HOW TO ORDER FROM ALIBABA TO KENYA?
If You are looking for any directions and knowledge on how to order any good from Alibaba to Kenya, then consider yourself at the right place, since this article will encapsulate all that.
Alibaba is the largest e-commerce marketplace in the world and offers a wide variety of wholesale suppliers to find products to sell. Alibaba China to Kenya shipping.
If you can’t create an exchange, buying from Alibaba is the best way to find reputable Chinese wholesalers for your online store. Alibaba Kenya delivery.
This guide outlines the essential steps to buy confidently from Alibaba to get the best deals and avoid fraudulent transactions. Alibaba Kenya import.
WHAT ARE THE SHIPPING OPTIONS FOR ALIBABA ORDER TO KENYA?
Shipping options and availability may change over time, so it’s best to check the Alibaba website or contact customer service for the most up-to-date information on shipping options in Kenya. Alibaba shipping to Kenya.
However, Alibaba usually offers different shipping options to other countries, including Kenya. Some standard shipping methods may include:
1. Standard Shipping: This is the most common method and balances cost and delivery time. International couriers or postal services often carry it out. Alibaba Kenya wholesale.
2. Express Shipping: This is a faster option and is usually handled by well-known couriers such as UK Kenya Shipping, DHL, FedEx, or UPS. It is usually more expensive than standard shipping but offers speedier delivery. Alibaba Kenya online shopping.
3. Air Freight: Suitable for larger or heavier shipments, air freight is faster than sea freight but may be more expensive. Alibaba Kenya products.
4. Sea Freight: This option is convenient for bulk shipments but may take longer to arrive than air freight. Alibaba Kenya customs.
5. Alibaba Shipping Partners: Alibaba may partner with some logistics companies that offer exclusive shipping options or discounts. Alibaba Kenya shipping cost.
6. Door-to-Door Delivery: Some sellers on Alibaba offer door-to-door delivery, where the package is delivered directly to your address. Alibaba Kenya contacts.
HOW LONG DOES ALIBABA SHIPPING TO KENYA TAKE?
Delivery time depends on the shipping method. For example, if you use UK delivery to Kenya, your product will arrive at the airport within four days and a further three days for customs clearance. The post takes 20 days to two months, while sea shipping takes more than a month. The longer the period, the lower the shipping costs. Alibaba Kenya agents.
ARE THERE ANY IMPORT TAXES OR DUTIES WHEN ORDERING FROM ALIBABA IN KENYA?
Additionally, Kenyan regulations impose a 16% VAT on all imports. This number is obtained by considering the value of costs, insurance and freight (CIF), customs duties, and other import taxes. You must pay an Import Declaration Fee (IDF), 2.25% of the CIF value. Alibaba Kenya website.
When importing goods into Kenya, you may be subject to import duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other applicable taxes and duties. The exact amount of these charges may vary depending on the type of product, its value, and the customs regulations in force in Kenya at the time of importation. Alibaba Kenya payment methods.
It is essential to be aware of the potential additional costs associated with importing goods, as they can significantly impact the total cost of your order. Alibaba Kenya reviews.
To better understand the import taxes and duties for your specific order, I recommend you contact the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) or a licensed customs broker in Kenya. Alibaba Kenya tracking.
They can provide the latest information and advice on importing goods from Alibaba and other international suppliers. Alibaba Kenya deals.
Additionally, some sellers on Alibaba may offer services to assist with customs clearance or provide information about possible import fees, so it’s a good idea to check with them before placing your order. Alibaba Kenya express shipping.
HOW TO TRACK MY ALIBABA ORDER TO KENYA?
You can also go to UK Kenya shipping and fill in the field labeled enter the tracking number on the home page. You need to enter your Alibaba tracking number, which you received by email or in your account. Then fetch your Alibaba package results. Alibaba Kenya delivery time.
Follow these steps to track your Alibaba Kenya order:
1. Get a Tracking Number: The seller must provide a tracking number once you order on Alibaba. This tracking number is essential for tracking the status and location of your shipment. Alibaba Kenya trade assurance.
2. Log in to Alibaba: Go to the Alibaba website and log in to your account. Ensure you use the same account you used to place your order. Alibaba Kenya shopping guide.
3. Access Order Details: Go to your account dashboard’s “My Alibaba” or “My Orders” section to access your order details. Alibaba Kenya import duties.
