforms. Today, the site serves buyers from 190 countries and offers automatic translation into 16 languages.

The platform allows for wholesale trading. Each seller sets their own minimum order quantity (MOQ). If desired, you can purchase goods in smaller quantities: wholesale orders can start from as few as 5 units. Alternatively, the seller might offer individual items as samples. However, for a small order, they will charge a corresponding price. The more items you include in your order, the lower the unit cost you will get.

The site is not limited to Chinese suppliers only. The platform features millions of products across various categories from suppliers and manufacturers worldwide, including Taiwan, India, the USA, and other countries. On Alibaba, you can find both raw materials and finished products.

Alibaba has established itself as one of the leading global trading platforms. The company boasts millions of products offered by thousands of sellers, making it an attractive marketplace for buyers and businesses worldwide. However, like any major player in ecommerce, Alibaba has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you better anticipate what to expect from the platform and how to make the most of its opportunities.

Let’s now discuss searching for manufacturers on Alibaba. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, numerous filters, and automatic translation into English and other languages, it is straightforward. Users can easily find the desired products by category, price, seller rating, and other parameters. The key is to do it correctly.

The simplest way to find suppliers is by using the search bar. By entering keywords, you will immediately receive a list of offers from various sellers. The shorter and more precise your query, the higher the chances of finding the desired product.

If you don’t know the keyword, the site offers a photo search feature. Simply upload an image, and the system will automatically find similar products from different sellers. This is ideal for situations where you need to find an identical or very similar product to the one you already have.

To streamline the process and find the supplier that best meets your requirements, follow these simple recommendations:

• • Search by supplier, not by product: Searching by product will yield a large number of results, many of which may not meet your requirements. It’s better to search by supplier. This way, you can narrow down potential partners to those who have already established themselves in your industry.

• • Use filters in your search: To narrow down your search results, you can also set filters, which are located on the left side. If you want to select high-quality suppliers on Alibaba, apply the “Verified Supplier” and “Trade Assurance” filters. These are trust indicators that signify a high level of reliability and product quality from the seller.

• • Choose your target market: Determine the region where you want to sell your products and select suppliers who specialize in that market. Sellers with experience in your region are more familiar with local requirements and can offer products that meet these standards. They usually have all the necessary licenses.

• • Check certification fields: Tick the certification checkboxes to narrow down your Alibaba sourcing to suppliers who meet international quality standards. For example, certifications like ISO9001 and BSCI indicate a seller’s commitment to high quality and ethical standards.

On Alibaba, you can create your own Request for Quotation (RFQ) and receive specific offers from suppliers. When creating an RFQ, you provide detailed requirements for the product such as quantity, materials, specifications, and delivery terms. Suppliers interested in collaboration will respond to your request with detailed proposals. This allows you to compare and select the suppliers that best meet your requirements. RFQs significantly save time and effort compared to individually searching and negotiating with each supplier.

Here’s how to create a Request for Quotation (RFQ):

• Log in to your Alibaba.com account.
• In the user menu at the top right corner of the screen, navigate to “Request for Quotation“.
• Fill out the RFQ form, providing detailed descriptions of your product requirements, pricing expectations, and supplier preferences. The more detailed your requirements, the more accurate the quotations you will receive.
• Click “Submit.” Suppliers will start sending you proposals within an hour.

This process allows you to efficiently gather offers from suppliers tailored to your specific needs, streamlining the procurement process on Alibaba.com.

Alibaba offers a vast array of manufacturers from different parts of the world, each with their own unique characteristics and way of operating. Therefore, once you’ve identified suppliers that suit your needs, it’s crucial to thoroughly review their profiles. Additionally, the platform hosts many resellers, increasing the risk of encountering fraudulent sellers. The product listing includes seller information that can indirectly verify their reliability.

• Company type: Suppliers on Alibaba can either be factories or trading companies, and this distinction affects how quickly and reliably your orders will be fulfilled. Factories often have better manufacturing conditions, while trading companies may offer a wider range of products.
• Location: This is important if you need to consider logistics and transportation costs.
• Status: If a supplier has been designated as a Verified Supplier, it means they are actively promoting their brand and investing resources into it. The seller has undergone third-party verification, confirming their legitimacy. This designation provides assurance that you are dealing with a reliable and verified partner.
• Rating: A good rating ensures reliability and quality of service. A rating of 4.5 or higher is considered normal and indicates satisfactory performance.
• Years on platform: Companies with a long history on the platform often have a more reliable reputation and established methods of operation.
• Workforce size: The larger the workforce, the more extensive orders the company can handle.
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ): Ensure that the MOQ requirements align with your needs.
• On-Time delivery rate: This is the percentage of shipments delivered on time in the last 180 days. A high rate indicates the reliability of the Alibaba seller in meeting order deadlines.
• Export revenue: High export revenue indicates the supplier’s competitiveness in the global market.
• Production area: The production area can be an indicator of a supplier’s capabilities. A larger production area typically allows for the manufacturing of a greater volume of goods simultaneously.
• Customer reviews: Reviews provide real insights into the quality of products and services offered by the supplier.
• Contact information: The phone number and email address should be accessible and up-to-date. This facilitates communication and resolves any queries promptly.
• Link to official website: The official website typically contains detailed information about the company. This helps you better understand who you are dealing with and make an informed decision.

