Can Alibaba Send Directly To Amazon From China?

Amazon FBA has been helpful to Canadian Amazon sellers in growing their market reach. It helped them focus on different aspects of the business, including sourcing product supplies. Speaking of supplies, are you looking for a different location to source your products?

Alibaba is a Chinese retail giant that you can consider. Many sellers, not only on Amazon, find this solution quick and effective in satisfying their goods’ increased demands. 

But can Alibaba directly send it to Amazon FBA from China? This blog will help you find the answer to this question!

Key Takeaways

• Alibaba suppliers can indeed ship directly to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers from China. This can offer a time and cost-saving option for sellers. Additionally, it streamlines the logistics process and ensures products reach Amazon FBA warehouses efficiently.
  
  
• Sellers have several shipping options from Alibaba to Amazon FBA. This includes partnering with freight forwarders, utilizing third-party logistics (3PL), or having the manufacturer send products directly to Amazon. Each method has advantages and considerations, allowing sellers to choose the most suitable approach based on their needs and preferences.
  
  
• Effective communication with suppliers, thorough product quality assessment, and continuous supplier performance monitoring are critical throughout the process. These practices help ensure transparency, build trust and maintain product quality standards, ultimately contributing to a successful business relationship and customer satisfaction.

Who is Alibaba?

Alibaba Group is a multinational conglomerate based in China, founded by Jack Ma and his associates in 1999. Initially, it has a business-to-business (B2B) online marketplace.

However, it has since expanded its operations into different sectors, including eCommerce. In fact, they are one of the world’s largest eCommerce retailers.

Can Alibaba Ship Directly to Amazon FBA Fulfillment Center?

Yes, Alibaba suppliers can ship directly to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers. This can be a time and cost-saving option for sellers. However, if you want other shipping options, here’s how you can ship from Alibaba to Canada.

Partner Freight Forwarder

When shipping directly to Amazon FBA from Alibaba, a freight forwarder should be at the top of your options. It is one of the most reliable methods because they have experience in Amazon FBA fulfillment.

Thus, they can provide the expertise and support you need for a smooth and successful shipment. You may include the manufacturing and shipping cost of delivering your products to the freight forwarder.

On the other hand, you may also look for a freight forwarder company. They will be the ones to pick up your products from the manufacturer and ship them either straight to Amazon warehouses or unload them to a freight station first before going to their storage destination.

The former will occur if your shipment exceeds 18 cubic meters of measurement. The latter if your packages measure less than 18 cubic meters. For freight forwarding, you have the choice to send by ship or by plane. 

Manufacturers to Send Directly to Amazon 

You can skip this part if you don’t want to search for a freight forwarding company. Instead, let Alibaba do the following:

• Create your products.
• Pack the items according to Amazon FBA guidelines.
• Ship the items directly to Amazon FBA fulfillment centers.

This method works if you trust the Alibaba supplier to complete the process. However, it also poses an issue for the seller. One is if the supplier discovers that their clients are selling on Amazon. This supplier may also consider selling the same items at a lower price.

There may also be a possibility of producing the articles for other sellers to compete with the business you built on Amazon. 

Suppose you haven’t built a partnership trust with an Alibaba supplier yet. In that case, this may not be the best option for you for bulk production. You may try a smaller number of items and progress as your trust in the manufacturer builds. 

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Although you cannot deliver directly to Amazon FBA with this method, shipping through a 3PL has several advantages. Primarily, you will have the chance to check and get some quality assurance on the items manufactured before they are sent to Amazon. With this step taken, a domino of positive effects will follow. 

First, the risk of sending defective products to new sellers on Amazon will drop. As a result, only perfect items will reach your customers. Hence, negative reviews, low ratings, and product returns would be lesser. These events will all contribute to a higher-ranking listing and, eventually, more sales.

Products from Alibaba Sent to You

Finally, you may also opt for the manufacturer to send the products to you. Do you have enough storage space or a warehouse of your own? Then, shipping items from China to you will be a great choice. With this, you can be more hands-on in quality checking and packing.

This instance benefits businesses still making a name on Amazon—every product and customer counts. You cannot risk sending a defective item out and getting a bad reputation after.  

What is the Shipping Process When Sending Items From Alibaba to Amazon FBA?

If you’ve sourced your products from Alibaba, a question you’ll likely encounter is: how do I get them to Amazon’s fulfillment centers?

The good news is you have a couple of options for shipping your Alibaba purchases to Amazon FBA.

Product Selection

When selecting products on Alibaba, conduct product research. Choose items you think people want to buy. Look for things that are popular or unique. Check the prices and see if they fit your budget. Make sure the quality is good by asking for samples. Consider if the supplier is trustworthy and reliable. Finally, pick products you’re excited about selling and think will be a hit with customers.

