Alibaba Question

[CharlieB]

Hi

I'm in contact with several chinese suppliers on alibaba but whenever I send an enquiry it's rare I get a reply back and when I do eventually get one back and I reply, I don't hear from them again. Should I keep looking for one who responds quickly (probably meaning they're more legit) or shall I keep sending them emails until they reply?

I have an idea for a concept at my university where I import all the essentials students need for living on campus and import them from China and sell them to students as cheaply as I can.

What should I do?

Thanks

Charlie

[Encrypted]

If they don't reply, they probably don't want your business. Are you trying to request custom made products or something?

[CharlieB]

no just basic normal products that they have listed on their page on alibaba. I'm making enquires to see if they can ship a sample to the UK.

[Encrypted]

Hmm, that's interesting. They have seller ratings on that site. Do they have feedback listed or no?

[veikoh]

Experiences with Alibaba. We found a reseller in Singapore who was really helpful. MSN worked and every evening you could chat with them. So we ordered samples, they tested them carefully (so they told) but over 50% where still crap when we got those to UK.
Its difficult when you are really not there.
Best way I have seen was when guys where taking low cost jeans from Indonesia. So, one fight there, get everything viewed and tested, get it packed and then to Airplane with those...

[generationy]

Hey! Sounds like you have an interesting situation. Have you check out any reviews on those suppliers? Often times you can find reviews and ratings on past work to make sure you are getting the right deal. It might cost a little bit more but the peace of mind is far more worth it. Apparently they are not interested in working so stop wasting your time and move on. If they don't feel it necessary to respond then neither would I. Right? Your time as an entrepreneur is far more valuable. Check out these links below to help you out. Good luck!

How To Buy From China
How to NOT Negotiate
The Importance of Persuasion in Entrepreneurship
To Outsource or Not to Outsource

[CharlieB]

thanks for your replies, I am getting a few replies through now saying 'sorry for the late reply'.

[rogercbryan]

I've had the same problem... the thing here is Alibaba wants you to buy their $2000 membership before they actually pay attention with you. I've sent out at least 100 messages to people on there about books. I've received one response. Most suppliers do not want to screw around with people who want to buy $1000's worth of something. If you buy their membership everyone will pay a lot more attention to you because they'll know you are serious. I'm not saying that it's worth getting a full membership in anyway.

[ToyiahMarquis]

I deal on alibaba alot... I've been scammed a few times of course.

FIRST never send money western union....
Second alot of those suppliers will not supply samples... tell them you'd like to do a "small" test order to ensure "great business" when saying that most do, allow for anything smaller than their MOQ.

If they won't allow paypal or an escrow service RUN. I have a few suppliers that I pay via western union now but, that was AFTER several times of doing business with them. That trust grew. It's hard to sift through the real businesses and fakes on alibaba.. just because, they are verified means nothing.

Also, someone said there was a fee for that site.. I've never paid a fee, been a FREE member for 5 years.

Hopes this helps.

[avelina]

Why don't you try some other Chinese wholesale suppliers website if not satisfied with Ali Baba , you may search on Google. Ebay , Amazon, dhgate and dailytrader.com can also be very handy for online reliable resources.

[guidemesingapore]

If the company cant even reply quickly during the pre-sales process, you can be sure they are not going to reply after you give them the contract. Its just too risky. Work with a firm that has a professional setup and can be reachable via email, phone or chat.

[terryxu]

if you are interested in their products, just call them. no reply yet, let your chinese friend to call them, they will reply at once

terry
terry.tsui@hotmail.com

[citizen88]

Alibaba can be a very dangerous place if you don't know what your doing. I spent countless hours over days reading the safety forums at Alibaba and the information never ends. Nevertheless you can't spend all your time planning so what i suggest you to do is to follow your gut, but also be smart. Don't ask for a big shipment your first time and also never deal with companies who's email adress is @hotmail @yahoo or @google and look for legit mails. Furthermore if they don't respond in a promptly manner then you should black-list them immediately. Any real-good company (which is what your looking for) has an active sales staff who should treat you politely at the least. I'm also sorry to say nowadays you can't trust a supplier simply because they are verified, because the verified address may end up being an apartment, where a factory clearly doesn't fit.

Best wishes and hope your business thrives.
Czar.

[darshan03]

actually these people reply if you give them good orders. Coz they come in contact with many people who just waste their time and dont give them any orders. Thats the reason they dont reply.