choco said...
I have made some enquiries in the past and have recieved emails with the persons first name like "Dave,Sam,John"....doesn't sound very chinese to me.
There would be some legit sellers though but it's a matter of finding the right ones.
remember everything is made in China!
As "braad" has said its really for bulk ordering.
I've visited a few of these factories personally and when you go to purchsae the question is usually 'how many 1000 items do you want'! I've bought single units on the basis of 'samples' (mainly clothes and musical instruments) to take home but.
The Chinese adopting english names is common place because us western people (esp.me) are generally to dumb to remember their chinese names. I have many chinese friends here in China, even a Luiggi which was given to him when he work for Fiat over here. So don't let that name thing bother you. You can ask them for their chineese name if you wish.
Hint, if you do buy from a company in China whether it through alibaba or otherwise do your research on business etiquette in China and treat these people with respect - in general they are the most trusty people you will ever deal with and they take great pride in thier work.
BTW China has $2 junk shops too! its not there usual product quality - you get what you pay for there too.