20 Wholesale Suppliers Like Alibaba You Will Love

You are a business owner ready to take your venture to the next level. You've heard about the incredible potential of wholesale suppliers, but finding the right ones can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

What if your competitors find those goldmine suppliers before you?

Staying ahead in the competitive world of commerce means continuously exploring new avenues and forging strong partnerships with reliable wholesale suppliers.

Many successful entrepreneurs, like Ruona, a fashion retailer, have learned this lesson.

Ruona runs a thriving online boutique with a brick-and-mortar extension in Asaba. Her business is known all over Delta State as the place for IT girls, corporate girls and even boomers to get unique clothing items. 

As the business grew, she needed a steady supply of high-quality products to meet demand. Initially, she relied on Alibaba for sourcing but quickly realised the importance of diversifying her supplier base to ensure reliability and variety.

This led her to discover other reputable wholesale suppliers, expanding her options and securing her business's future.

Guess who helped her discover those suppliers?

If you guessed Hersohe, you are right and here is a drumroll for you 🥁🥁🥁🥁

In this article, we will go into wholesale sourcing and reveal 20 exceptional suppliers like Alibaba that can help you grow your business.

These suppliers have been carefully selected for their reliability, product range, and competitive pricing. 

Why Do You Need Alibaba Alternatives?

Access to Unique Products: 
Different platforms offer varied product ranges and specialities. Exploring alternatives allows you to discover unique items that may not be available on Alibaba, giving you a competitive edge in your market.

Risk Mitigation: 
Having multiple suppliers reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions. If issues arise with one supplier, you have backups to ensure continuity in your business operations.

Competitive Pricing and Terms: 
Alternative platforms often compete on pricing, offering better deals and terms that can improve your profit margins. Shopping around ensures you get the best value for your money and negotiate favourable conditions for your business.

Adaptability to Customer Preferences: 
Customers have preferences for shopping on specific platforms or regions. Multiple sourcing options allow you to cater to these preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Innovation and Growth: 
Sticking to one platform may limit your exposure to new market trends and innovations. Exploring alternatives keeps you agile and adaptable, enabling you to seize new opportunities and stay ahead of industry shifts.

Ready to learn about these Alibaba alternatives? Let’s dive into each of them.

1.  Global Sources

Global Sources is a major player in the business-to-business (B2B) market and is one of the most mentioned alternatives to Alibaba.

Priding itself as “your trusted partner for all your sourcing needs,” it opens you up to many manufacturers and suppliers in China, Vietnam, India, South Korea, and other countries.

Like Alibaba, Global Sources has many products under its belt, so you can find anything you need for your business. Aside from being a go-to place for sourcing, it also has:

• Trade shows for sourcing professionals in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Africa.
• Business matching is where they match international buyers to the most relevant products and suppliers.
• Global sources summit where Amazon retailers and other retailers can meet with Asian suppliers virtually.
• Smart sourcing, where their analysts bring you the latest news on sourcing, industry trends and best practices for business.

2. Made-in-China

With over 6 million registered suppliers and 20 million registered buyers, Made-in-China prides itself on being a one-stop shop for international buyers to connect with suppliers from China.

With Made-in-China, you can post your sourcing requests and get multiple supplier quotations.

This makes it easy for you to get what you are looking for while also saving you time you would have used to scroll through the platform looking for a product.

Related: The Complete Guide to Sourcing in China

3. DHgate

In the words of one of its customers, "DHgate makes online shopping simple and efficient and delivers great buying incentives."

With a mission to promote global trade and support entrepreneurial dreams, DHgate has a large network of suppliers and products for small—and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

Aside from products, DHgate also offers advertising, import, and export agency services for businesses that need them. 

Wondering if DHgate is good for you? Diane Wang (Founder, Chairperson & CEO) has this  to say "The DHgate customer experience is built on convenience and confidence; if something is not right, we'll make it right."

4. IndiaMART

As India’s largest B2B online marketplace, Indiamart connects international buyers to a wide range of suppliers and products across various categories. Indiamart’s mission is to make business easy for buyers and sellers. 

How does it work? You just have to look through the various categories for what you want, contact the seller, and you’ll get the details of the item in your emails.

Alternatively, you can tell the team at Indiamart what you want by filling out a form. You will receive verified supplier details, after which you can compare quotes to pick the best one and then seal the deal.

5. eWorldTrade

eWorldTrade’s mission is to be your ultimate trading partner. It is a large marketplace where sellers and buyers can connect over various products.

One great feature of eWorldTrade is its tradeshow directory, which lists many tradeshows and fairs in China.

This allows businesses to explore new opportunities, see the latest trends, and make valuable connections in person.

With eWorldTrade, you get a reliable partner dedicated to helping you succeed in global trade.

6. EC21

EC21 is a Korean marketplace that has supported small and medium-sized businesses with their trading needs for years.

