Alibaba is a platform that offers access to thousands of suppliers who can produce almost every product that exists. Most suppliers are from China, but you will find sellers from around the world.
But are there Alibaba alternatives that are better for your business? Alternatives with more high-quality suppliers or more local suppliers?
In this post, we will introduce you to the top 18 Alibaba alternatives . We will also share some valuable information on how to source your products.
Why Should You Buy From Sites Like Alibaba?
Before we look at the best sites like Alibaba , it’s important to understand why you should source products from these marketplaces. Here are the most important benefits:
- Alternate marketplaces allow you to explore thousands of high-quality suppliers
- Sites like Alibaba offer payment protection in the event that a supplier fails to honor agreements
- Suppliers from China can offer products at a lower price because they have lower wages (only for Chinese marketplaces)
- Chinese manufacturers can deliver large order quantities in a short amount of time
- Nowadays, many Chinese manufacturers produce high-quality products
Why Should You Look at Alibaba Alternatives?
Alibaba is the most popular B2B marketplace for sourcing products from China. It offers some significant advantages like Alipay which protects customer purchases. It is often the first choice for ecommerce businesses and Amazon Sellers . So, why should you look at alternatives to Alibaba?
Here are the top reasons why you should explore other sites like Alibaba to find the best supplier for your business:
- Everyone searches for products on Alibaba.If you solely rely on the platform, you will find the same products as other businesses. Searching other sites may give you a competitive advantage.
- You may get a better price or find a higher quality product on alternative sites.
- Local suppliers on alternate sites may offer reduced shipping costs.
- There may be a more comprehensive selection of products on another marketplace.
These are just some of the important reasons why you should check out other sites like Alibaba. Basically, you should look at all alternatives because you don’t want to limit yourself to one marketplace.
How To Find the Best Products To Source on Sites Like Alibaba
Before searching for suppliers, you need to determine which products you will sell. If you haven’t done so yet, don’t worry. Here are some key factors to help you find a successful product:
- High-Profit Margins: Look for products with a profit margin of 25% or more.
- Small and Light: Since shipping costs and Amazon FBA fees are determined by size and weight, opting for products that are small and light will generally reduce your costs.
- High Demand: Choose products with at least 300 monthly sales to ensure strong demand, even if they aren’t the most popular items.
- Few Competitors: Select products with minimal competition. Fewer competitors make it easier to increase your sales quickly.
Fortunately, there’s a tool that can help you find high-potential products. Follow these step-by-step instructions to use it:
1. Sign Up for a Free Helium 10 Account
2. Navigate to the Helium 10 Black Box Tool
3. Set Desired Product Criteria: Use the filters to define your criteria, such as the number of sales for high-demand products or the number of competitors for low-competition products. If you’re new to product research, check out our product research guide.
4. Click “Search” to display the search results.
Focus on products worth exploring further. Exclude products from big brands, as competing against them can be challenging.
The Top Alibaba Alternatives
GlobalSources
GlobalSources is probably Alibaba’s most significant competitor. The platform is entirely in English, and you can find manufacturers from all over the world.
However, there’s a difference between Alibaba and Global Sources. On GlobalSources, you can find more real manufacturers instead of so-called “Trading Companies” that act as intermediaries and manufacturers. The strict admission procedure prohibits trading companies from selling on the platform.
One drawback is that you can’t see the prices for all products. You may have to contact a supplier to get them. However, Alibaba’s prices are often incorrect which evens the playing field.
Pros:
- Wide range of products
- Regular trade fairs and events
- Quality control
Cons:
- Mainly suppliers from China and Asia
- Can be expensive for small companies
- Higher Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)
DHgate
DHGate is a wholesale marketplace that caters to B2B business models. The company was founded in China and hosts millions of Chinese suppliers. It offers worldwide shipping.
The site not only looks similar to Alibaba, but it also works like Alibaba. It offers over 30 million products across various categories. Its prices are similar to Alibaba’s and as with Alibaba, you can contact suppliers and negotiate with them.
Sellers on DHgate offer low or no minimum order quantities and affordable prices.
Pros:
- No or low minimum order quantities
- Versatile products
- Secure payment and delivery process
Cons:
- Quality varies greatly between suppliers
- Product counterfeiting can occur
- Communication barriers with some suppliers
Supplier Database
Jungle Scout’s Supplier Database is one of the best alternatives to Alibaba. The tool helps you find high quality products from reputable manufactures.
You can search the database to find verified suppliers based on customer volume and confirmed shipments. You can find suppliers based on the brands and products they carry. You can search by ASIN numbers to find specific suppliers.
Customers can use the information gleaned from the database to compare quotes and store comparisons in a centralized location.
