Buying High Value Items via Alibaba

[Smiler.]

I need to buy 2 electrical items from China for evaluation purposes.
Total value quoted is $3500 DAP.

Questions:

1. Assume I can order & pay via Alibaba using CC?
2. Does the above payment method provide suitable buyer protection?
3. What do I need to do regarding import duty?
4. Is there anything else I need to consider?

Thanks in advance.




P.S: Yeah, yeah.

[Camelot1971]

Although it wasn't a commercial purchase, I bought an expensive (£1000) guitar via Alibaba and it was a very professional transaction. Paid via credit card. I had to pay duty but it was much less than expected - they sent it as a sample. Arrived within 3 days of shipping. It's clear the platform is set up for B2B transactions though.

As long as you are happy with the underlying business, I think using the platform is as safe as any other one.

[philv]

Does Alabama act as a middle man, a market place for sellers to sell their goods on a single platform?

If so, you won't have section 75 credit card protection.
For section 75 you must buy directly from the seller.

[Birkin1932]

Alibaba is an introducer

[Smiler.]

Thanks for your replies.

Still umming & ahhing.

[Nickyboy]

philv said:

Does Alabama act as a middle man, a market place for sellers to sell their goods on a single platform?

If so, you won't have section 75 credit card protection.
For section 75 you must buy directly from the seller.

Alibaba withhold the money from the seller until you confirm delivery or a set period has elapsed after delivery confirmation. I've found their system very good if you have any problems.