How Many Sellers Does Tmall Have?
Tmall, Alibaba’s premier B2C platform, hosts over 200,000 active sellers, ranging from major international brands to niche domestic businesses. As the go-to platform for high-quality products in China, Tmall connects consumers with certified and reputable sellers offering diverse product categories, from luxury goods to everyday essentials. Its rigorous seller vetting process and commitment to quality assurance have made Tmall a trusted name in global e-commerce.
A Business Client’s Journey: Lessons in Overseas Sourcing
The Quest for Luxury Handbags
In 2022, Iconic Trends, a boutique retail chain based in Los Angeles, sought to expand its inventory by sourcing premium leather handbags at competitive prices. With a goal to offer luxury products without luxury pricing, the company turned to an overseas supplier listed on Alibaba.
The supplier, Shanghai Elite Leatherworks Co., showcased exquisite samples of handcrafted bags, complete with certifications for sustainable practices and top-grade materials. Their professional communication and polished marketing materials impressed Iconic Trends, and the decision to proceed seemed straightforward.
The Warning Signs
Initially, everything appeared promising. The supplier responded quickly, provided detailed product information, and even offered a bulk discount. However, subtle red flags began to emerge during negotiations:
The supplier requested a 50% deposit of $40,000 to be wired to an offshore account in Singapore.
Communication shifted off-platform to private email and messaging apps.
The company’s name on the invoice didn’t match the supplier’s Alibaba profile.
Despite some hesitation, Iconic Trends proceeded, swayed by the supplier’s professionalism and the allure of a profitable deal.
The Fallout
After making the deposit, Iconic Trends faced increasing delays. Promised production timelines slipped without explanation, and communication with the supplier became sporadic. Six months later, with no products delivered and the supplier unresponsive, Iconic Trends reached out to IntelliChain for assistance.
IntelliChain Uncovers the Truth
Upon investigation, IntelliChain discovered the following:
Empty Office Address: The supplier’s listed office in Shanghai was unoccupied.
Fake Certifications: Sustainability and quality certifications were falsified.
Nonexistent Factory: The "factory" address led to a residential neighborhood, with no manufacturing facilities in sight.
IntelliChain also traced the offshore account to a network of fraudulent operations targeting international buyers.
How IntelliChain Could Have Prevented the Scam
Had Iconic Trends consulted IntelliChain before committing, they could have avoided the scam through:
Factory Verification: IntelliChain’s local agents would have confirmed the absence of a legitimate factory.
Secure Payment Escrow: Funds would have been held securely until verified shipment.
Background Checks: IntelliChain’s due diligence would have flagged the supplier’s inconsistencies early.
A Hard Lesson Learned
This experience served as a costly lesson for Iconic Trends about the risks of sourcing overseas without due diligence. The company vowed to use IntelliChain for all future sourcing projects, ensuring trusted partnerships and secure transactions.
The Takeaway
With thousands of sellers across platforms like Alibaba and Tmall, businesses must exercise caution when sourcing internationally. Partnering with experts like IntelliChain ensures that potential risks are mitigated, and investments are protected.
Contact IntelliChain Today
Phone: +1 307-310-5502
Email: connect@intellichainco.com
Address: 306 N Main St. Sheridan, WY 82801
Let IntelliChain be your trusted partner in China, ensuring that every step of your sourcing process is secure and seamless. With our local expertise, we guarantee that your products meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and safety. By partnering with us, you can focus on scaling your business, knowing that every detail—from factory vetting to logistics—is handled with precision.
Let IntelliChain be your eyes and ears in China, empowering you to bring the best products to market with confidence.
