Shopping on Alibaba.com differs slightly from shopping on online B2C stores like Amazon or AliExpress. The process is designed to be efficient and customizable.
Shopping on Alibaba.com is very simple and streamlined, let’s look at the 8 steps to purchase from Alibaba.com.
1. Create an account
First, create a free Alibaba.com account. You will be prompted to add some information, which usually includes:
- Country/region
- Trade role
- Full name
- Email address
- Company name
- Telephone number
At this stage, you will also be prompted to create a password.
As for the trade role, you can choose “Buyer” or “Both.” Only select “Both” if you plan to buy and sell on Alibaba.com.
2. Search and Find Products
Next, it’s time to search for products. Buyers can find items to order on Alibaba.com in two ways: searching and browsing the general marketplace or posting a request for a quote (RFQ).
Browsing the marketplace is easy because it works like any other search engine. You enter your search query for products and browse the results. You can also “upload images” to more efficiently search using images of the products you’re looking for. You also have the option of looking up supplier information by typing in the name of a manufacturer you’re interested in.
Use the search bar on the website to find packaging boxes products or suppliers. You can use keywords like “custom packaging boxes,” “personalized packaging boxes,” or more specific terms like “custom printed cardboard boxes.” Browse the search results and shortlist suppliers that seem to fit your requirements based on their product descriptions, customer reviews, and company profiles.
Results can be filtered and sorted by a variety of different criteria, including:
- Supplier Type
- Product Type
- Minimum Order Quantity (MQO)
- Supplier Country
- Certifications
- Functionality
This can help buyers narrow down the products to meet their needs. If you can’t find the perfect product that meets your criteria for purchase, you can post a request for quotation in the RFQ marketplace and suppliers can contact you to see if they can fill your order.
3. Compare Sellers
There are millions of sellers on Alibaba, but some have certain qualifications or certifications that set them apart. The three main designations are “Gold Supplier”, “Certified Supplier” and “Trade Assurance Supplier”.
Gold Suppliers are paid members on the Alibaba platform that have been verified as businesses with industrial or commercial capabilities.
Certified Suppliers are businesses whose company profile, management systems, production capabilities and process controls have been assessed, certified and/or inspected by a third-party agency.
Trade Assurance Suppliers are suppliers that accept payments directly through the Alibaba payment portal, enabling Alibaba order protection.
It’s a good idea to look at verified reviews for each supplier to see what kind of experiences past customers have had with them. If you have any questions about a supplier’s operations, or other information you can’t find on their profile, you can message them privately to ask.
4. Contact Suppliers
Once you have identified potential suppliers, you can contact them through the messaging system provided by the Alibaba website. In your message, clearly state your intention to customize the packaging box. Provide details such as box type (e.g., corrugated box, folding box), dimensions (length, width, height), material (cardboard, plastic, etc.), and quantity you require. You should also mention any specific design requirements, such as color scheme, logo printing, and any additional features, such as handles, compartments, or special coatings.
For suppliers with ready samples. To purchase immediately, the product must be marked as “Add to cart” and display the “Start Order” button on the product detail page. You can place an order directly or contact the supplier.
You can also place an order or contact the supplier directly by opening the product details page
5. Discuss Design and Customization Options
To make any type of customization to your order, you’ll need to “Contact Supplier” and negotiate with the seller using the “Chat Now!” instant messenger.
Again, to do this, you’ll need to message the seller privately. Approach them professionally and state your proposal. There may be some back and forth, but with the right approach, you should be able to reach a deal that makes sense for all parties.
Suppliers will usually respond with information about their customization capabilities and any available design templates or samples. You can discuss your ideas further with them. For example, if you want a unique box shape, you could ask if they have the technology to produce such a design. Share your brand vision and the purpose of your packaging to help the supplier better understand your expectations. They can also provide you with a rough estimate of cost and production time at this stage.
At the same time, you can also contact the supplier by opening the product details page and communicate your customization requirements in detail.
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6. Request Samples
It is always a good idea to request some samples of your custom boxes before placing a large order. This allows you to evaluate the quality of the materials, the accuracy of the printing, and the overall workmanship. Suppliers may charge a small fee for samples, which is usually refundable if you place a subsequent order (depending on your communication with the supplier).
7. Place an order
If you are happy with the sample, you can proceed with placing an order. The supplier drafts a trade assurance order, ensuring that the order details, including quantity, price, delivery time and payment terms, are clearly stated in the contract. You may be required to pay a deposit upfront, and the balance is usually paid before production is completed and shipped.
While you can remove the transaction from Alibaba.com, we recommend that you do not do so. Once a transaction leaves our platform, it is no longer eligible for the trade assurance that protects both buyers and sellers.
If you place an order on Alibaba.com, you will maintain communication on the platform and pay through our secure payment portal. Acceptable payment methods include:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Online bank payment (eChecking)
- Wire transfer (T/T)
- Western Union
8. Production and Shipment Tracking
During the production process, keep communicating with your supplier to make sure everything is going smoothly. The supplier should provide you with the latest production progress. Once the boxes are ready, they will arrange for shipment. You can track the shipment using the logistics information provided by the supplier to estimate the arrival time of your customized packaging boxes.
The last step in the purchase process is to receive your goods. When it comes to cross-border shipping and logistics, buyers can use Alibaba.com Freight for a reliable and transparent experience. It provides ocean freight, air freight, air express, and air parcel shipping from China to all parts of the world.
If you pay through Alibaba.com, our Trade Assurance program will complete this process. Shipping times vary from seller to seller, so they will be calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Once you receive your order, you can leave a review for the seller and decide whether to use them again to source products in the future.