Ordering on Alibaba as an Individual : Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to order on Alibaba as an individual, but don’t know where to start?

No worries! In this article, we explain all the steps to help you make a successful purchase with ease.

Once well-informed, all that’s left is to place your order with confidence!

The ordering process on Alibaba for individuals

1 – Creating an account on Alibaba

1. Go to Alibaba.com and click “Sign Up” at the top of the page.
2. Fill in the form with your personal information.
3. Choose a username and a secure password.
4. Enter a valid email address to receive notifications and offers.
5. Accept the terms of use and confirm that you are over 18 years old.
6. Click “Create an account” to complete the registration.
7. Check your inbox and click the confirmation link sent by Alibaba to activate your account.

2 – Searching for the right products on Alibaba

Follow these steps to find the best products on Alibaba:

1. Enter relevant keywords in the search bar.
2. Use filters to refine the results, such as: Price, customer reviews, certifications, country of origin, and supplier type.
3. Examine the offers in detail to assess quality and reliability.
4. Add interesting products to your wishlist or cart to find them easily.
5. Compare different offers to choose the one that best suits your needs.

3 – How to contact suppliers?

These important steps:

1. Select several suppliers offering products that match your needs.
2. Write a clear and detailed message asking questions about the product, specifying prices and potential discounts, sales conditions, and delivery times.
3. Send the message to selected suppliers via Alibaba’s messaging system.
4. Evaluate supplier responses for quality, speed, and professionalism.
5. Compare offers and shortlist the most promising suppliers for further negotiations.

4 – Negotiating and samples

• Contact suppliers to negotiate prices and sales terms.
• Be prepared by knowing:
  • Your budget
  • The market price
  • Your desired terms
• Don’t hesitate to actively negotiate to get the best deals.
• Request samples to check product quality before placing an order.
• Evaluate the samples and provide feedback to suppliers to adjust terms or products if necessary.

5 – Payment on Alibaba

• Choose a secure payment method, such as Trade Assurance or PayPal, to protect your transactions.
• Avoid direct bank transfers, as they offer fewer guarantees in case of issues.

6 – Delivery management

1. Discuss delivery options with suppliers: air, sea, or express.
2. Compare costs and timelines for each transport option.
3. Select the carrier and delivery time that suit your needs.
4. Confirm the details of the delivery, including the address and contact information for receipt.
5. Once the order is shipped, track the shipment online to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Keys to successful purchases on Alibaba

1 – Compare suppliers

• Carefully read supplier profiles.
• Check their years of experience, percentage of successful transactions, and customer reviews.

2 – Buyer protection

• Learn about the guarantees offered by Alibaba.
• Buyer protection covers issues of quality, quantity, and delivery.

3 – Certifications verification

• To ensure quality, check suppliers’ certifications.
• Certifications such as ISO, CE, or RoHS are indicators of reliability.

4 – Using a purchasing agent

• To simplify the process, hire a purchasing agent.
• This professional handles orders, logistics, and negotiations for you.

5 – Calculate additional costs

• Consider taxes, custom fees, and shipping costs.
• These costs can influence your purchase decision.

6 – Manage returns and refunds

• If there’s an issue, contact Alibaba’s customer service.
• They will help resolve disputes and secure refunds if necessary.

Buying in small quantities: Why choose AliExpress instead of Alibaba?

If you want to order 20 watches, 50 rings, or 90 iPhone cases, AliExpress is a more suitable option than Alibaba. Here’s why:

• Reduced costs for small orders: AliExpress allows small quantity purchases without high minimums.
• No shipping fees: Many sellers offer free shipping, reducing your overall expenses.
• Avoid customs fees: Small orders lower the risk of extra customs charges.
• Faster delivery times: Products arrive quickly thanks to nearby warehouses or express methods.
• Offers tailored to individuals and small businesses: AliExpress provides flexible options for testing products without significant investment.

Conclusion

Buying on Alibaba as an individual opens the door to a vast catalog of products at competitive prices.

Thanks to this guide, you have the keys to navigate the platform and make purchases suited to your needs.

Take the time to compare offers, evaluate suppliers, and take advantage of the opportunities Alibaba offers for your small or large projects.