It offers a wide variety of products across numerous categories, making it a versatile platform for sourcing goods.

One of EC21's standout features is its tailored support system: you can detail your buying requirements, and they will connect you with a list of suppliers that best match your needs. 

7. ThomasNet

If you want to source industrial products, ThomasNet is the go-to place. They have a listing of over 500,000 manufacturers and suppliers in North America. With ThomasNet, you can:

• Easily search for suppliers by location, company type, diversity status, and certifications.
• Conveniently compare suppliers and create a shortlist of the best options for your needs.
• Save time by sending quote requests to multiple suppliers with just one click.

8. Wholesale Central

Wholesale Central wants to be your ultimate online shopping destination. With a diverse selection of products, you can get whatever you want: electronics, apparel, home goods, or more.

Wholesale Central is known for being an affordable platform offering competitive prices that can help you maximise your profit margins.

The website is also very colourful and user-friendly, making it easy to search for what you are looking for.

9. SaleHoo: 

For SaleHoo, their unique proposition is that they’ve been helping online businesses grow since 2005.

Founded by someone who understands the difficulty that comes with sourcing products, finding suppliers and getting reasonable wholesale prices, the company is out to help you:

• Find 8000+ suppliers that have been vetted and reviewed. 
• 1.6 million+ products that you can get at good prices while leaving room to make a good profit.
• Free training resources and 24/7 support from their team.

The catch is that SaleHoo is paid. You can access it for $67 per year, about  $5.58 per month.

Extra info: I’m so in love with SaleHoo’s website because it ticks all the boxes of a good website. The information is clear and easy to understand, and you can easily grasp their unique value proposition.

10. HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was created to improve and promote trade in Hong Kong.

It does this by promoting the products and services made by Hong Kong suppliers to buyers worldwide.

You can source products and services from suppliers in Hong Kong using the “SOURCE” menu on its website.

They also provide business information, advisory services, promotions, and resources to help you grow your business.

Want to attend Global trade shows, fairs, exhibitions, and conferences? The HKTDC has you covered.

11.  Taiwantrade

Do you want to expand your sourcing efforts to Taiwan? Taiwantrade has you covered. The company aims to help you find quality suppliers and products from Taiwan.

They also help with trade matching and customised sourcing if you want to outsource that aspect of your business.

Their product catalogue is wide, so you can find anything you want on the site.

Related: Top Countries for Sourcing Products in Mini Importation

12. DIYTrade

Tooting its horn as one of the best global B2B marketplaces, DIYTrade connects small—and medium-scale entrepreneurs and businesses from all over the world with suppliers in China. If you search through their product category and don’t see what you are looking for, you can always send an email to the company, and they will match you with suppliers who best match your needs.

13. TradeKey

TradeKey wants to help you do business smartly by connecting you to various manufacturers and suppliers.

They see themselves as the key standing in the gap between buyers who want to source products cost-effectively and sellers who have quality products to sell. 

Other services they offer include Digital Marketing Services inclusive of Website Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing (SMM), and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).

14. ECPlaza

ECPlaza is a premier platform in Korea that is designed to connect businesses with suppliers and manufacturers.

As a leading B2B marketplace, ECPlaza offers various products across various categories, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods.

Known for its reliability, ECPlaza ensures you can find trustworthy suppliers to meet your business needs.

15. 1688.com

If you are familiar with mini importation, you must have heard about 1688.com, Alibaba’s domestic wholesale platform that offers a wide range of products across different categories. 

1688.com is known for its competitive prices, which makes it feasible for you to make a good chunk of profit.

While the company is open to global buyers, the website is written in Mandarin, and you will need to translate before proceeding.

16. Global Trade Plaza

Global Trade Plaza is one of the leading B2B companies in India. The company understands the difficulties of sourcing products as a small—and medium-scale business.

So, it created a one-stop shop for international buyers to connect with Indian suppliers while ensuring that they maintain profit.

17.  all.biz

All.biz is a robust B2B marketplace designed to connect businesses with a wide array of global wholesale suppliers.

Known for its extensive product selection, All.biz offers everything from industrial equipment and electronics to fashion and consumer goods, catering to diverse business needs.

18. Fibre2Fashion

Fibre2Fashion is a niche global B2B marketplace for apparel, textiles and fashion accessories.

Calling themselves the one-stop solution for the fashion industry, they help you with syndicated and custom market research to aid your business growth.

They also list trade fairs and events you can attend to grow your network.

19.  QualityTrade:

QualityTrade’s value proposition is simple: connect procurement professionals and buyers with a wide range of global suppliers.

With their help, you can improve your supply chain, reduce the risks associated with sourcing, and enhance your economic position.

QualityTrade offers a user-friendly platform where you can easily find the products you need.

