Alibaba Alternatives: 12 Sites Like Alibaba to Source

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

I’m sure you must know Alibaba because it is the choice of most e-commerce sellers. I admit that finding suppliers from Alibaba is a great choice. But have you considered or are you considering other websites like Alibaba to source? There are also many options available on other similar websites.

Alibaba is not the only website that can provide you with a directory of suppliers. In this article, you will be shown other websites like Alibaba to source. Of course, you don’t have to worry about not understanding other websites. Because I will analyze the pros and cons of these websites and applicable scenarios for you. Here we go.

Why Alibaba Website is Popular?

As discussed at the beginning of the article. Alibaba website is widely known. But do you know why it’s so popular?

Alibaba focuses on e-commerce, retail, Internet and technology sectors. On Alibaba.com, you can buy anything. Of course, for e-commerce sellers. There are many suppliers you can find here.

Note: Alibaba.com has thousands of Chinese suppliers. You can find a Manufacturer in China easily.

To summarize, Alibaba can bring you the following benefits:

a) Alibaba leverages a vast network of suppliers. Especially in a manufacturing country like China. Alibaba is able to offer products at wholesale prices. You can get the products you want at a lower cost.

b) You can find all kinds of products on Alibaba. From raw materials to finished goods. Whether it is clothes or electronic products. You can search for everything.

Also Read: Best Items to Flip on Alibaba: What to Buy from Alibaba

c) Furthermore, Alibaba has a unique process to verify suppliers. And the platform offers different levels of verification. You’ll feel more secure when contacting these suppliers. At least, you know these Alibaba customer service won’t just sit idly by and ignore your problem.

Trying to contact an Alibaba supplier but not receiving a reply? Please, Alibaba can only provide you with most of the security guarantees. In fact, there are also many problems on Alibaba.

You can check another article about What to Do When Chinese Suppliers (Alibaba) Ignore Your Inquiries?

Why Consider Other Websites Instead of Alibaba?

Alibaba has a wide range of products and you can contact suppliers of any product on this platform. This is why it is so popular.

However, as mentioned in the previous section, Alibaba also has some problems. No website is perfect. Although in most cases, Alibaba is still the first thing that comes to mind for some people.

But why do you need to consider other websites instead of Alibaba? The following is my analysis, I hope it can be helpful to you.

Alibaba has a huge scale. Customer service response may be slower. Resolving disputes or processing returns can be more cumbersome than on a more localized e-commerce platform.

Imagine that thousands of suppliers mean hundreds of issues can occur a day. And these customer service staff will be very busy. When will they be free to deal with your problem?

So, consider other websites that can provide you with better consumer protection and customer service experience.

In addition, the products of different platforms are also different. While Alibaba offers a broad range of products, some specific areas or specialized items may be more readily available on other websites or from more reputable suppliers. Suppliers on Alibaba may not be professional in a certain product. A wider selection of products is available through other websites. Make sure you find the right product suppliers.

Although Alibaba offers many benefits. But please consider the possible risks and look at some similar other websites to source. This may lead to some more favorable options for you.

What Other Websites Are Like Alibaba?

Do you know of any other websites similar to Alibaba? Don’t worry, I have listed 12 websites like Alibaba to source for you,

1. Sourcing from Shein (shein.com)

Shein is a global fashion website focused on women. This website is very popular among young people.

The model Shein employs enables it to quickly design, manufacture and market new styles, often moving from concept to product within weeks. This fast-paced approach allows Shein to offer an ever-changing and wide range of fashion items. The website is always updated with the latest market consumer trends.

However, Shein has also attracted some criticism. There is a focus on the sustainability and ethical implications of fast fashion. Includes the environmental impacts of rapid production and garment disposal, as well as labor practices in the supply chain. Despite these challenges, Shein continues to expand its global reach. Entering new markets and continually evolving its product offerings to maintain its leadership position in the fast fashion industry.

2. Sourcing from Temu (temu.com)

Do you know Temu?

Temu is backed by Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo and launched in the US in 2022.

Since its UK launch earlier in 2023, Temu has regularly topped app download charts. The app has nine million monthly users according to figures given to the BBC by data analyst Sensor Tower.

The online marketplace with the slogan “shop like a billionaire” allows consumers to buy directly from Chinese manufacturers at low prices.

This is a news from BBC.

Temu is an emerging platform in the global e-commerce market, offering a wide range of products in various categories. Temu can provide you with lower prices.

Maybe you need to pay 5$ to buy a product on Alibaba. But on Temu, you only spend 2$, or even lower.

By sourcing directly from manufacturers and optimizing logistics, Temu aims to bring value to consumers by providing affordable, high-quality products. This approach enables the website to compete with other established e-commerce websites in the global market. If you want to buy products at a lower cost, Temu is one of your best choices.

3. Sourcing from DHgate (dhgate.com)

DHgate is one of the cross-border e-commerce platforms in China. Mainly connecting small and medium-sized enterprises in China with global buyers. The platform focuses on wholesale trading and offers a large range of products.

DHgate helps bridge the gap between small manufacturers and international buyers. This enables the platform to support a wider network of suppliers. Providing them with access to markets that might otherwise be inaccessible.

And on this website, you can find Chinese suppliers who are not registered on Alibaba. This means you have more suppliers and better prices to choose from. Because you can buy directly from these manufacturers.

Additionally, both the website and mobile app offer tools such as a search engine, buyer protection policy, and secure payment system. To ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

4. Sourcing from Global Sources (globalsources.com)

Global Sources is a well-known B2B sourcing platform headquartered in Hong Kong. The suppliers on this website are mainly from China and Asia.

