Alibaba vs Dhgate

leelinesourcing

Chinese products are fun. You can add many eye-catching products to your online shopping cart.

But, it can be challenging to find trusted and reliable sellers. You’ll also find it hard to get affordable service if unfamiliar with the process.

To find an affordable supplier with high-quality products, you must research trade assurance suppliers.

Ensure that your supplier can deliver what you need. You should ensure they match your delivery method and time too.

If you are looking for Alibaba vs Dhgate complete comparison, you are at the right place.

Our sourcing expert shares about Dhgate vs Alibaba. You’ll be able to decide which is safer and more reliable.

alibaba vs dhgate

What is Alibaba

The name Alibaba is familiar to anyone who follows business news or eCommerce. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba provides manufacturing sourcing services. It is one of the most China’s largest online retail platforms. 

Jack Ma founded Alibaba in 1999 with the launch of the Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba.com.

Alibaba connects many businesses across the globe with wholesalers based in China. It got so popular because of its close ties with other countries. All nations were thus able to trade. Taobao and Tmall have recently been added as e-commerce options for Alibaba.

Suggested reading: Is Alibaba Safe and Reliable? Is Alibaba legit?
Suggested reading: Top 10 Chinese Manufacturing Companies

How Alibaba Works

Alibaba allows businesses and individuals to buy online from manufacturers. The average person doesn’t usually shop online at this kind of store. 

Alibaba offers a variety of products in categories. For instance, apparel, textile, machinery, industrial parts, sports equipment, 

Alibaba’s manufacturers set a minimum order quantity for purchases.  It is to protect themselves from disputes with buyers. There is no way to buy a smaller quantity and test the products first. For this reason, you’ll need a reasonable budget to begin.

If you want to buy supplies from Alibaba, you should contact several suppliers. You can negotiate low prices with your suppliers by assessing their responses. 

Upon agreement on price, you can continue with the order. You will receive your complete inventory shortly after ordering. Alibaba operates other related online shopping platforms. For instance, Taobao, Tmall, and AliExpress. Using Alibaba means having direct access to many product suppliers globally.

taobao

1、Taobao

Taobao is Alibaba’s largest consumer-to-consumer business, like eBay. Advertising is one way the company makes money, similar to Google.

tmail

2、Tmall.com

To focus on a more premium market, this company has separated from Taobao. It is aimed at the growing middle class in China. It also charges its merchants annual fees to offer the highest quality products.

Aliexpress

3、AliExpress

AliExpress is Alibaba’s global B2C platform. It is one of the best online retail platforms worldwide. Many people uesd to ask: Is Aliexpress safely?

This safe and secure platform allows customers from global suppliers to affordable goods. The products are set at a discounted factory price.

Suggested reading: Alibaba Alternative
Suggested reading: Aliexpress VS Dhgate
Suggested reading: Aliexpress Reviews
Suggested reading: 1688 vs Taobao

Is Alibaba Safe?

It’s hard to ensure 100% safety when it comes to wholesale and dropshipping business. Yet, most people agree that Alibaba is a relatively safe online marketplace

All the transactions are protected by strict rules and regulations on the integrated platform. The biggest benefit of Alibaba is that it offers Trade Assurance option. As long as you take all necessary precautions, you will be fine.

I know trade assurance has almost a 3% commission, but it is worth it. You should not skip it and only deal on platforms with maximum security, like me. 

Buyers and suppliers need to exercise due diligence in dealing with each other. Check on a review website or previous feedback, besides the number of transactions. 

By doing so, you’ll be able to determine if the suppliers are trustworthy. 

It is always good to test a few samples of a supplier’s products. You should do so before making a full-scale order. In this way, you can make sure they meet our quality standards to avoid poor quality. 

You can be very safe and legit with Alibaba if you perform this research and testing every time.

Suggested reading: Is Alibaba safe and legit?
Suggested reading: Best 10 Alibaba Inspection Service Companies

Pros/Cons of Alibaba

This business model has both pros and cons. Let’s examine some of them.

Pros of Alibaba

  • Alibaba offers low wholesale prices, increasing your profit margin potential.
  • Alibaba reviews can guide you in your decision-making process.
  • It’s trade assurance system can assist you in assessing potential suppliers.
  • You can focus on delivering excellent consumer services worldwide.
  • Various secure payment methods for you. For instance, Alipay, western union or other payment options. 
  • It is possible to track the product quality before delivery. It minimizes my tension, and I even use fast shipping services to save time. 

