Platform
Alibaba.com
Buy in quantity from factories and trading companies at wholesale prices, with some payment protection.
- Bulk orders
- Your own brand
- Repeat stock
- Order size
- Bulk, minimum usually required
- Price
- Wholesale
- Shipping
- Quoted separately
- Protection
- Trade Assurance on eligible orders
Why use it
- Wholesale prices that drop as quantity grows.
- Custom colours, packaging and logo.
- Supplier profiles with years in business and reviews.
- Samples and price quotes from several suppliers.
Watch out for
- Minimum order quantities tie up your money.
- Some sellers are middlemen, not factories.
- Shipping and clearing are extra.
- Quality can differ from the sample.
Good fit if
- A trial batch or full order of one product
- You want your own packaging or brand
Not a good fit if
- You only want one item to test
- You need goods in days
Budget tips
- Budget for a paid sample first.
- Start with a smaller trial batch.
- Compare suppliers on the same terms, such as FOB.
- Add shipping, duty and fees to get your landed cost.
- Keep a reserve for delays and exchange rates.
Avoid scams
Red flags
- Price far below everyone else.
- Asks you to pay or chat outside the platform.
- Payment account name is not the company name.
- Refuses a live video call.
Do this
- Ask for the business registration and match the names.
- Hold a live video call and see the product made.
- Pay inside the platform and keep all messages.
- Order a sample, then a small batch.
Timing
- Ask for the production time in writing.
- Sea freight is slower and cheaper, air is faster and dearer.
- Avoid ordering just before Chinese New Year, factories close for weeks.
- Allow time for customs clearing in Cameroon.
Ready to import from Alibaba.com? Start in the app
Order products, pay securely and track delivery from supplier to your door.
How to order
- 1Write down what you want, quantity and target price.
- 2Compare several suppliers.
- 3Verify the company and order a sample.
- 4Agree price, shipping terms and dates in writing.
- 5Pay inside the platform.
- 6Inspect, then book your freight forwarder.
Quick answers
Is Alibaba safe?
Yes, if you verify the supplier, start small and pay inside the platform.
Do I have to buy a minimum quantity?
Most suppliers set one, but it is often negotiable for a first order.
Does it ship to my door in Cameroon?
Suppliers can arrange shipping, but you still need clearing and local delivery.
Compare with other platforms
| Platform | Order size | Price | Shipping | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alibaba.com | Bulk | Wholesale | Quoted separately | Medium |
| AliExpress | Single items | Retail | Often to your door | Medium |
| 1688 | Bulk | Lowest | China only first | Higher without an agent |
| Shein | Retail, larger carts | Low per piece | Delivered, shown at checkout | Low, watch fake sites |
| Temu | Retail | Very low | Shown at checkout | Medium, quality varies |
| DHgate | Small lots | Between retail and wholesale | Seller ships | Medium, avoid fake brands |
Read next
Ready to import? Start in the app
Order products, pay securely and track delivery from supplier to your door.