Pros:
- Targeted searches
- Allows shoppers to compare different suppliers
- Supplier search via ASINs
Cons:
- Not suitable for complex purchases
- Timeliness of data can vary
- Often requires additional research
all.biz
all.biz is an online B2B and B2C marketplace. It advertises itself as the world’s leading online directory of goods and services. It serves domestic and foreign markets in 26 languages.
The platform features mainly European suppliers. It provides different subdomains for most countries, which makes it easy to navigate through the marketplace. You can also choose between various payment currencies.
all.biz offers products in over 40 categories. It also provides personal data security so you can feel confident you are protected when using the platform.
Pros:
- Wide product range
- Multilingual platform
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Less well-known than other B2B platforms
- May not be suitable for companies with limited resources
- May have regional limitations
AliExpress
AliExpress is a popular online marketplace from in China owned by the Alibaba Group. Launched in 2010, it provides products to international online buyers at competitive prices. The platform functions similarly to Amazon, as it also allows individual sellers to list their items for sale, rather than selling items itself.
One of the defining features of AliExpress is its affordability. The marketplace is particularly noted for offering products at significantly lower prices compared to traditional retail outlets, largely due to direct access to suppliers in China.
Shipping options vary, including free shipping for some products, which adds to its appeal for budget-conscious shoppers worldwide. However, delivery times can vary significantly, and buyers may experience longer shipping durations depending on their geographical location and the item purchased.
Altough AliExpress is a B2C platform, many B2B buyers use the platform to source products for their businesses. Therefore, AliExpress is a great Alibaba alternative to consider.
Pros:
- Cost-effective pricing
- Wide product selection
- Global shipping options
Cons:
- Long shipping times
- Inconsistent product quality
- Complex return process
Lightinthebox
Lightinthebox is a Hong Kong based retailer that offers discounted prices on various products. It features thousands of products including electronics, toys, furniture, clothing, and more. It is known for its frequent discounts, rewards program, and large selection.
The company offers a data-driven business model that provides customized products at scale. Its multi-lingual websites allow customers to shop in different languages. It has recently launched a Whatsapp service line providing a new avenue of communication between customers and customer care.
Pros:
- Wide range of fashion and lifestyle products
- Global shipping
- Various payment options, including credit cards, PayPal and Klarna
Cons:
- Customers may encounter high shipping costs
- Quality can be inconsistent
- Return policies can be restrictive
Made in China
Made in China is an exclusive carrier of Asian products. It aims to connect Chinese suppliers with overseas buyers to promote international trade. It has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable international trade website.
The platform offers over 40 million products across 27 industries. Customers can search products based on product categories, industries, customization, sourcing, and recognition in the SMART EXPO and MEI awards.
Made in China prides itself on its trustworthy Chinese suppliers and easy and safe trading. Customers can contact individual manufacturers and negotiate with them for optimal pricing. Compared to other B2B marketplaces, you will find reasonable minimum order quantities.
Pros:
- Comprehensive database of Chinese suppliers
- Supports quality certificates
- Tools and resources that can help with sourcing products
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for companies with their own supply chains
- Quality variance between suppliers
- Focus on Chinese suppliers
1688
1688 is a B2B platform established for the domestic market in 1999. The site is written in Chinese but you can use Google Translate to assist with navigating the site. However, the translations may not be accurate.
The platform sells various products including clothing, electronics, raw materials for manufacturing, and industrial gear. It offers low minimum order quantities, direct contact with sellers, and a larger product selection as compared to other sellers.
Pros:
- Several Chinese suppliers to choose from
- Products are often cheaper than competitor websites
- Subsidiary of Alibaba
Cons:
- Mainly for the domestic Chinese market
- May not be suitable for business with limited language skills
- Quality differences between suppliers
IndiaMART
IndiaMART is one of the largest B2B marketplaces in India. The growing interest in India’s market makes it a suitable alternative to the Asian market. The marketplace offers various of Indian suppliers along with their products.
The platform is suitable for small, medium, and large sized businesses. It makes doing business easy by allowing you to connect with suppliers at any time.
IndiaMART empowers businesses and benefits suppliers with increased visibility, credibility and a lead management system.
Pros:
- Large database of Indian suppliers
- Various product categories
- User-friendly platform
Cons:
- Focus on the Indian domestic market
- Quality of suppliers can vary
- Requires careful supplier selection
TradeIndia
TradeIndia is another Alibaba alternative that features Indian sellers. It carries various products with and is dedicated to help businesses creating a customer-oriented value chain.
The company has set itself the task of bringing companies from all over the world together so that they can connect seamlessly. They also offer 360 degree digital marketing solutions to small and medium sized businesses. They have a global presence in over ten countries.
India Mart is committed to trust and transparency, constant learning, teamwork, and ownership. They push boundaries to ensure their clients’ success.
