What are paid samples on Alibaba?

What is a product sample in wholesale global trade? A sample in business-to-business transactions is a very small order – typically one unit – of an item you are interested in placing a large order of. It’s a low-risk way to inspect the product yourself for color, quality, materials, and more.

Can I order only 1 item in Alibaba?

With Alibaba you can buy a single item if you negotiate with a supplier and they agree to sell you one item. However, the real benefit of Alibaba is the ability to work directly with a manufacturer. You’re able to get high volume discounts and create your own custom products from scratch using your own designs.

How do you request a supplier sample?

How do you order and request samples?

1. To order samples you will need to shortlist the suppliers you are interested in.
2. Send the brief to each supplier detailing the product samples you need: quantity, specifications, features, colour, sizing.
3. Depending on your arrangement with the suppliers – you then pay for samples.

How do I request a sample from a company?

How to Ask for Product Samples by Email

1. Visit the company’s webpage. Use a search engine such as Google, Bing or Yahoo to search the web for the company’s website.
2. Click on the contact information link.
3. Email the company using the email address provided.
4. Ask for a sample.

Should you pay for samples?

It’s worth it to pay “extra” for a sample upfront than to risk wasting money if an entire order goes wrong or is not what you expect. Some designers see this as a development cost of production for their line and a way of protecting themselves from risk.

Should you charge for samples?

Charging for sample edits can be a good strategy if you are getting lots of enquiries and don’t have time to be doing lots of free samples. As with anything when running your own business, just do what suits you. And then, if you want to change your mind, you are free to do so.

How do I get better shipping on Alibaba?

Is Alibaba Safe?

1. Verify their export history using a tool like Jungle Scout’s Supplier Database.
2. Order from Chinese companies only.
3. Buy from Gold Suppliers only.
4. Pay via Trade Assurance or PayPal when you can.
5. Order small at first and gradually increase your order size.

How many product samples should I order?

My recommendation is that you order samples from at least 3 to 4 suppliers. That way you are not only testing the product but also the supplier’s ability to deliver on their promises – and within the set deadline. Once you have approved the product samples it’s finally time to place your order.

How long does it take to order from Alibaba?

How long does it take to order from Alibaba.com? The order process depends on how long it takes to get from initial RFQ to mass production. A normal production run can take anything from 1 to 2 months, but it’s hard to estimate how long it takes to get product samples made as there can be challenges when developing new products.

Why do I have to buy in bulk on Alibaba?

Because many suppliers on Alibaba are manufacturers or factories, they will usually force you to purchase a minimum order quantity with every order and you have to buy in bulk.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) on Alibaba?

Now the MOQ (minimum order quantity) will vary from supplier to supplier, but in general, you should be able to find a supplier on Alibaba that matches the size of your business. For example, when my wife and I first started our handkerchief store, we found vendors willing to sell us as few as a hundred units per order.