Are alibaba.com and Western Union safe and trustworthy?

Question

I'm a 15 year old boy living in Canada, and I've got the idea of selling electronics and things to friends and ppl at my high school. So I wen on alibaba.com and have found many items for cheap. I'm specifically looking for phones, and have found unlocke blackberres, iPhones and other phones for really good prices. But are these the real thing, or are try fake copy cats made in china, because I don't want to buy fake stuff. Also the payment for the items go through western union for all the people I am buying from. When you orde something andten recieve it through westen union, is there a big cost that you have to pay western union on top of the cost to buy the item, or is it just a small cost (for example buying a blackberry bold 9700 for $160 is the western union fee large).

I need to no this, because my mom won't let me buy stuff online unless she knows it's 100% legit. And she doesn't trust alibaba.com. Can I trust it, and if so how can I convince my mom to let me order off the website.

Thanks

Andrew · Accepted Answer

You can trust alibaba.com, however they are a whole sale online agency.  you prolly need to buy a great amount of goods.  otherwise, they will not sell to you. and also you usually need to contact the factory before you buy.   Western Union is safe.

Rick B · Answer

Well, if you use Western Union you are sending them the money before you get the item and you have no recourse.  I'd never buy an item like that.  Use a credit card so you have protection.

hazzard · Answer

If you are asked to pay for products from any seller that requires Western Union only, it's a scam. Go to the Western Union website to find the warning about this scam.

s2010 · Answer

dont use western union for buying stuff. use credit card

Are alibaba.com and Western Union safe and trustworthy?

Answers