To find the products you are looking for, use the search button to specify your requirements or browse the product categories to explore the extensive range of available items.

20. AliExpress

Thought we’d forget AliExpress? Nah, AliExpress is a fave among individuals and businesses.

Known for its vast selection of products, you can find almost anything on the platform at competitive prices. 

Its user-friendly interface, buyer protection, and frequent sales make it a go-to source for those looking to get the best deals without compromising quality. 

 Navigating Global Sourcing from Nigeria

When sourcing items from Nigeria, here are some key aspects you want to consider:

Shipping Logistics

Choosing the Right Mode: 
The choice between airfreight or sea freight depends on cost, urgency, and cargo type. Airfreight is the fastest but most expensive and has certain limitations, while sea freight is the most economical for bulkier items but takes longer. 

Related: Different International Shipping Methods for Businesses in 2024

Customs Clearance:
Navigating Nigerian customs can be complex. Partner with a reputable freight forwarder who can handle customs documentation, duty calculations, and clearance procedures.

They can also advise on any import restrictions or licenses required for your goods.

Local Delivery: 
Once goods arrive at a Nigerian port, consider the final leg of the journey: getting the items delivered to you. You might want to do pickup or arrange for trucks to give to your destination.

Payment Methods

Letters of Credit (LCs): 
This secure method involves a bank guaranteeing payment to the seller upon presentation of specific documents proving shipment compliance. LCs are popular for large-value transactions but can be expensive due to bank fees.

Escrow Services: 
A neutral third party holds payment until both buyer and seller fulfil their contractual obligations, minimising risk for both parties.

Related: 10 Best Virtual Dollar Cards in Nigeria

Cash in Advance:
Here, the buyer pays the seller before the goods are shipped. This method is used when the seller is unsure about the buyer’s ability to pay or when the buyer is a new customer.

It reduces the risk for the seller but increases the risk for the buyer since they have to pay before receiving the goods.

Documentary Collection:
Documentary collection is a payment method in which the seller ships the goods and sends the shipping documents to the buyer’s bank. The bank holds the documents until the buyer pays or promises to pay later. 

Consignment:
Consignment is a payment method in which the seller ships the goods to the buyer but retains ownership until the goods are sold.

The buyer (or consignee) pays the seller (or consignor) only after selling the goods. If the goods aren't sold, they can be returned to the seller. 

Open Account:
An open account is a payment method where the seller ships the goods, and the buyer pays later, usually within 30, 60, or 90 days.

This method is mostly used in established business relationships where trust has been built. 

Potential Challenges

Infrastructure Limitations: 
Ports may experience congestion, leading to delays. Additionally, domestic transportation infrastructure can be underdeveloped in some regions, causing delays in delivery times.

Foreign Exchange Fluctuations: 
Fluctuations in the Nigerian Naira (NGN) can impact the cost of your landed goods. Which can impact the total cost of selling.

Supplier Due Diligence: 
Thoroughly research potential suppliers. Verify their reputation, production capabilities, and quality control procedures. If possible, consider visiting them in person.

Communication Barriers: 
Time zone differences and cultural nuances can create communication challenges. Ensure clear and consistent communication throughout the sourcing process.

Regulatory Considerations

Import Duties and Taxes: 
Be aware of applicable import duties and taxes for your specific goods. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) website provides a tariff calculator to estimate these costs.

Product Safety Regulations: 
Ensure imported goods comply with Nigerian product safety regulations established by relevant agencies, such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Restricted or Prohibited Goods: 

Certain goods may be restricted or prohibited from being imported into Nigeria. Ensure that all your items are compliant with this.

Some additional tips to consider:

• Develop strong relationships with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to ease your process.
• Consider cargo insurance to protect your investment in case of damage or loss during shipping.
• Stay updated on changes in shipping regulations, import duties, and foreign exchange rates.

Simplify Your Product Sourcing with Heroshe

Why bother sourcing products yourself when you can outsource the process and still get quality products?

With Heroshe’s buy-for-me service, you can enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience. 

Our team of experts handles everything from purchasing products from reliable suppliers to shipping, ensuring that you receive high-quality products without any stress. So this means:

• You don’t have to run around looking for suppliers to buy from.
• Handle the negotiation or payment for your items.
• Stress over shipping or customs clearance.
• Save time and energy to focus on growing your business.

“Buy for me” was created with businesses like yours in mind. So you just have to log into your Heroshe account and let us know what you need. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up for free to enjoy the service.

Conclusion 

While Alibaba is a giant in the wholesale industry, it's not the only game in town. By exploring the wholesale suppliers mentioned in this list, you can find options that cater to your specific product needs, budget, and target markets.

Remember to conduct thorough research on each supplier, considering factors like quality, minimum order quantities, shipping options, and customer service when making your choice. 

And don’t forget that Heroshe is here to simplify your sourcing process with love and swift delivery.

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