Alibaba VS AliExpress


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Alibaba.com and AliExpress are two platforms that we hear about much , especially when talking about the success of in the eCommerce businesses.

These two platforms are sister companies in one group named: “Alibaba Group” , that plays a leading role in the online retail world and eCommerce transactions, especially from Republic Of China !!

Yet, Alibaba.com and AliExpress offer for different benefits for each site’s targeted buyers, as well as different benefits for sellers too . We will discuss these matters more in the coming lines.

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Alibaba Group

Alibaba group was established by the legendary entrepreneur, Jack Ma in Hangzhou, China in 1999 , with the mission “To make it easy to do business anywhere.”

Other subsidiaries of Alibaba group include: Taobao, Tmall, Lazada Group, Alibaba Cloud, Alipay, and Alibaba Pictures Group.

 What is Alibaba.Com Site ?

Founded in 1999 , Alibaba.com started operations by specializing in cross-boarder B2B ecommerce provider with a base in China – currently reaching 190 countries – 755 Million mobile users in a business revenue of around 54 Billion USDs / year .

Alibaba specializes promoting Chinese products online for buyers around the world. You can search and find any kind of products or suppliers on Alibaba.Com, and communicate to do business easily.

Alibaba succeeded in offering other related services, like online paying platform, support groups for both the sellers and buyers, as well as products inspection services – on behalf of the buyer – and other facilities. Services that any online & outside the country buyer will need to insure the quality of what he is purchasing , and would be happy to pay for too !!

Sellers have showrooms online to show their products to prospects, and to give general prices, and receive communications easily – Alibaba truly facilitated business across borders, and became China’ legend of eCommerce.

Sellers on Alibaba.Com varies ; wholesalers, exporters, trading companies , factories, agents / distributors for other companies, any kind of a seller – based in China or Hong Kong only.

We should mention that Alibaba sellers sell on lots ( big quantities ) and to corporates only, they do not sell in pieces , many have Minimum Quantities To Order ( MOQ ) to be able give extra low prices, and make some profits too !!

What is AliExpress?

Alibaba.Com is the online B2B platform ( business-to-business ) , while AliExpress is the online B2C platform. AliExpress is the retail division of Alibaba.

AliExpress sellers specialize in selling low quantities ( even pieces ) to individual clients around the world. They methods of payment are different, also their shipping options are. They are similar to major selling websites , like Etsy or Amazon .

AliExpress has other services for their clients, like currencies exchange tools online, payment tools , buyer protection ( damages or missing items ) and other options.

Typical sellers on AliExpress include: beauty, tools, home improvement, and appliance retailers, as well as clothing, electronics sellers. The list is huge really !!

Alibaba.com vs. AliExpres – Compare by features

The table is courtesy by Alibaba.Com - we thank you for it.
Alibaba.com AliExpress
Marketplace type B2B B2C
Typical buyers Businesses Consumers, resellers
Typical sellers Manufacturers, wholesalers, trading companies, exporters Retailers
Fixed annual fee for sellers Yes No
Commission per sale for sellers 0% (in most countries) 5-8%
Custom storefronts Yes Yes
Auto translation Yes Yes
Secure payment portals Yes Yes
Buyer countries and territories 190+ 200+
Seller countries and territories 200+ 6
Request for Quotation (RFQ) Yes No
Shipping time 15 days to months 1-4 weeks
Drop shipping support No Yes
Product Raw materials, customizable products, ready-made products Ready-made products
Pricing Negotiable Fixed
Shipping cost Vary depending on the shipping terms agreed upon by buyers and sellers Typically free
Minimum order quantity Yes No
Private labeling Yes No
Financing options for buyers Yes No
Order protection Yes Yes
Dispute resolution Yes Yes

Well, we have covered it all . Why don’t you check Alibaba.Com or AliExpress.Com Sites based on your preferences , and enjoy their features.

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A Broker and Dealer ? Definition Of Both

In the financial world, we may hear the terms : Broker & Dealer, and think they are the same.. Well, they are not the same 🙂

The main differences between both terms are :

– Their roles in the market – mostly securities & shares markets .

– The capital required to do their jobs.

Let’s define things more in details :

** A broker is a person who executes the trade on behalf of others, whereas a dealer is a person who trades business on their own behalf **

** A dealer will buy and sell securities, commodities or currencies on The Client’s account. But , the broker will buy and sell securities, commodities or currencies for their clients.

So, the broker works by your instructions only, and gets his/her pay accordingly ( commission, spreads or else ), he won’t interfere if your decision brings you profit or not, and doesn’t take responsibility for the results accordingly.

