Alibaba
Alibaba.com is a business-to-business marketplace where companies buy goods directly from manufacturers and wholesalers around the world. The platform began in Hangzhou, China, in 1999, and is built for firms ordering in bulk or commissioning custom products. Start-ups, small businesses and individual entrepreneurs in the UK use it to source stock, so it works differently from a typical consumer shop.
54,611productsUpdated 21st October 2026
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More ways to save at Alibaba
- Student discountAlibaba Cloud offers student discounts, including a 60% discount on first renewal via Student Beans, and a "Special Student Offer" which requires SheerID membership. They also have an "Alibaba Cloud Student Central" programme.
- NHS discountWhile Alibaba.com does not offer a dedicated NHS discount scheme, some third-party discount websites occasionally feature promotional codes for 10% or 20% off that may be applicable to NHS workers.
- Join 88 Membership Club, 88VIPPrimarily for users of its Taobao and Tmall platforms in China, this programme offers exclusive benefits across the Alibaba ecosystem, including commerce, entertainment, and local services, with discounts and other perks.
Never miss a Alibaba deal
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About Alibaba
How buying works
Buyers search listings, compare suppliers and message manufacturers directly. Prices can be negotiated, and many suppliers will customise a product to order. For larger needs, a Request for Quotation lets a business describe what it wants and gather quotes. Supplier verification helps buyers judge who they are trading with. Direct messaging means questions about specifications go straight to the factory.
What's listed
Almost every trade category appears, and components are listed as well as finished goods. Electronics, clothing, fabrics and footwear sit next to furniture, home and garden goods and DIY tools. There are also car parts, sports gear, beauty products, industrial machinery, raw materials and chemicals.
Paying and protection
Buyers pay by credit or debit card, wire transfer or Alibaba.com Secure Payment. Trade Assurance covers an order when a supplier fails to meet the agreed contract terms. Shipping costs, delivery times and return terms are set by each supplier, and many ship to the UK. Read those terms before committing, because they vary from one supplier to the next.
Sustainability at Alibaba
Alibaba has committed to carbon neutrality across its operations and supports sustainable sourcing initiatives.
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Alibaba quick facts
| Delivery | <p>Shipping varies by supplier. Many offer international delivery to the UK.</p> |
|---|---|
| Returns | Trade Assurance covers purchases when suppliers dont meet contract specifications. Return terms vary by supplier. |
| International shipping | Yes |
| Payment methods | Credit Card, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Alibaba.com Secure Payment |
| Loyalty scheme | 88 Membership Club, 88VIP |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Headquarters | China (Global marketplace) |
| Parent company | Alibaba Group Holding Limited |
| Stores | Online marketplace |
Alibaba contact
- Website
- alibaba.com
- Hours
- 24/7 online support
Alibaba FAQs
Who sets delivery and returns terms on Alibaba?
Each supplier sets its own. Shipping options and return terms vary from seller to seller, and many suppliers offer international delivery to the UK.
What does Trade Assurance cover?
It protects buyers when a supplier fails to meet the specifications agreed in the contract. Cover runs from placing the order through to delivery.
How can I pay suppliers?
Payment options include credit and debit cards, wire transfer and Alibaba.com Secure Payment, the platform's own payment service.
How do I get prices for a custom order?
Post a Request for Quotation describing the product you need. Suppliers respond with quotes, and you can negotiate terms or ask for customisation.
