It isnt that hard to import from Alibaba China to South Africa. All you just have to do is source goods, filter suppliers, place simple order, confirm payment terms and shipping from China to South Africa.

Source goods isnt hard, you can search on Alibaba with the goods keywords, then check the goods description and compare prices as well we confirm the goods details with supplier, during the period you can filter suppliers by goods sales on the store, reviews, prices, seller services, seller credits etc. The more information you get the more chance you can get the right goods you want.

Then it is the sample orders. You can order a few samples from 3 to 4 suppliers then consolidate to ship to South Africa by the shipping agent. Confirm the payment terms, usually paypal or escrow.

The final step is shipping. No matter ship by the supplier or by the shipping agent,they will take care of the customs clearance work.

Once you received the goods you can compare its quality, price as well as additional service about branding, labeling etc. Then select one to two suppliers to place small orders.

The key part import from alibaba to South Africa is the communication with supplier. If you are new you should prepare the homework on how to ask the suppliers about its goods, price, payment terms, qualifications etc.