Supplier Communication

Communicating with Alibaba suppliers is essential for getting the right products. Start by sending them a message to introduce yourself and ask questions about their products. Be clear about what you need and ask for details like

• pricing
• shipping
• product samples.

Make sure to respond to their messages and be polite. Good communication helps build trust and ensures you get the products you want on time.

Shipping Methods

Most suppliers usually offer various shipping methods to send your products. They may use the following options:

• Air shipping for faster delivery
• Sea shipping for larger orders at lower costs
• Express courier services like DHL or FedEx for quick deliveries.

Suppliers can help you choose the best option based on your needs and budget. Once you decide, they’ll handle the shipping process, making it easy for you to get your products on time.

Preparation of Goods

The suppliers prepare your goods carefully before shipping them. They make sure to pack each product securely to avoid damage during transportation. They also label the items according to Amazon FBA specifications, such as attaching barcodes or product labels.

They may include user manuals or other documentation with the goods if necessary. This preparation ensures that your products arrive safely and are ready for sale or distribution once they reach you.

Booking Shipment

The suppliers handle the shipping agent booking of your shipment once your goods are ready. They work with the following companies to arrange transportation of your products.

• shipping carriers
• freight forwarders
• third-party logistics

This involves providing details such as the following:

• shipping address
• dimensions
• package weight
• desired delivery timeline

Once the supplier has booked the shipment, they will ensure that everything is for the transportation process to begin smoothly. They make it easier for you to deliver your products to your desired destination.

Customs Clearance

When your goods arrive at customs, the suppliers handle the customs clearance process to ensure a smooth passage. They provide all necessary documentation, like invoices and declarations, to customs officials.

If you need to pay for any duties or taxes, the supplier takes care of them. They work closely with customs to resolve issues, ensuring your products clear customs without delays. This helps get your goods to you quickly and hassle-free.

Shipping to Amazon FBA

Once the Alibaba products are ready, the suppliers can send them to Amazon fulfillment centers. They coordinate with the shipping carrier to ensure the items arrive at the centers quickly. The suppliers provide all necessary documentation and labelling according to Amazon’s requirements.

Once the shipment arrives at the center, Amazon will handle the receiving process and store your products. This process ensures that your goods are available for sale on Amazon’s platforms.

Delivery and Inspection

After shipping your products, Alibaba suppliers track the delivery to ensure they reach you on time. Once the package arrives, they go through the inspection. This process happens to ensure that you will only sell high-quality products. Additionally, the inspection also guarantees the items sent match your order.

The suppliers check for any damages or discrepancies and resolve issues right away. The process ensures that you receive the correct products in good condition. If there are any problems, the supplier works with you to find solutions and ensure your satisfaction.

Inventory Reconciliation

After the product delivery, the suppliers recheck the inventory to ensure everything is correct. They compare the number of items received to the order placed. This is to confirm that both details match with each other. If there are any discrepancies, such as missing items or damaged goods, they address them promptly.

Fulfillment by Amazon

After shipping your products to Amazon FBA, Alibaba suppliers let Amazon handle the rest through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Amazon stores your products in their warehouses, picks them up, packs them, and ships them to customers when they place orders. They also handle customer service and returns.

How Do You Choose Your Alibaba Supplier?

Choosing a reliable supplier is essential for your business. However, it can be overwhelming with so many potential suppliers available. Here are some factors you can consider before choosing:

Define Your Requirements

When choosing a supplier, first, decide what you need. Think about selling products you want and how many you need. Consider the quality you’re looking for and the budget you have. Be clear about any special requirements you might have, like specific materials or packaging.

Defining your needs upfront helps you find a supplier to meet them and ensures you get the products you want at the right price and quality.

Look For Alibaba Verified Suppliers

When selecting a supplier, it’s wise to look for verified ones. Verified suppliers are trustworthy and reliable. Alibaba has checked them to make sure they’re legit. You can tell if a supplier is verified by looking for badges or labels on their page.

These badges show that Alibaba has confirmed they’re a real business. Choosing a verified supplier reduces the risk of scams and gives you peace of mind when making deals.

Review Company Profile and Credentials

Before picking a supplier, check their company profile and credentials. This tells you more about them. Look at where they’re based, their factory size, and if they have any special certifications. It’s also good to see how long they’ve been in business.

This helps you know if they’re experienced and reliable. Checking their profile and credentials guarantees you’re dealing with a trustworthy supplier.

Assess Product Quality

When choosing a supplier, quality control is essential. Thus, you must check the quality of their products. Ask for samples to see if they’re good. Look at how well they’re made and if they work correctly. The products must meet your standards and are good enough to sell to customers.

