Using Alibaba.com to source goods.

[krisfarm]

Has anyone had any buying experience that they would like to share with sourcing product through this buying group?They would appear to be Chinese based.
Bob

[macmac]

Hi krisfarm,
Just beware as a lot of scumbags in this site. Only use those with escrow payment company. Also, try to avoid those "Too good to be true".
Cheers, Phil

[macmac]

In fact, I'm also searching some metal works machineries from this site as the price of Chinese products are in fraction. There's nothing wrong to buy Chinese as u will find out Hare and Forbes own brand are mainly made in China. However, it is hard to choose the rite company and the rite product in this site unless u take a personal visit to their factories. Also warranty issue is a problem as well. Therefore really need some feedback from the members here who ever use Alibaba service.
Cheers, phil

[eskimo]

I have used AliExpress several times and apart for 1 experience all was good

the bad was when I bought a 1.5k canon lens for around half price...
it never arrived but paying thru escrow I got it all back plus a small profit due to the fluctuating dollar.

that experience hasnt stopped me from us AliExpress...but as someone said above only use Escrow...Do Not Send Money to a bank account or use any other payment method the supplier may ask you to do.

If you look at the AliExpress site they ask you to notify them if a supplier asks one to remit money any other way.

one other point..most stuff is chinese made .....so you know what your getting:D

[krisfarm]

Thanks to macmac and eskimo for your input. I will do some further investigating to check out the supplier.
Bob

[A Duke]

Alibaba and the forty thieves? Or is that another Alibaba?

[steran50]

HI:),
I was going to ask something along those Lines. I have been looking at some Electronic Micrometers on Alibaba. I thought I might Buy direct from the Source and avoid the Middleman. Do You get Hit with Import Tax on small Tax or only on Bigger more Costly Items ?. So Escrow is the way to go.

[GSRocket]

HI:),
Do You get Hit with Import Tax on small Tax or only on Bigger more Costly Items ?.
I believe if your order is under $1000, it is free from tax.

[RayG]

Hi Bob,

Just my personal experience, but I've been buying electronic components through contacts established on alibaba.com, for several years and have had no problems. Generally I've had more bad experiences on ebay than dealing direct with chinese companies.

Only suggestion I'd make is to try and establish that you are actually dealing with the manufacturer rather than a middleman. There are some companies who are just small re-sellers.

As always, Caveat Emptor.

Oh, and ask for samples... :)

Regards
Ray

[Durdge39]

I've bought some solar panels off of aliexpress.com and had no troubles. The alibaba.com site seems to be a bit more aimed at larger quantities of goods whereas you get an instant idea of price and shipping costs on the aliexpress site. Most of the companies on there will be more than happy to chat with you - all money is good money to a good portion of these manufacturers. The escrow payments protect you from shady dealers. Only thing is to note that free or very cheap shipping from the orient will take anywhere from a week to a month depending on your luck.

All the best with it.

Tom.

[eskimo]

Steran50...no tax payable providing goods and postage/freight is under $1000.00

as soon as you go over there is the GST (10%) to worry about...and it is applied to both the goods and postage/freight

also being form China the parcel may be opened and inspected by aus customs...which they are entitled to do but it seems to be more often with China (or a RoC) posted stuff than USA or elsewhere

yes, make sure payment is thru Escrow at Aliexpress,,,dont remit monies any other way even if the seller tells you to...you wont have protection

extract from Aliexpress help page


My supplier won't accept Escrow, what should I do?
If your supplier refuses to accept Escrow, please report them to us ([email protected]?subject=%20&body=Please%20provide%20the%20following%20information:%0A%0C%0A%0CSupplier%27s%20company%20name:%0A%0CProduct%20website%20address%20%28URL%29:%0A%0CYour%20telephone%20number:%0A%0CScreenshot%20of%20the%20chat%20record%20or%20email%28s%29%20between%20the%20supplier%20and%20you:). Escrow is the only option currently available to suppliers on AliExpress.


My supplier won't accept Escrow, what should I do? (http://escrow.aliexpress.com/escrow-faq/payment/my-supplier-wont-accept-escrow-what-should-i-do.html)

[damian]

You couldn't be worse off on alibaba. I'm currently chasing 3 purchases made from "reputable" online suppliers. There are plenty of dodgy people on ebay nowdays. You just have to be cautious.

search "buy in coins". Quite a few ebay sellers are drop shipping from them and adding an appropriate margine. They aren't always cheaper but can be signifigantly cheaper than ebay. Mostly electronic toys and other small items.

[tongleh]

I've enquired about items on Alibaba twice: the first item they quoted me $26, not a bad price considering the item is over $160 in Aust. Trouble is, they wanted a surcharge of $150 if I only bought 1 of them. The second item was $47 plus $54 for postage, the same item in Australia is $87.

[eskimo]

I've enquired about items on Alibaba twice: the first item they quoted me $26, not a bad price considering the item is over $160 in Aust. Trouble is, they wanted a surcharge of $150 if I only bought 1 of them. The second item was $47 plus $54 for postage, the same item in Australia is $87.

was that Aliexpress?

most items via Aliexpress you can in units of one (1)

those suppliers on Alibaba are mainly ( from what I see) manufacturers and hence the surcharge for a one off.