The “Verified Supplier” status on Alibaba is a significant advantage for sellers on the platform. It indicates that the company has undergone thorough verification and meets high standards of quality and reliability. This status is part of a paid membership. First, the supplier must provide all necessary documentation, including licenses and certificates. Then, an independent auditing company (such as SGS, Intertek, or TUV) conducts a detailed audit. This audit includes a visit to the manufacturing facilities, an assessment of product quality, and a check for compliance with standards. As a result, the supplier receives a detailed report and an audit video, which allows potential buyers to verify the supplier’s reliability.

To facilitate effective searches, Alibaba has implemented a new classification system for Verified Suppliers. They are now divided into three types based on the specific services they offer:

It’s important to understand that paid membership is not a definitive criterion for judging whether a specific supplier is trustworthy. It is an advantage but not a guarantee. Even the most attractive statuses should be supported by deeper analysis and verification.

Checking a supplier on Alibaba is a necessary step to ensure security and confidence in the transaction. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and clarify all details that might influence your decision. A good supplier is always willing to provide all the necessary information and do everything possible to create comfortable conditions for cooperation.

To ensure the quality of the goods, it’s essential to see and touch them. Request samples from the supplier. This allows you to assess the quality of the products before placing a large order on Alibaba. It helps avoid unpleasant surprises and ensures that the merchandise meets your expectations and requirements.

Reviews provide a real picture of a seller’s performance, reliability, and product quality. By analyzing them, you can identify potential issues and make an informed decision about collaboration.

Searching for a supplier through Google will allow you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the company’s reliability and reputation. For a more effective verification, add keywords like “scam” or “fraud” to the search query. Analyze reviews, articles, and mentions of the supplier in news sources. Additionally, check the company’s website. A good supplier on Alibaba typically has a professionally designed website with detailed information about their products, terms of cooperation, and contact details.

Conscientious suppliers are always ready to provide such information without unnecessary questions. Be sure to compare the information provided with the seller’s profile data. This especially applies to bank details. Very often, sellers may ask to pay orders into the personal account of an individual, citing issues with the company’s primary account. It’s best to ignore such requests.

If possible, conduct an on-site inspection of the supplier. This may involve visiting their manufacturing facilities and warehouses. Alternatively, you can hire specialized companies to perform these inspections on your behalf. For instance, Fulfillment-Box offers a comprehensive solution. We will manage the inspection of your supplier in China, purchase the goods, and swiftly deliver them to your country.

Carefully review all proposals, compare different suppliers, check their reputation, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. This will help you make an informed decision and build long-term mutually beneficial business relationships.

1. What types of suppliers can be found on the platform?

On Alibaba, you can find manufacturers, trading companies, distributors, and wholesalers.

2. How to determine that a seller on Alibaba is a manufacturer?

In the supplier’s profile, they typically indicate their type as either a manufacturer or a trading company. You can also verify the presence of certificates and licenses that confirm the company’s manufacturing capabilities.

3. What is Trade Assurance and how does it work?

Trade Assurance is a service for protecting transactions between a seller and a buyer on the platform. When payment is made, funds are held in an Alibaba account and transferred to the vendor only after the buyer confirms receipt of the goods. If the goods do not match the description or are not delivered on time, the buyer can receive a refund.

4. How to contact the Alibaba supplier?

In the supplier’s profile, there is a “Contact Supplier” button through which you can initiate communication. Additionally, Alibaba supports video conferencing and audio calls through the TradeManager application. You can also use the contact information provided in the supplier’s profile to get in touch.

5. Can goods from Alibaba be shipped to an Amazon warehouse?

Yes, you can ship goods directly from Alibaba to an FBA warehouse. Most suppliers on the Chinese platform are familiar with Amazon’s requirements. However, there is a significant risk of rejection by Amazon if it’s your first time dealing with a particular seller. If you’re unsure about your supplier, it’s better to entrust this task to a Prep center.