Is it safe importing Excavators via Alibaba

Alibaba would seem to be a safe and legit platform:  AI comments

Yes, Alibaba is a legitimate and generally safe platform for sourcing products, provided you take necessary precautions. It is a large, publicly traded B2B marketplace, but your safety largely depends on vetting individual suppliers and utilizing the platform's built-in safety features. 

Key Safety Features

• Trade Assurance: This is Alibaba's most important protection for buyers. It acts as an escrow service, holding your payment until you confirm satisfactory receipt of the goods. If the supplier breaches the agreed-upon terms (e.g., late shipment, poor quality), Alibaba will mediate and can issue a refund.
• Verified Suppliers: Suppliers with this status have paid for and undergone a third-party inspection process to verify their business license, facilities, production capabilities, and quality controls. Look for the "Verified Supplier" badge and review their inspection reports.
• Secure Payment Methods: Always pay through Alibaba's official platform using secure methods like credit cards, PayPal (which offers an extra layer of buyer protection), or online bank transfers via the Trade Assurance system. Avoid wire transfers or off-platform payments to personal accounts, as these remove all protection and are a major red flag for scams. 

Tips for Safe Buying

• Do Your Due Diligence: The platform connects you directly with manufacturers, so it is your responsibility to research potential partners.
• Communicate on the Platform: Keep all correspondence, including product specifications and agreements, within the Alibaba messaging system. This ensures a record for Alibaba to review in case of a dispute.
• Order Samples: Before placing a large order, always request samples to verify the quality and consistency of the product.
• Hire an Inspection Service: For large orders, consider paying a third-party inspection company to examine the goods before they are shipped. This helps ensure the bulk order matches the sample quality.
• Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Deals: Extremely low prices, especially on name-brand or branded items, are usually a sign of counterfeit goods or a scam.
• Check Reviews and Operating History: Look for suppliers with positive ratings, good reviews (with pictures), and a history of several years in business on the platform. 

By following these guidelines and leveraging Alibaba's security features, you can significantly mitigate risks and have a safe sourcing experied

On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 5:34 PM Jorge Saguinsin <jorge@holygardens.ph> wrote:

3.  Computation

     Unit                        Kubota                                        Sany                                       Komatsu

     $                             5,000                                         3,500                                       $8,000

    Php                      300,000                                      210,000                                     480,000

+     Shipping

 Low                        150,000                                      150,000                                       150,000

Cost                        450,000                                      360,000                                       630,000

High  shipping       200,000                                       200,000                                      200,000

                             500,000                                       410,000                                       680,000

Price at Lubao    700,000                                        xxxxxxx                                       800,000 with breaker

Their margin       200,000                                       xxxxxx                                         120,000

Is it worth the risk to get the dealers margin?

Importing Excavators via Alibaba comparison with local purchase

.  Computation

     Unit                        Kubota                                        Sany                                       Komatsu

     $                             5,000                                         3,500                                       $8,000

    Php                    300,000                                     210,000                                     480,000

+     Shipping

 Low                        150,000                                      150,000                                       150,000

Cost                         450,000                                       360,000                                       630,000

High  shipping       200,000                                         200,000                                       200,000

                               500,000                                         410,000                                       680,000

Price at Lubao        700,000                                        xxxxxxx                                       800,000 with breaker

Their margin       200,000                                       xxxxxx                                           120,000

Is it worth the risk to get the dealers margin?

On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 5:22 PM Jorge Saguinsin <jorge@holygardens.ph> wrote:

It could be that we can save more.  The latest Kubota, that are compatible with our needs and we know Kubota to be reliable could only cost  say $5,000 x 60 =   P300,000

1   Excavator cost at Alibaba

       KubotA U 40 $5000

      Sany 3.5 tons $3,500

 

      Komatsu PC 30 - $8,000

 

2.  Shipping cost

For a 3.5-ton excavator shipping from 

China

 to the 

Philippines

 in 2025, the total shipping fee typically ranges from ₱80,000 to ₱230,000 ($1,400 to $4,000 USD), depending on the service level and whether customs duties are included. 

Estimated Shipping Costs (Sea Freight)

Costs vary significantly based on whether you choose a door-to-door (DDP) service or standard freight:

• All-In / DDP (Recommended for individuals): Many forwarders offer "All-In" rates that include customs duties, taxes, and documentation.
  • By Weight: For overweight cargo exceeding 400-410 kg/CBM, rates are roughly ₱22.50 to ₱25.00 per kg. For a 3,500 kg (3.5 ton) excavator, this calculates to approximately ₱78,750 to ₱87,500.
  • By Volume (CBM): If charged by volume, rates start at ₱8,000 to ₱10,000 per cubic meter.
• Full Container Load (FCL): If you rent a private 20ft container:
  • Port-to-Port Freight: Approximately $436 to $1,200 (₱25,500 to ₱70,000) for the ocean freight alone.
  • DDP FCL: A 20ft container with all taxes and duties prepaid ranges from $2,500 to $3,500 (₱145,000 to ₱205,000). 

