Alibaba Alternatives: 15 Best Sites Like Alibaba to Source Products

When we talk about sourcing from China, Alibaba may be the first platform that comes to mind. As the largest wholesale platform in China, Alibaba offers buyers worldwide a wide selection of products at low prices. However, it’s not the only option. There are Alibaba alternatives that can either outshine or complement it in one or more aspects.

In this article, we will introduce you to the 15 best sites like Alibaba that you can use for sourcing in 2023.

Before that, let’s touch on the topic of why you need Alibaba alternatives.

Why do you need Alibaba alternatives

Thousands of online sellers have been sourcing from Alibaba. If you only buy from Alibaba, the products in your store are likely to be the same or similar to those of your competitors. It becomes challenging to set yourself apart from others.

In addition, some suppliers prefer not to sell on Alibaba. They have a renowned presence in their industry and operate their own websites. Relying solely on Alibaba can cause you to miss opportunities to sell with them.

Here are other important reasons why you should consider utilizing sites like Alibaba:

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Suppliers on Alibaba often set a MOQ for their goods. This number varies among sellers and products. But overall, it limits your flexibility. Even though you can buy a single piece from some sellers, you will likely pay a higher price.

Non-local Suppliers: When your business is based outside of China, sourcing from Alibaba can increase your shipping costs. Additionally, delivery times may be prolonged.

Limited Niches: Alibaba primarily focuses on electronics, clothing, and accessories. If you are not selling within these niches, your product choices can be limited.

Risk Reduction: Placing all your eggs in one basket, or relying solely on Alibaba, can be risky. If you know about any alternative to Alibaba, you can turn to it and minimize losses in unforeseen circumstances.

Alibaba alternatives in China

1. Aliexpress

Aliexpress is owned by the Alibaba Group. It is a business-to-consumer marketplace catering to buyers worldwide. This marketplace hosts over 100 million products at low prices. What sets Aliexpress apart from Alibaba is that products from Aliexpress have no MOQs. So you can buy a single item every time you receive an order and save money on the inventory.

Another highlight of Aliexpress is that it safeguards your payment with its money-back guarantee program. If the item you receive is not as descibed or not deliverd within the protection time, you can get a full refund.

Pros

• A vast variety of products
• Low price
• Buyer protection
• No MOQ
• Websites in multiple languages
• Free shipping for many products

Cons

• Potential scams from unreliable suppliers
• Long shipping time in some cases
• Inconsistent product quality

2. 1688

1688 is a sister site of Alibaba.com. It mainly caters to domestic businesses in China. As a wholesale market, 1688 focuses on fashions, clothing, beauty, and accessories. Most products are from manufacturers and wholesalers. Compared to those on Alibaba, these products are much cheaper as there are no international shipping costs to consider.

The drawback of 1688 is that their products have also MOQ requirements. But with the development of dropshipping, now you can buy one piece at once just at a higher cost.

Because 1688 is developed for domestic customers, its website is in Chinese. You need to translate it to your local language with Google Translate if you source products here.

Pros

• Lower priced products than Alibaba
• Easy to find a product with the user-friendly interface
• Safeguarded payment

Cons

• Mainly cater to China users
• The barrier to language and time
• Many traders instead of original manufactures

3. Temu

Temu is a US-based online market owned by PDD Holdings. It is the sister company of the shopping site Pingduoduo. Though launched a few months ago, Temu has gained popularity across the US and topped the app stores. We list it here as an Alibaba alternative in China because the majority of products on this platform are shipped from China.
Temu offers a wide selection of products across different categories like apparel, makeup, electronics, home-ware, etc. Most products are heavily discounted and at very low prices. They could even be cheaper than those on Aliexpress in some categories.

After you place your order, Temu ships it within 6 to 14 business days. Free shipping service is available on lots of products. If you don’t receive your order or what you get is damaged or not as described, you can request a refund with Temu’s Purchase Protection Program.

Pros

• Incredibly low prices
• Heavy discounts on most products
• No MOQ
• Purchase protection

Cons

• Frustrating shipment sometimes
• Inconsistent product quality

4. Sup Dropshipping

Unlike other alternatives to Alibaba on this list, Sup Dropshipping is a dropshipping agent located in China. We have connections with thousands of vetted suppliers and own a vast base of products. All of our products are affordable and easy to source by picture scanning or with the Chrome extension.

Most importantly, we provide print on demand and quality inspection services. You can design effortlessly and sell unique products to build your brand. Before sending your orders out, we 100% conduct product checks. This is beneficial to improve your customer satisfaction.

Pros

• A variety of products at affordable prices
• Experienced sourcing
• Free design tool for print on demand items
• Quality inspection before the shipment
• Product photography
• Multiple shipping and payment methods

Cons

• An emerging brand, some improvements needed

5. Global Sources

Global Sources is a Hong Kong-based B2B company. It aims to facilitate online and offline trade between suppliers in China and customers worldwide.

Though Global Sources lists different categories on the homepage, they mainly focus on electronics. And most of their products have MOQ requirements, usually more than 100 pieces. Therefore, this wholesale company may better suit middle to large businesses than small businesses.

One outstanding feature of Global Sources is that it provides sources of trade shows. Dropshippers can stay up-to-date with the latest trends in related fields by participating in trade shows. Meanwhile, they can build a good relationship with suppliers.

