Hey,

This post is directed mostly to newbies. It has to do with all these trading platforms online like Alibaba, Tradekey, SellerKey, etc. I've just seen to many questions about these websites, so I decided to write a little about it. Everyone feel free to chip in.

First things first.
1. Be aware that almost EVERY single scammer advertises through these websites, and have hundreds of posts in them. Ask yourself...where else would they promote their scam website with their crappy websites? Where do most scammers do their business? Where do most people encounter scammers...and get then get scammed? Exactly.

2. One important factor to know is that most scammers in general and especially in these websites offer high-end branded stuff. So they usually have iPods, Video Games Consoles, Digital Cameras, and mobile phones. When you add up all their stock...it is usually within the hundreds of thousands of dollars. So you are telling me that some random Joe in China has ALL these super high end stuff by the dozens in their hands....FOR LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE... When I have to pre-order a PS3 in the USA because they are sold out at WAL-MART! Funny. And worst of all, they have a piece of garbage website and some of them don't even have a website.
Still hundreds of people handout thousands of dollars each day to these scammers. Proves to you that Common sense is NOT common.

3. I know. These websites can be great places to find UNBRANDED STUFF. You were dying to write that post already. The fact is that most newbies are not looking for unbranded stuff, they all want the PS3s, iPods, and mobile phones.
But yes, if you want to source unbranded stuff, there is a lot of potential in these sites. BUT be aware because there are scammers in every market.

4. Silver member, Gold Member, etc etc... For most part that means nothing. All it means is that these people payed a fee to get that title. So don't feel any safer dealing with any "supplier" just for that.

5. Remember. Common sense is not common.

I can add to this post because I have used alibaba.com It seems that every individual on that website is a scammer. The best way to resource this website is ask a lot of "QUESTIONS" I realized I was talking to a scammer. One individual had awesome priced XBOX 360's and PS3's. Where I could make good profits selling them online. So, I proceeded to speak to the individual and asked for pictures, etc. I even asked to come to his place of business in New York (which is what was listed) It is around 4 hours from where I live. But, I figured it would be worth it. So, I asked for pictures (he first send me pictures that I could tell he rounded them up off google images or ebay listings. So, I asked about coming to his place of business and where he imports his products. Finally, come to find out he never answered me about going there. but, did say they import their products from Nigeria. So, instantly I knew it was a scam... Another good way is to see what their phone numbers are and try to call them. I found that 90% of the phone #'s on alibaba are not real or have been disconnected.

Yep...i have my how business for sunglasses but i found really hard to find good source for electronics ... trade key seems not really good ...i'm in touch with a guy that i found on it and to me seems a scammer ...

hello.all
i am chip in,i am from china,i found that they are so many peoples to say there are so many scamer in china,in alibaba.frankly your guys is right,but many buyer is also the scammer,i usually shipping the goods if the quantity is not big enough before i receiveing the money for i am always afraid peopel call me scammer.i insist on no pain no gain.if you want to earn some profits,you must take the corresponding risk.

For china-mygo
Can i ask what kind of product are you selling?

to paolocali
I am exporter of garments and fashionable accessary like keychains,eyewears,neckties and so on,i dont' do orders just export finished goods,always have no MQ required.
best regards
barry-kao

I have found some good suppliers on Alibaba,
but it was not in electronics market.

I even took the risk and paid by wire transfer
(first order) - everything was o.k.

I would recomend any new comer to join this forum first then think about doing business with any one, i'm very lucky i found these forums because i too was gonna fall for the trap of dead cheap prices for branded stuff from china. alibaba.com are the biggest scammers who let these people scam people day after day. I am still searching for suppliers of branded clothes, but not on alibaba, I would rather take my time and get all the research together than waste my money.

Great information. Thank you
I was given the name of Alibaba as a source from my boss at work since that's where he gets some of his products that we sell. Although, none of the stuff is branded items.
I'm getting more leary by the minute. I really need to get a home business going, but don't know where to start any more.
I'm to the point that I think I will stay away from Alibaba for now.

angels2luv, if your a little weary of Alibaba, then try GlobalSources. Admittedly, there aren't so many companies advertising there when compared to Alibaba. But as a whole, the quality of supplier is generally better. The reason I advise this is because you can use their ranking system as guidance. Which doesn't guarantee anything. But a supplier with a four (or more) star rating shouldn't cause you any problems.

See here: http://www.globalsources.com/SITE/QUALITY.HTM

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