Do you know that Alibaba reviews can tell a lot about the supplier?
Want to know how you can safely buy from Alibaba without getting scammed?
Alibaba has gotten a lot of attention due to the services and the features it provides to the buyer as well as the seller. A lot of businesses prefer buying from Alibaba because Chinese suppliers offer lower prices, compared to the rest of the world.
Yes, Alibaba.com is a secure platform. But, still, there are plenty of fraudsters present on the site. The best solution is to read about the reviews of that supplier so that you can save yourself from Alibaba scams.
We have compiled this guide to show how you can get the required information from the reviews of each supplier on Alibaba, and how to understand if the review of real or fake. The article also contains details on how to buy safely from Alibaba.
So let’s dig into the details!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Alibaba Reviews — An Overview
Alibaba’s impressive array of services is unparalleled in the world of e-commerce. This online-selling platform has been a leading marketplace serving as a global powerhouse for all trading businesses while bringing its commitment to innovation and excellence onboard.
It is important to understand the mechanism and working strategy of Alibaba for a safe purchase. Before we move further, let’s first understand the basics of Alibaba and the mechanism behind it.
1) What is Alibaba?
Alibaba is a game-changing e-commerce platform that has revolutionized the way businesses connect. It operates as a facilitator, bringing together buyers and sellers from all corners of the globe.
The reputed online selling marketplace has quickly risen to become one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world.
Its excellent suite of services is divided into four core subsidiaries, each catering to a specific audience;
a) Alibaba.com
Alibaba.com is a comprehensive supplier directory that connects manufacturers with businesses. It allows you to source products directly from factories and even create private-label products to sell under your brand.
b) AliExpress
AliExpress is a perfect platform for small businesses looking to sell individual products directly to consumers worldwide. With its easy-to-use interface, AliExpress has become a go-to destination for businesses of all sizes. Eaccompanyss can benefit from its exceptional services, no matter where a business enterprise lies.
c) Taobao
Taobao is another unique offering from Alibaba. It features a business-to-consumer marketplace with a focus on Chinese citizens. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Taobao has everything you need to succeed in the Chinese market.
But, you must be a Chinese citizen as it primarily serves Chinese residents.
d) TMall
TMall is an e-commerce platform that caters to multinational brands like Nike, Apple, Gap, and Adidas. It follows a business-to-consumer model similar to Amazon.
TMall is a China-specific marketplace serving only its residents. It is the ideal destination for companies entering the lucrative Chinese market.
2) How Does Alibaba Work?
Alibaba, the world’s largest wholesale marketplace, offers businesses an excellent opportunity to buy and sell products in bulk at competitive prices. However, it is essential to understand the platform’s unique business model and take the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Unlike other major players like Amazon and eBay, Alibaba focuses on facilitating business-to-business transactions.
It does not allow you to sell the intellectual property for your online business. Therefore, if you’re planning to sell your eCommerce products on Alibaba, you must cater to the needs of companies and offer products in large quantities.
a) A Huge Collection of Wholesale Products
One of the significant advantages of using Alibaba is the vast range of products available from different suppliers. However, it’s crucial to note that the quality of products can vary, and it’s up to you to conduct thorough research to find reputable sellers.
Alibaba’s trade assurance practices offer some protection, but it’s always advisable to do your due diligence before finalizing any deals.
b) Registering on Alibaba as a Seller is Free
Registering as a seller on Alibaba is free and allows you to display up to 50 products. However, once a buyer expresses interest in your products, you must handle the sales process yourself.
The platform offers communication tools such as Alibaba chat and email to facilitate buyer interactions.
c) No Commission or Transaction Fee is Required
Another great thing about Alibaba is that the platform doesn’t charge any commissions or transaction fees. Instead, you may opt for the gold supplier membership, which offers additional benefits such as increased visibility and credibility.
You only pay for the gold supplier membership when you emerge as a certified customer.
Similarly, as a buyer, choosing gold supplier sellers is advisable to increase your chances of getting better quality products.
3) Alibaba Reviews: The Truth You Must Know
Have you ever heard mixed reviews about Alibaba?
Well, let us tell you something!
Alibaba acts as a middleman and does not carry any of its products. So, you should take Alibaba reviews with a pinch of salt.
Practically, anyone can sell on Alibaba, which means there are bound to be some suitable suppliers and some bad ones. But don’t worry. Alibaba has many security measures in place to combat fraud and scams.
With over 150,000 active suppliers on the platform and over 10 million sellers on AliExpress, Taobao, and TMall combined, Alibaba can only sort through some of them.
According to an analysis by Sitejabber.com, Alibaba has a 4.58-star rating from 13320 reviews. You may also see its review rating on other platforms in the picture above.
