Buying from Alibaba sounds easy, but for many Filipino business owners, it quickly becomes confusing and even risky. Especially for the newbie who want to place the 1st order on the Alibaba. Here is the video of placing The 1st order in alibaba.

You can order and pay on Alibaba in three simple steps: find the right supplier, confirm your order, and choose a secure payment method.

Getting this right can help you avoid scams, overpaying, and unnecessary delays. I’ve ordered hundreds of products from Alibaba to the Philippines, and here’s exactly how I do it.

How Do I Find the Right Supplier on Alibaba?

Many buyers get stuck at the first step: finding a trustworthy and responsive supplier.

To find the right supplier on Alibaba, check their “Verified Supplier” status, compare quotations, and ask detailed questions about MOQ¹, lead time, and product customization.

What is a Verified Supplier?

A "Verified Supplier" is one that Alibaba has checked through third-party audits². This includes verifying business licenses, on-site inspections, and trade history.

My Process for Screening Suppliers:

1. Use filters: I select "Verified Supplier" and "Trade Assurance" every time I search.
2. Compare quotes: I ask for FOB and DDP prices to compare fairly(some supplier will add profit in the shipping section, so you can save cost if you find your trusted forwarder).
3. Ask for samples: I always ask if they can send a sample before I commit.
4. Check communication: A slow or vague response is a red flag.

I learned this the hard way. My first time ordering, I chose the cheapest supplier. Their photos were fake, and they ghosted me after I sent money. Since then, I only deal with suppliers who respond fast, provide certificates, and are open to video calls.

How Do I Confirm My Order on Alibaba?

Once you’ve found a supplier, the next step is placing the order—but many first-time buyers miss critical details.

To confirm your order, finalize product specs, request a Proforma Invoice, and use Alibaba’s order management system to track everything.

Important Order Details to Confirm:

Before paying anything, I make sure we agree on:

• Product dimensions, materials, color
• Packaging type (e.g., boxes, pallets)
• Shipping method and incoterm (FOB, DDP)³
• Delivery timeline and production lead time
• Return/refund policies

Why the Proforma Invoice Matters

A Proforma Invoice (PI) is a document that outlines everything about the order—like a quote and contract in one. It should include:

• Product name and quantity
• Total price and shipping cost
• Payment terms
• Estimated ship date

I never proceed without a clear PI. It’s my protection if anything goes wrong later.

What Are the Payment Methods on Alibaba?

Payment is where many Filipino buyers feel the most nervous—what if I get scammed?

Alibaba supports multiple payment methods, but I always choose Trade Assurance to protect my money.

Top Payment Methods for Philippines Buyers

How I Personally Pay:

1. Small test orders – I use GCash via Trade Assurance for under $500.
2. Large bulk orders – I use my business bank account(BDO, BPI, AUB, UNION BANK ETC) with Trade Assurance.
3. Never off-platform – Suppliers sometimes offer 5%–10% discount to deal outside Alibaba. I always say no.

One time, I tried saving 8% of by paying 200k pesos via banking to the supplier’s local bank account(the pesos account that supplier offered) outside Alibaba. The supplier disappeared after payment. I couldn’t file a dispute because it wasn’t protected. Lesson learned. Don’t pay the unknow supplier offline, even they made a video call to you via whatsapp, viber and messenger.

Conclusion

Ordering and paying on Alibaba from the Philippines is easy once you know the steps—and avoid shortcuts.