If you’re looking to sell on Alibaba but aren’t sure where to start, there are several important steps that you should take. First, you must pay for a supplier membership. This will allow you to post unlimited products and receive customer support. After that, you should choose a paid plan that suits your needs. Be sure to read our Business Verification guide to learn how to become verified and get the most from Alibaba.
Paying for supplier memberships
Alibaba is an online platform that facilitates b2b and c2c sales. Its mission is to connect buyers and sellers, and as such, is considered one of the most popular sites for business. Alibaba has eliminated the need to use eBay to source suppliers. In addition to being free to use, Alibaba offers three different membership plans, including Gold Supplier. The better plan comes with higher benefits, including improved product showcases and a larger photo bank.
The free membership does not offer the same exposure as gold supplier memberships. A gold supplier membership is easily obtainable, but does not guarantee reliability. Alibaba does not measure the reliability of suppliers by their gold membership status. You can find a supplier that does not pay for membership without a problem. In addition, the free membership does not give you buyer alerts or verify your business’s credibility. The best way to determine if a supplier is reliable is to contact previous customers.
Assessing the quality of your products
Before selling your products on Alibaba, you should assess the quality of your products. The website allows you to browse millions of products but it can be difficult to choose which ones are worth selling. Look at the photos and check if they match the descriptions. The pictures and descriptions of products on Alibaba often do not reflect the quality of the actual product. Check the size and color of apparel before ordering. If the product is not in the US size, it could be counterfeit.
Alibaba’s website also includes “supplier assessments” that are done by independent third-party organizations. Suppliers with these tags have more credibility and have received more transactions on the site. The response rate reflects the amount of times the buyer received a response within 24 hours. The transaction value represents the number of transactions the supplier has received within the last six months. Verified suppliers also have a customer support center.
Avoiding minimum order quantities
Avoiding minimum order quantities when selling on Alibaba is one way to ensure you get the best price. Most suppliers set minimum order quantities so they can move inventory and turn a profit. However, savvy buyers can negotiate with these suppliers to get better prices. Here are some ways to avoid these minimum order quantities:
Escrow. This method works best for large orders and is most effective when the products are of a high quality and in limited quantities. It also protects both the buyer and the seller. Escrow documents specify the terms of payment and the supplier’s obligations. Alibaba has renamed this service as the Alibaba Secure Payment service. Escrow protects both buyers and sellers by holding the payment until delivery is confirmed by the buyer.
Communicating with suppliers
Keeping communication lines open with your suppliers is an essential part of selling on Alibaba. You should be flexible when choosing the supplier for your order, as they may request a conversation on a different messaging platform. However, you should be on the lookout for suppliers who are unresponsive or refuse to communicate. Alibaba is a great place to start, but keeping communication lines open is key. Follow these tips to keep your suppliers happy, and make sure your business relationship is fruitful.
If you’re not sure how to negotiate with your suppliers, read the sample purchase agreement on Alibaba. The sample contract is short and concise, aimed at ensuring a good fit between the buyer and the supplier. Before you start negotiations, make sure you have a clear understanding of your desired price range, MOQ, and payment terms. Remember that prices and payment terms are typically negotiable, so you should always try to find a middle ground that benefits both parties.
Selling in bulk
Selling in bulk on Alibaba is an effective way to make more money. It allows companies to sell higher quantities to a global audience at competitive prices. Alibaba allows businesses to price items in tiers, so that as shoppers buy more, they will pay less. The site has over 26 million active buyers worldwide, so your business can easily reach these people. Buying office supplies in bulk on Alibaba can save a company a lot of money.
To start selling on Alibaba, find out which products are in high demand. If you want to sell scratch-off travel maps, you can find these on Alibaba. There are several types of these products. Alibaba matches your product to a factory that produces them. Some require a minimum order of 500 pieces, while others do not. If you don’t need to sell hundreds of thousands of copies, look for niche products. Many of these products have low or no MOQs, so it is a good idea to research them first.