However, that doesn’t mean buying from Alibaba is risky. You just have to be careful and understand how to differentiate suitable suppliers from the bad. You may come across a few online Alibaba reviews that need to be corrected, but we are here to help you avoid having a negative experience.
a) Fake Customer Reviews
You may encounter reviews that are just plain fake. Unfortunately, there are people out there who try to manipulate the system by posting fake reviews.
But you can avoid these fake reviews by searching for genuine reviews that provide specific details about the product or service.
b) Bad Customer Reviews due to their own Faults
A few customers may show disappointment in the website and give negative feedback when Alibaba fails to match their expectations. But, in reality, they have had bad experiences due to their mistakes. The customers may need to communicate their requirements more clearly.
For example, they may need to communicate the required product specifications. They may also need to thoroughly research the marketplace and the supplier’s directory.
However, to beware of such experiences, buyers should ensure clear communication with the supplier, conduct proper research, and have realistic expectations.
c) Buyers Who Faced Bad Experiences in Real
There are reviews from customers who genuinely had a bad experience due to a dodgy and unreliable supplier.
To keep themselves safe from the malicious swindles and frauds of scam suppliers, the purchasers should adhere to the following instructions when looking for trustworthy suppliers on Alibaba;
- Find suppliers with authentic and positive ratings
- Go for sellers having honest and good customer reviews
- Negotiate with them before making a purchase
- Consider ordering a sample before placing a large order.
So, this is all you need to know to understand the story behind Alibaba reviews. However, you can also read and analyze Alibaba customer reviews by visiting a reputed review platform, Trustpilot.
Hence, buying from Alibaba is safe if you know how to navigate the platform and sort the suitable suppliers from the bad ones.
4) What do Alibaba’s Real Reviews Prove?
Reviews from customers can tell you a lot about the supplier. In fact, it tells more than the supplier talks about themselves. It helps to understand the previous customers’ experiences with that supplier.
All in all, you can judge the following things by analyzing real Alibaba reviews:
a) The Authenticity of the Supplier can he be Trusted through Alibaba Reviews
For any Alibaba seller, reviews matter a lot. That is because it shows the future buyers what quality the supplier has to offer. Alibaba Reviews are a perfect source to get an idea about the seller’s inventory and whether the quality is legit or not.
In simple words, positive Alibaba reviews show that the seller is authentic and is delivering the quality that he/she has promised to deliver.
b) Alibaba Positive Reviews help Suppliers to get Alibaba Trade Assurance Badge
Trade assurance symbol is a key factor in Alibaba shopping. That is because it saves you from scams. Above all, it is a secure payment transaction system that helps both buyers and sellers.
Alibaba gives Trade assurance to the seller who is verified in every possible way (factory address verification, personal information verification, positive reviews, performance index, etc.)
If any of the suppliers have a trade assurance symbol, this means that the supplier is totally legit and is providing the services efficiently.
This should also mean that 80% of supplier reviews should be positive comments from the buyers.
c) The Response Time of the Supplier can be Judged through Alibaba Reviews
Another thing that you will find in the reviews section is the response time of the supplier. Alibaba defines this as “The average amount of time a supplier took to respond to every buyer’s first message.“
To help you understand this, it is the amount of time the supplier takes to reply to your message. When selecting the supplier, take your mouse cursor on this and it will tell you the average time.
Pro Tip: Try to pick the supplier whose response time is less than 5 hours.
d) The On-Time Delivery Rate is Proven through Alibaba Reviews
On-time delivery rate shows whether the supplier has delivered the product within that mentioned time or not. Like response time, this is also important.
Usually, top sellers have a delivery rate of 90%.
When you check Alibaba reviews from previous buyers, it can help you to understand that the supplier is providing products at the delivery time he promised at the time of making the order.
e) Supplier’s Online Performance Index
Alibaba works hard to verify the supplier so that you can be saved from scams. The B2B site has implemented a modern verification system that shows that the supplier is legit and is providing real items.
When a seller is verified through this system, he/she gets rated on the online performance index. Alibaba marks this index on the basis of quality, shipping time, and customer support that the supplier is offering.
However, you can use this index when selecting the supplier. The higher the index, the better the supplier.
To double-check the authenticity of this Index, you should also take a look at the reviews provided by the customers. Sometimes the Performance Index may show that the supplier is very good, but reviews will show his actual performance based on real experiences.
Chapter 2: Real Reviews from Alibaba and their Analysis
Have you ever wondered if the reviews on Alibaba are genuine or fake?
It’s no secret that positive reviews can make or break a seller’s reputation on Alibaba, and unfortunately, some sellers resort to using fake reviews to boost their sales.