But dealers gain profit when you make profit , they are like partners for you – when trading securities or related shares, etc … ) . The broker could have assets of their own , and would trade them separately on a later age.

Think of dealers as middle person, not highly experienced nor he/she acts alone. And takes commission for his work regardless of its impact on your wallet ( or shares , else … )

Resources of benefit?

Is the broker an advisor ??

Well, no he is not exactly !!

The broker wants to sell you a service or a product ( mostly in shares and financial world ) , and benefits from that – profit by transaction.

But the advisor is the person who gives you advises on certain acts, market trends, a strategy to follow, or the “cheaper” way to handle a certain matter. The broker may do transactions on your behalf, but he / she won’t be – legally able to give you advises on the trade or the market’s situations.

In major corporates, head managers need advising specialists and people who can overview the circumstances ( each in his/her specialty field ) and give an advise that would result in better goals achievement , here comes the advisory board.

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What is the advisory board?

Based on Advisory Board Central : “An Advisory Board is a structured and collaborative method for organizations to engage with external advisors. Advisory Boards act as a sounding-board for either the owners, directors or shareholders of a company.”

Other names for the “Advisory Boards” include: Advisory panel, Steering committees, corporate think tanks or even board of advisers.

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The Purpose of Advisory Boards

The purpose of most Advisory Boards is to help the organization gain new insights and provide solutions for the problems the corporate is facing, and to explore new opportunities by birds-eye view of the total situation , and combine that with deep experience and knowledge too.

The “Advisory Board” does not make decisions, provide the management with critical thinking and analysis to increase the decision’s outcome, and reduce the risks and negative impact of them.

The specific roles, responsibilities and expectations are normally established within the Advisory Board Charter – ( Board’s terms of reference ) , as well as other instructions / protocols set by the corporate’s owners or Board Of Directors.

Big corporates can have internal or external advisors; experts who are not official staff of the company – and are paid by projects or advises they offer . Their working schedule isn’t fixed or full-time, and their results aren’t always adaptable or successful, since they are not fully aware of the internal factor guiding the corporate’s operations.

And there are the internal advisors, who are corporate’s staff working full-time inside it. They know the business from inside, and can be working in different department in the corporate , giving richer and more adaptable advises and knowledge power for the decision makers of the


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IPO & FPO – What are they ?

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We hear the terms : IPO & FPO from time to time, especially in the stock market , and when a new major company is established.

Let’s define some terms first – that would make future explaining easier for us later :

– IPO: The short term of Initial Public Offering .

– FPO: The short term of Follow-up Public Offering .

Simple, isn’t it ? Let’s explain the terms more ..

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For companies who issue IPOs & FPs ; IPOs are more profitable than FPOs. It also comes before FPOs !! Yes, IPOs come first, and then come FPOs.

Companies ( mostly bigger ones ) , plan and issue an IPO to generate money from investors, while FPO serves for adding more cash to the initial public.

IPOS are projects held by a certain company, enabling investors ( individuals & corporates ) and common people with interest in stock markets and shares , to buy a certain % of the new shares the company is sending for sale in the stock market.

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So , when an investor buys 10,000$ of shares in IPO, and the company’s capital is 1,000,000 USD, he/she is gaining 0.1% part of the company , and so on ..

Generally speaking ; profits generated ( mostly ) are higher in IPO VS FPO, and so are losses.

That is because , when investing in an IPO;  there are no information about the coming share situation, and how the share would re-act in the coming times.

While , when investing in FPO, that is a follow-up public offering, the corporate is lacking cash, but also has to publish its performance and financial numbers to the public , and analyzers can review them and decide – to the nearest possible level – how the share would act in the future times, and should an investment be done to it or not !!

Having historical information also means that share’s price won’t change much ( upper & less ) , this reduces profits more than IPOs.

FPO is risky too , since when a corporate starts an IFP, it means it needs extra cash – and that is risky in the business world.

At last, IPO & FPO have benefits and risks related to each, and you should be careful .. Have a say ? Let’s hear from you in this form.

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More Customers .. Not always required !

Yes, more customers isn’t always right !! Imagine !! You need the right clients, even if that is less than having a large database of headache creating and profit-draining clients.

Because , bad customers;

  • Don’t pay you !!
  • Push you to reduce your profits.
  • Don’t communicate well !!
  • Demand extra revisions, extra support .

So, if you have some problematic clients .. More of them means more problems for your business, and more costs to operate .

So, how great clients act ?

