As a retailer, there’s a good chance that you’ve felt the effects of China’s production standstill in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak.

China is the largest export market worldwide, and any slowdown has wide-reaching impacts on your ability to source products, irrespective of your location. 

Which raises the question: how can you mitigate against this?

What you can do is consider sourcing products outside of China.

With this in mind, we have put together a list of alternatives to Alibaba and AliExpress, two of China’s leading platforms for wholesale trade, as well as some additional opportunities for finding reliable suppliers.

While there’s no guarantee that these suppliers aren’t sourcing products from China themselves, it is a potential starting point for developing a contingency plan.

Why explore alternatives to Alibaba?

Diversifying supplier options

Exploring sites like Alibaba allows you to diversify your supplier options and reduce the risk of relying on a single platform for all your sourcing needs.

By having multiple supplier options, you can ensure business continuity in case one platform faces issues or becomes unavailable.

Additionally, working with various suppliers can help you access a broader range of products and stay ahead of market trends.

Diversifying your supplier base also enables you to compare product quality and negotiate better terms with suppliers, resulting in a more competitive edge for your business.

Potential cost savings

Different platforms may offer varying pricing structures, which could result in potential cost savings for your business.

By comparing costs and negotiating with suppliers across different platforms, you can find the best deals and optimize your profit margins.

Exploring alternative sites can also help you discover suppliers with lower minimum order quantities or more flexible payment terms, allowing you to better manage your cash flow and inventory levels.

Furthermore, some platforms may offer additional benefits such as discounts, loyalty programs, or bulk purchase incentives, which can further contribute to cost savings.

Niche market targeting

Some alternatives to Alibaba may specialize in specific industries or product categories, allowing you to find suppliers that cater to your niche market more effectively.

By sourcing from these specialized platforms, you can access a wider range of products tailored to your target audience, ultimately enhancing your product offerings and increasing customer satisfaction.

Specialized platforms may also offer unique features such as customization options, branding services, or industry-specific certifications, which can help you differentiate your products and stand out in your niche market.

Moreover, working with niche-focused platforms can provide you with valuable insights into your target market’s preferences, trends, and potential growth opportunities, so you can make more informed business decisions and drive growth.

Finding the best Alibaba alternative

Despite being a Chinese website, it is worth keeping in mind that Alibaba’s suppliers are located across the globe. In fact, you can actually filter their suppliers by country. 

So, if the only reason you’re considering alternative sites is that you’re looking for suppliers outside of China, we wouldn’t recommend writing Alibaba off entirely – although you should definitely make sure you’re protecting yourself as a buyer. 

If, however, you’re considering Alibaba alternatives for a different reason, we have listed some additional options for product sourcing below.

Before we jump into them though, it’s worth pointing out two things.

First, this is by no means a complete list of supplier directories; it’s a starting point to help guide you in the right direction.

Second, as with any big business decision, it’s crucial that you conduct thorough research before opting to use a new supplier. Have a read of this for some guidance on what to look for. 

Now with regard to the sites we’ve listed below, we have shed some light on their supplier verification process.

We would, however, also urge you to also consider the feedback from other buyers, as this will provide invaluable insight into how reliable they are.

5 alternatives to Alibaba for sourcing products outside China

Esources

eSources is a leading UK online wholesale directory that connects retailers and businesses with a vast network of global suppliers.

As one of the largest and most comprehensive B2B platforms in the United Kingdom, eSources provides access to a wide range of wholesale products from both UK-based and international suppliers.

By offering an extensive database and user-friendly interface, eSources simplifies the process of finding and connecting with reliable suppliers, making it an invaluable resource for businesses looking to source products from the UK and beyond.

Country: United Kingdom

Cost: If you’re not fussed about getting your hands on eSource’s entire supplier list, it might be worth considering their free membership option which gives you limited access.

For complete access you will need to subscribe to their premium membership, which starts at £20 for a month, increasing to £50 for six months access and £75 for the year. 

Do keep in mind though that if you opt for their paid premium option, eSources will refund your fee if you don’t secure an extra £30K worth of revenue from these sources.

Verification Process: While not all suppliers listed on eSources are verified, you can easily locate those that are by looking out for the site’s TradePass icon.