4. Find Order: Find the specific order you want to track in the recent orders list.
5. Check the shipping information: click on the order to view the details. Shipping information must include the tracking number and the carrier used for the order. Alibaba Kenya trade policies.
6. Visit the courier’s website: copy the tracking number and visit the website of the courier used for your order. Common carriers can be UK Kenya shipping, DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, and others. Alibaba Kenya buyer protection.
7. Enter the tracking number: On the courier’s website, find the shipment tracking or tracing section and enter the tracking number you received from Alibaba. Alibaba Kenya product categories.
8. Track your shipment: After entering the tracking number, the courier’s website will display the status and location of your shipment. You can see travel updates from origin to destination. Alibaba Kenya sellers.
9. Receive Notifications: Depending on the carrier and the options selected during the checkout process, you may receive email or SMS notifications on the progress of your shipment. Alibaba Kenya account setup.
What is Alibaba?
Alibaba is considered the largest e-commerce site in the world, comparable to Amazon.
Some features of Alibaba are:
• Buy products at wholesale prices: Most new Alibaba users are shocked by the low prices compared to retail. You can quickly get margins of 66% or more. Alibaba Kenya customer service.
• Huge Product Selection: You may be amazed at the wide selection of products available through Alibaba, allowing you to find what you need and even explore different niches. Alibaba Kenya safe buying tips.
• No Branded Products: You can create your brand and logo and put them on the products you receive from Alibaba. Alibaba Kenya best sellers.
• Create custom products: You can use your designs to create custom products to sell.
• Collaborate with manufacturers: You find and collaborate with manufacturers on Alibaba, allowing you to participate in your product’s design, production, and shipping. Alibaba Kenya mobile app.
When finding a supplier on Alibaba, you must realize that you are working with a third-party factory that is not affiliated with it. After all, Alibaba is not a shopping site. Alibaba Kenya order status.
Alibaba is an online directory that doesn’t sell anything. Instead, they connect you with manufacturers and suppliers who sell. Alibaba Kenya customs regulations.
Unlike Amazon, which is more of a storefront, Alibaba offers a wholesale directory to source your products directly from manufacturers. Feel free to read our Amazon vs Alibaba guide to learn more about the difference between Amazon and Alibaba. Alibaba Kenya freight forwarding.
HOW TO ENSURE THE AUTHENTICITY OF PRODUCTS WHEN BUYING FROM ALIBABA TO KENYA?
Here are the steps required to buy from Alibaba:
• Know your niche. Alibaba Kenya shipping options.
• Enter an email address
• Enter your other details
• Search for suppliers
• Check the credibility of the supplier
• Get in touch after narrowing down your suppliers
• Negotiate the price
• Check your order
Anyone can use Alibaba for free. And you don’t need to have a company, merchant license, or credentials. Even a website is optional. Alibaba Kenya international trade.
All an Alibaba supplier cares about is that you can still buy in bulk.
1. Know your niche
After all, one of the first things you need to do when starting an online store is to see what you’ll sell. Alibaba Kenya product quality.
Indeed, before placing a large order with any supplier you find on Alibaba, you must be validated what you intend to sell. Alibaba Kenya currency conversation.
Make sure you’ve researched and know there is a market or niche for the products you want to use to stock your online store. Alibaba Kenya factory sourcing.
After all, Alibaba is too big to hunt for product ideas haphazardly, so knowing what you want to sell is a must. Alibaba Kenya business opportunities.
Also, you need to know roughly how much your product should cost to make enough profit from selling online. Alibaba Kenya import restrictions.
Ideally, you want at least a 66% margin on your wares. If the item sells for $21 on Amazon, you want to get it for under $7. Alibaba Kenya bulk orders.
2. Go to Alibaba.com
If you know your niche, go to Alibaba.com and click the button that asks you to “Join Free”.
Note: You don’t explicitly need to join Alibaba to find a supplier. However, if you plan to use some of Alibaba’s other services, such as Trade Assurance, you need an account. Alibaba Kenya buyer reviews.
3. Enter an email address
One of the best things you can do before going to Alibaba is to create a separate email account.
Once you are active on Alibaba and looking for suppliers, you will get a lot of emails. A separate account can help prevent these emails from taking over your inbox. Alibaba Kenya wholesale prices.
4. Enter your other details
Next, you’ll need to provide all other information, including your location, the fact that you’re a buyer, your business name, and more. Once confirmed, you’re good to go. Alibaba Kenya purchasing process.
