Maybe you are so confused. But I'd like to tell you we don't need the free B2B. Because customer do not trust the free member, and we have such opponents. That means you're wasting your time. And that also tell the customer you do not  have strength of bussiness. You can't offer the cost of being a big B2B member. But maybe sometime I am wrong. Pls say you opinion here. Let's discuss.

Quoting from [cica-faucet]:

Maybe you are so confused. But I'd like to tell you we don't need the free B2B. Because customer do not trust the free member, and we have such opponents. That means you're wasting your time. And that also tell the customer you do not have strength of bussiness. You can't offer the cost of being a big B2B member. But maybe sometime I am wrong. Pls say you opinion here. Let's discuss.

I some what agree to you.....few more points why a paid service is important  -


So that you are verified and trusted company/individual - easier for a buyer to decide on a supplier.


So that Alibaba earns enough money to do enough marketing and other Search engine optimization expenses and add on to more features on this portal.


it helps reduce spammers drastically.


suppliers fees can be used to give more benefits to buyers - which will be beneficial for suppliers at the end..


I am not a trusted supplier(u can trust me but alibaba wont say it unless i pay them)..But once i get more knowledge about this portal, i wud be happy to pay as well....its the investment which can fetch very good returns...So - good trade off !

Quoting from [cica-faucet]:

  You can't offer the cost of being a big B2B member. But maybe sometime I am wrong. Pls say you opinion here. Let's discuss.

My friend (if you consider me as one), I believe that yu are too presumptous in this respect.

First let me assure you that I am from one of the biggest supplier of home appliances in SIngapore. We may not be top 500, but we are certainly not small and we can afford to pay to be a member.

The fact that we don't is because of a number of reasons:

1.   I am new to this company and will not want the company to inccur the cost until I have proven to be a contributing member to the company. I know it is a chicken and egg issue about joining as member to get more enquiries and business or vive versa. That is debatable.

2.  There is more then 1 website offering this services. The fact that I am here means I trusted this B2B, but will the boss agree.

3.   I am still really trying to know what a paid member true advantage lies beside having more contact. Don't tell me all this paid member are upper class clienteles, that is open for discussion. I have encountered a few black sheep myself.

4.   I am still testing the water, member like you should be there to encourage and show the way instead of posting negative remarks about free member.

5.   If you were to read all my postings, you will know that I am here, notonly to trade but to be a member of a community that will assist and improve one another.

6.   And yes, there are indeed some very poor trader who are struggling to sell their wares. Don't you think as fellow traders, you should be helping instead of pouring cold water. And don't forget, all big business started small.

 I have stated my point. I do certainly hope that there are not many here who share your thought. You may mean well and are trying to promote this B2B, but may I cautious, don't let B2B degenerate into a Elitist Member only community.

 

Quoting from [rgs_frankyeo]:

 I have stated my point. I do certainly hope that there are not many here who share your thought. You may mean well and are trying to promote this B2B, but may I cautious, don't let B2B degenerate into a Elitist Member only community.

After reading each and every point of your reply, I can only full-heartedly agree with you. The previous two opionions might not come from an evil heart, but they show thoughtlessness at the very best.

One point I would like to add to your list is that even the biggest company occasionally will have a one-time requirement. Let's say they need a certain machine to increase production. Does it make sense for them to become a premium member just to be able to ask for this one machine? As a matter of fact, I have seen many similar trade leads.

And there are many more reasons for allowing free members. Just think about the businesses that typically sell to retailers. These retailers as a whole group mean quite some income to them, but it wouldn't surprise me if none of them could afford a premium membership. Now, do you really want to take away all this business from sellers?

And there is much more to consider. But one thing is absolutely sure: if Alibaba allows free members, it's not just an act of philantrophy; it's business as usual!

Quoting from [germex]:

Quoting from [rgs_frankyeo]:

 I have stated my point. I do certainly hope that there are not many here who share your thought. You may mean well and are trying to promote this B2B, but may I cautious, don't let B2B degenerate into a Elitist Member only community.

After reading each and every point of your reply, I can only full-heartedly agree with you. The previous two opionions might not come from an evil heart, but they show thoughtlessness at the very best.

One point I would like to add to your list is that even the biggest company occasionally will have a one-time requirement. Let's say they need a certain machine to increase production. Does it make sense for them to become a premium member just to be able to ask for this one machine? As a matter of fact, I have seen many similar trade leads.

And there are many more reasons for allowing free members. Just think about the businesses that typically sell to retailers. These retailers as a whole group mean quite some income to them, but it wouldn't surprise me if none of them could afford a premium membership. Now, do you really want to take away all this business from sellers?

And there is much more to consider. But one thing is absolutely sure: if Alibaba allows free members, it's not just an act of philantrophy; it's business as usual!

Thank you.

Quoting from [cica-faucet]:

Maybe you are so confused. But I'd like to tell you we don't need the free B2B. Because customer do not trust the free member, and we have such opponents. That means you're wasting your time. And that also tell the customer you do not  have strength of bussiness. You can't offer the cost of being a big B2B member. But maybe sometime I am wrong. Pls say you opinion here. Let's discuss.

maybe

my top 10 B2B trade website:


http://www.alibaba.com


http://www.bosslink.com/


http://www.ebay.com


http://www.made-in-china.com


http://www.globalsources.com/


http://www.diytrade.com/


http://www.ecplaza.net/


http://www.craigslist.com/


http://manufacture.com.tw/


http://china.busytrade.com/