Chapter 2. Top 6 Best China Wholesale Websites Comparison
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1. Alibaba vs Global Resources vs Made-in-China
How can I buy wholesale from China? There are three major online Chinese wholesale websites: Alibaba, Global Resources, and Made in China.com.
- The number of Alibaba’s China wholesale suppliers is significantly higher than that of Global Sources and Made in China, but the quality may be lower.
- Alibaba offers a broader range of services, including online trade fairs and quality control inspection services. As global business expands, more suppliers from other countries are selling on Alibaba.
- Made in China and Global Sources are focused on electronics, mobile, and home gifts, making them ideal for sourcing products in those areas.
- Typically, Global Sources and Made in China have higher MOQs and prices compared to Alibaba.
Platform
MOQ
Numbers of Suppliers
Quality of Suppliers
Comments
Alibaba
Low
Biggest Player
Many middlemen
Global Sources
High
Over 10,000
Also organizes its own fairs
Only export-oriented
Made in China
Medium
Small and medium exporters
Some niche markets
Alibaba
Alibaba is recognized as one of the giants in B2B online business. It is a game changer in connecting Chinese sellers with a global audience. Even individuals outside of the business world are familiar with Alibaba.
Now, with a simple search on Alibaba, you can easily find a supplier of your choice. The platform offers various products, including beauty supplies, pet products, machinery, and trade services like trade assurance, payment solutions, inspection options, and shipping.
Pros
- - English Customer Support
- - Trade Assurance
- - Extensive experience with international clients
- - Familiarity with Amazon operations
- - Multiple international shipping methods
- - Various international payment methods
Cons
- - Pricing inconsistency
- - Many prices and orders in search results act as placeholders
- - Generally high Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
- - Most suppliers are trading companies, not factories
a) Language
Alibaba supports communication in 17 different languages, including Spanish, German, Portuguese, English, Hindi, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, Dutch, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Turkish, and Indonesian. This enables global communication across most regions of the world.
Although English is the primary language on Alibaba, you can still make purchases even if you are not fluent in English.
b) Verified Supplier Option/Trade Assurance
You can filter suppliers based on the trade assurance or verified suppliers option. Trade Assurance is a free service protecting your orders from payment to delivery. The verified supplier option is a premium membership for high-tier suppliers, enhancing your buying process's safety. Learn more about Trade Assurance in our blog screwdriver supplier.
c) Type of Business
Identifying whether a supplier is a trader or a manufacturer can be challenging, even for experienced buyers. Alibaba aids in distinguishing between them; just click on a supplier's company profile and check the company overview.
d) Multiple Delivery Methods
Alibaba offers various delivery methods, which you can choose from:
- C.I.F (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): The shipper bears all costs until delivery at the port of the importer.
- F.O.B (Free on Board): The importer assumes responsibility, including insurance and shipping costs once goods are delivered to the exporter's shipping dock.
- C & F (Cost and Freight): The exporter covers the costs of goods and shipping, while the importer bears the insurance costs.
- C & I (Cost and Insurance): The exporter covers the costs and insurance, and the importer bears shipping costs from the source port.
For more details on shipping incoterms, read our blog screwdriver supplier.
e) Minimum Order Quantity
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) refers to the least amount you can order to conduct business. Generally, the MOQ is low for most items, but some suppliers may require hundreds. You can specify your desired quantity while searching, and Alibaba will return suppliers that meet your criteria.
f) Different Payment Methods
Alibaba.com accepts various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, wire transfers, online money transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Western Union.
Made-In-China
Made-in-China is another e-commerce platform that allows global buyers to efficiently source products directly from Chinese manufacturers. A wide range of wholesale products is available for purchase.
Pros
- - Lower costs
- - Rapid prototyping
- - Quicker scaling
- - Opportunities for international expansion
- - Quality of service
Cons
- - Difficulty in finding a local manufacturing partner
- - Limited English customer support
- - Limited buying protection
a) Language Options
The website supports 11 languages, including Spanish, English, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Dutch, German, Italian, and French. This facilitates navigation for users globally.
b) Business Type
On Made-in-China, you can choose between two types of suppliers: manufacturers who produce products and trading companies. Some sellers may list themselves as both, and it's essential to inquire which specific products they manufacture versus trade.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website screwdriver supplier.
c) Minimum Order Quantity
The MOQ on Made-in-China varies by product type and volume. For larger, heavier products, the MOQ tends to be lower, while lighter, cheaper items may have an MOQ of around 300 pieces. It depends on the specific product being purchased.
d) Shipping Methods
You can opt for three modes of transport: express delivery, air freight, or sea freight. Your shipment choice should be based on product type and urgency. For comprehensive guidance, refer to our blog on selecting the best shipping methods from China.
We highly recommend getting your shipment insured.
e) Payment Options
Made-in-China suppliers accept several payment methods, including PayPal, L/C, D/P, T/T, Money Gram, and Western Union.
f) Customization
Suppliers on Made-in-China often provide customization options. You can submit a customization request to discuss available options and negotiate pricing.
