International buyers get to connect with China suppliers on Alibaba. While the platform has several reliable suppliers, there are a couple of rotten eggs. So, you don’t fall victim; you must know all you can about each supplier.
The information ensures you vet all the available options to come up with the right choice. This comprehensive Alibaba guide offers information on how to find company information.
Key Highlights!
- There are three main ways to find supplier information on Alibaba.
- To verify China supplier’s legitimacy, buyers should check the trust score, reviews, etc.
- Alibaba hosts over 200,000 suppliers. However, you can check Alibaba alternatives to find authentic suppliers.
Continue reading for an extensive overview of the Alibaba suppliers’ vetting process.
A Guide to Finding Company Information on Alibaba
Multiple ways exist to gather information on Alibaba, and it is easier than ever. This information goes a long way in identifying reliable suppliers on Alibaba. Here is all you have to do to access it.
Head to Alibaba. Once you click the link, you are directed to the e-commerce website. Here, you will find all available product categories on the product’s homepage.
Tap your interest in a category. The platform separates its products into categories. That makes it easy to browse its millions of products.
Select a sub-category. Most categories are further divided into subcategories. So, click the subcategories to find the products you are looking for.
I basically taught you about finding a specific product so far. Now, I will cover how to find supplier information in three different ways.
Option 1: Check the product’s main page
The company name appears above the product images. Look at the section between the product title and images.
Option 2: Visit the Company Profile
Select the company name on the product page, and it will take you to the main page of that company. There, the name is displayed on the banner and also on the left side, just above it.
Option 3: Use Company Contact Information
To find extra details about the company, head to their home page and select Contacts. By scrolling down, you will see the Company Contact Information. It contains all the necessary information about your supplier.
For more research, you can do a quick internet search using the company’s name. Alternatively, contact the supplier. The company contact details are listed on the product page.
Sometimes, Alibaba suppliers ignore your inquiries. Still, you can try to connect with the supplier directly and ask questions that bother you.
6 Tips on Finding the Right Supplier on Alibaba
Knowing how to find more information about a supplier is just a piece of the big picture. How do you actually see the right suppliers? Finding a suitable supplier to import from China goes beyond whether they are legitimate or not. There are other factors to consider to ensure they are a right fit:
Tip #1: Define Your Desired Product
It would be a waste if you visited Alibaba without an image of an ideal product in mind. Finding the right supplier starts with you knowing what you are searching for.
I suggest you write out what you want. Set aside the budget, specs, MOQs, and quality standards. Then, do a little market research to see if there is an audience.
Tip #2: Find the Supplier
Alibaba offers simple navigation. Hence, you can browse through the platform in a breeze. You don’t need to bother about the categories. The products on Alibaba have been separated into various notable categories. All you have to do is tap the category.
Once you do, you will find several subcategories. Click the preferred subcategory. Here, you will find multiple suppliers. Remember, there are many Alibaba scams happening this year. You must use the information on Alibaba’s business profile to vet them.
Tip #3: Handpick Suppliers
The goal is to find the best fit. However, before that can happen, you need to select a few options. Selecting a couple of suppliers is necessary during negotiation. It enables you to walk out of bad deals.
The list of suppliers has many notable picks. You will also find the ratings and success rates of the suppliers in the “Know your supplier” section.
Check for company verification on Alibaba as well. However, it may not give you authentic results. It is essential to understand the reality of Alibaba’s verified suppliers.
Tip #4: Negotiate
You want deals that allow you to maximize your profit margin and offer more comfort. When you find multiple suppliers, narrow the options to one with negotiation.
Try to find a low MOQ Alibaba supplier on the first attempt. If it fails, you can increase the order quantity to get more discounts.
Remember to discuss logistics and shipping. Good communication with suppliers is essential. During negotiations, conversing in Chinese helps. For the best results, you can hire a translator or sourcing agent.
Tip #5: Quality Control Measures
Does the product meet your desired quality standards?! You need to ensure the products match what you want. As you know, many importers perform strict quality control in China.
