The difference between Alibaba and other e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Amazon, Lazada

1. Overview of Alibaba and typical B2B model

What is Alibaba?

• Alibaba is the world's largest B2B (Business to Business) e-commerce platform, founded in 1999 in China.

• This platform connects buyers and suppliers globally, mainly wholesalers, exporting goods in large quantities.

• Alibaba Vietnam is currently becoming one of the leading online export channels for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Understand the B2B model on Alibaba

The B2B (Business – Business) model is different from the B2C (Business – Consumer) model in that:

• B2B focuses on bulk, wholesale transactions, typically for importers, agents, or manufacturing businesses.

• B2C transactions (like Shopee, Lazada, Amazon) are aimed at the end consumer, with small quantities and fast retail speed.

On Alibaba, each seller (supplier) can:

• Open a booth to display products, images, factory information, and certificates.

• Receive international orders through the “RFQ” (Request For Quotation) system.

• Interact with global customers, without country restrictions.

2. Compare Alibaba's operating model with Shopee, Amazon, Lazada

Target customer audience

Biggest difference:

• Alibaba is not for retail buyers but is aimed at export, wholesale, and wholesale transactions.

• Meanwhile, Shopee, Lazada, Amazon focus on the final consumer - where customers buy each product one by one.

How it works

Alibaba (B2B):

• Buyer posts product request (RFQ).

• Suppliers send quotes directly.

• The two sides negotiate and sign an export contract.

• Transactions are often large, high value, paid via Alibaba Trade Assurance.

Shopee / Lazada / Amazon (B2C):

• Sellers post products on the platform.

• Buyers choose products, add to cart, and pay online.

• Logistics handling floor, door-to-door delivery.

• Small transactions, low value, for personal consumption.

In short:Alibaba is more about exporting and connecting businesses, while Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon are more about domestic or global retail.

Transaction size

• Alibaba: Transactions of hundreds, thousands of product units/time, worth from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of USD.

• Shopee / Lazada / Amazon: Transaction of small orders, worth a few tens to a few hundred thousand VND (or a few USD).

How to open a stall

On Alibaba Vietnam:

• AccessAlibaba.com

• Register for a business account (Company Account).

• Verify business information (company profile, business license).

• Post products with technical information, images, and certificates.

• Activate the Gold Supplier package to increase reliability.

• Start exporting through Alibaba and receive orders from other countries.

On Shopee, Lazada, Amazon:

• Sign up for a personal or retailer account.

• No export license or business profile required.

• The goal is to sell quickly, individually, and serve consumers.

Notable differences:Alibaba requires real businesses - certified products - brand reputation, while Shopee and Lazada allow small sellers or individuals to open stores more easily.

Payment and shipping system

Alibaba:

• Payment via Trade Assurance, T/T, L/C, or Western Union.

• International shipping, mass export.

• Delivery usually takes 15–60 days.

Shopee, Lazada, Amazon:

• Pay via e-wallet, bank card or COD.

• Fast domestic shipping (1–3 days).

• Have its own logistics system such as Shopee Express, Lazada Logistics.

Transaction guarantee policy

• Alibaba: has a Trade Assurance program - ensuring safe payment for both buyers and sellers.

• Shopee, Lazada: use Shopee Guarantee or Lazada Buyer Protection, mainly applicable to domestic consumers.

• Amazon: has an A-to-Z Guarantee for global buyers.

3. Conclusion

• Shopee, Lazada, Amazon are good choices for domestic retail or end consumers.

• Alibaba is the ideal choice for Vietnamese businesses that want to export goods internationally.

• Opening a booth on Alibaba Vietnam not only helps businesses reach millions of global customers, but also increases sales, expands the market and enhances the Vietnamese brand.

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: 123 Cong Hoa, Ward 12, Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam