About Alibaba

Alibaba.com is one of the world’s largest B2B (Business-to-Business) e-commerce marketplaces.

Launched in 1999, it connects millions of buyers and suppliers globally. Unlike standard retail sites where consumers buy single items, Alibaba is designed for wholesalers, manufacturers, and businesses to source products in bulk.

It covers virtually every category imaginable, from industrial machinery and electronics to apparel and home goods, making it the go-to platform for dropshippers and retailers looking to stock their inventory.

Alibaba Affiliate Program Overview

The Alibaba.com Affiliate Program allows marketers to earn commissions by referring businesses to purchase wholesale goods. It is ideal for those with B2B audiences or traffic interested in sourcing, manufacturing, and dropshipping.

Information Details
Industry Wholesale Trade / B2B E-commerce
Product Type Physical Products (Bulk/Wholesale), Digital Services, Logistics
Affiliate Program Type CPS (Cost Per Sale), CPI (Cost Per Install), KOL (Key Opinion Leader)

Alibaba Affiliate Program Offers

The program provides various tools and wide geographic acceptance, though it has specific restrictions to maintain brand safety.

Information Details
Promotional Materials Banners, Text Links, Deep Linking, Social Media Creative Assets, Product Feeds
Affiliate Cookie Duration 15 Days (Note: Some older third-party networks may list 30 days, but the official policy is generally up to 15 days)
Accepted Traffic Source Blogs, Websites, Social Media, Email Marketing, Content Platforms (YouTube, TikTok)
Accepted Countries Worldwide (Global acceptance, though some specific shipping/promotions may exclude China, India, or Nigeria)
Explicit Content Prohibited (Strictly forbidden)
Religious or Political Content Prohibited (Content must be neutral and commercially focused)

Alibaba Affiliate Commissions & Payments

Alibaba.com uses a performance-based structure. While they do not run an MLM scheme, they do reward high-volume affiliates with better terms.

Information Details
MLM No (Single-tier affiliate program)
Commission Rate Up to 15% (Standard rates often range from 6% to 10% depending on the buyer type—New vs. Returning—and product category)
Commission Structure Fixed % per sale (Higher rates for New Buyers; Lower for Returning Buyers)
Payout Frequency Monthly (typically processed between the 15th and 30th of the following month)
Payout Methods International Wire Transfer (Bank Transfer)
Minimum Payout $16 (But, there is of tena 15 processing fee per withdrawal, making the effective practical minimum much higher)

Suitable Affiliates for Alibaba Affiliate

This program is best suited for content creators who educate their audience on business, e-commerce, and product sourcing.

  • Bloggers: Specifically those in “Make Money Online,” “Dropshipping,” “E-commerce,” and “Business Niche” categories.
  • YouTubers: Creators making tutorials on “How to source products,” “Amazon FBA,” or product reviews for potential resale.
  • Influencers: Business coaches and entrepreneurship mentors on Instagram/LinkedIn.
  • KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Industry experts who can recommend specific machinery or bulk supplies.
  • KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Small business owners sharing their sourcing journey.
  • TikTokers: Creators focusing on “Side Hustles” and “Small Business Tips.”
  • Livestreamers: Hosts demonstrating product quality for bulk purchase decisions.
  • Video Editors: Less direct, but can create content for dropshippers who source from Alibaba.

Alibaba Affiliate Software

Alibaba primarily uses its own In-House Proprietary Software known as the Alibaba Affiliate Network (AAN). They have a dedicated portal (ads.alibaba.com) where affiliates log in to track clicks, sales, and commissions. While they have historically appeared on public networks (like CJ or ShareASale), the core program is currently managed directly through their internal platform.

3 Alternatives for Alibaba Affiliate Program

Here is a comparison with AliExpress (B2C/Dropshipping focus), DHgate (B2B/B2C Hybrid), and Amazon Associates (B2C Focus).

Comparison Factors Alibaba.com AliExpress DHgate Amazon Associates
Primary Focus B2B / Wholesale B2C / Dropshipping B2B / Wholesale Hybrid B2C Retail
Average Bill High ( (Bulk orders) Low ($) (Single items) Medium ( (Small wholesale) Variable ($ – 
Entry Fees Free Free Free Free
Withdrawal Threshold ~$16 (High fees apply) ~$16 (Varies by network) $100 $10 (Direct Deposit/Gift Card)
Payment Frequency Monthly Monthly Monthly Net-60 (Approx. 2 months later)
Commission Up to 15% 3% – 9% 3% – 60% 1% – 10%
Conversion Rate Low – Medium (Long sales cycle) High (Impulse buys) Medium Very High (Trusted brand)
Marketing Materials Banners, Links, Feeds Banners, Data Feeds Banners, Coupons, Links SiteStripe, Banners, API