Hi, I have been reading all the comments about being victims of FRAUD because of using companies found on Alibaba. I am a fashion retailer in the USA and i am about to make my first large purchase from 5 companies I have been talking with. To tell you the truth, I am very scarred about doing any business with anyone from this site becuase the likely hood that I will be scammed is so great. Is my only option to visit China to purchase my stock? And if this is true why will I need the service of Alibaba who apprarently from the comments I am reading, are doing nothing to protect customers and if this is so how long can Alibaba be able to do do business is no one trust the site or the member who trade through it. My question is What is the best way to pay for items purhcased in China? I have heard conflicting stories about LC and TT. Can some one advise of hwo to pay and actually receive the items purchased. IN DISTRESS..... JANETTE

Quoting from [jan-derby01]:


Hi, I have been reading all the comments about being victims of FRAUD because of using companies found on Alibaba. I am a fashion retailer in the USA and i am about to make my first large purchase from 5 companies I have been talking with. To tell you 

Alibaba, Tradekey and Global Sources etc are all platforms both for buyers and sellers, they are not responsible for every detailed business between the buyer and the seller. As a buyer, you have to do enough Due Diligence work before payment as no international trade is 100% safe for both parties. Scammers exist worldwide, but please note that the majority of suppliers online are quite reliable and honest enough.  Here are some basic homework for your safe business in China:

1. Buy samples first before a trial order and place a trial order first before a large order.

2. An on-site auditing & inspection service from a third-party company is a must if your order is large enough in China.

3. A pre-shipment QC inspection and a Supervision of Loading Process is also very important is your order is large enough.

4. A formal Purchase contract cometimes can play a key role in solving trade disputes in China.

5. Insurance support when necessary.

Please feel free to contact me for any question related. Good luck! 

Quoting from [jan-derby01]:


Hi, I have been reading all the comments about being victims of FRAUD because of using companies found on Alibaba. I am a fashion retailer in the USA and i am about to make my first large purchase from 5 companies I have been talking with. To tell you the truth, I am very scarred about doing any business with anyone from this site becuase the likely hood that I will be scammed is so great. Is my only option to visit China to purchase my stock? And if this is true why will I need the service of Alibaba who apprarently from the comments I am reading, are doing nothing to protect customers and if this is so how long can Alibaba be able to do do business is no one trust the site or the member who trade through it. My question is What is the best way to pay for items purhcased in China? I have heard conflicting stories about LC and TT. Can some one advise of hwo to pay and actually receive the items purchased. IN DISTRESS..... JANETTE

Thank you for your suggestions, I intend to follow each step religiously. Janette