CLASSROOM: Sourcing Products Using Alibaba

Notes from Chris

Episode 1402

Today, let’s look at the topic of sourcing products using Alibaba and Alibaba Express. Specifically, I’m talking about buying something from overseas (most likely an East or Southeast Asian factory) and reselling it in your country. Is there an easy way to get started with this?

What is Alibaba and Alibaba Express?

The Alibaba Group controls the largest online marketplace in the world—and yes, that includes Amazon.

It’s a directory of manufacturers and items for sale in bulk, predominantly from China. You can peruse the listings, contact vendors, and place orders directly.

You don’t need to be a big business or even a business at all to purchase from these sellers, Alibaba provides a number of protections for both buyers and sellers (like eBay), and in a lot of cases, there are low minimum quantities so you don’t have to invest a lot upfront.

Alibaba is B2B only, Alibaba Express is B2C. There is some overlap, but generally, the prices will be higher on Alibaba Express—that’s because it’s easier and more consumer-friendly, with lower minimum order quantities. I’d recommend if you really want to get into this, you focus more on Alibaba, just be aware there’s a learning curve.

Listen to today's episode to learn more...

THIS WEEK’S ASSIGNMENT:

Consider buying something for resale. Visit AliExpress.com and identify at least two items you think you could purchase and then resell for a profit.

 

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Check out Alibaba.com and Alibaba Express.
• The Ultimate Guide to Safely Sourching Your Product from Alibaba [Article Link]
• How to Source Products From Alibaba to Start an Online Business [Article Link]
• Alibaba 101: How to Safely Source Products From the World's Biggest Supplier [Article Link]

 

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Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,