If you don’t already have a company name, add a placeholder for now.
5. Search for suppliers
At this point, you’re ready to find suppliers in your niche. For example, if I’m looking for a supplier for my bridal shop, I’d type “handkerchiefs” into the search field. Alibaba Kenya product specifications.
After you search, Alibaba will spit out a bunch of suppliers for whatever you’re selling.
Pay particular attention to the price and the minimum order quantity.
Some manufacturers may require a higher initial purchase, so we recommend you go to factories that match your purchasing power. Alibaba Kenya import taxes.
In general, the more quantity you can buy, the lower your prices will be. But keep in mind that prices on Alibaba often need to be more accurate. Alibaba Kenya shipping companies.
The prices listed on the Alibaba website are much higher than what you can get if you start negotiating with your supplier. Alibaba Kenya online marketplace.
In general, you should contact as many suppliers and get as many quotes as possible to get a sense of the price range of your product. Alibaba Kenya clearance process.
Sometimes it’s also worth checking the prices on 1688.com to make sure the quotes you get are within the correct range. Alibaba Kenya payment security.
6. Get in touch after narrowing down suppliers
The product pages allow you to contact the supplier; some even have a chat function.
Performing due diligence on a supplier is a must before placing an order. Try to learn more about the product and request a sample. Alibaba China to Kenya rates.
All suppliers should be willing to send you a sample order. If they refuse, don’t work with them.
However, you may have to pay a higher price for your sample because the supplier has to handcraft them. But it’s better to pay for a few sample orders to compare than to place a large order and end up disappointed. Alibaba Kenya customs clearance.
Although the sample is expensive, most suppliers allow you to apply the sample cost to your first bulk order. Alibaba Kenya duty charges.
Here are some things you will want to know when contacting suppliers:
• Minimum Order Requirements: How much you need to order in a complete order
• Sample prices: You have to pay for samples in many cases. Find out what the costs will be.
• Set Production Prices: It is common to see a price range, such as $1 to $2 per unit. But you want to know the actual cost. Ask them to check if it’s $1 or $2, knowing it could be higher if you customize it. Alibaba Kenya shipping partners.
• Production Time: You need to know how long it will take to prepare your order. And you also have to add the delivery times. Understand that overseas sourcing can take several weeks or even months. Alibaba Kenya Logistics.
• Payment terms: find out how you will pay. Also, find out if you can work out other payment plans later if you get into an ongoing relationship. Alibaba Kenya products sourcing.
With that in mind, here are some guidelines for contacting a supplier on Alibaba.
First, you need to realize that most of the promising suppliers on Alibaba receive hundreds of inquiries daily. Therefore, you must exude your confidence and know exactly what you want to buy. Alibaba Kenya import procedures.
7. Negotiate the price
Once you’ve seen a sample and are happy with it, you should negotiate the price with the seller. All suppliers in China expect some negotiation. Alibaba Kenya shipping time.
However, your ability to trade depends on the volume of your orders. If this is your first order and your order is small, you have limited bargaining power. Alibaba Kenya trade partners.
Also, note that the negotiated price may not include shipping. You must separate the shipping cost and ensure it is within your profit. Alibaba Kenya shipping insurance.
But if you’ve received enough quotes from different suppliers, you should have a good idea of the cost of sourcing your product. Alibaba Kenya shopping tips.
And as you go back and forth with your supplier, keep in mind that you should never negotiate the price of your sample.
You will look like an amateur and leave a bad taste in your supplier’s mouth. Alibaba Kenya buyer feedback.
8. Check your order
Before your order is shipped, we recommend hiring an inspection company.
Once the goods are shipped, sending them back to China is costly if there is a problem. Alibaba Kenya export guidelines.
Once your order has arrived, you must check it carefully. Count items to make sure you have what you need. Also, search for each of the products. Is one of them damaged? Are they clean? Is the packaging acceptable?
Most inspection firms only have time to look at a statistically significant sample size, so there may still be defects. Alibaba Kenya international shipping.
If there is a problem with your order, especially damage, you can contact the supplier and even Alibaba to see how you can get a refund. Alibaba Kenya order process.
Technically, Alibaba Trade Assurance protects the buyer if the supplier fails to deliver on time or if the product quality deviates significantly from what was agreed. Alibaba Kenya product availability.
