Before you buy

Shopping with Alibaba UK

Narrow down by category

The marketplace covers a very wide range, so start with the category that matches your need, such as consumer electronics, apparel, home and garden, or automobiles and motorcycles. Narrowing the search early makes it easier to compare like with like.

Check the listing before you buy

Compare the specification, materials, dimensions and photographs on each listing. Where a detail is unclear, ask the seller directly before committing, and keep a record of what was agreed.

Consider the wider order

A marketplace purchase can involve more than the listed unit price. Check delivery costs and any other charges for your order before comparing options, so you are judging the full cost rather than the headline figure.