Experiences with Alibaba.com?

[jonsie]

There is a certain style of glass candle container that I would love to have, but I can't seem to find it here in Australia. I can find the sizes and style I want on Alibaba, and some of the manufacturers on there seem willing to negotiate below their minimum order requirements (of 1000, or 20000, etc).

So what's holding me back? Alibaba scares me. Large sums of money would need to be exchanged but I don't know what kind of protection I can have as a buyer. I don't even know where to begin with a purchase such as this, such as what questions to ask, or what guarantees or risks to expect.

I heard a rumor that Paypal is teaming up with AliExpress. As I recall, Paypal is good at protecting the buyer, so that would be good news if it's true. But I'd love to hear some positive experiences before I'd be willing to take a gamble.

[LuminousBoutique]

I've been curious too.. they have great prices on shaving brushes on there, like .50c a piece for nice wood handled ones that cost $20-30 retail, I would love to have some to offer up in sets and so on... so I've wanted to order.. but I am hesitant.One thing I've noticed is REDICULOUS shipping expenses. so thats a huge red flag. For ONE shaving brush, $216.50 shipping. LOL. Something not right there.

Another wanted $1315.00 for shipping of a case of brushes. Not likely.

Edited June 9, 2010 by LuminousBoutique

[momtohaley2004]

My gosh!!! I definately would pass on those shipping costs. I've been leary of them too so I've never ordered. I try to stick to reputable places. In fact I don't even like ordering from Amazon or Ebay very often.