How To Buy a Single Item from Alibaba?
Although Alibaba is mainly used for wholesale transactions, you can purchase a single item from Alibaba by following the steps below.
• Set the minimum control filter to “1”. When shopping on Alibaba, you can filter your results only to show suppliers willing to sell in smaller quantities, including a single item. This filter refines your search results and offers suppliers flexible minimum order policies. Alibaba Kenya import documentation.
• Check product details for a minimum order of ‘1 piece’. Each product listing contains detailed information about the item, including the minimum order quantity. This is the minimum number of units a supplier will sell in a single transaction. The supplier is ready to sell an item if a product has “1 piece” as the MOQ. Alibaba Kenya shipping quotes.
• Communicate directly with the supplier to confirm the sale of unique items. Since most of Alibaba’s suppliers are used to handling bulk orders, don’t hesitate to contact us directly and ensure that they are willing to accept single-item sales. Alibaba Kenya product authenticity.
• Contact the supplier and politely express your interest in their product. Clearly state your intent to purchase a single piece. Don’t forget to ask further questions about the product, shipping costs and times, and payment methods. Good communication can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a successful transaction. Alibaba Kenya product samples.
• Buy a single item from Alibaba. After receiving the confirmation, you can purchase your unique product and use Alibaba’s secure payment platform to complete the transaction. Alibaba Kenya shipping regulations.
It could be better to buy a single item from Alibaba. If you mainly shop for yourself, consider AliExpress. Alibaba Kenya online retailers.
Is Alibaba safe?
Buying from Alibaba is generally considered safe. In the first quarter of 2022, Alibaba had more than 903 million active buyers, indicating that the platform is reputable and trustworthy. Alibaba also has several security measures to ensure your safety, such as the Trade Assurance program.
Trade Assurance is a service that helps you protect your online orders when paying through Alibaba.com.
Here’s how it works.
• Look for the Trade Assurance symbol when browsing suppliers on Alibaba. If you only work with Trade Assurance suppliers, your order is protected. Alibaba Kenya import checklist.
There are no additional costs for using Trade Assurance, but you may incur a processing fee depending on your selected payment method.
After you pay your supplier through Alibaba.com, if the supplier doesn’t ship on time or the product quality differs from the agreed terms, Alibaba will investigate and help you resolve your complaint.
If a resolution cannot be reached, Alibaba will refund your money. This makes buying from Alibaba completely safe.
Three tips for safe shopping on Alibaba
Unfortunately, not all of Alibaba’s suppliers are as trustworthy as they should be. Indeed, some suppliers may end up selling poor-quality products, which can cause problems with your customers.
While the trade guarantee protects you from losing money, recovering your money and resolving supplier disputes can take time. Therefore, taking precautions and avoiding potential delivery problems is always best. Alibaba Kenya import checklist.
You must follow these safety tips to increase your chances of not ending up with problematic goods.
1. Use reputable suppliers
There are different types of suppliers offered by Alibaba. These vendors often have to go through additional steps to get certified.
There is always a partial guarantee of total quality, but if you look for suppliers with ALL THREE of the following ratings.
• Gold Supplier: This supplier paid high fees to be pre-qualified. In many cases, getting born means you’re less likely to get scammed.
• Assessed Supplier: An external inspector has visited this supplier, and you can even get a downloadable report with the results.
This is a good starting point for narrowing down your vendor options.
It would be best if you also were wary of suppliers who require full payment upfront and send it independently from Alibaba. It could be an indication that something suspicious is about to fall.
2. Check reviews and ratings
Before choosing a provider, you should check the ratings and reviews associated with it. You can, of course, check out the reviews on Alibaba, but it’s also a good idea to branch out a bit.
Consider googling the provider’s name to understand what to expect. Don’t be afraid to Google the name next to terms like “scam” to get a better idea.
International supplier websites, such as the supplier blocklist, provide ratings and alerts for certain suppliers. This can be an excellent way to do your homework.
As you peruse forums and reviews, keep an eye out for these red flags:
• Meager product prices combined with complaints of poor quality
• Claims about defective parts or broken products
• Claims that the first shipment was good, but the second shipment had quality issues
• Poor working conditions in factories
While it’s only sometimes possible to altogether avoid poor quality, you can reduce your chances of getting stuck with poor-quality products.
3. Avoid branded products
Finally, when looking for suppliers and hoping to find a good one to work with, look for those who claim to offer brand names.