Global Sources
Global Sources is a prominent online marketplace, allowing individuals and entrepreneurs to source products locally and internationally, featuring over 10,000 Chinese suppliers.
Pros
- - Low-cost manufacturing
- - Efficient supply chain management systems
Cons
- Potential hidden costs associated with time zones and language barriers
a) Languages
Currently, Global Sources offers its website in five languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and French.
b) Business Type
You will predominantly find large manufacturers and traders on Global Sources due to the hefty fees imposed on registered suppliers. This makes it challenging for smaller suppliers to join, so most sellers are manufacturers or traders.
c) Minimum Order Quantity
The MOQ on Global Sources is determined by the specific product, not the supplier. Different products come with different MOQs; for electronics, it may be in the hundreds, while household items might have an MOQ of 50. In contrast, furniture could have a MOQ comparable to a container size. This variability means MOQ can range from one unit to several units, depending on the category.
You can also order samples. Some suppliers provide samples for free, while others may charge for them. For certain sellers, buyers will need to cover both the sample cost and shipping.
d) Payment Options
Payments can be made via bank transfer. Typically, a 30% upfront payment is required, with the remaining balance due upon receipt of the product.
e) Delivery Methods
Shipments can be arranged through courier or air service. For prompt delivery, express service is recommended as it allows for receipt of products within 3-5 business days. Air transport generally takes up to 10 days, while ocean shipping can take approximately 25 days, depending on the destination.
Select the delivery method based on product volume and weight. In terms of cost, sea delivery tends to be the cheapest, while express delivery is the most expensive. However, sea delivery is the slowest, while express delivery is the fastest.
f) Customization
Yes, many suppliers on Global Sources offer customization options for buyers.
2. AliExpress vs DHgate
Both DHGate and AliExpress cater to small Chinese wholesalers and retailers. In the US, the closest comparison might be eBay.
Both platforms offer a money-back guarantee for purchases.
In terms of product sourcing, prices on AliExpress and DHGate may be higher than purchasing directly from manufacturers. However, the primary advantage is the significantly lower MOQs and sufficient inventory levels.
TIPS: You can often buy a single unit of a product, making these platforms ideal for testing new markets before scaling.
AliExpress
AliExpress, owned by the Alibaba Group, connects Chinese sellers with global buyers. You can find individual sellers trading singular items or wholesale companies on AliExpress. It is a valuable resource for buyers looking to test the waters with small orders or those intending to sell locally.
Advantages:
- - No MOQ required
- - Affordable shipping fees
- - Suitable for dropshipping
- - Easy purchasing process
- - Simple refunds
Disadvantages:
- - Slow shipping speeds
- - Presence of too many middlemen
Conclusion: AliExpress is ideal for individuals starting small businesses.
DHgate
DHgate.com is a Chinese wholesale shopping site featuring millions of products. Established by Diane Wang in Beijing, it's a reliable communication bridge between Chinese companies and wholesalers, connecting sellers and buyers globally.
DHgate specializes in electronic devices, smartphones, tablet PCs, electronic cigarettes, wedding dresses, and textile products.
The website also includes computer accessories, sports and leisure products, health and beauty supplies, bags, shoes, and everything for home and garden, auto parts, and many other wholesale items.
To facilitate successful purchases, DHgate provides numerous tools ensuring purchase security, delivery timelines, payment methods, product quality, and competitive pricing. For more information on DHgate's legitimacy and safety, please check the corresponding link.
a) Shipping Methods
Notably, few suppliers offer ocean shipping as DHgate caters primarily to individual businesses. Ocean delivery costs can be prohibitive due to product size and value. Instead, options like DHL, FedEx, China Post, Epacket, UPS, and EMS are available.
b) Payment Options
Payments can be made through various methods, including Western Union, bank transfer, PayPal, and credit card.
c) Customization
Generally, suppliers do not provide customization options. There may also be limitations on sending samples. If you are about to finalize a deal, they may send samples, but often at a price. Always review samples, even if you must cover the cost upfront.
3. Find China Wholesale Vendors from 1688.com
1688.com is a catalog of Chinese wholesaler suppliers under the Alibaba Group. It operates similarly to Alibaba.com, predominantly serving Chinese companies.
The entire website is in Chinese, necessitating the use of Google Translate or assistance from someone fluent in Chinese to find a supplier. While this may present a challenge, it can lead to advantages.
Chinese wholesale suppliers sometimes offer lower prices to domestic buyers compared to foreign companies. To secure the best price, consider negotiating through Alibaba and subsequently contacting the same supplier via 1688.com to compare quotes.
If the prices are similar, all is well; however, if they differ significantly, seek clarification regarding the pricing disparity.
In summary, using both Alibaba and 1688.com can help ensure you receive the best possible pricing.
Advantages:
- - Comprehensive product categories in China
- - An excellent way to find authentic Chinese manufacturers
- - The lowest prices for comparable products
Disadvantages:
- - Language barrier
- - Payment security concerns
- - Difficulty in returns
Conclusion: This option is suitable for those seeking the most reasonable prices on sourced products from China.
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