Additional Estimated Fees

If your shipping quote is "Port-to-Port" only, you must account for these separate costs:

• Customs & Brokerage: $150 – $600 per shipment.
• Port Handling: $300 – $600 per container.
• Insurance: Generally 1% to 2% of the equipment's value.
• Packing/Crating: $300 – $800 to secure the machine for transport. 

Actionable Links for Quotes

To get a precise quote for 2025, use these tools and providers:

• CargoBoss Rate Calculator – For all-inclusive CBM or weight-based sea freight from China.
• Sino Shipping Guide – For updated monthly container and LCL rates.
• Boxed Up Logistics (FB) – Popular for machinery and bulk imports to the Philippines. 

REMINDERS ON OFFICE DECORUM - MANY NON OBSERVANCE AND SLIP UPS

 

To:     All  (Please print and maintain hard copy)

Thru:    The GM

SUBJECT:   CALL OUT REMINDER ON OFFICE DECORUM

      1.  Goals

         1.  To develop unity and teamwork

         2    Sign of show of force, and for branding

         3.  Instilling corporate discipline - ie implementation of uniform code of conduct even when it is inconvenient

  

      2.  Background

         1.  This is noted in gmeet and sbu visits -  non wearing issuance of ID even at nearby sbus that are often visited and in presence of senior officers and even for HR practitioner

         2.  "THOSE WHO CANNOT BE TRUSTED IN SMALL  THINGS CAN NOT BE TRUSTED IN BIG THINGS

         3.   Wearing of ids, uniforms is basic in HR sound practices;   even for start of marketing:    people supporting the product and the brand.

        4.  It does not seem this was taken up or remembered.   

     3.  Options

      1  Abandon this practice  or stay put, still the same as is being practiced.   Consequences

      2.  Gawin ang tama.  TAMANG PRACTICES.   As was practiced in the beginning.

   4.  What to do.  Let us implement.  Let have workshop and practice this.   Let 

     1.  Have ids

     2.  Have funds for proper uniform.  Send  hoe those who are improperly dressed.   absent for the day

    3.  Reprint these and have hard copy file

From EMPLOYEES HANDBOOK

   1.    Identification Card

The People Department shall issue an Identification Card promptly to every employee. Employees are required to wear ID at all times when on duty or within the office premises.  When the ID card is lost, a new card shall be issued and replacement cost shall be charged against the employee's salary. On resignation or termination of services, employee shall return the ID card to the People Department as requirement for the release of clearance from accountability.

  2.    WORK PLACE ATTIRE

      For Regular Employees (6 months and above)  - Wearing of presentable business type attire is
      enjoined

      Female

Monday to Thursday Friday

Company's Uniform Slacks pants, Skirt, Blouse with collar, close leather shoes  (in other words dress)

Close Shoes (Leather; color black).

     Male Friday

Company's Uniform Slacks Pants, Polo, Close leather Shoes

Close Shoes (Leather; color black).

Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

    For Employees 6 months and below

Female

Monday to Friday

Slacks pants, Skirt, Blouse with collar, close leather shoes

Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

Male

Monday to Friday

Slacks Pants, Polo, Close leather Shoes  Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

Note:  Blouse without collars, sleeveless, spaghetti straps,  silhouette dresses, haltered, backless, sando, shorts, micro mini skirts are strictly prohibited

      3.  Decorum

          Employees must observe proper behavior and professional manners in dealing with clients and colleagues at all times, must address superior, customers Sir / Madam as the case              maybe.

       The following circumstances must be strictly avoided:

    Use of indecent words, foul or obscene language within the company premises or even outside when  attending business related functions

· Boisterous laughter and loud talks that may disturb clients, colleagues, during meetings or in the performance of work

· Small talks involving personal lives of clients and colleagues that may eventually escalate into gossips.

· Shouting or utterance of nasty things due to anger  and loss of temper

-X-X-X-X-X-X

How AI tackles OFFICE DECORUM

 Office decorum and etiquette involve professional behavior, respectful communication, punctuality, appropriate dress, and cleanliness, all fostering a positive and productive work environment by showing consideration for colleagues, supervisors, and shared spaces, while avoiding distractions like gossip, excessive phone use, or strong-smelling food. Key aspects include greeting people, listening actively, sharing credit, managing personal issues privately, and using company resources appropriately. 

Core Principles

• Respect & Politeness: Treat everyone with courtesy, use professional language, and be mindful of body language.
• Professionalism: Dress appropriately, maintain good hygiene, and focus on work-related tasks.
• Consideration: Be aware of noise levels, respect personal space, and keep shared areas tidy. 

Communication & Interaction

• Greetings & Introductions: Offer polite greetings, make eye contact, and introduce yourself to new people.
• Active Listening: Give undivided attention in meetings and conversations; avoid interrupting.
• Responsiveness: Answer emails and messages promptly.
• Professional Tone: Avoid slang, gossip, and oversharing personal issues; keep conversations constructive.
• Sharing Credit: Acknowledge and praise team members' contributions. 

