How to Source from 1688 (International Buyer's Guide)
The same products on Alibaba.com are 2–5x cheaper on 1688. Here's how to buy like a Chinese reseller — from registration to your warehouse.
1688.com is Alibaba's domestic wholesale marketplace — the floor where Chinese shop owners, Amazon sellers and Yiwu traders stock their shelves. For international buyers it's the single biggest pricing edge in China sourcing, but it's Chinese-only and has its own etiquette. This guide covers the full path: account, search, vetting, samples, payment, freight, inspection and compliance.
Reviewed by Yusheng Home Editorial Team ·
The 10-Step Sourcing Playbook 采购十步
Why 1688 beats Alibaba.com for price
Why 1688 beats Alibaba.com for price 为什么选1688Alibaba.com is the international showroom — prices are 2–5x higher because suppliers bake in English support, export paperwork and marketing. 1688 is the domestic wholesale floor where Chinese resellers buy. The same product is often dramatically cheaper on 1688. The catch: the platform is in Chinese and designed for Chinese buyers. This guide closes that gap.
Create your account & verify
Create your account & verify 注册与认证Register at 1688.com with a phone number or Alipay. You'll need to verify identity (real-name verification). International buyers can use a passport; many suppliers also accept Alipay (which supports international cards via Alipay TourPass) or work with freight forwarders who pay on your behalf.
Search like a Chinese buyer
Search like a Chinese buyer 搜索技巧Don't search in English — 1688 has almost no useful English results. Use the exact Chinese product name, or the Yiwu / 义乌 keyword for the wholesale capital. Example: instead of 'yoga mat', search '瑜伽垫 工厂' (yoga mat factory) or '瑜伽垫 批发' (wholesale). Screenshot an Alibaba.com listing and reverse-search the image on 1688 to find the original factory.
Vet suppliers like a pro
Vet suppliers like a pro 筛选供应商Filter by: ① '实力商家' (verified merchant) or '工厂' (factory) tags; ② years on platform (older = safer); ③ monthly sales volume and review count; ④ response rate. Avoid suppliers with only stock photos and no factory videos. Ask for a live video call showing the product and their warehouse — real factories agree instantly.
Order samples first — always
Order samples first — always 先拿样Never place a bulk order without samples. Samples usually cost 5–30 RMB plus shipping. Test quality, colors, packaging, and measure exactly. A sample that passes inspection is your contract's best friend.
MOQ, price & negotiation
MOQ, price & negotiation 起订量与议价Many 1688 listings show low minimum order quantities (MOQ), but the real factory MOQ may differ — ask. To negotiate: ask for '批发价' (wholesale price) at your quantity, request a '阶梯价' (tiered price) for larger orders, and ask what's included (box, label, insert card). Chinese B2B negotiation is direct and fast — don't be shy.
Payment: safe routes
Payment: safe routes 付款方式Recommended: use a freight forwarder who can pay locally, or Alipay with international card support. For larger orders, many factories accept TT (bank transfer) with a deposit/balance split (e.g. 30% deposit, 70% before shipping). Keep all chat records — 1688's chat (旺旺) records are admissible if disputes arise.
Shipping & freight forwarding
Shipping & freight forwarding 物流与转运You have two main routes: ① the supplier ships to your freight forwarder's China warehouse, who consolidates and exports; ② you use an international forwarder (e.g. those operating from Yiwu or Shenzhen) that handles pickup, export, customs and last-mile delivery. For small parcels, agents in Yiwu offer cheap air and sea consolidation. Always ask the forwarder for a volumetric-weight quote before committing.
Quality control before shipping
Quality control before shipping 验货Hire a third-party inspection (or ask your forwarder) to check quantity, quality and packaging before the goods leave China. For high-value orders this is non-negotiable — a 300 RMB inspection can save you thousands.
Copyright & compliance
Copyright & compliance 合规与版权Avoid products with brand logos, characters or designs you don't own — Chinese factories will happily print them, and customs or the rights holder will seize them later. Check your destination market's safety rules (e.g. CE in Europe, CPSIA in the US) and ask for test certificates before ordering.
6 Mistakes That Cost Beginners Money 新手六大坑
Skipping samples 不拿样The #1 costly mistake. What looks good in photos can be flimsy in hand. Always sample first.
English-only searches 只用英文搜You're paying the Alibaba.com premium. Learn 5–10 Chinese keywords and the price drops instantly.
Ignoring freight cost 忽略运费A $1 product with $8 shipping is worse than a $2 product with $3 shipping. Quote freight BEFORE you commit.
No written specs 没有书面规格Verbal agreements vanish. Put size, color, material, weight and packaging in the order chat.
One supplier, no backup 单一供应商Factories go quiet, retire, or spike prices. Always keep a second vetted supplier warm.
Branded goods without license 贴牌侵权Printing a Disney logo without a license is a guaranteed customs disaster. Stay original or get authorization.
Which sourcing guide should I read next?
Go deeper on the decision that could cost the most money: comparing platforms, checking MOQ, vetting a supplier or avoiding common scams.