Alibaba and 1688.com have made Chinese suppliers more accessible than ever. Most suppliers on these platforms are legitimate — but a small number of bad actors cause a disproportionate share of the damage to new importers, and the warning signs are consistent and learnable.
In this guide: red flags to watch for, how to verify a business license, and what to do before sending payment.
Red Flags Checklist
| Warning Sign | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Refuses any video call | No way to confirm the factory physically exists |
| Identical photos across unrelated listings | Likely reselling, not manufacturing |
| Pressures personal bank transfer over business account | No paper trail, no recourse |
| Company name on invoice ≠ registered business license | Legal and customs risk |
| Stalls or ghosts at the sample stage | Predicts poor bulk-order behavior |
Verify the Business License
Every legitimate Chinese company holds a registered business license with a unique credit code. Ask for it, and cross-check the company name against China's national enterprise credit information system. A supplier unwilling to share this basic information is a red flag on its own.
Use Trade Assurance and Escrow Where Available
Alibaba's Trade Assurance program adds a layer of payment protection for qualifying orders. It doesn't replace due diligence, but it gives you recourse if a shipment doesn't match what was ordered.
Let the Sample Order Reveal Behavior
A supplier who ships fast, accurate samples with clear communication is telling you something real about how they'll handle a bulk order. A supplier who stalls at the sample stage rarely improves once a larger payment is on the table.
Why Ground Presence Beats Any Checklist
The most reliable way to avoid a scam isn't a checklist alone — it's having someone physically able to visit the factory, confirm it exists, and inspect goods before money changes hands.
FAQ
Is Alibaba Trade Assurance enough protection on its own?
It helps, but it's not a substitute for verifying the business license and requesting samples first — Trade Assurance covers specific order terms, not general fraud.
How do I check a Chinese business license myself?
Cross-reference the registered company name and credit code against China's national enterprise credit information system (available in Chinese; a bilingual sourcing partner can do this quickly on your behalf).
What if a supplier only accepts personal WeChat/Alipay transfers?
Treat this as a serious warning sign — legitimate exporters use business bank accounts and standard trade payment methods, not personal accounts.
Let Keerki Limited Verify Before You Pay
Because Keerki Limited operates directly from Guangzhou, our team verifies factory registration, visits in person when needed, and inspects goods before shipment — giving clients across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE real protection an online-only transaction can't offer. Search our verified supplier directory or talk to our team before you send a deposit.
