China - Buying through Alibaba

[SagMan]

Just coming to the latter stages of finalising an order for aluminium section as a result of enquiries procured from Alibaba (www.alibaba.com).

The preferred supplier has been gold member for two years and has a trust pass profile.

I will be going to the Canton Fair on October and visiting some factories but would like to place orders now for contracts won for the 3rd Quarter.
Has anyone had success through the Alibaba web service and any recomendations / warnings you can offer?
Many thanks. Sagman

[CHIEF]

I've sourced companies on may occasion and not had a problem yet. although i tend to approach companies direct.

made some great savings but i'm sure you dont need me to tell you that

[SagMan]

Chief - Thanks for reply. Is their any value in the Gold member and Trustpass cert's promoted by Alibaba?

[Golfman]

I have used that site for "window shopping" but then use my own staff out there to source direct from the manufacturers as most people selling on these site are simply agents.

Also allow a good few days for the Canton fair, its huge!