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1688.com is a major Chinese wholesale marketplace used by manufacturers, wholesalers and domestic buyers. Overseas buyers also use the platform to search for products, compare suppliers and place orders when their account, payment and logistics options support the transaction.
Because 1688 remains a Chinese-first platform and many suppliers focus primarily on domestic orders, overseas buyers may encounter challenges with language, supplier verification, payment, product inspection and international shipping.
Common questions include:
This guide explains both direct purchasing and agent-assisted arrangements. It covers product search, supplier checks, account registration, payment methods, China warehousing, quality inspection and international shipping.
By the end of the guide, you should be able to identify which parts of the purchasing process you can manage directly and where you may need additional support in China.
1688.com is a major domestic wholesale marketplace within Alibaba Group. Unlike Alibaba.com, it was originally designed primarily for China’s domestic market. Some suppliers may operate on both platforms, but product specifications, minimum order quantities, services and prices can differ between listings.
Here’s how 1688 differs from Alibaba:
| Feature | 1688.com | Alibaba.com |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | China’s domestic wholesale market, with selected services for overseas buyers | International and export-oriented buyers |
| Language | Chinese-first, with multilingual support available in selected app experiences | Multilingual |
| Payment Methods | Alipay and supported cross-border payment methods, including World Pay where available | International payment options vary by market, supplier and order |
| Shipping | Domestic delivery is common; cross-border logistics are available for some products, accounts and destinations | International shipping is more commonly supported |
| Pricing | Domestic wholesale pricing that varies by product, specification, quantity and service requirements | Export-oriented pricing may include additional packaging, payment or transaction services |
Prices on 1688 may be lower because many listings are structured for China’s domestic wholesale market and may not include export packaging, international payment support, inspection or overseas delivery.
The actual price difference depends on the supplier, product specifications, order quantity, packaging and service requirements. Compare like-for-like quotations and calculate the total landed cost rather than assuming a fixed percentage difference.
Yes, foreign buyers can browse 1688, compare products, contact suppliers and, when the required account and payment options are available, place orders directly. However, 1688 was designed primarily for China’s domestic market, so buying directly requires the overseas buyer to manage several parts of the process independently.
A direct buyer may need to handle Chinese-language supplier communication, account verification, RMB payment, supplier checking, domestic delivery to a warehouse in China, product inspection and international shipping.
Buying directly from 1688 does not necessarily mean that the supplier will ship the goods directly to another country. When supported cross-border logistics are unavailable or unsuitable, the supplier sends the order to a China warehouse and a freight forwarder arranges the international shipment.
Buying directly may be practical when you can manage the platform, communicate clearly with suppliers and independently coordinate payment and logistics.
Direct purchasing may be suitable when you:
Having your own account can provide more control over product searches, supplier communication, saved items and order records. However, account registration does not automatically solve payment or international shipping requirements.
A buying or sourcing agent may be more practical when you cannot complete supplier payment directly or when the order requires additional coordination in China.
Consider using an agent when you:
An agent is not required simply to browse products on 1688. The value of an agent is in handling the parts of the order that the buyer cannot manage reliably from outside China.
In practice, overseas buyers have three possible arrangements:
The right option depends on your payment access, Chinese-language ability, order value, number of suppliers, quality-control requirements and experience importing from China.
1688 does not provide international shipping for every order. Some overseas buyers may see supported cross-border logistics options in the 1688 app or during checkout, while many suppliers still arrange delivery only within mainland China.
Before placing an order, check whether international delivery is available for your account, product and destination. Confirm the shipping charge, service scope, customs responsibilities and final delivery terms shown for the order.
When direct cross-border delivery is unavailable or unsuitable, the supplier can send the goods to a buying agent’s or freight forwarder’s warehouse in China. The warehouse can receive, inspect, consolidate and prepare the goods before international shipment.
The usual warehouse-based process is:
The appropriate shipping method depends on the product, shipment size, destination, delivery deadline and import requirements.
Overseas buyers can purchase from 1688 either by managing the order directly or by using a buying agent for the parts they cannot handle independently. The main steps are similar in both cases: find the product, contact and verify the supplier, confirm the order, make payment, receive the goods at a China warehouse and arrange international shipping.
The difference is who completes each step. A direct buyer manages supplier communication and payment independently, while an agent can handle some or all of these tasks on the buyer’s behalf.
Visit 1688.com and use a browser translation tool if you do not read Chinese. You can search by entering product keywords, uploading a product image or opening a product link provided by a supplier or agent.
Chinese product keywords often return more relevant results than a direct English search. Check several listings and compare the product specifications, pricing tiers, minimum order quantity, supplier information and domestic delivery location.
Image search can help you find visually similar products, but the same product image does not prove that two listings come from the same factory or offer the same materials and quality. Confirm the product details directly with each shortlisted supplier.
