Hello,


I am very new to this and recently made a purchase of a sample unit and sent the money via WU.  I was given a tracking number the next day and was told that it would arrive in a bout a week via EMS.  I was also told that I could not get tracking information for at least three working days.  The purchase was on a Thursday and it is now Monday and still no tracking information.  Is the normal procedure for EMS, or was I basically just scammed? 


I realize now that there are better and more secure ways to go about buying items on here, such as Escrow, however, how does one go about utilizing this?  I really want to start my own business and this seems like a great and easy way of doing it, but I also want security that this won't happen again to me. 


Thank you in advance for your advice.


Mark

Escrow is still not popular in some developing countries at present. You can simply check out their Business License and Export License with local offficials before payment. Be careful next time, more information regarding 'how to do safe business' ,please have a look at the blog: www.myspace.cn/chinastin

you are scammed by buying brand items

Hi mark,

You are asking about something that many people have asked. and there are many replys many people have been ripped off by some scamers that are some how slipping through the alibaba net.

Its not to say all are scamers on alibaba but as sure as night and day some are and they wait and pray on people like me and you starting up a new business.

The best advice I can give you and others that will come to read this is do some research 1st, I know its not easy at 1st becouse you are so excited in developing your business but after you have got your hands burnt then start your research.

Once you have spoted a supplier you want to do business with start talking with them via email msn, trade manager and so on...

once you have lose some money you will get better at it.

So in this sad doom and gloom start to buy small items and build a friendship with someone and keep in the back of your mind you can get scamed.

I do think alibaba sould have feedback system it will provide security for all....

This is where I am at....

Quoting from [markmacejr]:


Hello,



I am very new to this and recently made a purchase of a sample unit and sent the money via WU.  I was given a tracking number the next day and was told that it would arrive in a bout a week via EMS.  I was also told that I could not get tracking information for at least three working days.  The purchase was on a Thursday and it is now Monday and still no tracking information.  Is the normal procedure for EMS, or was I basically just scammed? 



I realize now that there are better and more secure ways to go about buying items on here, such as Escrow, however, how does one go about utilizing this?  I really want to start my own business and this seems like a great and easy way of doing it, but I also want security that this won't happen again to me. 



Thank you in advance for your advice.



Mark

I can honestly tell you not to expect a reply from alibaba.com as they are the one's that have the thieves working under them. Surely, as it is a rule in China that they cannot sell name brands as it is illegal, but yet they allow people to trade. As I can say from first hand experience you have probably been scammed as you may have been given an EMS tracking number that you are going to be able to track for a week, than you will be unable to do so. The person who ripped you off will no longer answer emails as they did when they were trying to convince you to buy. Now that they have your money they don't need to talk to you no more as they have what they want. Should you report it? I would say yes is you have time and energy to waste!!! A word of advice if you plan to give alibaba another try don't ever order from Yada Huang (Amy) as she is a thief!!!

Hi, the best way is to make partial payments and upon getting your stuff despatch receipt copy, than pay the balance !! Internet- not easy to trust anyone or any company whether it is popular or not when it comes to money!! thanks.

i was scammed by amy to, then she was in orderandtrade she got my money from wu and never ever sant nothing back nor answerwd, now shes in a company called nice, also a girl called mary sacmmed a friend her company is platinatrade hope this helps you to be aware, gloria

can some one tell me the best way to pay for goods on alibaba.com, are they all thievies ?

Only by escrow.If the seller didn`t agree he is a fake.Be very careful .No way WU. Use paypal or moneybookers,There is some protect.