Most of the licensed products are not available on Alibaba. So if you have a supplier who claims to offer cheap Nike, Louis Vuitton or Coach branded products, chances are they are counterfeit.
If you, in turn, resell these products, you could be prosecuted. So be wary of suppliers who claim to give you access to leading brands at low prices. Chances are you will get into trouble.
4. Trust your instincts
Remember to trust your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Does anything seem more reasonable? Are you suspicious of how easily this all seems to happen? Take a step back. You don’t want to be scammed.
I am always cautious when dealing with Chinese suppliers and am always overly paranoid. Be careful who you trust!
What types of products are better to buy on Alibaba?
In general, it’s better to buy more straightforward products on Alibaba. In-depth knowledge of the products you intend to purchase reduces the possibility of quality problems. Try to stick to products that are simple and in your field. Alibaba Kenya shopping platform.
That said, here are a few product categories that have found success on Alibaba:
• Beauty and personal care products
• Sports and entertainment products
• Toys
• Fashion and clothing
Common terminology when shopping on Alibaba
As you browse product pages, you should know a few standard terms along the way.
Free On Board (FOB)
You may see the FOB unit price when you view a product page.
This means the manufacturer pays the cost of bringing the product to the port in China, but you are responsible for bringing the goods to your warehouse.
Most suppliers ship their products by sea, the cheapest way to get items from the UK to Kenya.
However, you must realize that you are responsible for paying the costs of getting your products across the ocean to their final destination as the buyer. Be prepared to pay these costs.
Note: I have created an actual cost of landed goods calculator that provides a reasonable estimate of the cost of your product, including shipping costs. Alibaba Kenya order tracking.
If a supplier’s price is much lower than your other quotes, ensure they are not offering you EXW or EXW prices.
EXW is an international trade term, meaning the buyer must cover all transportation costs.
Unlike FOB, where the supplier pays the freight cost from the factory to the port of origin, the suppliers are only responsible for the product with EXW.
As a result, EXW prices are often significantly lower than FOB prices. Before you decide to go with a supplier based on price, make sure they clarify their shipping terms (FOB vs. EXW). Alibaba Kenya products warranties.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Also, remember that many suppliers require a minimum order or MOQ. You may need to order at least 200, 500, or 1,000 product units to get business.
Since this is a wholesale business, many suppliers expect you to order in bulk. This bulk order is part of what keeps the price down when ordering from Alibaba.
This is one of the reasons why ordering samples is so important. Order a smaller set of models for less money to see the overall quality of the product. Alibaba Kenya import permits.
How to negotiate low minimum order quantities?
Try the following to negotiate low minimum order quantities (MOQ) on Alibaba:
1. Emphasize Long-Term Potential: Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term business relationship. Suppliers may be more willing to reduce the minimum order quantity for customers with repeat-order potential and increased business volume.
2. Show Market Demand: Since you have researched your niche, present it along with other relevant market data to show the demand for the product. Highlighting the potential for increased sales volume can cause suppliers to rethink their MOQ requirements.
3. Negotiate incremental scaling: Increase order quantities over time.
4. Offer Incentives: Discuss offering incentives to suppliers, such as fast payouts, positive reviews or testimonials, or promoting their products through marketing channels.
Advantages and disadvantages of buying from Alibaba
Buying from Alibaba gives you access to a vast range of products at wholesale prices and customization options. However, you run the risk of scams, difficulty resolving disputes, potential language barriers, and extended shipping times. Alibaba Kenya customs brokerage.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons below before proceeding so you know what to expect.
Advantages
• Low cost: Sourcing from the UK can give you huge savings, and Alibaba gives you access to even lower wholesale prices than you’d see in the UK.
• Huge variety of products: If you can imagine it, it’s probably available on Alibaba. There are millions of products in almost every niche. You can probably find a manufacturer that offers what you want.
• Possibility of customization: Personalize your product. Maybe you want your branding added to a product. Or perhaps you want something specific. You can customize your products without much effort. Alibaba Kenya shipping methods.
• Product Packaging: Just like you can customize your products, you can also customize your packaging. You have the opportunity to make sure everything is to your specifications
• Pay attention to your products first: With dropshipping, you don’t see the product until it gets to your customers. You have no idea of the quality. On the other hand, with Alibaba, the products reach you earlier for inspection.