Cons of Alibaba

  • Alibaba is a wholesale provider. So, there is a minimum order quantity to be placed. The numbers can be in the hundreds for most suppliers. Investing in items you aren’t sure of the quality from the start can be risky.
  • Selling products that are not licensed could get you in legal trouble. You should not sell those that look like they belong to another company.
  • Customers’ expectations might differ from what they see on online shopping platforms. There is often a difference in product quality among Alibaba suppliers.
  • There will be obstacles to overcome in some niches. For example, the clothing sizes in Asia are often smaller than in the US.
  • The refund or exchange option may be difficult to arrange. My first priority is to appy all reliable filter checks to avoid suspicious activity. 
  • It is cumbersome when your customer rejects the item you’ve sent them.
  • Your order cannot be fulfilled immediately after placing it. Also, restocking takes more delivery time if you sell out of an item. You may also encounter problems with customers who don’t wish to wait.
Suggested reading: Alibaba Private Label

What is DHgate

In 2004, Diane Wang founded the cross-border e-commerce platform DHgate. It is one of the first companies to reach the online retail service market. 

DHGate specializes in cross-border trade and transactional eCommerce business. Thus, the DHgate store has become one of the most popular websites for online buying. 

The DHgate platform handles Chinese business-to-business (B2B) services in China. The platform is a safe and reliable place for online shopping. It is attracting global buyers and suppliers for more business opportunities.

DHgate’s products are generally at low prices without a MOQ. It makes the website a good option for retailers. Small and medium retailers can spend less money upfront.

The DHgate website allows buyers from over 200 countries to source products. The company aims to provide customers with cheap products and fast delivery times. It facilitates small scale businesses to sell products worldwide. DHgate attests and implements the concepts of paying for more successful social commerce.

Suggested reading: Best 30 items on Dhgate

How DHgate Works

Like other similar websites, DHgate allows people to source products. DHgate has an easy-to-navigate interface with a simple operating system. It is convenient to use with many similar features. For instance, product listings, prices, and reviews. It also provides escrow, financing, and logistical services.

DHgate is usually the best choice for bulk orders. If you wish, you can order individual items from the seller. They will be shipped straight to your customer.

Suggested reading: Best 30 Sourcing Websites

Is DHgate Safe?

DHgate is a legitimate e-commerce site and a good Aliexpress alternative. It connects Chinese sellers and international buyers. DHgate incorporates logistics providers worldwide. Many authorities had endorsed this e-commerce business website. 

When you do online shopping at DHgate, you can feel safe. The platform ensures the rights and interests of buyers through relevant measures. To protect yourself from fraud, DHgate offers the following features:

  • Feedback from sellers

The way buyers check each seller is as follows. A higher ranking depends on seller attitude, credibility, and execution. I read past reviews and feedback to check the credibility of their services. 

  • Managed Services from DHgate

Managed services involve a third party that collects payments. 

The company holds payments until the product is delivered. The Dhgate official service releases the payment when the buyer accepts the item.

  • Resolution of disputes

The company holds payments until the product is delivered. The Dhgate official service releases the payment when the buyer accepts the item. That’s why I only recommend dealing through the platform. It helps me to deal with issues if the supplier is not trustworthy. 

Pros/Cons of DHgate

Many businesses have come to rely on DHgate’s services. The site itself is not a supplier. It is an online marketplace where different suppliers can be found. 

Thus, you should know that this list contains good and bad suppliers. My fellow online sellers have found both of these suppliers on platforms. That’s why, in my opinion, the quality of suppliers depends on individuals. 

You need to consider the pros and cons this platform has to offer. It is crucial, especially if you plan to do dropshipping business. 

The following examples are worth checking out:

Pros of DHgate

  • Several types of products are available for cheap prices.
  • DHgate’s payment system is secure.
  • Massive collection of top Chinese suppliers at your fingertips
  • You can find future innovative trending products.
  • There are many ways to pay for transactions.
  • Fraud prevention page with feedback for suppliers

Cons of DHgate

  • Product quality is difficult to control
  • The weather or shipping conditions might cause delays in deliveries.
  • There are still questionable suppliers and sellers to worry about
Suggested reading: Dhgate Dropshipping
Suggested reading: Best China Dropshipping Suppliers and Dropship Websites

Alibaba vs DHgate: Side-by-side comparison

To decide better, we must compare them side-by-side and explain the difference. The buyer’s goal is to find the most suitable supplier and products. 

The best way to discover verified suppliers is to try out several websites. You can find many suppliers online. The best choice is made after experiencing their services. Let’s take a look at the comparison of Alibaba and Dhgate:

1、Types of suppliers

The current number of suppliers at DHgate is about 2.4 million. It is very convenient for new sellers to use Dhgate, especially the midsized factories.