Salehoo

Country: United States

Cost: In addition to granting you access to SaleHoo’s supplier directory, the site’s $67 annual fee also gives you access to a member’s forum and the SaleHoo Market Research Lab, their dedicated platform for product demand.

Verification Process: SaleHoo provides security screening for all their suppliers, making it a great option for inexperienced sellers.

The Wholesaler UK

Country: United Kingdom

Cost: The Wholesaler UK’s directory is free for buyers and only suppliers are charged to be listed.

Verification Process: The Wholesaler UK has a strict verification process. In fact, not only do they verify each supplier’s address before allowing them to list on the site, but they also encourage buyers to report any issues.

Thomasnet

Country: United States

Cost: As a buyer, there is no cost incurred for using ThomasNet’s Supplier Discovery feature. 

Verification Process: While it is not clear how ThomasNet verify their suppliers, they do provide key information for each, including the supplier’s location, annual revenue, the year the company was founded and the number of employees.

That’s not all though.

When using their directory, you are also given the option to filter your searches by location and quality certifications, for added peace of mind. 

TradeIndia

Country: India

Cost: As a buyer, there is no cost incurred for searching for suppliers.

Verification Process: While the exact process TradeIndia uses to verify suppliers is unclear, the information they do provide can help to give you an understanding of each supplier’s credibility. 

In fact, when searching for products, you can see the name of the supplier, the number of years they’ve been a member, their buyer feedback rating and more importantly, whether they have a ‘Trusted Seller’ badge.

Best of all, this information is apparent at first glance, without having to do much digging.

8 other sites like Alibaba (if sourcing products from China isn’t an issue)

Global Sources

Global Sources is a Hong Kong-based B2B marketplace that connects buyers with verified suppliers from China and other Asian countries.

With a focus on electronics, home appliances, and fashion, the platform offers a wide range of products from manufacturers and wholesalers.

Country: Hong Kong

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Rigorous supplier verification with Global Sources Verified Suppliers badge

Benefits and features: Access to verified suppliers, industry-specific product focus, trade shows, and online sourcing events

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking for electronics, home appliances, and fashion products from verified Asian suppliers

Made-in-China

Made-in-China is a leading B2B platform that connects international buyers with Chinese suppliers.

The platform offers products across a variety of industries, including machinery, electronics, and textiles, making it a one-stop shop for sourcing products from Chinese manufacturers.

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through Made-in-China’s Gold Supplier program

Benefits and features: Wide range of product categories, access to Chinese manufacturers, and RFQ (Request for Quotation) service

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking for a diverse range of products from Chinese manufacturers

Dhgate

DHgate is a Chinese B2B and B2C platform that connects buyers with suppliers, primarily focused on small and medium-sized businesses.

With millions of products across various categories, DHgate is an excellent platform for finding suppliers offering lower MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities).

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through the TrustPass program

Benefits and features: Low MOQs, diverse product categories, and buyer protection policies

Who it’s best for: Small and medium-sized retailers looking for lower MOQs and a variety of products

1688.com

1688.com, owned by Alibaba Group, is a Chinese B2B platform that focuses on connecting buyers with domestic

Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers. The platform offers a wide range of products at competitive prices, making it an excellent choice for retailers looking to source products directly from China.

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through the Gold Supplier program

Benefits and features: Competitive prices, diverse product categories, and access to domestic Chinese suppliers

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers

Aliexpress

AliExpress, another platform owned by Alibaba Group, is a popular B2C and B2B marketplace that connects international buyers with Chinese suppliers.

With millions of products across various categories, AliExpress is a go-to platform for small businesses and dropshippers looking for affordable products and low MOQs.

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through the Gold Supplier program

Benefits and features: Low MOQs, affordable products, and buyer protection policies

Who it’s best for: Small businesses, dropshippers, and retailers looking for low MOQs and affordable products

Banggood

Banggood is a Chinese B2C and B2B platform that offers a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods.

With competitive pricing and a focus on quality, Banggood is an excellent alternative to Alibaba for retailers looking for affordable products from Chinese suppliers.

