pay to alibaba best way for you, I think alibaba protector buyer more than seller

I am in the same position as you. I sent a large deposit which the supplier required as a 30% deposit before they can start processing my order.  It's for Inflatable Bounce Houses.  I suspect the supplier does not have any inventory because I have been asking them continuously for updates on the status of my order and I could never get a straight answer.  They even take a long time to respond to emails and when I ask why they take so long, the sales lady say she is very busy.  It's almost like she is trying to avoid me. 
I sent the deposit on May 7th.  As of today, I have asked for updates as to the progress on the products, and I still cannot get an answer from the supplier.  All she say is we are working on it.
My biggest fear is that she will eventually disappear or hope I give up asking her for my product.  I cannot do anything because she confirmed getting the deposit.  I think we are in a similar situation.  I have also tried reaching out to Alibaba to intervene, but no success there.  When I try to call the phone number she provide, I don't get any answer.  I have tried calling round the clock, still no answer.  I also had a friend in China call, she was unable to get through.  I'm thinking I may have gotten scammed.

Maybe you should ask your Chinese friends to check her company or come to her company directly,then see what she will do