  • Great clients pay well – give you more profits .
  • Great clients pay you on time !!
  • Great clients don’t demand extra works !
  • Great clients let you follow your policies and procedures.

HearthSongIf this is so clear .. Why don’t everyone do business with great clients?

Well… because great clients can’t be chased , they have to be attracted !! You have to give them a great environment ( causes ) to come for you, same as a magnet !!

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How to do business with great clients?

1st – Act “professionally”.

Great clients are mostly professional, and like to work with similar parties !!

If you don’t believe there are “great clients” in the market, you won’t find them – as you won’t prepare your business and procedures to handle their special requirements – and they won’t be “attracted” to you as well – a mutual beneficial relationship !!

You don’t need a lot of customers really ; who see you as a cost-burden for them, and want to benefit more from you. You want great customers , who would respect your business and your need to grow and continue your operations .

2nd – Be selective when dealing with clients !

You shouldn’t look to “collect” clients , even if your business is new, be selective – think of the market’s “cream of the cream” and work towards it, look for the “great” clients and how to serve them, promote your skills and show what differs you from others .. This is important.

Don’t chase the clients , they would notice what you are doing to secure their business , and would start asking for more, much more – gifts, discounts, bonuses and so on.

Set yourself / your business to show professionalism and able to serve the clients’ needs, meet their expectations and great clients would reach you then – simple.

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3rd – Filter your clients !!

Yes, filter the prospect that is coming for you by asking detailed questions about the task / order that is being offered for you. Better understanding of the prospect’s requirements and expectations , gives you a deeper understanding of your own abilities and benefit for fulfilling such demands, or not !

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Now, you decided whom to do business with , so what ?

You have to work your best, and deliver… or better saying : OVER DELIVER.

Yes, deliver more than what you great clients expect from their interaction with your company – what you are offering, how you are offering it, when and details related for what you are delivering.

You should care for “what you feel” when delivering – corporate or individual feeling ! Yes, you should be happy for what you are offering, and be generous too , clients note your kindness, caring and generosity and would compensate that for you , generously too.

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Understand that : When you serve a great client, he/she would refer another “great client” , and more of good is better !!

The total profit from this great client, and the more he/she would bring to you is really worth the hard work associated , and the time & efforts given to accomplish the work required ..

– Do you think you are dealing with great clients ? Let us know in the comments form down . Thank you in advance for sharing.

Be Efficient OR Be Effective

Well… you get one life, and it is a precious life. So you should better spend it in the best way, to achieve the best results , shouldn’t you ?

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Social scientists , and productivity experts , often suggest that you should focus on being effective rather than being efficient !!

Efficiency is about getting more things done.
Effectiveness is about getting the right things done.

In other words .. Be productive and do right things, and no need to do all things you can do !!

How to decide if this matter is important or time-wasting thing ? We recommend using the rule named 80/20 !!

What is the 80/20 rule ?

The first scientist to discuss this principle was “Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto”, who had major contributions in social sciences & economics while living in Italy between 1848 – 1923. He stated this rule in 1906 , after noticing that 80% of Italy’s wealth & lands is held with 20% of the country’s population, and from there he started the thinking !!

Vilfredo Pareto 1872. Courtesy of WikiPedia Site.

Pareto started studying land and wealth distribution in other countries as well, and found the results nearly match what is in Italy. He made his thoughts after that;

Pareto’s principle states that: In any particular category – a small number of clients or factors, account for the majority of the results – 20% of the clients make 80% of the profits .

Here , “Few” tasks counts more than “quantum” tasks.

You would review problems you are facing in your life, or matters that consume your powers and times, and you will find that 80% of your time consuming matters generate only 20% of the life’s results.

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Let’s discuss some examples here :

  • 80% Of car accidents are caused by                             20 % of the drivers !!
  • 80% Of Lottery buyers are                                             20 % of the society !!
  • 80% Of environment impact is caused by                  20% of the world countries
  • 80% Of the food is generated from from                    20% of the farms worldwide

& in the business environment , Pareto rule confirms that :

  • 80% Of Corporate’s profits comes from                     20% of the Corps’ clients
  • 80% Of Corporate’s profits comes from                     20% of the Corps’ products !!

So , to maximize your efficiency in business , you should focus on the vital 20% of activity. But don’t leave the other 20% , since markets change and clients grow & decline easily.

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Let’s say;

إou have 10 tasks to accomplish today ! Simple note. You can increase your efficiency by considering the 1st two tasks first, and complete them as a start, this means you finished 80% of your tasks load easily !

You can also delegate or delay performing the pending tasks, and you would feel satisfied and productive !!