You should’ve seen many Alibaba sellers selling the same product at different prices. It is because Alibaba has almost 3 million suppliers. The suppliers are divided into small, mid-sized, and large categories. I advise going with verified suppliers as both have different verification systems. 

2、More range of products

Every online shopper wants to have many choices when doing online shopping. Dhgate website sells many products. For instance, shoes, jeans, hair care, automotive products, medicines, chemicals, etc.

At Alibaba, you can find the same products as DHGate on this website. Alibaba has international connections for products and raw materials. Its suppliers can deal with any product they want.

Suggested reading: Best 10 China Shoes Markets

3、Pricing

The prices of the same item vary between the two platforms. It is because Alibaba specializes in large wholesale orders.

Thus, there are many products offered at reasonable prices. You can save money for your small business by ordering from Alibaba. My computer has two opened tabs at the same time to compare the pricing on both platforms. Yet my focus is always on their quality. 

4、MOQ: Minimum order quantity

MOQ

Buyers with more moderate budgets will be able to deal with suppliers on DHgate. The MOQ requirements on DHgate are lower than Alibaba.

Additionally, the platform features reviews and ratings for each supplier. This method has made choosing a credible supplier even easier.

5、Payment

There are various payment methods available at DHgate. You can use Visa, MasterCard, American Express Discover, and Skrill. Moreover, users can pay via Bank Transfers, Diners, UnionPay, Wire Transfer and Western Union. DHgate does offer escrow payment protection.

Alibaba has a better payment method. Alibaba enhances payment security for buyers and suppliers. The company has partnered with an independent payment provider (Alipay).

All the money exchanged for both Alibaba and DHgate is with the company. It allows better safety for buyers. My recommendation is to only deal via the platform for safety purposes. It has saved me multiple times from suspicious suppliers. 

Suggested reading: Alibaba Payment

6、Shipping method

DHgate and Alibaba do not offer free shipping but paid shipping methods. Many sellers may offer a discount on the shipping cost. 

There may be variations in delivery time based on the location. You should check the delivery time from your suppliers to stay on your schedule.

Suggested reading: Alibaba Shipping Costs
Suggested reading: Best 10 Alibaba Freight Forwarders
Suggested reading: Dhgate Shipping Time

7、Returns/exchange policies

DHgate offers free returns and exchanges for several cases. It is when you do not receive your order for any reason. Besides, it is also applicable when the supplier does not ship on time. The seller will return the shipping cost to you if it is the supplier’s fault.

The Alibaba platform supports partial refunds and holdings of products. You may receive a partial refund. It is when the products received differ from those contractually required.

Suggested reading: Alibaba Refund Experience

8、Customer Support

There aren’t as many ways to communicate with Dhgate. Chatting online or sending an email are two of the methods available. You can reach the Dhgate customer support team through both options.

There are four different communication methods available on Alibaba’s website. They are Chat now, Get the latest price, Start order, and Contact supplier. Alibaba offers a wide range of help through mobile support and the community forum.

You can contact suppliers using any of these options.

How to Make Online Shopping through Alibaba or DHgate?

online shopping

If you are ordering through Alibaba or DHgate, you should consider many factors. Following these tips helps you to shop safely on these websites.  

1、Fill out the inquiry form.

Asking questions is the best way to confirm your suppliers. For instance, the production timeline and MOQ (minimal order quantity). You should also ask about the shipping methods, shipping costs, and quality control.

2、Avoid middlemen at all costs.

It is common to find “middlemen” on these sites. They buy from the manufacturer at a lower price, then resell to you at a higher price. With a few simple questions, you can identify scammers. These middlemen increased my sourcing costs and even didn’t have good quality. 

3、You need to negotiate.

There is usually room for negotiation when dealing with manufacturers. You can negotiate a better price with them. I show them a bigger picture of long-lasting contracts for discounts. Most of the time, this trick work, and sometimes it does not. 

The first negotiations and meetings determine the tone of the buyer-seller relationship. Prepare beforehand if you want to establish a long-term relationship with a seller.

4、Check out the reviews

You should check any seller’s customer reviews and ratings before purchasing from them. Seek customer reviews from different countries that are moderately positive. 

A seller’s rating is also a good sign of the product’s quality. You should always read the reviews thoroughly. If there are too many reviews that are good in succession, they may be fake. Remember to find a trade assurance seller.

5、Speak to the seller

It’s a good idea to contact supplier if you’re uncertain about buying a product. You can’t find everything about a seller or their products from the profile. 

You can ask them about the specifics of the product. Besides, enquire about the source, delivery, shipping costs, and quality. Since actual products can vary from the pictures provided online, always ask for samples.