• Work with suppliers: You can work directly with manufacturers. Keep an eye on your suppliers to ensure you are working with intermediaries. But ultimately, working directly with manufacturers can be a big deal. Alibaba Kenya product inspection.
• Identify quality suppliers: Due to Alibaba’s increasingly stringent methods, there’s a good chance you can identify quality suppliers. You’re less likely to have problems later. Alibaba Kenya imports compliance.
The inconveniences
• Getting your products can be time-consuming: One major drawback is the time it takes to get your products. Most suppliers send container ships that last for a month. Also, you have to wait until your order is produced.
• You have to be careful with your supply chain: due to lead times, you can’t start selling until you have the products in your hands. You should also be careful and order more before we run out of stock. Alibaba Kenya wholesale suppliers.
• Minimum orders can be high– you may need to order a large quantity to get started. As a result, it can get expensive, and if you misunderstand your niche, you can be caught off guard.
• UK products may differ: Please note that Asian sizes differ from UK sizes, so you may experience difficulties buying clothes from Alibaba. Other differences can lead to misunderstandings and not provide the best experience for your customers.
• Quality may not be as promised – pay attention to photos. Sometimes what happens is not what you thought. You may receive lower-quality items than expected. Also, be aware that the second or third shipment may be of lower quality than the first. Alibaba Kenya online auctions.
• Products may be broken: After being shipped so far, some items may be broken. You can also find defective items.
• You are responsible for delivering the product to your customers: There is no drop shipping with Alibaba, so you are responsible for ensuring your goods reach your customers. Order processing is up to you. Alibaba Kenya shipping calculator.
HOW TO NEGOTIATE PRICES WITH ALIBABA SUPPLIERS WHEN SHIPPING TO KENYA?
The best payment options for Alibaba suppliers
Alibaba Kenya payment options.
The payment methods are ranked from safest to least safe when working with Alibaba suppliers.
• Alibaba Trade Assurance or Escrow
• PayPal
• Letter of credit
• Bank or wire transfer
• Credit card
• Western Union
Alibaba Trade Assurance or Escrow
Escrow is a preferred method as it protects both buyers and suppliers. Your money is in a separate account managed by a third party. When delivery is confirmed.
The supplier knows the money is there and doesn’t have to believe it’s coming. At the same time, the buyer knows that the funds will be released to the supplier once he receives the goods and can check their quality. Alibaba Kenya trade negotiations.
PayPal
But even if merchants accept PayPal, there might be other methods than this one. They feel unsafe because they may face chargebacks if you are not honest.
However, as a buyer, PayPal’s protection gives you peace of mind.
Your bank issues a letter of credit or LOC to your supplier’s bank to secure payments made at the factory.
The supplier then brings the necessary documentation to the bank to collect the letter of credit.
Alibaba Kenya products certifications.
You need to place a considerable order, over $15,000 or $20,000, or else it might not be worth it. There are a lot of things that go into a letter of credit, so it should be worth it.
Bank or wire transfer
Bank transfers are the default payment method for Chinese factories. However, bank transfers come at a cost, and it is in your best interest to set up a business bank account that allows you to make transfers abroad for free. Alibaba Kenya import guidelines.
Many factories in China only accept bank transfers as payment.
Western Union
It’s almost always a bad idea to pay via Western Union. If a vendor pressures you to pay this way, it can be a big red flag that the vendor is a scammer.
There is no way you will get your money back if it is found that you are working as a fraud. Alibaba Kenya shipping documentation.
Do your best to work with a trusted third party and see if you can protect your payments. This is especially important when working with new suppliers.
What is the difference between gold and gold? Non-Gold Suppliers on Alibaba?
Gold suppliers undergo a rigorous verification process conducted by a third-party inspection agency. They have proven themselves and are known for their reliability. These suppliers also have access to Alibaba’s Trade Assurance Program, which offers buyers additional protection. Alibaba Kenya online merchants.
Here are some of the key benefits for gold suppliers on Alibaba.
• Priority ranking
• Unlimited product posting
• Greater number of product presentations
• Ability to quote purchase requests
• Additional marketing benefits
Non-Gold suppliers, on the other hand, have undergone different levels of scrutiny and have different recognized statuses or access to Trade Assurance.
Although gold suppliers are generally considered more reliable, their products can vary in quality, and their prices can fluctuate. Alibaba Kenya bulk buying.
Trading Companies vs Factories: Which is Better?