Sampling is a safe bet. Request a sample. This sample offers insight into the quality and specifications of the products. You can also further quality control by hiring a third-party quality inspection in China. Alibaba trade assurance is also a feature that adds to the site’s safety.
Tip #6: Shipping and Logistics
The right supplier, shipping, and logistics are crucial to ensuring seamless product sourcing. Ensure you choose reliable logistics partners. Ask suppliers for the partners they recommend, which will help you get a better deal.
Alternatives to Alibaba for Finding Chinese Suppliers
Alibaba is excellent when it comes to fishing for the best supplier. However, if it isn’t what you are looking for, there are sites like Alibaba to source products. Here is a look at other viable options where you can find Chinese reliable manufacturers:
1) Sourcing Agency
The best and stress-free option remains a sourcing agent. It can be a hassle trying to understand the names. A better alternative would be to get the service of a sourcing agency like OwlSourcing.
2) Other B2B platforms
While Alibaba is a massive platform, it is not the only one. There are tons of notable options, including 1688 and global sources. You can also use online directories. A simple Google search can highlight notable names of the Chinese wholesale websites. The internet is a powerful tool when it comes to importing products from China.
3) Trade Events
Trade fairs in China allow you to see a supplier’s offerings in real time. They provide easy access to a supplier’s products. Plus, you can assess multiple suppliers in one space. Also, these visits reduce the occurrence of scams.
4) Network and Referral
You can also find a manufacturer in China through recommendations. Consult notable names in the industry for great options.
Read More:
- How to Find Trusted Suppliers in China?
- How 1688 and Alibaba Compare as E-commerce Brands
- OEM vs ODM: Which is the Perfect for Your Business?
- How to Buy from Pinduoduo Outside China?
Final Thoughts!
It only takes browsing through this article to know that sourcing for the right supplier is a hassle. You have to take care when you decide to buy from China factory directly. And when you do, shipping and logistics are also factors to worry about. The good news is our team is here to help throughout the whole process.
We offer extensive services to make the whole sourcing process a lot easier. Our China sourcing service is ready to take the burden and see it through from start to finish. The good thing is we are affordable as well. Contact us today to get started and get better services.
FAQs:
1) Can Anyone Buy from Alibaba?
Yes, anyone can buy from Alibaba. The platform has no restrictions. However, some suppliers often have strict minimum order quantities. Suppliers with a minimum order quantity of 50 products can’t accept orders below 50.
However, you can also buy any product on Aliexpress as this site is ideal for low-order quantities.
2) How Many Suppliers Are at Alibaba?
It is the largest platform to buy from China. This site is undoubtedly home to many suppliers. Currently, Alibaba has over 200k suppliers and many products.
3) Are Alibaba and Aliexpress the Same E-commerce Site?
No, they are different platforms. Alibaba connects businesses with Chinese businesses. Conversely, Aliexpress connects businesses to customers. Moreover, Alibaba has lower prices as it focuses on wholesale.
4) How Do You Know If a Supplier is Legit in Alibaba?
We recommend browsing through reviews and ratings. Customer feedback is the quickest way to verify the authenticity. You can also browse through the Alibaba supplier credentials.
But, I recommend hiring a sourcing agent on Alibaba. We already know the best companies, so you can be confident that you are paired with the top names on the market.
5) How Do You Vet Alibaba Suppliers?
Vetting suppliers is crucial to ensure you safely source on Alibaba.com. When vetting, check the supplier trust score on Alibaba. You should also browse through their credentials and customer reviews. Alibaba gold supplier verification is also a feature to look out for.
6) Are There Fake Suppliers on Alibaba?
Yes. While Alibaba is generally a safe platform, it is home to a few bad suppliers. The platform has many suppliers. Many masquerade as authentic when they are not. The necessary precautions include buying Alibaba trade assurance products, reading the company’s information and reviews, etc.