You can use it to determine whether the seller is a real person or a scammer. It can also help prevent fake products at a certain level.

6、Payments should be made through a secure method.

Whenever a seller asks for a wire transfer, run. You won’t get your money back if they don’t deliver the goods. Consider using PayPal or escrow services instead. Payment through the platform has saved me many times. You should do the same. 

Suggested reading: How To Buy Direct From China
Suggested reading: China Shoe Manufacturers
Suggested reading: Best Small Manufacturing Companies
Suggested reading: Best 20 China Online Shopping Sites to Buy Wholesale
Suggested reading: Wholesale Shoes From China
Suggested reading: How to apply for a refund on Dhgate?

FAQs on Alibaba vs Dhgate

DHgate vs Alibaba

1、Does DHgate offer fake stuff?

Yes, Dhgate does sell counterfeit products. You can quickly identify fake items from them. Counterfeit products are extremely cheap while they shouldn’t be. 

The number of fake jerseys, fake handbags, and fake shoes is large on Dhgate. Dhgate does sell fake sneakers like Nikes, Air Jordans, Balenciagas, and Yeezys.

2、Why is DHgate cheap?

The majority of DHgate’s manufacturers are from China. They use locally sourced materials. 

So, the prices in the sales link are lower than those on similar platforms. The company offers buyers and sellers the option of negotiating prices.

But, some suppliers may be unwilling to bid. It is easier to negotiate when you have bought enough quantities.

3、Why is Alibaba so cheap?

Alibaba is the biggest online B2B marketplace in the world. The Alibaba platform is designed to handle sales of high volumes.

Thus, wholesale prices are cheaper than the prices of individual sales. 
There are mainly Chinese manufacturers on Alibaba. Their labor costs are lower, taxes are lower, and their supply chain is efficient. 

Buyers can work directly with Chinese manufacturers when buying from Alibaba. Thus, marketing, advertising, and customer service indirect costs are reduced.

4、Is DHgate good quality?

Compared to similar sites, DHGate offers better reliability. It is common for sellers to provide good quality products. Otherwise, they won’t be able to make any money. DHgate offers a certain buyer protection plan.

Reviews of DHGate on sites like TrustPilot and SiteJabber have consistently been positive. Their collection range has more options than other platforms such as Lightthebox.

Final Thoughts on Alibaba vs Dhgate

Now that you know Alibaba and DHgate are legitimate online marketplaces. So, you shouldn’t worry about them. 

Both Alibaba and Dhgate have their advantages and perks that make them unique. It’s also vital that you research before choosing a seller. 

 The fear of fraud is one of the biggest concerns of online buyers and sellers. Yet, both websites make scammers’ lives harder with the more secure systems. 

Furthermore, you can count on a reputable sourcing firm like Leeline Sourcing. Talk to us to discover further about sourcing from China to grow your business rapidly to the next level.

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Sharline

Article by:

Sharline Shaw

Hey I'm Sharline, the founder of Leeline Sourcing. With 10 years of experience in the field of sourcing in China, we help 2000+ clients import from China,Alibaba,1688 to Amazon FBA or shopify. If you have any questions about sourcing , pls feel free to contact us.

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Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson
March 27, 2024 9:41 am

Comparing these platforms is so helpful for new sellers. Which do you find more user-friendly for small businesses?

Jacob Moore
Jacob Moore
March 26, 2024 7:31 am

The comparison between Alibaba and DHgate provided the insights needed to make informed platform choices. Your analysis is invaluable for businesses weighing their sourcing options.

Ava Thompson
Ava Thompson
March 25, 2024 8:41 am

This comparison really helps weigh the pros and cons of each platform. Based on your experience, which platform do you prefer and why?

Jordan
Jordan
March 23, 2024 1:56 am

It’s tough to decide between Alibaba and DHgate for certain products. Your comparison is just what I needed. Which platform do you find more reliable for electronics?

Linda Nguyen
Linda Nguyen
March 22, 2024 7:59 am

Informative comparison! Can you delve more into the dispute resolution processes of Alibaba vs. DHgate? Knowing how issues are handled is crucial for my decision-making.

Last edited 6 days ago by Linda Nguyen
Lucas Bennett
Lucas Bennett
March 21, 2024 8:10 am

This comparison between Alibaba and DHgate is just what I needed. It’s interesting to see how each platform caters to different needs. Have you found one to be consistently better in terms of product quality or is it more supplier-dependent?

Anna Smith
Anna Smith
March 20, 2024 7:59 am

This breakdown is a lifesaver! Anyone else have experience with electronics on DHgate? How does it compare to Alibaba?

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