So I think I found a good supplier on alibaba for what I want to buy. The price is about $2 less per item than most others and the quality is very good. He is a 2nd year gold supplier for alibaba. He accepts wu,bank wire, and money gram.

Now I know everyone here says paypal only! But I've never dealt with anyone on alibaba and I'm not sure if this is a good or normal payment method there.

The total sale would be for 1050USD. If he is a 2nd year gold seller and accepts those types of payments, do you think it is an ok purchase? How can I protect myself with this types of payments?

post full details of your supplier (dont have to mention the products your buying obviously) and let some of our great forum members check out their credibility. Canada's always good at carrying out wibesite checks. Note however that just because a supplier is an Alibaba Gold Supplier it does not mean they may not be a scammer...we have had several gold suppliers from alibaba who have turned out to be scammers

I have used alibaba before and all my transactions were fine but some suppliers have been on alibaba for more than two years and the sad truth is that it doesn't mean anything these days...

Alot of people were scammed by gold suppliers cause gold supplier doesn't mean anything but A PAID membership.

Post details of your supplier in order to find out if there is anyone on the forum who have used them in the past.

First off do not order that amount in your first order. Test the water with a sample order.

Do not rely on Alibaba. If you post up the suppliers name TWF can check them out but without this there is no way we can give you a recomendation based on them being a Gold Supplier.

Finally if you are ordering over $1000 of product and they are an official company then tell them to sign up to paypal. Alot of suppliers will use the service for that kind of money if they refuse I would ask a lot of questions to find out why becuase there is no reason for them not to. You can also request they set up Escrow.

If you are wanting to keep the suppliers details private then maybe see if someone will do some private checks for you.

Don't expect them to have to use Paypal, It is not the industry standard.

That's not the way to do buisness with Chinese Companys. If you are parting with your money in a Chinese market you have to lead the discussions. You have to put presure on them to use paypal you have to make it clear you have money and this will be the first order of many. There is no reason for them not to sign up to using paypal unless they do not need your business which I will find hard to believe.

Of course there is reason for them not to accept Paypal, what about the fee's?

Not many wholesalers accept paypal, i believe the fees for Chinese sellers is even bigger than the rates we pay.

You have to tell us what your buying, if its branded goods then don't send them a penny.

$2 cheaper than the competition does not tell us anythign either, how much are the items? If its $100 then obviously it is not much but if they are $10 then its quite a saving...

Thanks every for your amazingly fast replies! The alibaba company is "beijing enser business trade company ltd".

The items I would be buying are $41 each. I have been paying $43 each for products of slightly lesser quality. So for $2 less and a much better quality item I think its a great deal.

Please let me know what you think. Doing smaller orders seems like a waste of time though. But maybe you're right. Either way I appreciate any input!

http://resources.alibaba.com/topic/3...nd_a_crime.htm