Logistics & Shipping: Solutions for sellers

1. What is logistics and its role in international trade

Logistics is the process of planning, transporting, storing and distributing goods from the manufacturer to the final consumer. In the B2B model on Alibaba, logistics is not only the delivery stage, but also the factor that determines the supplier's cost, time and reputation. A good logistics system helps sellers:

• Faster delivery.

• Reduce international shipping costs.

• Enhance credibility with global buyers.

For Vietnamese businesses, logistics is the bridge between domestic manufacturers and the international market when exporting through Alibaba.

2. Popular forms of logistics on Alibaba

Alibaba offers many logistics options for Vietnamese sellers depending on the size and type of product. Here are the most common forms:

Logistics Service

It is Alibaba's internal logistics service, directly connecting suppliers with reputable international shipping partners. Sellers can calculate shipping costs right on the product page, making it easy for customers to estimate the total cost.

Advantage:

• Real-time order tracking.

• Support customs documents, CO, CQ.

• Optimize freight rates when exporting to many countries.

Third-party logistics service (3PL)

Sellers can choose 3PL units such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS or logistics companies in Vietnam. This form is suitable for businesses that need:

• Flexibility in choosing shipping routes.

• Separately control the packaging and warehouse process.

Alibaba Verified Forwarder

Is a network of international forwarding units censored by Alibaba. Sellers can compare rates and services between forwarders. The entire delivery process is protected by Trade Assurance, ensuring payment security.

3. The importance of logistics for sellers on Alibaba

• Direct impact on order closing rate: Buyers prioritize suppliers with clear and fast shipping prices.

• Impact on store reputation: If delivery is slow or lost, the rating on Alibaba will decrease, affecting product display.

• Optimize export costs: Good logistics helps reduce warehousing, transportation costs, and incurred taxes.

• Ensuring international customer experience: Stable delivery time helps buyers have more confidence in Vietnamese businesses.

4. Basic logistics process when exporting through Alibaba

Step 1:Prepare goods and pack them according to international standards

Ensure packaging complies with export regulations (moisture-proof, impact-proof).

Print full information: HS code, “Made in Vietnam”, product name, shipment.

Step 2:Customs declaration and documents

Need to prepare basic documents:

• Commercial Invoice.

• Packing List.

• Export declaration.

• Certificate of Origin (CO).

Step 3:Delivery via shipping unit

Choose a suitable logistics partner for the route:

• Seaway: for heavy goods, cheap price.

• Airmail: for high value goods, fast delivery.

• Road/rail: for nearby markets such as China, Laos, Cambodia.

Step 4:Follow the journey

Use Alibaba's tracking system or 3PL to track shipping progress in real time.

Step 5:Post-delivery processing

• Send a notification to the buyer when the item arrives.

• Ask the buyer to confirm receipt of the goods so that Alibaba can release payment.

5. Logistics challenges of Vietnamese sellers on Alibaba

• High shipping costs: Especially when sending retail or small quantities.

Solution: consolidate goods or cooperate with a reputable forwarder.

• Lack of experience in handling international documents: Easy to make mistakes when declaring CO, CQ, invoice.

Solution: use an export consulting service or Alibaba Verified Forwarder.

• Long delivery time: Affects buyer experience.

Solution: choose a transit route with a fixed time (Fixed Transit Time).

• Difficult to track goods route: Some forwarders do not provide detailed tracking.

Solution: Prioritize using Alibaba Logistics Platform with integrated tracking throughout the route.

6. Effective logistics solutions for Vietnamese sellers

Use the logistics service of the floor

• The system is integrated into the store, helping sellers centrally manage shipping.

• Automatically suggest optimal routes and fares.

• Support customs declaration, cargo insurance, electronic bill of lading.

Work with domestic logistics partners

A number of Vietnamese businesses are currently official logistics partners of Alibaba Vietnam, providing support from packaging, warehousing to international delivery. They offer:

• “Door-to-door” service (delivery to your door).

• Support documents and export procedures.

• Domestic freight rates are more competitive than international rentals.

Consulting on opening stores combined with logistics

When a business opens a store on Alibaba, the consulting team opening an Alibaba Vietnam store will guide the logistics process appropriate to the industry. Consulting experts help:

• Choose economical shipping routes.

• Suggestions for standard export packaging.

• Connect with reputable logistics partners.

7. Understand the B2B model on Alibaba and how this e-commerce platform works

Alibaba.comoperates under the B2B (Business-to-Business) model - where businesses sell to businesses globally. In this system, logistics plays a core role in the international supply chain. B2B process on Alibaba includes:

• Buyer sends Inquiry or RFQ.

• Supplier feedback and quote.

• The two parties sign a contract through Trade Assurance.

Alibaba connects with international logistics units for delivery. With support from Alibaba Vietnam, domestic businesses can export directly without intermediaries, saving time and costs.

ALIBABA VIETNAM COMPANY - EXPORT E-COMMERCE FLOOR

• Head office: 19th Floor, Saigon Center Building, No. 67 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Email:  [email protected]

• Phone: (+84) 987 258 510

• Branch 1: 10th Floor, Becamex Tower, 230 Binh Duong Avenue, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong

• Branch 2: 9th Floor, TTC Plaza, Vo Thi Sau, Thong Thong Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai

• Branch 3: 510 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac A Ward, Binh Tan District, HCMC