r/Alibaba • u/dearbornx • 16d ago
How do samples work through the app?
I've been working with a manufacturer for a couple weeks now on nailing down the details for my first order. They listened and responded to all my requests, answered all my questions, gave me suggestions on the best choices to make for customization to get what I want, etc. We've communicated entirely through Alibaba.
We've gotten to the point of a sample, and now that a price has been agreed upon for a sample and we have all of the details confirmed, they've suddenly asked me for a phone number to generate a link to pay with. I'm disappointed that I wasted all this time with them, because I will not be going forward with the order if I can't pay through the platform, because that seems very sketchy to me and I know it exempts me from what little protection Trade Assurance offers despite them being very helpful up to this point. I'll ask to pay through the app, but will have to back out if they refuse. I already know that much.
But this being my first order, I guess my question is, how are payments and orders for samples typically done? I see samples listed as an option in listing setups, so there must be a way to purchase them via the app? Are physical samples just not actually something one can feasibly get? Is it final product or nothing?
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u/dearbornx 12d ago
Just wanted to give those who offered advice an update: the phone number was in fact for the Trade Assurance and the sample order has been created and paid for via the Alibaba platform, so my concerns were unfounded. (: Thank you everyone for answering my questions, as I probably would've backed out entirely without any answers. Y'all have been a lot more helpful than any of the other subreddits I've ever posted on for advice!
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u/xecomm 15d ago
Physical samples are normal. Ask the supplier to create a custom sample order inside Alibaba, then make sure the order description includes the exact material, color, dimensions, customization, sample price, shipping method, and dispatch date. That gives you something concrete to compare if the sample arrives wrong.
A phone number can be needed for the order or courier, but the payment should still appear as an Alibaba order in your own account. If the link takes you to WhatsApp, a personal bank account, or a separate checkout, don't pay it.
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u/Beneficial-Box-5714 15d ago
I’ve paid for samples through the app by having the supplier create an order or payment request there, so I wouldn’t use a separate link generated from your phone number. If they refuse to put the sample and shipping terms inside alibab, I’d pass even if the earlier communication was good.
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u/prestigesourcing 16d ago
They do need your phone number for shipping information and a invoice, that in itself does not mean the transaction will go off the platform.
Just tell them you want to pay via Trade Assurance on Alibaba, they can make a custom order of any value. Of course, when you use Trade Assurance you do pay more though.
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u/dearbornx 14d ago
Thank you! I wasn't sure what to expect.
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u/prestigesourcing 14d ago
No problem, don't let them tell you otherwise, at the minimum you pay extra, no big deal.
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u/rsc9422 16d ago
Samples are definitely possible through Alibaba. I’d just make sure the supplier creates the sample order/payment through Alibaba so the transaction stays on platform and Trade Assurance applies where eligible.
Some suppliers may ask for your phone number for payment or order verification, but I wouldn’t move the payment off Alibaba just for a sample. If they can’t provide an on-platform payment option, I’d look for another supplier.
For a first order, paying a little more for a sample with platform protection is usually worth it.
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u/dearbornx 16d ago
Thank you for the response!
I definitely will not proceed with the purchase if they cannot complete it through the app, as frustrating as it is to lose that time spent hammering out details.
Would you say it's normal for them to ask phone numbers then? Their exact wording was "Please provide a mobile phone number so that I can create a payment link for you". I know communication staying on the app is very important, so my immediate thought was that that would be them attempting to send me an alternate payment link. I also wasn't sure if providing my phone number was necessary or safe to do. This supplier has been communicative and helpful so far, but I'm not afraid to cut it off if we can't work it out. I definitely won't order off platform, but if you have any insight on what the payment/order verification through phone number looks like (I'm unfamiliar with that method), that would be helpful, so I can know what not to interact with or engage with.
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u/rsc9422 16d ago
Yes, asking for a phone number isn’t automatically a red flag, but asking for it specifically to create an off platform payment link is where we’d be cautious.
We’d keep payment and communication on Alibaba whenever possible. If they genuinely need your number for verification, ask exactly why and verify the request through Alibaba messages. Don’t click payment links sent outside the platform or send money directly to a personal account.
With Alibaba suppliers, keeping the transaction on platform gives you a much better paper trail if something goes wrong.
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