1. What is Alibaba Trade Assurance?

Alibaba Trade Assurance is a free order protection service provided by Alibaba.com. It ensures your payments are secure and offers protection if your supplier doesn’t meet the terms of your contract (product quality, delivery time, etc.).

2. What Are the Fees?

✅ Buyer Fees

  • Alibaba Trade Assurance is free for buyers.

  • Note: Payment methods like credit cards and banks may charge a handling fee.

✅ Supplier Fees (2025 Update)

  • Basic Orders: 2% transaction service fee based on the order amount. The maximum cap is $100/$200/$300 depending on the supplier’s star rating and transaction volume.

  • Upgraded Orders: 3% transaction service fee. The maximum cap is $150/$250/$350 based on supplier ratings and transaction scale.

 

Payment Method Currency & Limit Transaction Fee Processing Time
Credit Card / Debit Card Multi-Currency
Up to USD 12,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Apple Pay Multi-Currency
Up to USD 12,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Google Pay Multi-Currency
Up to USD 12,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
PayPal Multi-Currency
Up to USD 12,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Buy Now, Pay Later Local Currency
Up to USD/AUD 1,500, EUR/GBP 2,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Afterpay (Clearpay) Local Currency
Up to USD 2,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Klarna Local Currency
Max Limits:
USD 4,000, CAD 2,000, GBP 11,500,
SEK 150,000, NOK 150,000,
EUR 14,000, DKK 100,000,
CHF 13,000, PLN 20,000		 2.99% of the payment amount 1-2 hours
Wire Transfer (T/T) – International USD
No upper limit		 Approx. USD 40 (charged by remitting bank) 3-7 business days
Wire Transfer (T/T) – Domestic Local Currency
Up to USD 1,000,000		 As low as 1 unit of local currency (charged by remitting bank) 1-2 business days

✅ Payment Processing Fees

  • Online payment methods (PayPal, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay): 2.99%.

  • Wire transfers (T/T): Typically $40 per transaction, often better for larger orders.

3. How Alibaba Protects Your Purchases

Step 1: Start a Trade Assurance Order

  • Confirm product details and reach an agreement with your supplier on Alibaba.com.

Step 2: Pay Through Alibaba.com

  • Use online payment methods or wire transfer via Alibaba.com. Your payment is held in escrow.

Step 3: Payment Held in Escrow

  • Funds are released only after you confirm receipt and satisfaction with the order.

Step 4: Get Your Money Back if Something Goes Wrong

  • Alibaba assists with refunds or compensation if suppliers fail to meet the contract terms.

ALIBABA TRADE ASSURCNE ORDER FEE

4. Key Things to Know When Creating a Trade Assurance Order

✅ Supplier Selection

  • Choose suppliers who participate in Alibaba Trade Assurance. Look for the Trade Assurance icon.

✅ Order Details

  • Include product specs (e.g., Pantone color, material, dimensions, etc.).

  • Define quality standards and mention third-party inspections if needed.

  • Detail packaging requirements.

✅ Shipping Info

  • Clarify Incoterms (EXW, FOB, etc.), shipping method (express, air, sea, rail), and dispatch date.

  • Leave the shipping fee blank if arranging your own shipping.

✅ Contracts & Communication

  • Keep all communication on Alibaba chat.

  • Ensure contracts reflect all agreed terms.

✅ Payments & Disputes

  • Alibaba Trade Assurance offers refunds if suppliers fail to meet contract terms.

  • Disputes must be filed within 30 days after receiving goods.

5. What if the Quality is Bad or You Receive the Wrong Items?

Alibaba’s New “Rapid Refund” Policy (2025)

For Online Trade Assurance Orders:

  1. 2-Hour No-Reason Refund

    • If your order hasn’t shipped yet, you can apply for a full refund within 2 hours of payment—no supplier negotiation needed.

  2. Late Shipment Refund

    • Orders under $1000. If suppliers don’t ship on time, buyers can request a full refund, and the system will automatically refund if the supplier doesn’t respond within 2 working days.

  3. 3-Day No Response Refund

    • Orders under $1000. If the seller doesn’t reply to a refund request within 3 working days, Alibaba will automatically refund according to the buyer’s request.

For Offline Orders Over $1000 (not directly placed through Alibaba Trade Assurance):

  • Claim Period depends on shipping method:

    • Express: 15 days

    • Air Freight: 30 days

    • Sea Freight / Land / Post Parcel: 60 days

6. Best Practices to Protect Yourself on Alibaba

  • Always chat on Alibaba Trade Manager, not WhatsApp/WeChat.

  • Always pay through Alibaba Trade Assurance.

  • Never confirm delivery until you actually receive the goods and confirm quality.

  • Keep important documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, product specs, sample photos, videos, test reports, purchase contracts, etc.

7. How to Request a Refund on Alibaba

  • Simple process, like Amazon or eBay:
    ➡️ Click Open Dispute
    ➡️ Provide evidence (photos, videos, inspection reports)
    ➡️ Wait for Alibaba’s mediation
    ➡️ Refund or compensation will be processed

✅ Why Work with a China Sourcing Agent Like Dropshipme?

Trade Assurance is great, but it’s not perfect. If you have problems, it can be slow and stressful. That’s why big brands work with China sourcing agents, like Dropshipme.

Why choose us?
✅ We find reliable suppliers
✅ We inspect products before shipping
✅ We handle disputes if anything goes wrong
✅ We replace bad suppliers and negotiate refunds
✅ You get a China team without opening your own office!

Think of us as your China purchasing office, managing sourcing, quality checks, and shipping, so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to Source from China Hassle-Free?

Contact Dropshipme Today!