When it comes to global e-commerce, Alibaba is the king. With more than 500 million users and counting, Alibaba has quickly become the go-to platform for online shoppers worldwide. Here’s a quick guide on how to shop on Alibaba and ship to Kenya, including finding the best deals.
Alibaba is a Chinese online marketplace where businesses and individual sellers can list products for sale. Founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, Alibaba has become one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with over 500 million active users.
You can find almost anything for sale on Alibaba, from clothes and electronics to food and machinery.
Many suppliers on Alibaba offer low MOQs (minimum order quantities), making it an excellent platform for small businesses and individual buyers.
How to Shop on Alibaba and Ship to Kenya
When it comes to finding the best deals on Alibaba, the key is to know where to look. If you’re browsing the site, you’ll likely come across many overpriced products or of poor quality.
However, if you take the time to search for specific keywords, you can find some great deals. For example, searching for “wholesale” or “bulk” will bring up many much cheaper results than buying individual items.
Shopping on Alibaba is easy and convenient. You can use the search bar to find products or browse through the different categories.
Once you’ve found an item you’re interested in, click “Contact Supplier” to send a message to the seller.
Most sellers on Alibaba will be happy to negotiate prices with you. Once you’ve agreed on a price, you can pay using AliPay, Alibaba’s secure online payment system.
You can also pay using your credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
Alibaba offers a variety of shipping methods, including air freight, sea freight, and express courier.
The delivery time will depend on the shipping method that you choose. Airfreight is the fastest option, but it is also the most expensive. Sea freight is slower, but it’s a cheaper option.
Your order will be delivered to your doorstep once it arrives in Kenya.
Steps to Shop on Alibaba from Kenya
Here is how to shop on Alibaba and ship to Kenya. First, you need to create an account.
Step 1
You need a registered account (sign up is free!). You can use your email address or click ‘new customer’ and fill in your name, email address, phone number, and password to register.
Step 2
After you have a registered account, the next step is to find what you want to buy. Once you’ve found something, click ‘add to the shopping cart. Add any other items that catch your attention, and then check out.
One great feature is shipping internationally to Kenya for a fraction of the shipping cost from other sites.
It works by creating an account with your address in Kenya and selecting what international items you want to buy.
Then, Alibaba processes the order for you. There are various ways to pay when using Alibaba. These include Bank transfers, Visa, MasterCard, and Western Union.
How to Find the Best Deals on Alibaba
With so many products and sellers on Alibaba, it can be tough to find the best deals. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Use the search filters: Alibaba offers several different search filters that can help you narrow down your results. You can filter by price, minimum order quantity, shipping method, etc.
2. Check the seller’s ratings: Check the seller’s ratings before you make a purchase. You can find this information on the product page.
3. Compare prices: Once you’ve found a few potential sellers, take the time to compare prices. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
How do I know if an item is authentic, and what should I do if I receive a counterfeit product from Alibaba?
When shopping on Alibaba, always check the seller’s rating and reviews before purchasing.
You should also request photos of the product before you make payment.
If you receive a counterfeit product from Alibaba, you can file a dispute with AliPay.
Are there any taxes or customs duties that I need to pay when importing products from Alibaba into my country?
When importing products from Alibaba into your country, you may be required to pay taxes and customs duties. These fees will vary depending on your country’s regulations.
Alibaba.com vs. AliExpress: what are the differences.
- Alibaba.com is a business-to-business marketplace, whereas AliExpress is a consumer-focused platform.
- Alibaba.com is aimed at businesses looking to source products in bulk, while AliExpress is suitable for individuals who want to buy items in small quantities.
- The prices on Alibaba.com are usually higher than on AliExpress, as suppliers on Alibaba.com typically offer wholesale prices.
- AliExpress is a good choice if you’re looking for low prices and a wide range of products. However, if you’re a business owner sourcing products for your store, Alibaba.com is worth considering.
Read also, How to Shop on Amazon and Ship to Kenya.
How much does it cost in terms of shipping?
Shipping costs vary depending on weight and destination, but there are flat rates according to the Aliexpress website. Shipments under 5 kilograms cost $10.00; shipments between 5-11kg cost $25.00; whereas shipments over 11kg cost $50.00.
Customs, Taxes, and Duties
Depending on the shipping method used(airport or seaport), you will have to pay the customs and duties levied on imports.
This article was a guide on shopping on Alibaba and shipping to Kenya! By following the instructions outlined in this article, I hope you can purchase goods online and have them shipped to Kenya.