Global Sources adopts an integrated procurement approach. That is, combining an online marketplace with an impactful trade show. These trade shows, mainly held in Hong Kong, bring together thousands of suppliers and buyers from all over the world.

You get face-to-face interaction and direct product inspection with these suppliers and their products. This combination of online and offline channels allows buyers to not only discover new products and suppliers online, but also to solidify relationships and conduct business negotiations in person.

5. Sourcing from Thomasnet (thomasnet.com)

Thomasnet is a comprehensive online platform focused on North American industrial product sourcing and supplier discovery. The platform provides manufacturing, engineering and procurement professionals with detailed information on more than 500,000 suppliers and millions of products.

Thomasnet has a strong search engine. You can conduct detailed searches based on a variety of criteria including product or service type, supplier location, certifications, and company size. In addition, Thomasnet provides a wealth of detailed supplier information. Includes a company profile, product catalog, and contact information. This will make it easier for you to evaluate potential suppliers.

However, since the site specializes in industrial products, it may not be as strong in product range. Nonetheless, for companies in the industrial sector, Thomasnet remains the first choice for procurement, network building and understanding industry trends and developments.

6. Sourcing from 1688 (1688.com)

1688 is a well-known Chinese online B2B website under the Alibaba Group. The name 1688 comes from the Chinese auspicious number “1688”, which symbolizes “business will always be prosperous”.

1688 mainly focuses on the Chinese market. You can find a lot of Chinese suppliers on this website. However, this also means that the platform is mainly operated in Chinese, which poses a language barrier for non-Chinese users.

Additionally, international shipping from 1688 can be more complex and expensive compared to Alibaba’s international platform, which is Alibaba.com.

For further information, read this article: How to Buy from 1688.com Outside China?

7. Sourcing from Eworldtrade (eworldtrade.com)

Eworldtrade is an online B2B marketplace. It provides businesses around the world with a platform to showcase their products and services.

The website offers a variety of tools and services to simplify the transaction process. Such as trade show information, secure payment systems and logistics support. These features can reduce the complexities often associated with international trade. You no longer have to worry about language barriers, payment security and shipping logistics. This makes it easier for you to expand into new markets.

8. Sourcing from Kompass (kompass.com)

Kompass is a global information database and online directory service. Unlike Alibaba, which is mainly an e-commerce platform for wholesale trade, Kompass serves as a comprehensive business directory that can provide you with detailed information about companies in various industries around the world. Includes company profile, contact information, product and service information.

Note: Kompass only provides verified business information and does not facilitate transactions. So strictly speaking, this website cannot be used as a substitute for Alibaba. But I think this website is more professional than Alibaba in verifying suppliers.

9. Sourcing from HKTDC (hktdc.com)

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is primarily a trade promotion organization. It offers a range of services including market research, trade shows and business matching.

Alibaba operates as a digital marketplace, providing a platform for suppliers and buyers to conduct e-commerce transactions. The HKTDC emphasizes promoting business connections through trade shows, exhibitions and business missions. These events provide a platform for you to interact face-to-face with suppliers. This helps build long-term business relationships and also provides you with opportunities to explore new markets.

10. Sourcing from Tradekey (tradekey.com)

TradeKey provides a platform for businesses of all sizes to sell and market their products to a global audience. Unlike Alibaba, TradeKey has a more diversified global presence and is more suitable for companies from all regions of the world.

The website emphasizes promoting trade partnerships and cooperation. TradeKey offers a variety of tools and services designed to foster long-term business relationships. These include partner programs, trade show information and business matching services. Don’t worry if you are a newbie. TradeKey will help you find and connect with compatible partners around the world.

11. Sourcing from AliExpress (aliexpress.com)

AliExpress also belongs to Alibaba Group. The website is primarily used by small businesses to provide online retail services to customers around the world. Different from traditional B2B platforms, AliExpress is a B2C platform and allows Chinese exporters to connect directly with international consumers.

Moreover, AliExpress provides promotions and discounts regularly. Maybe one day you will find that the product you want is on sale.

Compared with Alibaba, AliExpress is designed for individual consumers, where you can buy small quantities of goods at retail or discounted prices.

12. Sourcing from Google (google.com)

Yes, you read that right. Google can also be used for sourcing.

Google has a strong search engine. This website can be a great sourcing tool. You can get any information about a product from Google. Of course, if you have a target supplier, you can use Google’s database to get all the information about the supplier to verify the supplier’s legitimacy.

Detail Explanation: How to Verify Chinese Supplier’s Legitimacy

All you need is a simple search query to get all the information you want. What a great way to do this!

Which Are the Best Wholesale Websites?

Too many choices may make your head spin. Which website should I choose? In other words, which website is the best website for sourcing?

The reality is that there is no such thing as a best website. However, you can choose the website that best suits you according to your needs. I compiled these websites for you and analyzed the characteristics of each website. You can choose the one that suits you through the form below.

Read More,

• Top 5 China Wholesale Website: Buying from China Step by Step
• Best Items to Flip on Alibaba: What to Buy from Alibaba
• Sourcing Agent on Alibaba: Find a Reliable Sourcing Agent
• Alibaba: How to Buy From the China Wholesale Website?
• How to Buy From China | Buying from China Step by Step

Final Thoughts on Other Websites Like Alibaba to Source

Considering other websites like Alibaba to source can increase your options. If you feel like there are too many options to decide what to do. Or you still don’t know which website to buy products from. Don’t worry, you can take a look at the benefits that choosing a sourcing agent can bring to you. Owlsourcing is a global sourcing company. We provide you with a one-stop service from sourcing products to shipping. You can contact us anytime.