What is the Alibaba buyer protection policy?
Alibaba's buyer protection policy is built on Trade Assurance. Learn what it protects, what it does not cover, how claims work, the dispute window, and the payment layers that strengthen it.
Alibaba Safety & Buyer Protection
Learn how Alibaba works, what Trade Assurance covers, how to assess platform risk, and which checks to complete before paying a supplier.
Are branded products on Alibaba authentic?
Almost never. Branded goods sell through official channels and authorized dealers, and nearly no Alibaba supplier qualifies. Learn the risks of seeded counterfeits, the licensed-goods exception, and safer alternatives.
Does it cost money to have an Alibaba buyer account?
Creating an Alibaba buyer account is completely free. Alibaba earns its revenue from suppliers, not buyers. Learn what is free, what you actually pay for, and the model behind it.
Can Amazon sellers buy from Alibaba?
Yes, Amazon sellers routinely source from Alibaba. Learn the workflow that protects your margin: compliance research, supplier vetting, IP protection, patent checks, pre-shipment inspection, and Amazon FBA labeling rules.
What is the difference between Alibaba and 1688?
Alibaba.com is built for international wholesale and export, while 1688 serves China's domestic market. Compare price, MOQ, supplier type, language, payment, shipping, and protection before you pick a platform.
How to avoid scams on Alibaba?
Most Alibaba scams happen because buyers pay outside the platform. Learn the 7 real scam patterns, an anti-scam playbook, and the red flags that should stop you before you wire a cent.
What is Alibaba Trade Assurance?
Alibaba Trade Assurance is a free buyer protection program backed by escrow. Learn how it covers your payment, how to create an order, the six payment methods, dispute refunds, and its honest limits.
Is Alibaba legit?
Yes, Alibaba is a legitimate, publicly traded company, but it is a marketplace, not a store. Learn what makes the platform legit, where the real risks are, and how to vet suppliers so you do not get ripped off.
Are all sellers on Alibaba real factories?
No. Only 20-40% of Alibaba suppliers are real factories. The majority are trading companies. Learn 8 reliable methods to identify factories vs. trading companies, and when each type of supplier is the right choice for your business.
Is Alibaba a B2B or B2C platform?
Alibaba.com is a B2B platform designed for businesses buying in bulk. It is fundamentally different from B2C platforms like Amazon or AliExpress. Learn what B2B vs B2C means, how to tell them apart, and which Alibaba Group platform fits your needs.
Can individuals buy from Alibaba?
Yes, individuals can buy from Alibaba without a business license, but the platform is built for B2B bulk orders. Learn the real barriers (MOQ, pricing, shipping, customs) and when to use Alibaba vs AliExpress vs DHgate as an individual.
What is the difference between Alibaba and AliExpress?
Alibaba is for wholesale bulk B2B orders. AliExpress is for retail B2C single-piece purchases. Same parent company, different platforms. Learn the key differences in MOQ, pricing, payment protection, shipping, and use cases.
Is Alibaba safe?
Alibaba is safe for most wholesale transactions, but safe does not mean risk-free. Learn how Trade Assurance works, the 5 real risks that still exist, common scams to avoid, and how to stay safe on Alibaba.
Why are products on Alibaba so cheap?
The low prices you see on Alibaba are mainly due to the following reasons: 1. Alibaba hosts many Chinese factories with extremely low production cost...
Is it safe to buy wholesale from China?
Buying wholesale from China is safe with the right precautions. Learn the 5 real risks, 7 safety measures, platform comparison, and a complete action plan to source from China without getting burned.