But how can you tell if a review is genuine or not? Here is a detailed analysis of all types of reviews from the purchasers and possible solutions to common problems;
1) Alibaba’s Trade Assurance does not Provide Protection to Buyers
Trade Assurance, offered by Alibaba, is an escrow service that protects buyers against fraudulent transactions. However, the reality is that determining which party is at fault in case of a dispute can be a tricky business.
Although paying with Alibaba Trade Assurance guarantees protection for your order, the dispute resolution process can be time-consuming. It may take several months to resolve the disputes. Hence, it should be considered a last option for dispute resolution when buying from Alibaba.
How can preventive measures help avoid business disputes?
Taking safety measures and avoiding the hassles of a prolonged dispute resolution process is essential. By accepting these necessary measures, you can ensure a smoother and hassle-free purchasing experience on Alibaba;
a) Hire a Professional Inspection Agency
Hiring an experienced and efficient inspection agency such as EJET is an excellent option to inspect your goods for defects before the shipment. It will help you identify any potential issues before the product delivery and prevent the shipment of faulty products.
b) Make a Clearly Defined Agreement
A clearly defined agreement is another way to cater to unnecessary business disputes. A defined agreement with the supplier and specifying a defect ratio threshold can help you get a refund from the supplier in case of any inconsistency and variation.
c) Prepare a Quality Control Checklist
Creating a comprehensive quality control list containing all the product details you are ordering can help ensure clarity regarding specifications and quality. It will ensure you have conveyed all the product specifications and customer preferences to the supplier.
2) Alibaba Features Counterfeit and Low-Quality Products
Since Alibaba got suspended from the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition for offering fake goods in the past, it has made remarkable strides in combating counterfeits.
They recently announced a whopping 70% year-over-year drop in removed listings due to counterfeit merchandise. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when purchasing from suppliers.
Nevertheless, performing due diligence on your suppliers and using common sense to avoid counterfeit and low-quality goods is crucial. You can follow the below-given tips to prevent counterfeit goods from Alibaba;
a) Use Verified Suppliers
One way to do this is to use only verified suppliers, who pay a premium to Alibaba to qualify and pass a detailed on-site check by an independent 3rd party. These suppliers are less likely to sell counterfeit merchandise than regular Alibaba suppliers.
b) Examine the Supplier’s Reviews and Ratings
Another essential tip is to verify a supplier’s product rating on their detailed company profile. It would help you beware of a supplier deceiving the buyers by selling low-quality, fake goods.
c) Order a Sample before Placing a Bulk Order
Doing so allows you to verify the quality and authenticity of the product before investing a considerable amount into buying bulk goods. You must test samples independently for material content. Never trust what the supplier tells you, and always perform your inspection for solid assurance.
d) Use Trade Assurance
Trade assurance is another crucial aspect of protection from fraud, as it safeguards against counterfeit goods from scam suppliers.
3) Late Arrival of Shipments from Alibaba
Working with China wholesale suppliers can be lucrative, but having the proper expectations is crucial. Before you place an order on Alibaba, it’s essential to understand the timeline for a typical production run.
The product deliveries from Alibaba may take the following periods or may occur a few hindrances delaying the shipment;
- A production run can take anywhere from 1 to 4 months to make the product
- Sea freight may take up to a month or more.
- The Customs clearance process may also take a week or more.
- A bulk order from Alibaba can take up to 6 months or more to reach the buyer’s address.
How to avoid late shipments?
You can draft an agreement with your supplier if you have a specific deadline. Moreover, you can form a contingency plan with your supplier in case of late shipment.
For example, suppose you need your shipment to arrive before the holiday season (Let’s say, the Christmas festival). In that case, you can include a clause stating that the supplier will fully refund the undelivered amount if the load is more than a week late.
4) Damaged Products from Alibaba
When importing products from Alibaba, there is always a risk that your goods could get damaged during transit by sea or air.
Unfortunately, if you receive damaged items, Alibaba will not refund your money even if you have trade assurance.
How can we cater to this intensive issue?
You can avoid the probability of your goods being damaged in transit. It’s your responsibility to contact your supplier and review the way they are packing your order. Or, you can hire a third-party inspection agency to ensure proper packaging and safe shipments.
You must also be detail-oriented and conduct due diligence to overcome the possibility of damaged goods in the shipment. You must review the packaging with your supplier and outline the terms in your purchase agreement. Moreover, always remember to purchase freight insurance.
So, don’t let the fear of damaged goods hold you back from importing products from Alibaba. Instead, ensure proper packaging and decide on a safer shipping route to ensure your goods arrive in perfect condition.
