My experience Alibaba was fast, efficient.
Payment from ABSA to JP Morgan in Singapore (if memory serves) and the goods where on their way.
At the time, had to buy dollars at ABSA, to pay to JP Morgan account.
And you had to move “fast” in case the exchange rate went up in the 24hours.
Was like gambling … wait for a drop, worst case you pay a bit more.
The trick though, the shipping.
THAT takes time.
At least we could follow the ship.
1st order went to Durban right smack when Transnet had issues.
Then road freight to Cape Town.
It was how it happened.
2nd order, sipping drinks at Blouberg strand, we could see the ship moored outside the harbor for week or more. Weather and congestion.