When searching for a supplier on Ali Baba, you should use the filters to reduce your options to:

Gold: This means the supplier has a premium account which they would have spent $10,000 on. This suggests that the supplier takes their business seriously and is less likely to be a scammer.

Trade assurance: This means you are protected if the quality isn't as expected, or you don't receive your items on time.

Assessed Supplier: These suppliers are all China Gold, Hong Kong Gold and Taiwan Gold Suppliers that have all been inspected by a third party.

Operating for a minimum of 5 years: It is said that most businesses fail within the first 5 years. This same suggestion could be applied to your supplier. Of course, a supplier who has been running under 5 years may have longevity and reliability but if you don't want to risk it, then seek a longer standing one for reliability and trust.

You should also:

Run a background check on the company: Before you decided to settle on a supplier, you should check to see that their company is registered via their website. Look out for a business licence, images of the location, ownership status and contact information.

Research the place of origin: You should aim to cut out any middle men so you can work directly with the manufacturers and get cheaper prices. For example, Zhejiang is a leading manufacturer, whereas Guangdong and Guangzhou are popular for sourcing their products from direct manufacturers, thus their products will be more expensive.

Check what other products they are selling: A more experienced manufacturer carrying good quality products usually specialises in one industry. For example, if you are sourcing earrings, a good supplier will sell other types of jewellery or just earrings. On the other hand, if they are selling jewellery, computers and pots in the same store, this suggests their products are not the best quality.

Ask detailed questions: The more detailed and specific questions you ask, the easier it will be for you to identify a professional company in comparison to a non professional company. For example, you may ask 'What material is being used to create these lashes?", Under what environmental conditions are the lashes produced ?", "Is the material used vegan friendly?". A supplier who specialises in your chosen product will be able to respond with detailed answers, if they struggle, they are most likely a middle man or have no real knowledge of the product.

Please watch the demonstration video below to learn how to choose suitable suppliers:

Key points from the demonstration video:

• Remember to research and settle on at least five suppliers you feel are trustworthy, then message them.
• Thoroughly inspect the website for verified badges, assessments, certificates and business information to increase your trust.
• When messaging suppliers, portray a confident, knowledgeable business person so they take your enquiry seriously and don't try to take advantage of you.

For example: "Dear Sir/Madam,

I am the owner of (......) and would like to make an enquiry about your (.....)". See video for full message example.

• Make note of the transaction history, building size, number of employees and place of origin as these points all provide an indication as to how well established the business is.