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through Banggood’s Certified Supplier program

Benefits and features: Competitive pricing, diverse product categories, and quality-focused suppliers

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking for affordable products from Chinese suppliers across various categories

LightInTheBox

LightInTheBox is a global online retail company that offers products directly to consumers around the world. The platform specializes in apparel, small accessories, and gadgets, making it a great option for retailers looking for unique and affordable products in these categories.

Country: China

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Supplier verification through LightInTheBox’s Certified Supplier program

Benefits and features: Unique and affordable products, diverse product categories, and international shipping options

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking for unique and affordable apparel, accessories, and gadgets

Sourcify

Sourcify is a sourcing platform that connects businesses with pre-vetted factories across the globe.

The platform focuses on providing a streamlined sourcing process, allowing retailers to find suppliers for their products in a more efficient and secure manner.

Country: Global, with a focus on China and other Asian countries

Cost: Varies depending on the supplier and order quantity

Verification Process: Rigorous factory vetting process, including on-site inspections and quality control

Benefits and features: Pre-vetted factories, streamlined sourcing process, and quality control

Who it’s best for: Retailers looking for a more efficient and secure way to source products from factories in China and other Asian countries

Other opportunities for sourcing products

Trade shows

Granted, trade shows aren’t alternatives to Alibaba themselves. However, they can be a great starting point for identifying credible suppliers outside of China.

The best part? You don’t even need to attend these shows.

While there are of course benefits to attending them (like having the opportunity to meet with potential suppliers face-to-face), many of them do make their vendor directories available online. 

As a starting point, we’d recommend taking a look at ASD Market Week’s vendor directory. 

Not only is ASD Market Week a B2B wholesale trade show covering a range of industries, it has the added advantage of a directory that you can filter to include or exclude suppliers from certain countries, in this case China. 

Don’t just limit your research to one trade show though.

In fact, by using a site like 10 times, you can search for trade shows and conferences relevant to your industry, in specific cities or countries.

Dropshipping

Another option worth considering is dropshipping.

More specifically, dropshipping is a fulfillment method that doesn’t require you, as the seller, to stock the products you sell. 

Instead, once a sale has been made on whatever channel you’re selling on, you pass the order information directly to a third-party supplier, who will then ship the order to the customer. 

But what does this have to do with finding products to source? 

Well, the short answer is that there are a whole host of dropshipping specific suppliers out there. 

Now while you can find dropshipping suppliers on many of the sites listed above, we’ve also listed some dropshipping suppliers here.

Final considerations

Develop strong relationships with your suppliers

Regardless of where your suppliers are based, establishing and maintaining good relationships with them is crucial for ongoing business success. 

Not only does this put you in a stronger position to negotiate better rates, perhaps more importantly it can help you minimise costly issues.

Issues that include:

• Not receiving a warning about your products being discontinued 
• Delays in supply
• Poor product quality

For more guidance on supplier relationship management, have a read of this dedicated guide.

Improve your chances of finding products that are in demand

If you’re only just starting out, you will need to have an idea of the products you’re wanting to sell before finding the suppliers that sell them.

After all, even the most reliable suppliers out there can’t guarantee success if there isn’t demand for those goods in your chosen markets.

While we’ve got a whole article that walks you through the steps to finding high demand products, if you’re short on time, a few places to start are:

• eBay suggested products
• Marketplace best seller lists
• Google Keyword Planner
• Watch Count
• Paid tools such as Terapeak

Use inventory management software to anticipate reorder points

Finally, once you have found a supplier, you will need to ensure that you are raising purchase orders with them well before you actually need the stock.

In other words, you need to balance stock availability with product demand, something that is only possible when you are on top of your inventory control.

Fortunately, advanced inventory management software makes this possible.

How?

By taking into account your average stock consumption rate for each product and your supplier’s lead times, along with other factors that may influence demand, to anticipate when you will need to reorder stock.

Which, as I’m sure you already know, is crucial for preventing stockouts and the subsequent risks to your business.

So, there we have it.

A list of Alibaba alternatives, some opportunities for sourcing goods outside of China and additional supplier considerations.

FAQs about Alibaba alternatives

What are the benefits of working with alternative Chinese companies for product sourcing?