A 1688 account can help you save products, review supplier stores, communicate through the platform and keep relevant order information in one place. Registration and verification options may vary according to the buyer’s country, mobile number and current platform requirements.
If you can create and verify an account, use accurate contact and business information. Do not depend only on translated product titles; check product specifications, pricing tiers, MOQ and supplier details carefully.
If account registration or verification is unavailable, a buying agent may place the order through its own account. You should still receive a written quotation, supplier details, product specifications and payment record for the order.
After shortlisting a product, decide whether you will manage the supplier order directly or use a buying agent.
If ordering directly, contact the supplier to confirm:
If you use a buying agent, the agent can communicate with the supplier, confirm the quotation, place the order and coordinate payment on your behalf. Depending on the agreed service, the agent may also arrange samples, inspection, consolidation, labelling and international shipping.
Whether you buy directly or through an agent, approve the final product specifications, quantity, total amount and delivery address in writing before payment.
Before making payment, compare several suppliers and confirm the product specifications, MOQ, price, production time, domestic delivery cost and available documentation.
For customised, high-value or quality-sensitive products, request a sample and agree on how the completed order will be inspected before international shipping.
Most 1688 orders are settled in RMB. Depending on the supplier, your account and the payment options available in your region, you may pay through Alipay, a mainland China bank transfer, an available cross-border payment method, or a buying agent that pays the supplier on your behalf.
Before sending payment, confirm the supplier name, final order amount, product specifications, quantity, domestic delivery address and payment reference. Keep the order record and payment receipt in case the quantity, price or product details need to be checked later.
After payment, the 1688 supplier normally sends the goods by domestic delivery to your buying agent’s or freight forwarder’s warehouse in China. Confirm the warehouse address, recipient name and delivery reference before the supplier dispatches the order.
At the warehouse, the goods can be counted, inspected, consolidated with orders from other suppliers, repacked, labelled and prepared for export. Ask the warehouse to report any missing, damaged or incorrect items before international shipping begins.
Once the goods have been received and checked at the China warehouse, choose an international shipping method based on the shipment size, product type, destination, delivery deadline and customs requirements.
Common options include air freight for faster commercial shipments, sea freight for larger or heavier cargo, express courier for small urgent parcels, and DDP shipping when the quotation includes an agreed door-to-door delivery and import handling service.
Before booking the shipment, confirm the chargeable weight or volume, transit estimate, customs documents, insurance options, destination charges and exactly what is included in the freight quotation.
1688 gives overseas buyers access to a large number of Chinese suppliers, but a low price or professional-looking product page is not enough to confirm that a supplier is suitable for your order.
Supplier verification should cover both the company and the specific product. You need to confirm who will receive the payment, whether the supplier can produce the required item and how the completed goods will be checked before international shipping.
Shortlist several suppliers that appear able to produce the same or a comparable product. Compare the complete offer rather than looking only at the displayed unit price.
Check the following points:
Very low prices may be based on a different material, smaller size, simpler packaging, higher order quantity or incomplete specification. Ask every supplier to quote against the same written requirements before comparing prices.
Review the business and store information displayed on the supplier’s 1688 profile. Where relevant to the order, ask the supplier or agent to provide the registered Chinese company name and business details for verification.
Useful checks may include:
A business licence or established store profile does not guarantee product quality. It only confirms part of the supplier’s identity. Product capability and order performance still need to be checked separately.
Many quality disputes begin because the buyer and supplier are referring to different product specifications. Do not rely only on the listing title, product photograph or translated description.
Before paying, confirm in writing:
Attach drawings, photographs, specification sheets or approved artwork where possible. Keep the final confirmed version with the quotation and order record.
A sample allows you to check the product before committing to a larger order. Sampling is especially important for customised goods, electronics, clothing, packaging, products with precise dimensions and items whose material or finish is difficult to judge from photographs.
Ask the supplier to confirm whether the sample is:
Check the sample against the intended order specifications. Record the product model, material, measurements, colour, packaging and any approved changes.
Sample approval does not guarantee that every item in the final order will be identical. The approved sample should therefore become a documented reference for production and final inspection.
The buyer, supplier and inspection provider should understand what will be checked before production is completed. A general request such as “please check the quality” is not specific enough.
Your inspection instructions may include:
Product-specific testing may require specialist equipment or an accredited laboratory. A warehouse visual check should not be described as laboratory testing or certification.
A basic warehouse receiving check and a detailed pre-shipment inspection are not the same service.
A basic receiving check usually takes place after the supplier has delivered the goods to the China warehouse. Depending on the agreed service, it may confirm:
A more detailed pre-shipment inspection may be appropriate for larger, customised, high-value or quality-sensitive orders. It can be arranged at the supplier’s factory before the goods are released or at another agreed inspection location.
