07/07/2025
Good afternoon. The first site we are going to look at for ordering online is Alibaba.
🛒 How to Order on Alibaba: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to www.alibaba.com
Click "Join Free" at the top
Sign up using your email or phone number
Choose your role: usually Buyer
Step 2: Search for the Product
Use the search bar to type the item you want (e.g., "phone accessories", "school bags")
Use filters to narrow by Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), Supplier Type, and Country/Region
Step 3: Compare Suppliers
Check the following before choosing a seller:
✅ Gold Supplier badge (trusted sellers)
✅ Trade Assurance (buyer protection)
✅ Verified Supplier (company has been checked)
⭐ Product reviews and ratings
Step 4: Contact the Supplier
Click “Contact Supplier” or “Chat Now”
Ask important questions like:
Can you ship to Zambia?
What is the total cost including shipping?
Can I order a sample first?
What is the delivery time?
Step 5: Confirm Details
Discuss:
Product specifications (size, color, quantity)
Price and shipping cost
Payment method (PayPal, bank transfer, credit card, etc.)
Shipping method (DHL, FedEx, sea freight)
Step 6: Place Your Order
Once you agree, the supplier will send a Trade Assurance Order
Review everything carefully
Make payment on Alibaba platform for safety
Step 7: Track Your Order
After payment, you can track your order from the "Orders" tab
The supplier may also send a tracking number
Step 8: Receive and Confirm Delivery
When your item arrives, check the quality and quantity
If there’s a problem, use the Dispute tool in your Alibaba account
If everything is okay, click "Confirm Receipt"
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💡 Extra Tips:
Start Small: Order samples before buying in bulk
Use Trade Assurance: Protects your money if the order is wrong or doesn’t arrive
Negotiate: Many sellers are open to lowering prices or MOQ
Find quality Manufacturers, Suppliers, Exporters, Importers, Buyers, Wholesalers, Products and Trade Leads from our award-winning International Trade Site. Import & Export on alibaba.com