Working with alternative Chinese companies for product sourcing offers several benefits such as:

1. Diversified supplier options,
2. Potential cost savings,
3. Access to specialized platforms that cater to niche markets,
4. And opportunities to discover unique products that may not be available on Alibaba.

Additionally, exploring other platforms can help you find suppliers with lower minimum order quantities, more flexible payment terms, or additional services like customization and branding.

Can I build my online store using products sourced from Alibaba alternatives?

Yes, you can build your online store using products sourced from Alibaba alternatives.

By diversifying your supplier options, you can access a wider range of products, cater to niche markets, and potentially find better deals on pricing and shipping.

Just ensure that you comply with any legal or regulatory requirements in your target market, and always prioritize product quality and customer satisfaction.

Should I consider local suppliers over China wholesale suppliers when sourcing products?

The choice between local suppliers and China wholesale suppliers depends on your business goals, target market, and product requirements.

Local suppliers may offer faster shipping times, easier communication, and lower import costs.

On the other hand, China wholesale suppliers can provide competitive pricing, a vast selection of products, and the ability to cater to large-scale orders.

Assess your business needs and weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine the best fit for your sourcing strategy.

How do I ensure the quality and reliability of suppliers on Alibaba’s alternative platforms?

To ensure the quality and reliability of suppliers on Alibaba alternative platforms, consider the following steps:

1. Check the platform’s supplier verification process and look for suppliers with certifications or badges indicating their trustworthiness.
2. Read reviews and testimonials from other buyers to gauge supplier performance and reputation.
3. Request product samples to evaluate the quality and consistency of the items before placing a larger order.
4. Communicate directly with suppliers to clarify any concerns or questions and establish a working relationship.
5. If possible, consider conducting on-site visits or hiring third-party inspection services to verify product quality and compliance with industry standards.

What are the most popular Chinese suppliers besides Alibaba?

Global Sources: A well-established platform with a large supplier database, Global Sources connects businesses with suppliers online, specializing in electronics, home appliances, and fashion accessories.

The platform offers a mix of both Chinese and international suppliers, making it an excellent resource for businesses looking to source a wide range of products.

Made-in-China: This platform connects businesses with Chinese manufacturers across various industries.

Made-in-China offers a comprehensive supplier database and a user-friendly interface, making it easy for businesses to find and contact suppliers for their specific needs.

DHgate: A popular B2B and B2C online marketplace, DHgate offers access to a vast selection of products from Chinese suppliers.

The platform allows businesses to purchase products in smaller quantities, making it suitable for smaller retailers or those looking to test new products before making larger orders.

What are the advantages of using an online marketplace instead of a traditional supplier?

Using an online marketplace provides several benefits for businesses, such as:

1. Wider selection of products: Online marketplaces offer a more extensive range of products than traditional suppliers, making it easier for businesses to find and source the items they need.
2. Easier price comparison: Online marketplaces allow businesses to compare prices from multiple suppliers quickly and easily, helping them find the best deals and save money on their purchases.
3. Faster and more efficient communication: Communicating with suppliers through an online marketplace streamlines the process, making it easier to ask questions, negotiate terms, and place orders.
4. Greater flexibility: Businesses can easily switch between suppliers on an online marketplace, giving them the freedom to explore different options and find the best fit for their needs.

Is Alibaba the largest online marketplace for sourcing Chinese products?

Yes, Alibaba is currently the largest online marketplace for sourcing products globally.

The platform connects millions of buyers and suppliers, offering a vast selection of products across various industries.

However, there are numerous other online marketplaces, such as Global Sources, Made-in-China, and DHgate, that businesses can also explore to diversify their sourcing options and find the best deals.

How do I know if other online marketplaces offer the same products as Alibaba?

Many online marketplaces, including those like Alibaba, offer a wide range of products across multiple industries.

To determine if a specific marketplace offers the same products as Alibaba, you can search their product listings using relevant keywords or browse their product categories.

Additionally, you can compare product specifications, prices, and supplier information to ensure that you find the best match for your online business needs.

Keep in mind that some marketplaces may specialize in specific industries or product niches, so it’s essential to explore multiple platforms to find the best fit for your requirements.