The inspection should follow a written checklist and clearly state the sample size, test method, defects found and whether the order meets the agreed requirements.
When an inspection identifies a problem, do not immediately ship the goods internationally. Ask the supplier to explain the cause, repair or replace the affected products where agreed, and provide evidence of the corrective action.
Supplier verification, sampling and inspection reduce purchasing risk, but no single check can guarantee a perfect order. The safest process is to combine clear written specifications, a verified payment recipient, an approved sample and an inspection plan that matches the product and order value.
Payment is one of the main challenges for overseas buyers because 1688 was primarily designed for China’s domestic wholesale market. Product prices and orders are generally settled in RMB, while the payment methods available to an international buyer can vary according to the supplier, account verification, country and checkout method.
Before placing an order, confirm the product cost, domestic shipping fee, payment currency, recipient details and expected delivery time to the China warehouse. Do not send payment until the supplier, order amount and product specifications have been checked.
Some overseas buyers may be able to complete payment directly when their 1688 and Alipay accounts meet the required verification and transaction conditions. Certain suppliers may also accept an RMB transfer to a mainland China bank account.
Direct payment availability is not the same for every buyer or supplier. Check the options shown at checkout and confirm that the payment recipient matches the supplier or the relevant 1688 order.
Avoid sending funds to an unrelated personal account based only on instructions received through an unverified message. Confirm the supplier identity, recipient name and order reference before payment.
Eligible overseas buyers may see a supported cross-border payment option when completing a 1688 order. Availability can vary by country, currency, account status and transaction type.
Before confirming the transaction, check the exchange rate, processing fee, payment limit, settlement time and refund procedure. The lowest product price does not always produce the lowest total purchasing cost after currency conversion and transaction fees are included.
When direct payment is unavailable, a buying or sourcing agent can receive payment from the overseas buyer and settle the 1688 supplier’s order in RMB. This is often the more practical option when the buyer also needs Chinese-language communication, order coordination, domestic warehousing, product inspection or international shipping.
Before paying an agent, request a written cost breakdown showing the product value, domestic delivery fee, exchange rate, service charge and any inspection or warehouse costs. The payment record should identify the supplier and the related 1688 order.
Also confirm how cancellations, shortages, defective products and supplier refunds will be handled before the funds are transferred.
Eligible overseas buyers may be able to pay directly through World Pay, Visa, Mastercard or another supported cross-border method shown during checkout. Availability, transaction fees and account requirements can vary by country, account and order.
PayPal and Wise are generally not native payment methods in the standard 1688 checkout. However, a buying agent or service provider may accept one of these methods and then settle the supplier’s order in RMB on the buyer’s behalf.
Before making payment, confirm the recipient, exchange rate, transaction or service fee, refund procedure and the final amount that will be credited to the supplier’s order.
Before sending payment, check the following details:
International shipping options on 1688 vary according to the buyer’s account, product, supplier and destination. When a supported cross-border logistics service is available, review the service scope, customs responsibilities, destination charges and final delivery terms before confirming the order.
When direct international delivery is unavailable or does not meet the buyer’s requirements, the supplier can send the goods to a warehouse in China. From there, the order can be checked, consolidated, prepared for export and shipped through an independent freight forwarder.
After the order has been paid, the supplier sends the goods to the warehouse address provided by the buyer, buying agent or freight forwarder. This first stage is domestic shipping within China, not international shipping.
Give each supplier the correct warehouse address, recipient name, telephone number and customer or order reference. The reference helps the warehouse identify the shipment when several suppliers are delivering goods for the same overseas buyer.
Ask the supplier to provide the domestic tracking number after dispatch. When the goods arrive, the warehouse should record the number of cartons, visible packaging condition and actual weight or dimensions.
A China warehouse gives overseas buyers an opportunity to check the order before paying for international transportation. The level of inspection should be agreed in advance because basic carton counting is different from a detailed product quality inspection.
Depending on the service requested, the warehouse or agent may:
Consolidation can be useful when you purchase from several 1688 suppliers because the separate domestic deliveries can be combined into one international shipment. However, consolidation should only take place after all expected orders have arrived and any quantity or quality problems have been resolved.
For high-value, customised or quality-sensitive goods, arrange a more detailed pre-shipment inspection rather than relying only on warehouse photographs.
The best shipping method depends on the shipment’s weight, volume, product type, urgency, destination and import requirements. A method that works well for a small sample order may not be economical for a large wholesale shipment.
Air freight is generally suitable for time-sensitive commercial cargo that is too large or heavy for economical express courier delivery. Confirm whether the quotation is airport-to-airport, airport-to-door or door-to-door.
Sea freight is generally more suitable for larger, heavier or less urgent shipments. Depending on the cargo volume, goods may move as less-than-container-load cargo or in a full container.
