Any experience with Alibaba?

[GoodTurns]

I have run out of an item I have used for years and am unable to source it domestically for a reasonable price. I have found several vendors on the "Alibaba" network (China) with the item available and very nicely priced (I may have to buy 100 to 500 of them, but it will still be cheaper than buying the 25 or so I need here).

Have you purchased through Alibaba? Any recommendations/warnings?

Thanks
Jon

 

[Randy Simmons]

Yikes... I have seen the site. I personally wouldn't trust it. What are you trying to buy from them??

 

[Chasper]

I use it often, never had a problem. Keep in mind that Alibaba is the clearing house, you are buying from individual vendors who offer their products through Alibaba.

 

[avbill]

what are you searching for Jon?

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

What Gerry said, I have used a few vendors off of them and had no problems.

 

[jttheclockman]

Have had no problems either. Go for it.

 

[PenMan1]

Same here. No problems, the few times I've used them.

 

[ElMostro]

No issues here, a little slow but no issues.

 

[mredburn]

I have used them on a couple occasions. On the last occasion I had the product before they had payment. That came about because they gave me the Americanized name for the W/U payment. They made and shipped me the product and couldnt claim the money. I actually ended up canceling the payment and reissuing it in the correct name after I had the order in hand. Its a little disconcerting to send your money W/U and hope they send something back but the companies I dealt with all wanted repeat business. There was a lot of follow up emails about quality and performance. I however do not commit to any thing I cant walk away from the money on, In case it doesnt work out. i wouldnt hesitate to order what I needed through them.

 

[Jim Burr]

An item on my truck came from there...sounds dumb, but when I started looking around for a manual and instructions, Alibaba was the first place I found. They were helpful and polite...seem to have a large presence.

 

[GoodTurns]

So I sent inquiries to two vendors offering similar products that had lower minimum quantities, received quick responses from both, waiting on total quotes with shipping and all. The interesting part has been the translations! The replies have been in English, but have been interesting!

"Please don't bother to ask me some questions about our production"

and, very nicely, " Have a good sunshine Friday!"

Syntax may be off, but the intent looks good!