sourcing china

How to Buy from China Using 1688.

A complete step by step guide on How to buy from China using 1688.com.

photo by China Look Group

Learn how Drop Shippers, Boutiques, Retailers, Insta Shops, Online Stores and Runners sourcing their products from China. 1688.com is one of the best sites to do small wholesale orders from China. 1688 is the best platform to consider, if you want to start or grow your business by sourcing products directly from Chinese factories and manufacturers.

What is 1688.com ?

1688.com is a popular online business-to-business (B2B) platform in China. It is owned and operated by Alibaba Group, which is one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies. Alibaba Group also owns other well-known platforms such as Alibaba.com, Taobao, and Tmall.

1688.com is primarily focused on connecting Chinese suppliers and manufacturers with domestic buyers. It is often considered the domestic version of Alibaba.com, which primarily serves international buyers. The platform offers a wide range of products to buy from china, including electronics, clothing, machinery, raw materials, and more.

The difference between 1688 and Alibaba:

The main difference between 1688 vs Alibaba is their target audience and geographical focus. 1688.com connects buyers and suppliers within China, making it ideal for domestic transactions. Alibaba.com, on the other hand, primarily serves international buyers looking to buy products from China.

1688 and Alibaba — which is cheaper?

Determining which platform is cheaper between 1688 and Alibaba depends on various factors such as the specific product, quantity, and negotiation skills. Both platforms offer a wide range of products from China suppliers, and prices can vary among different sellers. It’s recommended to compare prices and negotiate directly with suppliers to get the best deals.

Advantages of using 1688.com:

• Access to a wide range of China products online: 1688.com provides a vast selection of products from numerous Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. It allows you to explore a diverse range of options and find the specific products you are looking for.
• Direct connection with Chinese manufacturing companies: The platform enables you to find a manufacturer in china and direct communication and transactions with Chinese manufacturing companies. This direct interaction can lead to better customization options, competitive pricing, and faster production and delivery times.
• Competitive prices: One of the advantages of using 1688.com is the opportunity to find products at competitive prices. Since the platform primarily connects buyers with best manufacturers in China who are focused on the Chinese market, you can often expect lower prices compared to those targeting international export markets. This can be advantageous for cost-conscious buyers looking to source products from China.

Disadvantages of using 1688.com:

• Language and cultural barriers: As a primarily Chinese platform, the language barrier can be a challenge for non-Chinese speakers. Some parts of the website may not be available in English, making navigation and communication difficult for international users.
• Minimum order quantities (MOQs): Many suppliers on 1688.com have minimum order quantity requirements. This means that you may need to reconsider your purchasing from china quantities, which can be a disadvantage for buyers seeking smaller or trial orders.
• Quality assurance and counterfeit products: While there are reputable manufacturers on 1688.com, it is important to exercise caution to ensure the quality of products. Counterfeit and low-quality chinese wholesale products, so thorough research and due diligence are necessary to find reliable suppliers with good track records.

How to register on 1688?

To register on 1688.com, a China goods website where you can find things manufactured in China and connect with Chinese suppliers, follow these steps:

1. Visit the 1688.com website.
2. Click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button, usually located at the top right corner of the homepage.
3. Fill in the required registration information, which typically includes your email address, mobile phone number, and a password.
4. Verify your account through the verification code sent to your email or mobile phone.
5. Complete any additional steps, such as providing additional contact information or business details, if required.
6. Once your registration is complete, you can start exploring the platform, find chinese suppliers , searching for products, and connecting with Chinese suppliers.

Remember to familiarize yourself with the platform’s terms and conditions and ensure that you comply with any specific registration requirements for international users, if applicable.

How to download the 1688 app?

To download the 1688 app, follow these steps:

1. For Android users:

• Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
• In the search bar, type “1688” and tap the search icon.
• Look for the official 1688 app in the search results.
• Tap on the app to open its download page.
• Tap the “Install” button to download and install the app on your device.

1. For iOS users:

• Open the App Store on your iOS device.
• In the search tab, type “1688” and tap the search button.
• Look for the official 1688 app in the search results.
• Tap on the app to open its download page.
• Tap the “Get” button to download and install the app on your device.

Once the download and installation process is complete, you can open the 1688 app and log in with your registered account details. From there, you can start browsing products, shop chinese products, connecting with suppliers, and utilizing the features available on the app.

How to translate 1688 into English?

To translate the 1688 website from Chinese to English, you can follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and go to the 1688.com website.
2. If you’re using Google Chrome, you may see a prompt asking if you want to translate the page. Click on the “Translate” button that appears on the prompt.
3. Chrome will automatically translate the page to English using its built-in translation feature. The translated version should be displayed, allowing you to browse the website in English.
4. If the automatic translation prompt doesn’t appear or you’re using a different browser, you can use a browser extension or add-on that offers webpage translation services. Look for translation extensions in your browser’s extension store and install one that suits your needs.
5. Once the translation extension is installed, visit the 1688.com website again. The extension should detect the page’s language and provide an option to translate it into English or your preferred language.

By using a translation feature or extension, you can navigate and understand the content on the 1688 website in English, even though the original language of the site is Chinese.

How to search for products and suppliers on 1688?

When using 1688.com to source Chinese products online it is important to pay attention to variety of products supplier provides, years in business, online reviews, retention rate and many other aspects. All of the above specified points can be easily found on the supplier card when you simply search for the products on mobile 1688 app or on desktop 1688 chinese website.

You might be interested in reading our article “3 ways to tell a factory from a trading company” in which we discuss this topic in detail.

How to export purchased on 1688.com products to your country?

To ship your purchased products from the 1688.com platform to your country, you can follow these general steps:

1. Confirm shipping terms with the supplier: Communicate with the supplier on 1688.com to discuss shipping options, terms, and any additional costs involved. Confirm whether the supplier can arrange international shipping or if you need to arrange it yourself.
2. Documentations and Certifications: Check beforehand the exact list of documents and certificated you will need to handle smoothly the export and import procedure.
3. Choose a shipping method: Evaluate different shipping methods available, such as express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, yunexpress), air freight, or sea freight. Consider factors like cost, speed, and the nature of the products you’re shipping.
4. Calculate shipping costs: Obtain quotes for shipping costs based on the chosen shipping method and the dimensions, weight, and quantity of your purchased products. Factor in any additional fees like customs duties, taxes, or handling charges. If you hire a 1688 shipping agent they will help you with the export procedures otherwise, just DIY.
5. Arrange shipping logistics: Provide the necessary shipping details to the supplier or shipping agent, including your address, contact information, and any specific requirements. Ensure proper packaging and labeling of the products as per shipping regulations.
6. Handle customs clearance: Familiarize yourself with the customs regulations and import procedures of your country. Provide any required documentation or permits to facilitate smooth customs clearance. Be prepared for potential customs duties or taxes that may apply upon importation.
7. Track your shipment: Stay updated on the status of your shipment by tracking it using the provided tracking number or through the logistics provider’s website. This will help you monitor the progress of your delivery and ensure its timely arrival.

Remember, shipping processes may vary depending on your location, the nature of the products, and the shipping provider you choose. If you decide to use help of 1688 buying agent the above points will be handled by the 1688 agent . However, if you choose to do it yourself, It’s advisable to work closely with the supplier and utilize professional shipping services to ensure a smooth and reliable delivery of your purchased products from 1688.com to your country.

Thank you for sticking with us till the end. We encourage you to take bold but smartly calculated actions in your China business. Keep learning constantly and achieve new business heights every day!

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