Alibaba has two basic types of suppliers: trading companies and factories.
Factories make their products in-house, offer customization, and generally have higher production capacity. Dealing directly with factories may reduce costs, but product quality may vary.
Trading companies act as intermediaries, offering a more comprehensive range of products from multiple manufacturers, offering purchasing expertise, and often accepting lower order quantities. They are slightly more expensive but provide consistent quality. Alibaba Kenya import process.
What are the alternatives to Alibaba?
If buying from Alibaba isn’t your thing, several alternative Alibaba platforms are worth considering. Here are five notable options:
• Global Sources: With suppliers mainly from the UK, Global Sources offers various products in various industries and services such as supplier verification and product certification.
• AliExpress: AliExpress offers a retail experience with a wide range of products at competitive prices, targeting small to medium-sized shoppers.
• An online B2B marketplace owned by the Alibaba Group is China’s version of Alibaba. The language used on the site is mainly Chinese.
Final thoughts on buying from Alibaba
Alibaba can be a great place to find products for your online store. The prices are low, and if you pay attention to your supplier, you can get good deals and quality products. Alibaba Kenya shipping restrictions.
However, it is essential to make some preparations beforehand. In general, Alibaba is best suited to those who want to market their products and get the best possible price.
CAN I GET PRODUCTS WARRANTIS FOR ITEMS BOUGHT FROM ALIBABA TO KENYA?
The warranty for products purchased from Alibaba in Kenya depends on the individual seller and the product you are buying. Alibaba Kenya online stores.
Key points to consider regarding warranties on Alibaba:
1. Check the product list: Before making a purchase, read the product list carefully and look for information about the warranties or guarantees provided by the seller. Some sellers offer specific warranty periods or warranties for their products.
2. Ask the seller: If the product listing does not provide enough warranty information, don’t hesitate to contact the seller directly via Alibaba’s messaging system. Please inform yourself about the warranty conditions of the product you are interested in.
3. Check Warranty Length: Check the warranty length if the seller offers a warranty. Warranties may vary in duration, and some may be limited to specific parts or defects. Alibaba Kenya order management.
4. Understand your warranty coverage: Pay attention to what your warranty covers and doesn’t. Some warranties may only cover manufacturing defects, while others may not cover accidental damage or misuse.
5. Keep Documentation: If the seller provides a warranty, keep all relevant documentation, such as your sales receipt and warranty card, as you may need them for warranty claims.
6. Return Policy: Please also check the seller’s return policy. In some cases, if the product is found to be faulty or not as described, you may be able to return it for a refund or replacement, although no formal warranty is provided. Alibaba Kenya product returns.
HOW TO AVOID SCAMS WHEN BUYING FROM ALIBABA TO KENYA?
Like any other online marketplace, buying on Alibaba requires caution to avoid scams and ensure a safe and successful transaction. Here are some tips to avoid scams when purchasing from Alibaba in Kenya:
1. Search the seller: Before making a purchase, search the profile and reputation of the seller. Check out their ratings, reviews, and years of experience on Alibaba. A reputable seller should get positive feedback from previous buyers. Alibaba Kenya custom duties.
2. Communicate with the seller: Use the Alibaba messaging system to communicate directly with the seller. Ask all your questions about products, shipments, and guarantees to evaluate their responsiveness and professionalism.
3. Avoid Unrealistic Offers: Beware of offers that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters can lure buyers with low prices to lure them into making a quick decision without proper research.
4. Check product descriptions and images: Look for inconsistencies or generic pictures that could indicate a scam. Alibaba Kenya shipping terms.
5. Verify contact information: Ensure the seller provides valid contact information, including a physical address and phone number. Legitimate sellers are more likely to provide accurate and verifiable details.
6. Use secure payment methods: Prefer secure payment methods, such as Alibaba Secure Payment, which provides extra protection by holding funds until you receive and approve the goods.
7. Avoid direct payments: Avoid direct payments to the seller’s account outside the Alibaba platform. This practice is unsafe and often associated with scams. Alibaba Kenya product ratings.
8. Buy from Gold Suppliers: Alibaba offers a “Gold Supplier” program for sellers with a good track record. Please consider buying from these sellers, as Alibaba verifies them. Alibaba Kenya trade agreements.
Bottomline, UK Kenya Shipping Ltd, will help you do all this in the comfort of your home, and your order from Alibaba will be at your doorstep.