Welcome to our FAQ dedicated to Alibaba.com, the leading online commerce platform.
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, this section answers all your questions about the operations, services, and solutions Alibaba offers.
Discover essential information to optimize your experience and make the most of this unique ecosystem.
General Questions
How to create a buyer account on Alibaba.com?
Start by visiting Alibaba.com and clicking on “Register”. Fill in the required information, such as your email address, name, and password. Once the form is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the verification link to activate your account.
How to search for products on Alibaba.com?
Use the search bar at the top of the page to enter keywords describing the desired product. You can refine results by using filters like category, price, MOQ (minimum order quantity), and country of origin. For more precise searches, use specific keywords or the image search feature available on the mobile app.
How to assess the reliability of a supplier?
Look for suppliers with the Verified Supplier badge, indicating their business has been verified by a third party. Read reviews and ratings from other buyers. Check how long the supplier has been active on the platform and evaluate the quality of their communication.
What is Trade Assurance on Alibaba.com?
Trade Assurance is a free service offered by Alibaba.com that protects your payments until you confirm the receipt of products matching the agreed terms. In case of an issue, you can request a refund within 30 days of the delivery date (60 days for Enterprise and Enterprise Pro buyers).
What payment methods are available on Alibaba.com?
Alibaba.com offers several secure payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and other options depending on your country. It is recommended to use the platform’s payment methods to ensure transaction security.
How to track my order after purchase?
After placing an order, you can track it by going to the “My Orders” section of your Alibaba.com account. You’ll find details about your order status, shipping information, and tracking numbers provided by the supplier.
What to do if there is an issue with my order?
If you encounter an issue with your order, first contact the supplier to try to resolve the problem. If no solution is found, you can file a dispute through Alibaba.com, especially if you used Trade Assurance. Alibaba.com will act as a mediator to help resolve the dispute.
How to return defective or non-compliant products?
If the received products are defective or do not match the description, you can initiate a return or refund request through the “My Orders” section of your account. Ensure you provide evidence, such as photos or videos, to support your claim. The return and refund process will then be handled according to Alibaba.com’s policies and agreements with the supplier.
What are the usual delivery times for orders on Alibaba.com?
Delivery times vary depending on the chosen shipping method, the supplier’s location, and your location. Air transport is faster but more expensive, while sea transport is slower but cost-effective for large orders. It is essential to discuss delivery times with the supplier before finalizing the order.
How to contact Alibaba.com customer service?
For assistance, visit the Help Center on Alibaba.com, where you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions and options to contact customer support. Make sure to have all relevant information about your account and orders to facilitate the process.
Alibaba Company Information
What is Alibaba Group’s mission?
Alibaba’s mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company supports small businesses by enabling them to use technological innovations to grow and thrive in local and global economies.
When was Alibaba Group founded?
Alibaba Group was founded in 1999 by Jack Ma and 17 others in Hangzhou, China.
Why the name “Alibaba”?
Jack Ma chose “Alibaba” because it is easy to pronounce in many languages and evokes “open sesame,” symbolizing access to fortune for small businesses.
Where is Alibaba Group’s headquarters located?
The headquarters are located at 969 West Wen Yi Road, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, China.
Is Alibaba’s campus open to the public?
No, Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou is not open to the public.
How many people work for Alibaba Group?
As of June 30, 2024, Alibaba employed 198,162 people.
How to apply for jobs at Alibaba?
Visit the Careers page on the official website.
What does Alibaba do for the community?
Alibaba is committed to addressing societal issues through initiatives based on its mission. Learn more on their ESG page.
Business Operations
What are Alibaba’s main activities?
Alibaba focuses on two primary activities: e-commerce and cloud computing.
Who are Alibaba’s customers?
Customers include:
- Buyers: consumers and businesses.
- Sellers: brands, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.
What is the Alibaba ecosystem?
The Alibaba ecosystem connects consumers, merchants, brands, third-party providers, and other partners. This interconnected system is powered by a technology platform to facilitate transactions and business growth.
How does Alibaba grow its business?
Alibaba focuses on three strategic areas:
- Consumption: meeting diverse consumer needs in China.
- Cloud: strengthening its global leadership in cloud services.
- Globalization: providing diversified solutions worldwide.
Investor Information
When was Alibaba Group listed on stock exchanges?
- September 19, 2014: listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol BABA.
- November 26, 2019: dual-listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (code 9988).
- August 28, 2024: primary listing in Hong Kong.
What is Alibaba’s dividend policy?
Refer to the dividend policy in the Dividend Policy.pdf document.
Are shares listed in the US and Hong Kong interchangeable?
Yes, they are fully fungible, and the conversion typically takes two business days.
How to receive investor information?
Subscribe to email alerts in the Investor Relations section.
Financial Reports
How to get Alibaba’s annual report?
A digital copy of the annual report is available online. Shareholders can request a free paper copy by contacting the investor relations team.
When does Alibaba release its financial results?
Check the Investor Tools section for release dates.
When does Alibaba’s fiscal year end?
The fiscal year ends on March 31.
Corporate Governance
Who serves on Alibaba’s board of directors?
The list of members is available on the Board of Directors page.
What is the Alibaba Partnership?
This partnership includes key leaders guiding the company. Details are available on the Alibaba Partnership page.
Who audits Alibaba Group?
The principal auditor is PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Contact Information
How to contact Alibaba customer service?
Each Alibaba business has its own communication channels. Check the dedicated websites for more details.
Who to contact for investor-related inquiries?
If you can’t find the information you need, contact investor@alibaba-inc.com.