Before You Place an Order
Have three things ready before you order from Alibaba to the Philippines: a clear product spec, a way to pay through the platform, and a plan for shipping to the Philippines. This guide covers the ordering mechanics. For picking a product and a niche, read our Alibaba reseller guide, and compare other platforms in how to source products from China.
Step 1: Create an Account and Search
Sign up on Alibaba with your email and complete your buyer profile. Search for the product in plain terms, then narrow the results. Check each listing for its minimum order quantity (MOQ), price tiers by quantity and any badges the platform shows, such as Trade Assurance.
Shortlist three to five suppliers. Do not pick on price alone, because the lowest price often comes with the lowest quality or a long wait.
Step 2: Message Suppliers for a Quote
Use the chat button on each listing and send the same clear message to every supplier. Specific questions get specific answers, and how quickly and clearly a supplier replies tells you a lot.
Copy and paste: a message template for suppliers
Hello, I am interested in [product]. Please send me a quote for [quantity] units with these specs: [size, color, material, packaging]. Please include: 1) unit price at that quantity, 2) MOQ, 3) sample price and lead time, 4) production time, 5) shipping options and cost to Manila (air and sea), 6) payment methods accepted. Thank you.
Step 3: Compare the Quotes
Put every reply in one table so you compare the same things. A low unit price can hide high shipping, a long production time or weak packaging.
| What to compare | Why it matters | Ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price at your quantity | Price tiers change with volume | A written price for the exact quantity |
| MOQ | Sets your minimum cash outlay | The lowest MOQ and the price at that level |
| Sample price and time | Your quality check before bulk | Sample cost, lead time and photos |
| Production and shipping time | Affects when you can sell | Days for production and for shipping, in writing |
| Shipping terms | Decides who pays what at each stage | The agreed shipping term (see Step 5) |
| Payment terms | Protects your money | Payment through Alibaba checkout only |
Step 4: Order a Sample First
Pay for a sample before a bulk order, even if it costs more per unit. Check the quality, the size and weight, the packaging and the time it takes to arrive. Weigh the packed item, since freight is charged by weight and volume.
Samples also test the supplier. If answers become slow or vague after you ask a problem question, that is useful information before you commit real money.
Step 5: Agree the Shipping Terms in Writing
Shipping terms (called Incoterms) decide who pays for freight, insurance and customs at each stage. Agree one in writing before you pay, and ask the supplier to put it on the order.
| Term | What the seller handles | What you handle |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at their factory | Everything else, including export clearance and freight |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Delivery to the China port and export clearance | Sea or air freight, import clearance and delivery |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) | Freight and insurance to a Philippine port | Import clearance, duty and VAT, and local delivery |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Delivery to your door, including duty and VAT | Receiving the goods. Confirm who acts as importer |
Most small buyers pick FOB and book a forwarder, or DDP when the supplier offers it. See the cheapest way to move cargo for a small business and our Taobao shipping fee guide, which lists published forwarder rates per kg, a snapshot rather than a quote.
Step 6: Pay Through Alibaba's Checkout
Place the order on the platform and pay through its checkout, not by a direct bank transfer or a payment app. Payment options differ by order, so use what the checkout offers. Keeping payment inside the platform means the order is documented and you can open a dispute if something goes wrong.
Read how Trade Assurance works and check that it is active on your order. Do not accept requests to move the deal to chat apps or personal accounts.
See current Alibaba offers and sourcing tips for Filipino buyers.
Step 7: Ship, Clear Customs and Receive
After payment, the supplier produces and ships. If you booked a freight forwarder, send them the supplier details and ask them to confirm the cargo weight, volume and the Philippine delivery address. Track the shipment and keep the invoice and packing list.
Shipments valued at ₱10,000 or less are widely reported as exempt from duty and VAT, but bulk Alibaba orders usually go above that. We found no confirmed 2026 change to the threshold. Check the Bureau of Customs and your forwarder for current rules, and plan for brokerage fees.
Use the result to set your selling price, then run your margin in our import cost calculator and parcel shipping cost calculator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Next Steps
Start small, compare at least three suppliers and treat the first order as a test. When the product sells, repeat the order and negotiate. Compare Alibaba with other options in Alibaba vs AliExpress vs Temu and Taobao vs Alibaba vs Shopee for resellers.
Check current Alibaba deals, then run your landed cost before you pay.