Pros:
- Extensive supplier directory
- Provides useful market information
- Trusted platform
Cons:
- Focus on the Indian domestic market
- Quality variance among suppliers
- Website can appear cluttered
EC21
EC21 has been connecting buyers and sellers across the globe since 1997. The B2B marketplace deals with mainly Korean suppliers – but there are also suppliers from China and the USA. Customers can filter suppliers by country.
The company is dedicated to providing small and medium sized businesses with trade support and international business opportunities. It also specializes in market research, online and offline marketing, trade education programs, and international cooperation. Its marketing expertise has made it a leader in social media and internet marketing.
Pros:
- Global B2B portal
- Multi-language support
- Easy handling and searching
Cons:
- Quality variance with suppliers
- Product information may be insufficient
EC Plaza
ECPlaza is a South-Korean owned company established in 1996. It’s a B2B Marketplace with suppliers from all over the world but also offers EDI service, trade consulting, and offline trade-related services for small to medium sized businesses.
The company’s global network offers businesses convenience, savings and money-making opportunities. It stands out as an industry, regional and trade expert. It offers e-Market place, search engine and social media marketing. Its public relation services include catalogs, and e-newseletter and homepage design.
EC Plaza envisions a future where all procedures are automated. It is working on building a One-Stop Trading Network that provides comprehensive services throughout the trading cycle.
Pros:
- Broad base of suppliers and buyers worldwide
- Various product categories
- Provides marketing services to suppliers
Cons:
- Some unverified suppliers
- Website design may be confusing for new users
eWorldTrade
eWorldTrade was founded in 2006 and is based in Dallas, Texas. It’s one of the largest B2B marketplaces for electronic devices. However, it also stocks apparel, home appliances, machinery and more.
In addition to offering buying and selling services, eWordlTrade also provides branding and web development expertise. The platform is designed as a fast and reliable trading service that helps businesses remain competitive. It provides advanced features that support business development.
The company prides itself on offering optimal transparency and reliability. The marketplace is a safe trading solution for businesses.
Pros:
- Verified suppliers
- User-friendly interface
- Integrated purchase process
Cons:
- Fewer suppliers compared to other platforms
- Technical issues on the platform can occur
Quality Trade
Quality Trade is an exclusive B2B marketplace for ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certified companies. These companies must uphold high standards to receive an ISO stamp of approval. As a result, buyers are sure to get high quality products.
The platform aims to become the most trusted B2B marketplace. It offers safe, efficient, and affordable service. It works with over 1,6 million ISO-certified companies worldwide.
The company is committed to offering a more reliable and eco-friendly trading environment.
Pros:
- ISO certified suppliers
- User-friendly platform
- Focuses on B2B market
Cons:
- Limited number of suppliers and products
- Main focus on Australian and New Zealand companies
- Not as well known as other platforms
Thomas Net
Thomas Net has been serving the needs of B2B buyers for 120 years now. The platform connects you with manufacturers, resellers and service companies such as marketing agencies.
The platform offers three ways to find suppliers. You can search the platform, upload a CAD model to get a quote for 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication and more, or register as a buyer to communicate and negotiate with various sellers.
Buyers can take advantage of Xometry payment terms for safe transactions and financing options.
Pros:
- North American manufacturers and service providers
- Detailed supplier profiles and ratings
- Long history and good reputation
Cons:
- Focuses primarily on the US
- No integrated buying process
- Some industries may be underrepresented
Europages
Europages is not a B2B marketplace. Rather, it is a business directory. Its database consists of about 2,6 million mainly European companies. The website is available in every language.
Users can easily find businesses through the platform’s open taxonomy system. Over 26 business sectors are organized by 4500 headings and over 90,000 keywords.
Pros:
- Extensive database of European companies
- Supports multiple languages
- Connections to various industries
Cons:
- Sometimes outdated
- Main focus on Europe
SoloStocks
SoloStocks is the leading online sales portal for businesses in Spain. It has a strong international presence, especially in Latin America and Europe. It offers a wide catalog of products available through reliable sellers.
The company was founded in 2000 and has since expanded to offer services in 12 countries. It aims to provide benefits to both buyers and sellers. It offers a fast, safe, and efficient buying and selling platform and provides a high level of customer service.
SoloStocks has millions of products for sale by verified sellers. The platform allows you to compare prices and products to get the best deal. It also provides information about sellers, distributors and manufacturers to ensure an excellent buying experience.
Pros:
- Focus on Spanish-speaking markets
- Various product categories
- Direct connection between buyer and seller
- Translation feature for non-Spanish speakers
Cons:
- Mainly focuses on Spain and Latin America
- Some product categories are underrepresented
China.cn
China.cn is a B2B marketplace with only Chinese suppliers. It’s very similar to 1688.com , but you can also view the site in English. It aims to honestly promote international trade.
The company was founded in 2006. It has gone on to become one of the leading domestic e-commerce service providers. It also offers several digital marketing services for small to medium sized businesses.
