Alibaba review: Alibaba trade assurance = zero protection – fake docs, no refund

Order: $10,250 mini excavator (DDP)
Arrival at port claimed: Aug 1, 2025 → 94 days later: NO customs clearance, NO delivery.

During dispute Seller provided ONLY a DRAFT B/L marked "NOT FINAL"
→ No container, no seal, no on-board date, no signature.
→ Useless for customs

Alibaba’s response:
> “This process is beyond the seller’s control”
> “Unable to force refund”

Trade Assurance Section 6.3.1(2)(iii) CLEARLY states:
“failing to provide valid documentation in support of delivery” = BREACH

Section 6.4: Alibaba must refund on behalf of seller.

Seller offered $500 after 3 months – admission of failure but insignficant in non delivery case.

Alibaba IGNORES own contract, protects scammers, facilitates fake documentation and VAT fraud.

**Trade Assurance is MEANINGLESS.**