"The platform's foundation is search and discovery. When sourcing, start by typing in the product you need. To vet manufacturers, check their tenure on Alibaba. Four or more years is a good sign. Seek ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, and ensure the on-time delivery rate exceeds 95%. Confirm they can customize products, and they hold relevant credentials, such as organic certifications for natural goods. Authentic suppliers typically display these clearly."
"Few companies have done more for global prosperity than Alibaba.com. Launched famously in China by Jack Ma, a former school teacher, in 1999, the company now connects 200,000 suppliers with millions of retail merchants. Suppliers grow, retailers diversify, and consumers have more choice for less money. Yet the B2B giant is not perfect. Language differences, intellectual property theft, and quality control can upend a supplier-buyer relationship."
Alibaba.com, launched in 1999 by Jack Ma, is a global B2B marketplace connecting over 200,000 suppliers and listing roughly 200 million products. The platform centers on search and discovery and provides tools to vet suppliers: tenure of four or more years, ratings above 4.5 stars, on-time delivery rates above 95%, customization capability, credentials like organic certifications, and factory photos. Alibaba verifies many suppliers through third-party checks confirming business registration, facilities, and certifications. Most Chinese manufacturers include English-speaking sales teams, and the platform offers built-in translation to facilitate communication. Quality control, language differences, and intellectual property risks remain challenges.
Read at Practical Ecommerce
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