This implies to the IT world and software errors. In a memo dated 2002 , Microsoft CEO then Steve Ballmar, to his employees , stated that : “Microsoft has learned that 80 percent of the errors and crashes in Windows and Office are caused by 20 percent of the entire pool of bugs detected” . And they changed many of their procedures after that !! Read the full article here

How be more efficient in – the business environment?

Here are some ideas about how to increase your efficiency by following the Pareto principle : Montavue

  • Better daily planning;

Since performing 20% of the tasks related to 80% of the results required, you would set the most prioritized tasks first, and remember that they would consume 20% of your day’s time.

But don’t neglect the other 80% of your tasks, they are required for your total performance and goals.

  • Delegate tasks

In the business world, managers can’t do all tasks themselves. Yet a lot of goals and achievements are required from them.

And in order to raise their performance , and be more efficient, manager or business head should concentrate on 20% of the goals required from him, and how to achieve them – delegating the balanced works to other staff around the head.

  • Risk assessment and management

By identifying the risks the business face; whether they are in customers management procedures, sales environment, strategies, financials or whatever category the

corporate faces, the corporate should concentrate its resources and procedures to solve 20% of the highest risks to encounter, which would result in solving 80% of the problems .

But corporates shouldn’t leave the other 80% of risks unattended or solved, since they could grow and become a serious threat later to the business itself.

  • Profit generation: By focusing sales efforts to the most profitable 20% of the clients, or to gain 20% of the market’s opportunities.


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Such strategy , definitely, won’t please everyone you work with, but would generate enough profit to keep your business going , and then you can take care of the rest of the clients who deal with you, growing your profits even more !!

So start thinking of your effectiveness of doing less, yet more important and more impactful tasks, more than your efficiency doing hundreds of minor tasks, and the result is minor too !!

Have a say, write it down and we are happy to listen …

The Danger Of Perfection !!

Imagine that … You always worry that you didn’t do a good job – despite all these good words and praises you hear ??

Or that , you are afraid of admitting your mistakes – that is not you to make a mistake in first place !! Even when small mistakes happen, you feel a great regret.

Or you are from those want to align all lines they see, even if it a pedestrian line  ?

Rest in peace, many are like you, and these are the specs of : The Perfectionist.

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What is a  perfectionist?

A perfectionist is someone who wants everything to be perfect, he/ she :

  • Always waits for the right moment.
  • Never makes mistakes.
  • Always needs more time

But be careful: when you constantly worry about making mistakes, doubt creeps in your mind , and that would cause depression and anxiety !!

And you could be named easily, by your surroundings, as a slacker , or a loser, or lazy .. because results in all scenarios are same: Merely no result at all !!!


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So how to solve this matter?

Basically and in short .. You should balance between your efforts towards achieving a task, and the world around you !! You should know you can’t change the world , but you can improve the life of yourself and others around you.

Do the efforts as a perfectionist ( hard working and caring for details ) , but avoid continuous looking at the results and evaluating them !!

You just did your best, and that is it. Enjoy !!

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When you a perfectionist is asked: What his or her life is really like ? The response is likely to be :

  • “If I’m not the best, then I’m a failure.”
  • “I can’t ask for help, people will think I’m not good enough.”
  • “I’m exhausted but I can’t relax — I always have to stay one step ahead.”
  • “I never feel satisfied and nothing I do is enough.”
  • “If I make a mistake it proves I’m worthless.”
  • “I feel hollow, like I can never be happy.”

And to know a universal fact: There is nothing perfect in this world, nothing at all !! So relax a bit, and make a space for other matters that matters in life, like having fun, enjoying a game , play with the kids without restrictions , and others …

So how to solve this matter?

Basically , and in short, you should balance between your efforts towards achieving a task and the world around you;

You should know you can’t change the world , but you can improve the life of yourself and others around you.

It is alright to fail, failure teaches you and enriches your experience ; instead of focusing on easier subjects and tasks , to get a full score – even in your own mind only – and move away from the matters ( tasks ) that really matter !! The things which would change your and/or your surroundings lives; achieve the goals you look for in your life, things that give you satisfaction , and real self-joy.

Really, we recommend and advise you to : Make efforts as a perfectionist – always – ( hard working and caring for details ) , but avoid the inner sound that tells you to repeat things again and again, and continuously looking at the results , since you didn’t do things perfectly fine, and there is a need to change !!

Make a space, in your mind and soul, to understand that you have done your best, and things can not perfect , and won’t be in anyway ; What is done is done, and move to the coming matter / task, enjoy your life.

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