Several years ago I joined Alibaba to investigate Asian manufacturers, with the idea of starting an importing business and a bicycle equipment brand. At the time it was all business--there was little amateur presence and few sellers marketed to consumers. Alibaba made no warranties, Alibaba did no reference checking. It was simply an online meeting place. There is a bulletin board where members can discuss transactions, but inasmuch as getting satisfaction--getting the stuff you paid for, or getting paid for the stuff you shipped--you were on your own. I haven't been there in a while, so I don't know what's changed.
My assumption would be that anyone there who's marketing to end-user consumers is probably trolling for suckers.