Workplace Habits

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for work and meetings; give notice if you'll be late.
• Workspace Management: Keep your desk neat and tidy; clean up after yourself in communal areas.
• Technology Use: Silence phones, avoid personal calls during work, and use devices appropriately.
• Food & Hygiene: Be mindful of strong-smelling foods and maintain personal hygiene. 

Handling Challenges

• Conflict: Address disagreements professionally and constructively.
• Mistakes: Take ownership of errors and learn from them.
• Stress: Manage stress constructively, not aggressively. 

Re: Response of emploiyee to reassignment as GT

On Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 1:29 PM Jorge Saguinsin <jorge@holygardens.ph> wrote:

Memorandum

To:   HG Calapan

Thru:   GM

1.  This is part of our personnel policies regarding job reassignment and rotation

          From HANDBOOK - Personnel Policies

         2. Lateral Transfer. This is the movement of an employee from one job to another within or outside of a department without change in level and salary. Transfers may be initiated by either Management or the employee.

2.  Failure to follow this is insubordination.

    

   From CCD   Handbook CCD

 2.27  Refusing to follow verbal texted, written, or emailed orders assignments

      and tasks coming from superiors, or written assigned tasks 

       enumerated in administrative plans or job descriptions.  

      Or implement marketing, operational or marketing plans.     Class D             

Response of emploiyee to reassignment as GT

Memorandum

To:   HG Calapan

Thru:   GM

1.  This is part of our personnel policies regarding job reassignment and rotation

2.  Failure to follow this is insubordination.

    

   From CCD 

 2.27  Refusing to follow verbal texted, written, or emailed orders assignments

      and tasks coming from superiors, or written assigned tasks 

       enumerated in administrative plans or job descriptions.  

      Or implement marketing, operational or marketing plans.              

REMINDERS ON OFFICE DECORUM - MANY NON OBSERVANCE AND SLIP UPS

MEMORANDUM

To:     All  (Please print and maintain hard copy)

Thru:    The GM

SUBJECT:   CALL OUT REMINDER ON OFFICE DECORUM

      1.  Goals

         1.  To develop unity and teamwork

         2    Sign of show of force, and for branding

         3.  Instilling corporate discipline - ie implementation of uniform code of conduct even when it is inconvenient

  

      2.  Background

         1.  This is noted in gmeet and sbu visits -  non wearing issuance of ID even at nearby sbus that are often visited and in presence of senior officers and even for HR practitioner

         2.  "THOSE WHO CANNOT BE TRUSTED IN SMALL  THINGS CAN NOT BE TRUSTED IN BIG THINGS

         3.   Wearing of ids, uniforms is basic in HR sound practices;   even for start of marketing:    people supporting the product and the brand.

        4.  It does not seem this was taken up or remembered.   

     3.  Options

      1  Abandon this practice  or stay put, still the same as is being practiced.   Consequences

      2.  Gawin ang tama.  TAMANG PRACTICES.   As was practiced in the beginning.

   4.  What to do.  Let us implement.  Let have workshop and practice this.   Let 

     1.  Have ids

     2.  Have funds for proper uniform.  Send  hoe those who are improperly dressed.   absent for the day

    3.  Reprint these and have hard copy file

From EMPLOYEES HANDBOOK

   1.    Identification Card

The People Department shall issue an Identification Card promptly to every employee. Employees are required to wear ID at all times when on duty or within the office premises.  When the ID card is lost, a new card shall be issued and replacement cost shall be charged against the employee's salary. On resignation or termination of services, employee shall return the ID card to the People Department as requirement for the release of clearance from accountability.

  2.    WORK PLACE ATTIRE

      For Regular Employees (6 months and above)  - Wearing of presentable business type attire is
      enjoined

      Female

Monday to Thursday Friday

Company's Uniform Slacks pants, Skirt, Blouse with collar, close leather shoes  (in other words dress)

Close Shoes (Leather; color black).

     Male Friday

Company's Uniform Slacks Pants, Polo, Close leather Shoes

Close Shoes (Leather; color black).

Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

    For Employees 6 months and below

Female

Monday to Friday

Slacks pants, Skirt, Blouse with collar, close leather shoes

Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

Male

Monday to Friday

Slacks Pants, Polo, Close leather Shoes  Saturday—Jeans, T-Shirts, blouse, rubber shoes, sandals

Note:  Blouse without collars, sleeveless, spaghetti straps,  silhouette dresses, haltered, backless, sando, shorts, micro mini skirts are strictly prohibited

      3.  Decorum

          Employees must observe proper behavior and professional manners in dealing with clients and colleagues at all times, must address superior, customers Sir / Madam as the case              maybe.

       The following circumstances must be strictly avoided:

    Use of indecent words, foul or obscene language within the company premises or even outside when  attending business related functions

· Boisterous laughter and loud talks that may disturb clients, colleagues, during meetings or in the performance of work

· Small talks involving personal lives of clients and colleagues that may eventually escalate into gossips.

· Shouting or utterance of nasty things due to anger  and loss of temper