Alibaba. Legit Or Scam?

Question

Hi. Has Anyone purchased a product or products through Alibaba, personal dealings or maybe through a company wanting to buy in bulk, Was You scammed ? Were the good's fake?

Or was You happy upon recieving Your items, Why do so many Business's require Bank Wire Transfer / or simular methods of payment, when You have not done business with them before, isen't this a BIG RISK on You the buyer ?.

Kittysue · Accepted Answer

Several of Alibaba's executives were fired for allowing known scammers to have Gold status
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/02/executives-at-alibaba-resign-over-fraud-investigation.html

Alibaba is nothing but a listing site. While there are legitimate dealers on there, there are also plenty of scammers and there is really know way to know which are legit and which aren't unless you know someone who has already done business with the company or can get numerous references to prove they are legit

Cookie · Answer

I would be very interested in hearing an answer about dealing with Alibaba.com, too. I've been in touch with a supplier of kitchenware. He's extremely accommodating, friendly, answers every question etc... I asked for one sample of the product, he told me how much, I wired it through T/T (which is essentially a bank wire transfer), and he shipped it to me a few days ago. Now I'm waiting for this sample. If I find the sample to be good, I will consider making a transaction with this company.

I'd like to say, I searched all over on this topic. I researched this Chinese company (that I'm dealing with on Alibaba) - they are splattered all over the internet, however, I cannot find one review, or anyone that has done business with them. They do have an actual factory address, a land phone number, a cellphone number, etc... They are Gold Member, which to me doesn't mean much, considering what I've read on the Internet about Alibaba Gold Members (it's just a paid membership).

Does anyone have experience with Alibaba suppliers?

Please give us newbies some hints... Thank you!

2012-02-12 18:08:26

Jake · Answer

It's a well known, massive marketplace for Chinese wholesalers and manufacturers, ultimately you are dealing with individual businesses and not Alibaba so results can vary. They have some sort of Gold member status that cost lots of money to get, those with this mark are more likely to be legit big time businesses.

This is really for someone with a business license looking to buy in bulk, like a serious eBay seller.

Carol · Answer

I have ordered six different items from Alibaba. Of these, three never arrived. Only one was as advertised, a leather guitar strap that actually came from Switzerland. One order of guitar strings was clearly fake. They were supposed to be Fender strings but were nowhere near the advertised size or quality. The supplier promised to replace them but they never arrived, either. Instead of ordering from Alibaba, toss your money into the street. The chances of someone finding it that actually needs it is better than your chances of receiving anything satisfactory from Alibaba.

Anonymous · Answer

I came across their website and wonder if the are a scam as well.  I wouldn't buy anything from them with more investigating.

Anonymous · Answer

In China, it is a legal company.

Alibaba. Legit Or Scam?

Answers