Alibaba.com has revamped its supplier rating system to encourage global suppliers to pursue expanded benefits and better connect with buyers worldwide.

This is among the platform’s efforts to encourage export-oriented businesses to survive and thrive via digitalisation, further to its roll-out of Project Sprout Up earlier this year which helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in various markets including Viet Nam go online and go global in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new Star Rating framework, more tangible benefits will be provided to suppliers with a Star Rating of 1 to 5 stars, including the display of their Star Rating to buyers on Alibaba.com to gain their trust, as well as eligibility for additional promotional opportunities through online tradeshows, marketing pavilions and other events on the platform. Higher rated suppliers will continue to receive more buyer inquiries, a key benefit under the previous Star Rating system.

“The global pandemic has disrupted all sectors but it has also brought buyers and suppliers around the world closer to each other by accelerating business digitalisation and fostering more online interactions. We hope our new approach of rating suppliers with the upgraded Star Rating system will encourage all suppliers on Alibaba.com – whether they are already adept at digital trade or not – to continue pursuing excellence in the products they sell and the service they offer online by providing even more tangible rewards to do so,” said Zhang Kuo, General Manager of Alibaba.com.

Phan Duc, Export Manager from VIHABA Trade and Import Export Company - one of the 2020 Alibaba.com New Power Top 10 Suppliers, said: “To continue growing, it was essential for us to constantly find new ways to expand our distribution channels. The importance of online channels became clearer, especially after experiencing the recent disruption through traditional offline channels. By being active on Alibaba.com we receive more than 200 inquiries every month and our response rate is among the highest on the platform. We are confident we will continue to achieve growth and expand to newer markets on Alibaba.com”. — VNS