Businesses and individuals can buy and sell products on the platform.You can find a verified supplier with a good transaction history by searching for your desired product.The supplier should be contacted to negotiate the unit price, minimum order quantity, and shipping method.Use a low-risk payment method.A customs broker can help you clear customs and pay duties when you import goods internationally.
Step 1: You have to create an account.
If you already have an account, you can sign in.If you don't have an account, follow the onscreen instructions to create one.You don't need a license to open an account.You will be subject to your local jurisdiction's business and tax regulations if you sell items fromAlibaba.The U.S. Small Business Administration can help you get a business license and tax ID.To find out about required licensing for locations outside the U.S., look on your nation's government website.
Step 2: You can search for a product.
There are many methods of searching for products.The most basic way is to use the products search bar on the main page.You can enter your search term in the search bar, select your country from the drop-down menu, and then click the "Search" button.There are categories on the left-hand side of the home page.Click a subcategory if you want to browse products.
Step 3: Use filters to find your search results.
It can take a long time to sort through thousands of items if you search by product and category.To narrow your search, use the options on the left side of the page.A search for "jeans" will return over 500,000 hits, but you can check boxes on the left to make your search more specific.Adding "denim" or "men's jeans" to your search results will make it easier to sort through your results.You can change the country of origin of your product search results.Tracking down suppliers in your country will help you cut shipping costs and time.
Step 4: Search by supplier.
TheSuppliers tab is next to the search bar and can be used instead of searching by product.Suppliers who specialize in the product you are trying to purchase will be returned.If you know of a supplier who specializes in your product, you can use this search tool to find them more quickly than with a product search.You can use the search results page to find suppliers based on their countries of origin.
Step 5: Send a request for quotation.
If you want to compare direct quotes from multiple suppliers, you can request a quote.You can create a post in the space provided by clicking on the "Submit RFQ" option.In the designated spaces, enter a product name and desired quantity.There are other product specifications in the message body.You can add information about your shipping destination and payment method below the message body.
Step 6: Check supplier profiles for verification badges.
If you have found suppliers through the search engine tools, you should go to their profile pages to verify their legitimacy.The A&V Check indicates that the supplier has passed a third-party verification service, so look for profile badges to make sure you are dealing with a verified supplier.The premises of suppliers based in China have been checked to make sure that operations actually exist.The supplier has been verified by a third-party service according to the Assessed Supplier Check.
Step 7: There are online complaints about a supplier.
You can find information about prospective suppliers online if you check for profile badges.There are comments or complaints about the supplier.You can use a search on the internet to find contact information on their profile.Suppliers who list non-business email addresses should be avoided.
Step 8: There is a supplier with a warehouse in your country.
Suppliers can be found in a number of countries.Finding a supplier based in or with a warehouse in your country will cut down on shipping time and eliminate the need for you to deal with customs.Many suppliers have warehouses in the U.S.If you go with a supplier that doesn't have a warehouse in your country, you'll have to work with that supplier to manage customs clearance.It is a good idea to hire a customs broker to handle customs when you source products internationally.
Step 9: Send a message to the supplier.
Enter a subject line and message body when you click the contact supplier button.Any questions you might have about the products should be included in the message.If you want your message to be concise and free of spelling or grammatical errors, be sure to use English.If you want to avoid potential misunderstandings, keep your language direct.
Step 10: Minimum order quantity can be negotiated.
The minimum order quantity will likely be listed in the product listing.Both of these are negotiable.Ask the supplier if they can accommodate your needs.Is the listed number of units negotiable?If purchasing more units will lower your cost, and you are confident you can move the extra inventory, you should consider going with a higher quantity to get the discount.
Step 11: Make sure the price is posted.
If the price is Free On Board, you should check it out.The seller pays the costs of transporting goods to the port of loading and the buyer pays for the transport across the ocean to their final destination.Do you know the price range of $2-$3 per unit?All prices and shipping costs are in US dollars, so can you give a more accurate quote for 400 units shipped to San Francisco, CA, USA?You can either use an online conversion tool or contact your nearest bank for the most accurate exchange rate.
Step 12: The price and method of payment should be negotiated.
You can negotiate payment methods with the supplier.You can exchange your currency with your bank.The posted price is negotiable.Ask the supplier what the best price is for the product.Is it possible to do $2 per unit?This would help me find you more frequently in the future.
Step 13: Ask about samples.
Before agreeing to purchase a large quantity of a specific product, you should ask for samples from the seller.You can inspect for quality before you spend a lot of money.Do you offer product samples?What is the price for samples?
Step 14: You can check your box by clicking the "Send" button.
Go to your sent box to make sure the message was actually sent to the supplier after you have finished writing your message.You should resend the message if you don't see your inquiry in the sent box.If you want to avoid having to compose your message again, copy and paste it into a separate document.
Step 15: Use a low-risk payment method.
When negotiating a payment method with the supplier, be sure to settle on a low-risk option.For purchases over $20,000 in the U.S., obtaining a letter of credit is one of the best payment methods.You can use a third-party service to hold the funds until both parties confirm delivery.Only suppliers located in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan can use their secure payment service.You should only use Western Union when transferring money to someone you know very well.
Step 16: You have to calculate and pay your freight costs.
The supplier can use the Freight Logistics resource to determine and pay the costs of transporting goods internationally.The cost of transport is what you pay the supplier.To get an accurate estimate of customs duties and taxes, ask your supplier to log into Alibaba and visit its Logistics page.Depending on where you and your supplier are, duties and taxes will vary.To avoid the cost of international transport, try to find a supplier with a warehouse in your country.You can use a duty calculator to get an idea of your customs cost.To determine a cost estimate, simply input your products information and countries of departure and arrival into the appropriate fields.
Step 17: A customs broker is a good hire.
Even though the supplier uses Alibaba Logistics to cover transport costs, you should still hire a customs broker to make sure that your products will clear customs and that you hold the proper licenses.It might cost a few hundred U.S. dollars, but a customs violation could cost thousands in fines, and you could face legal consequences.You can find a customs broker in the U.S. using the search tool on the website of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.If you live outside the U.S., look for your nation's customs and border control government website or search online for a customs broker.
Step 18: The goods should be shipped from the port where they are to.
You will need to arrange transport from the port to your location if your goods have been shipped across the ocean in a freight container.Depending on your location, you can use the Logistics page from Alibaba to ship your products over land or by rail.Renting a truck or hiring a trucking service is the cheapest option if you live close to the port.
Step 19: If your transaction goes wrong, dispute your purchase.
When you receive your goods, be sure to inspect them for quality and quantity.You can file a complaint with the help center if you can prove that you have received products that are not as good as advertised.You will need to send photographs of the goods that show why you are dissatisfied, along with the initial agreement, payment documents, and all correspondence between you and the supplier.Purchasing goods that meet your standards will be ensured if you do some research about your supplier.Search online for complaints and comments from past clients if you are sure that they are a verified supplier.
Step 20: Purchase branded goods through a third party.
You could face legal consequences if you resell branded goods that are likely to be counterfeit.If you're buying wholesale to sell retail, it's always best to purchase branded goods directly from the brand.If you purchase branded goods and receive counterfeits, you can file a dispute and send pictures of the products you received to the customer service.It is almost certain that you will be refunded if you paid through their secure payment system.