When you buy from Alibaba, a lot of the shippers don't want to use trade assurance or escrow. Do you trust them?
I hope it's not too late. You haven't paid then anything yet, have you? Don't. Here's a story which explains why:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=2610422.0If they refuse escrow or LOC (Letter of Credit), they are scammers. Legitimate commercial transactions are settled with the appropriate and correct protection systems and legitimate Chinese shippers are aware of this practice.
Be especially wary of requests to settle by bitcoin alone. Refusing PayPal or a bank transfer is a red flag. This signals a risk of paying and later having no recourse in the event of non delivery or default by the shipper. So just don't do it. Don't give in to the attractiveness of the offer, however tempting the price and discount offered.
Aliexpress has an escrow element integrated within the trade platform so there is no reason for not using it.
Shills are everywhere and will say anything for a fast buck. Ignore nerve-struck butt-hurt Chinese scammers who might be reading this thread and urge you to go ahead and do it. Don't send coins upfront.