First Alibaba purchase for my photo booth business supplier payment link or cart checkout?

Hi everyone!

I’m in the process of starting a photo booth business and I’m trying to make smart decisions with my first equipment purchases while avoiding scams.

I’m currently deciding between two Alibaba suppliers for a backdrop frame and backdrop fabric wall setup:

Supplier #1

About $150

Frame only 8x8 yeah

Purchase would be made through Alibaba’s cart/checkout system (US local warehouse)

Supplier #2

About $266 shipped

Frame plus the 3 covers

Supplier mentioned to send me a custom payment link/quote through Alibaba

Supplier #2 seems like the better value, but as a first-time Alibaba buyer, I’m nervous about paying through a supplier-generated link versus simply checking out through the cart.

For those with Alibaba experience:

Is a supplier payment link as safe as ordering through the cart?

Does Trade Assurance still protect me if I pay through the supplier’s link?

Would you choose the cheaper option through the cart or the better-value option through the supplier link?

Any red flags I should look for before ordering?

Just trying to make sure I don’t get scammed while launching my business. Thank you!