You might also like to read: How to Pay Suppliers Using Alibaba Payment: Best 8 Methods to Know
Chapter 3: How to Judge a Fake Alibaba Review from a Genuine One?
Alibaba reviews matter a lot and that is why sellers try to get the most positive reviews. The thing is if any supplier has a single bad review, it can affect the future sales of the supplier.
To prevent that from happening, some try to get fake Alibaba reviews. Now you might wonder how to check whether the supplier has a genuine review or not.
Well, if you have experience buying from Alibaba, you can check whether the review is real or not. For new buyers, here are some things that you can try to figure out for a fake review.
1) Look at the History of the Company and Compare it with Alibaba Reviews
If you have come to the product page of a seller, take a minute and look at two things. The first one is always the past reviews. The second is the history of the supplier. If the supplier is new and has 9 (90%) out of 10 positive reviews, then it can be concluded that it has fake reviews.
Generally, it takes up to 2-3 years for a seller to make a name on Alibaba. Then, there is a chance it can have 8-9 positive reviews out of 10. So, if you encounter such a seller, try to avoid that one.
However, one must also check many other factors before determining if the reviews are really fake. Let’s read further and see those other factors.
2) Seller has all 5-Star Reviews
The second tip that you can use is to navigate through the review history of the seller. Let’s say that a seller has 50 reviews on the page. Are all the reviews containing a 5-star rating? If yes, then move away from that seller.
The thing is there is no chance that every buyer leaves a 5-star review. That is because most of the time, buyers face the issue from Chinese sellers. So, they don’t leave a full 5-star review.
If you see all reviews rated 5 stars, then it is a no-go. Take a look at the screenshot of the reviews given above. It shows that the buyer is legit. Look how it has responded to the comments. One buyer has given a 2-star and a genuine opinion.
3) See how a Supplier is Responding to the Alibaba Reviews of Buyers
A supplier or seller knows that his customers matter a lot. Let’s say that a buyer has mentioned that he received a broken toy. The idea here is to see how the supplier has responded to that comment.
Is he replying professionally to that comment or has he just written a single-word reply? This will help you in seeing the picture when you are actually dealing with the supplier.
The reply of the supplier can also show that he cares about the customer or just attacks back on the customer to prove that he has not made any mistake. A good supplier will always respect the customer’s opinion and accept his mistake and give a solution to the customer.
Chapter 4. How to Safely Purchase from Alibaba without Getting Scammed?
Do you want to avoid purchasing goods from Alibaba without getting scammed? Or,
Are you looking for a reliable supplier on Alibaba?
Finding reliable suppliers and purchasing goods safely from Alibaba can be daunting, especially if you are new to the platform. With so many product and supplier options available on Alibaba, it can be overwhelming to find the right one.
But don’t worry.
We have covered you with some tips that can save you money and time in the long run. You can protect yourself from being scammed and get the best value for your money by following the below-given safety tips.
So, sit back, relax, and pay heed to the following measures to ensure risk-free purchases on Alibaba;
1) Use Trade Assurance
The first and foremost measure to ensure a safe purchase on Alibaba is to make sure you tick the trade assurance checkbox when searching for a supplier.
It includes selecting “Trade Assurance,” an escrow protection service. It offers protection in case any mishap occurs, or someone tries to commit fraud.
Trade Assurance ensures your payment goes directly to the supplier’s bank account. It also provides added security for buyers. Under the trade assurance program, Alibaba keeps your payment in escrow until you receive and verify the product.
However, if there are any issues with the product, you can file a claim with Alibaba to get your money back.
2) Select Gold Suppliers
The next step is to look for Gold Suppliers. A gold supplier is a status for those committed to providing the best products and services available. Moreover, gold suppliers are exclusive members of Alibaba and have more exposure and perks than others.
Hiring a seller with a gold supplier status is another way to ensure that you are working with a renowned and trustworthy supplier. Every wholesale buyer or importer prefers buying from an experienced seller with a Gold Supplier status and positive ratings.
Therefore, you must also consider a supplier with a Gold Supplier rating in conjunction with the years he has served as a Gold Supplier.
Suppliers with gold status pay a specific fee to operate their accounts, which can help to weed out scammers. This way, they buy the gold status rather than earn it. So, it’s still important to do your due diligence and research the supplier before placing an order for added reassurance.
3) Make Sure there is a Supplier Assessment
A Supplier Assessment refers to the process where an inspection team appointed by the owner or a third-party agency verifies a supplier’s reliability and efficacy.
Although conducting a supplier assessment or factory inspection is a daunting task. However, performing is critical as it provides an added layer of trust and assurance.