Pros:
- Official trading platform of China Internet Information Center
- Verified Chinese suppliers
- Various product categories
- Tools and resources to select high quality suppliers
Cons:
- Main focus on the Chinese market
- Potential communication barriers
Summary
Alibaba has established itself as one of the dominant platforms in the B2B segment. However, there are a multitude of other marketplaces that may be more specialized and potentially advantageous for certain business models in specific areas and regions.
Here’s a list of the best Alibaba alternatives for 2024:
- GlobalSources: Known for its wide range of products, especially in the electronics sector
- DHGate: Ideal for purchasing individual items in small quantities
- Supplier Database: Allows for targeted supplier search
- all.biz: An international marketplace offering various products and services
- AliExpress: B2C Alibaba alternative from Alibaba Group
- Lightinthebox: A leading platform for fashion and lifestyle products
- Made in China: A portal covering a large portion of the Chinese manufacturer market
- 1688: Alibaba’s B2B trading platform for the Chinese domestic market
- IndiaMart & TradeIndia: Two leading marketplaces for Indian suppliers and products
- eWorldTrade , EC21 and ECPlaza : Global B2B platforms offering a wide range of products and services
- QualityTrade: Specializes in high-quality products and suppliers
- ThomasNet: The go-to resource for North American manufacturers and service providers
- Europages: A central portal for European businesses and suppliers
- Solostocks: A key player in the Spanish-speaking market
- China.cn: Another source trusted for Chinese suppliers
If you’re looking for the B2B marketplace that’s best suited for your business, take a closer look at the specifics and strengths of each platform. If possible, test them in a pilot phase to see which one meets your business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding the best suppliers on Alibaba isn’t easy. However, there’s a tool called Helium 10 Chrome Extension that can help you.
You can also do product research to compare products and check demand.
If you know what product you want to source, you can search for it on Amazon.
Let’s say you want to source a garlic press. Type “garlic press” into the Amazon search bar…
Once the Amazon search results appear, start the Helium 10 Chrome Extension .
This is where the fun starts. Click on “Find Suppliers on Alibaba” to display the search results for the same keyword on Alibaba.
Narrow down the search results by setting some filters.
Use this 50% discount to try Helium 10 for one month or sign up for free . If you sign up for free, you’ll have limited access. Then head over to Black Box:
Once on Black Box, set the parameters to find high demand and low competition products. Here are some parameters that can indicate high demand and low competition:
- Revenue: High revenue implies high demand
- Reviews: Minimal reviews means low competition
- Sales Year Over Year: High growth indicates the product is trending
- Number of Images: Limited images indicate low competition
Enter your desired values into the Helium 10 Black Box. The tool will show you all products with these values. You can then sort the list according to your preferences:
If you want to sell on Amazon, you need to source products… and Alibaba is the largest online marketplace to find professional suppliers.
The benefits of Alibaba include:
- Ability to source private label products
- Lower manufacturing costs
- Increased control over product packaging
- Lower Minimum Order Quantities
- A wide range of suppliers
- One-stop-shop
There are many reasons why you should source your products from China:
- Low wages and inexpensive materials allow sellers to charge less
- Lower compliance
- Expansive supplier base
- Excellent product quality
- Manufactures deal with the buyer directly
- Low Minimum Order Quantities
There are a few reasons why you might not want to use an Alibaba alternative:
- There are lots of middle men on Alibaba who usually offer higher prices than the real manufacturer
- Some trading companies or manufacturers may provide low quality products
- A lot of businesses source their products on Alibaba, so it will be hard for you to differentiate your product from your competitors
- If you rely solely on Alibaba, you’ll never find other reliable (perhaps better) suppliers who are not on Alibaba
Here are some Indian equivalents of Alibaba:
- TradeIndia
- Indiamart
- ExportersIndia
- Wholesalebox
- MilMila
- E-IndiaWholesale
- Tradeford
Yes. Alibaba offers Trade Assurance.
When you search for suppliers on Alibaba look for ones who offer Trade Assurance. You can easily find them by looking for the Trade Assurance symbol.
Keep in mind that Trade Assurance is only enforced when you pay online via Alibaba.com.
If there’s an issue with your order, you can request a refund within 30 days of product delivery.
Here’s a video about Alibaba Trade Assurance which you should check out.
Alibaba is a Business-to-Business marketplace. AliExpress is mainly a Business-to-Customer marketplace. Thus, Alibaba is more suited for businesses and AliExpress is more suited for private customers.
Alibaba is not a wholesaler. Alibaba.com is a platform different sellers use to sell their products wholesale.
You can find suppliers outside of China at local trade fairs. You can visit trade fairs in the US, the European Union or in India.
No. Most manufacturers on Alibaba are from China, but there are also manufacturers from other countries like India. Here’s a blog post from Alibaba that describes how to find Indian Suppliers on Alibaba.