Assessing the product quality helps you avoid issues and ensures you get the best goods for your business. As you know, no customers want poor-quality products.

Communicate With Suppliers

When choosing a supplier, talk to them! Send messages to ask questions and discuss your needs. Be clear about what you want and ask for details like pricing and shipping. You can include questions about bulk order discounts and product samples.

Make sure to respond to their messages quickly and politely. Good communication helps build trust and ensures you get the products you need. So, don’t be shy—reach out to suppliers and start the conversation!

Evaluate Pricing and Terms

When choosing a supplier, check their prices and terms. Ensure the prices fit your budget and are fair for the quality you’re getting. Look at things like shipping costs and payment terms, too. Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.

Understanding all the costs involved is as important as ensuring they work for your business. Evaluating pricing and terms helps you make smart decisions and avoid surprises later on.

Check References and Reviews

Before deciding on a supplier, check their references and reviews. See if they have worked with other people before and what they have to say about them. Look for feedback on product quality, delivery times, and customer service.

This helps you understand what it’s like to work with the supplier and if they’re reliable. Checking references and reviews gives you confidence in your choice of supplier.

Negotiate and Finalize Terms

When you’ve found a supplier you like, it’s time to negotiate and finish the terms. Discuss things like prices, payment methods, and delivery times. Make sure everything is transparent and fair for both sides. Feel free to speak up and negotiate if you’re not happy with something.

Once you’re both pleased with the terms, complete the agreement. Negotiating ensures you get the best deal and establishes a good working relationship.

Sign Contracts and Place Orders

After agreeing on terms with your supplier, it’s time to sign contracts and place orders. Contracts outline the details of your agreement, like prices, delivery times, and quality standards. Make sure to read them carefully and ask questions if needed.

Once everything looks good, sign the contracts and place your orders. This formalizes your partnership with the supplier and ensures both parties understand their responsibilities. Signing contracts and placing orders sets the stage for a successful business relationship.

Monitor Performance

Once you’ve started working with your supplier, it’s important to keep an eye on how they’re doing. Track things like product quality, delivery times, and communication. If there are any issues or concerns, address them right away and work with the supplier to find solutions.

Regularly checking their performance helps ensure everything runs smoothly and allows you to make necessary adjustments to maintain a good working relationship. Monitoring performance keeps your business on track and helps avoid problems.

How Can Stallion Help You?

While Stallion cannot bring your items from China to the US, they can help you in other ways. How? You have two options on how Stallion can help you:

1. You can have your Alibaba products delivered to your Canadian location. Then, let Stallion bring your items to the Amazon FBA fulfillment centers.
   
   
2. The second option is to opt out of Amazon FBA and choose Amazon FBM. 1.) Go to your Amazon Seller Account and manage your inventory. 2.) Choose the products you want to change fulfillment.
   3.) After that, you can partner with Stallion to deliver your products to your customers worldwide.

What’s good about choosing Amazon FBM is it’s cheaper. Plus, you can guarantee a superb quality of shipping services from Stallion. But, I guess you’re wondering who’s Stallion?

Stallion is the leading Canadian eCommerce shipping company. They offer discounted shipping rates for Canadian, US, and international deliveries. So, they are the best bet to partner with if you want to expand your reach at cheaper costs.

Here are some of the key benefits of using Stallion for Canadian online sellers:

• Stallion offers competitive shipping rates for domestic, US, and international shipments. This can help Canadian online sellers save money on shipping costs and improve their profit margins.
  
  
• Stallion integrates with online stores to streamline the delivery process. This lets sellers print shipping labels, arrange pickups, and drop off shipments quickly.
  
  
• Many Canadian businesses and customers trust Stallion for its reliable and efficient service. They offer various shipping options to meet the needs of their customers.

Overall, Stallion can be a valuable asset for Canadian online sellers looking to save on shipping costs and smoothen their delivery process.

If you are a Canadian online seller, visit the Stallion website to learn more about their services and get a quote for your shipping needs.

Summary

In conclusion, shipping costs from China to the Amazon FBA can significantly concern sellers. However, with careful planning and choosing the right shipping partner, you can minimize the costs and ensure your products reach your customers promptly and efficiently.

Stallion’s reliable and cost-effective shipping services can help you quickly navigate the complexities of international shipping and get your products to the Amazon FBA.

Contact Stallion today to learn how we can assist you with your shipping needs.

Diana Zheng

Diana leads the growth marketing initiatives at Stallion Express. As a personal trainer turned digital marketer, Diana is obsessed with equipping eCommerce entrepreneurs with everything they need to scale their online businesses. You can catch her doing yoga or hitting the tennis courts in her spare time.