Alibaba.com

[payattention]

Anyone able to share their experiences and what to look for in a supplier and avoid? I'm looking to import an item but I've heard many of the suppliers are scams and the verification system Alibaba use is pretty much worthless.

 

[djuqa]

Yes what you heard is correct, there has been several cases recently reported about dodgy practices.
http://www.businessweek.com/blogs/eyeonasia/archives/2011/03/alibabas_bad_week_gets_worse.html
I myself contacted a supplier that was advertising a product (microscope sample slides @ less than 1$ per 100) an amazing price. Only to be told the advertised price was incorrect and I would be billed for 100 times the advertised
price.

 

[payattention]

From my research this morning, it seems GlobalSources.com is the better place to order from as they undertake verification of the supplieres. I found what I need so, I'll take the plunge I guess.