at least you got your supply problem sorted out.
Doing business with China is getting harder . and as more factories close bargains and profit margins will decline also

its common for ftys to ask exhorbitant amt for samples (n refund it back when big ordr is placed). a fty had told me tht they get many requests for smpls n his thinkin' was tht only serious buyr wil invest high fr samples.

Companies on Alibaba vary. If you want to find companies with refined and standard supplier, Check out a better choice, gttown.

http://www.gttown.com/

Alibaba in general if you look out for chinese suppliers with the gold membership very safe. I had a dispute before with a company and i was so angry i contacted Alibaba and they reacted and contacted that supplier so the supplier agreed to return 50% back.

I think to pass Alibaba´s registration in China, it is more strict then if you would be a company outside China.

Sample costs are usually (not always!) much higher, supplier will argue if you make a large order you will get sample costs deducted!

They want to avoid you are endbuyer or would send this sample to a competitor.

I remember when i was in Yiwu and looked out for furnitures the showroom owner did not allow me to take the catalogue with me, which i found very ridiculous but later on i understood why. Doesnt mean i totally accept it, but i understood why, when i met another factory owner who said to me like this" Dont worry we can produce and copycat anything you want" !!!!

My experience with Alibaba suppliers is very good. Many employees even use Whatsapp to be in steady contact with a potential buyer, because they have so much pressure (usually) to meet sales targets.