Alibaba and third-party inspection companies also assess suppliers to ensure they meet specific quality standards. Therefore, look for suppliers who have undergone these assessments.
4) Go for third-party Validation
Starting a business can be exciting but comes with its fair share of risks. If you’re considering Alibaba as a platform to launch your business, taking precautions is crucial because finding a reliable Chinese supplier on Alibaba is probably the beginning. You must also validate the supplier factory and inspect the goods for your assessment.
Validating a supplier factory is convenient when you have business connections or contact in China. It’s even more accessible and reliable if you visit China for proper validation and inspection.
However, various traders believe visiting China in person may cause time wastage and ruin their business scalability.
Then,
What can help you validate your suppliers’ company and conduct product inspections to avoid scams?
There are plenty of ways to verify and check the authenticity of a company in China. Hiring a third-party supplier agency is the best option of all. You can hire a third-party China-based supplier agency such as EJET to help you refrain from undue scams and fraud.
EJET, a China-based sourcing agency, is a go-to option for businesses looking for stress-free product sourcing from China. You can take its assistance to validate a company or factory in China without leaving your couch.
Contact their sourcing consultant for a free consultation call!
5) Listen to what Other People Say About the Supplier
Before committing to a supplier, validate what other people say about him. Asking around is generally a good practice, especially if you want to start a long-term business relationship.
There are plenty of forums, but the Alibaba forum is an excellent platform to check out a supplier. Furthermore, you can use a Whois lookup to check suppliers’ websites and emails to verify if anything is distrustful or questionable.
A Whois lookup will shed some light on the ownership of their website. Check out their email and see if anything is suspicious.
Google is another excellent facility to check out a supplier’s company name and other details. To check for their originality, you can add their company’s name alongside the word ‘scam’ or ‘fraud’ in quotes.
6) Do not Buy Branded Items from Alibaba
Buying branded items from Alibaba is not possible. It is because the parent companies of branded items have strict distribution policies with their factories in China. However, do not trust a supplier who claims to export branded items in bulk; it’s probably a scam.
Therefore, check out the company’s history by peeping into its transaction history and Supplier Diamonds. A higher score indicates better transaction volume and amount.
An Important Point to Consider:
Hence, choosing a supplier with significant transaction history and a good reputation can save you money and headaches in the long run. Remember these tips the next time you search for suppliers on Alibaba. But don’t rush into a decision; instead, take time to research your potential supplier.
Suggested reading: Buying Wholesale From China: Finding Suppliers & Safety Tips
Chapter 5: FAQs About “Alibaba Reviews”
1) Is Alibaba safe and legit?
If we talk about Alibaba itself, then yes Alibaba is safe and legit. However, sometimes you deal with a supplier that is a scam and that can cost you money. Alibaba uses its security platform to remove such suppliers and it takes action if the supplier is not verified or has a bad review history.
2) What kind of secure payment methods does Alibaba offer?
Alibaba offers 5 payment methods including Alibaba Trade Assurance, AliPay, PayPal, Credit Cards, and Direct bank transfers. The most secure payment method is Alibaba Trade Assurance because it has an escrow option that can be used to save money in case of a scam.
3) Can we judge the quality of the product offered by the supplier from past comments and reviews?
Yes, we can judge the quality of the product by looking at the reviews of past buyers. If a supplier is offering good quality, you will find positive reviews on the page. If not, there will be bad reviews. These things tell a lot more about the product than the supplier himself.
4) Does Alibaba trade assurance help in preventing scams?
Alibaba introduced the trade assurance program so that buyers can save themselves from getting scammed. Trade assurance keeps the money with itself and if you verify that the product is good, then it gives the payment to the supplier. Otherwise, it gives it back to you.
5) How to buy safely from Alibaba after checking its reviews?
After you have gone through the reviews, what you can do to have a secure buying is:
- Check whether the supplier has a gold status
- Check whether it has extra assessments
- Check if it offers trade assurance
6) Are all reviews on Alibaba fake?
No, not all of the reviews on Alibaba are fake. See, the thing everyone shares their genuine opinion when they are rating the supplier. Sometimes it comes to a bad deal mostly because of shipping delays or suppliers not understanding the requirement. So, the buyer leaves the 3-star rating. And sometimes you get a good deal-hence it is a full 5-star rating.
Conclusion
If you want to have a secure buying from Alibaba, make sure you read reviews of suppliers on Alibaba. These Alibaba reviews tell a lot about the quality the supplier is offering and whether he/she is good to work with or not.
EJET has compiled this guide that covers what Alibaba reviews are and how you can use those reviews when you are placing the order. We hope that this guide will prevent you from scams.