Pros

• Verified suppliers
• Resources of trade shows online and offline
• Easy to get samples 
• Focus on electronics

Cons

• High MOQ
• Products are more expensive than those on Alibaba
• You need to inquire the supplier before your purchase for most products

6. Made-in-China.com

Made-in-China.com is a trading company in China. It connects worldwide buyers with Chinese suppliers. There are millions of products from more than 6 million suppliers on this site. But these products mainly fall under the categories of electronics and industrial supplies. If you sell in such fields, Made-in-China would be the right fit for your business.

Pros

• Millions of quality products
• Negotiable and lower MOQ
• Customized products available
• Verified Chinese Suppliers
• Resources for trade shows
• Multiple language choices

Cons

• Mainly electronics and industrial supplies
• Potential scams from unreliable suppliers

7. Banggood

Banggood is a direct-to-consumers marketplace, where no third-party suppliers sell but the Banggood company. That means little chance for you to be scammed by an untrustworthy supplier.

On Banggood, there are one million products covering over 30 categories. With 37 overseas warehouses, you can have your order delivered timely by Banggood.

Pros

• Little chance of being scammed by third-party sellers
• Fast delivery
• No MOQ
• Prompt customer service

Cons

• Fewer product choices in comparison with Alibaba
• Products at a higher price

8. DHgate

Like Alibaba, DHgate is one of the leading online wholesale platforms in China. Thousands of sellers trade goods with worldwide buyers on this site. Most products here are sold with MOQ limits, but they can be close to what you see on Alibaba.

With DHgate, you have access to information about trade shows in China. DHgate dropshipping can enhance your chance to succeed.

Pros

• The website is in multiple languages
• Information about trade shows provided
• Escrow protection on every order
• Intuitive interface

Cons

• MOQ requirements
• Frustrating customer service

9. SHEIN

As a business-to-consumer retailer, SHEIN focuses on the fashion field. Products on this shopping site are mainly in the category of clothing, including dresses, tops, lingerie, shoes, and jewelry. They are especially popular with young and middle-aged women with various style preferences.

If you specialize in the fashion field, sourcing from SHEIN will give you more selling inspiration. And you can enjoy free shipping services if your order amounts reach a standard.

Pros

• A well-known fashion brand
• Shipping globally
• No MOQ

Cons

• Poor customer service
• Higher prices

10. Chinagoods

Chinagoods is the official website of Yiwu Market. It collects information about millions of low-priced products from thousands of suppliers in Yiwu.  

Yiwu Market is well-known as the city of small commodities. So massive products on Chinagoods fall under the categories of crafts & jewelry, festival & party supplies, toy, and baby supplies. But you are also accessible to hardware tools, electronics, and renewable energy products. Visiting the Yiwu Market in person may take you further to learn about the variety of products in this market.

Pros

• Millions of small commodities
• Combination of online and offline stores
• Competitive prices

Cons

• The product information on the website is not detailed
• Limited product choices in some niches

Alibaba Alternatives in the USA and Europe

1. Wholesale Central

Wholesale Central claims to be America’s leading B2B directory. It compiles hundreds of wholesale suppliers in the USA, and they are sorted out according to niches.

Pros

• Verified suppliers
• Trade shows in the USA

Cons

• Fewer suppliers and product choices in comparison with Alibaba
• Wholesale Central is irresponsible for any issues with suppliers

2. ThomasNet

ThomasNet is a directory that lists manufacturers, distributors, and service companies in the US and Canada. There are more than over 50 thousand suppliers and 6 million products on ThomasNet. The filtering buttons on this platform allow you to search for the right supplier easily. However, keep in mind that products from this site are mainly electronic equipment and industrial & agricultural supplies. You may find limited product choices in other categories.

Pros

• Thousands of suppliers( lots of manufacturers)
• A great number of products
• Easy to filter suppliers

Cons

• Limited categories

3. eSources

Located in London, eSources serves as a directory of UK and international wholesale distributors, suppliers, and products. There are more than 1.58 million live listings on eSources currently, including 244 thousand wholesale products.

Pros

• Numerous UK and international suppliers
• Comprehensive categories
• Free access to all premium suppliers

Cons

• Outdated website
• Contact the supplier only by phone or sending messages

4. The Wholesaler

The Wholesaler is another site like Alibaba. It functions as an online trade directory of UK suppliers. In this directory, you can find many manufacturers, directors, and wholesalers.

Pros

• Detailed information about a supplier
• Vetted suppliers
• Provide information about trade shows and exhibitions

Cons

• No live chat
• Limited product choices in some niches

5. Wholesale Deals

Similar to The Wholesaler, Wholesale Deals is a directory based in the UK. Tons of manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and dropshippers are listed on this website. And the interface with alphabetical and category filters makes it easy to source the products you need.

Pros

• Easy to find a supplier or product
• Money-back Guarantee
• Excellent customer service

Cons

• MOQ limits
• All information about a supplier is accessible at a cost

Conclusion

Alibaba is a famous wholesale platform in China. Sourcing from Alibaba gives you an edge on product selection and pricing. However, you still need to look at its alternatives to avoid the drawbacks of Alibaba and lower risks.

Have you ever tried any site like Alibaba on this list? If yes, feel free to share it with us in your comment.😉