Express courier can be practical for samples and small urgent parcels. Before choosing express delivery, check the chargeable weight, product restrictions and possible import taxes or destination fees.
DDP shipping may be suitable when the buyer wants an agreed door-to-door service that includes specified import and delivery arrangements. Confirm in writing whether duties, taxes, customs clearance, remote-area charges and final delivery are included in the quotation.
International shipping from a 1688 warehouse requires accurate cargo and customs information. Although the freight forwarder can assist with shipping documents and clearance arrangements, the buyer remains responsible for providing correct product information and meeting the destination country’s import requirements.
Depending on the shipment and destination, the required information may include:
Do not use vague descriptions such as “parts,” “accessories” or “samples” when a more accurate product description is available. Incorrect descriptions, values or consignee details can delay customs clearance and create additional charges.
Before shipping regulated, branded, battery-powered, chemical, food-contact or safety-related products, ask the freight forwarder and destination-side importer to confirm the applicable documentation and transport restrictions.
To receive an accurate international shipping quotation, provide the freight forwarder with as much shipment information as possible.
If the supplier has not yet completed production, request an estimated quotation first and update it after the warehouse confirms the final carton size and weight. The final freight cost should be based on the actual shipment information.
Most problems when buying from 1688 are not caused by the platform alone. They often result from unclear product requirements, incomplete supplier checks, unsuitable payment arrangements or shipping decisions made before the final cargo information is available.
The following mistakes are especially important for overseas buyers who must coordinate suppliers, payment, warehousing and international shipping from outside China.
The lowest displayed price is not always based on the same product specification or order quantity. It may apply to a different material, basic packaging, a higher MOQ or a simplified version of the product.
Ask several suppliers to quote against the same written specifications. Compare the material, dimensions, quantity, packaging, production time, domestic delivery cost and available quality-control arrangements before making a decision.
The goal is not simply to choose the cheapest listing, but to compare the total offer on equal terms.
Product photographs and translated descriptions cannot fully confirm the material, size, color, performance, workmanship or packaging of the final product. Instructions such as “same as the picture,” “good quality” or “standard packaging” can also be interpreted differently by the buyer and supplier.
For customized, high-value or quality-sensitive goods, confirm the product specifications in writing and approve an appropriate sample before placing a larger order. Keep the approved sample, drawings, artwork, photographs and agreed changes as references for production and inspection.
Do not send payment only because a supplier or contact has provided an account number. Confirm the supplier or approved agent, final order amount, product specifications, quantity, domestic warehouse address and payment reference first.
The payment recipient should match the supplier, approved agent or documented order arrangement. Keep the quotation, order number, invoice and payment receipt.
Before transferring funds, also confirm how cancellations, shortages, defective goods and supplier refunds will be handled.
Most 1688 suppliers primarily arrange domestic delivery within China. A product listing or supplier quotation may therefore include delivery to a China address but not export preparation, international freight, destination customs clearance or final delivery.
Before ordering, confirm where the supplier’s responsibility ends. Determine who will provide the China warehouse, arrange export transportation, prepare the shipping documents and coordinate import clearance.
Buying directly from a supplier does not automatically mean that the supplier will ship directly to your country.
A warehouse photograph or carton count can confirm that goods have arrived, but it may not identify material differences, functional problems, incorrect tolerances or defects inside unopened packaging.
Before booking the service, confirm whether the warehouse will only count cartons and take photographs or whether it will inspect product quantities, models, colours, workmanship, function and packaging against a written checklist.
Larger, customised or quality-sensitive orders may require a detailed pre-shipment inspection rather than a basic receiving check.
The displayed 1688 product price is only one part of the final purchasing cost. Depending on the order, the total landed cost may include domestic shipping, payment and agent fees, samples, inspection, warehousing, repacking, international freight, insurance, customs duties, import taxes, clearance and final delivery.
Before shipping, confirm the product restrictions and documents required by the destination country. Pay particular attention to batteries, liquids, powders, magnets, chemicals, food-contact materials, branded goods, electrical products and safety-related items.
Compare suppliers and shipping methods using the estimated total landed cost. Update the freight quotation after the warehouse confirms the final carton quantity, dimensions and gross weight.
Tonlexing helps overseas buyers coordinate selected parts of the 1688 purchasing and shipping process, including supplier communication, payment assistance, China warehousing, inspection, consolidation and international freight.
The exact service scope, cost and responsibilities are confirmed according to the product, order and destination.
Here’s how we help:
1688 Product Sourcing
We can help shortlist 1688 suppliers, confirm product specifications, pricing, MOQ, production time and available documentation. Supplier selection and verification requirements will be agreed according to the product and order.
Payment Assistance
We can help overseas buyers confirm the payable order amount and, where available, receive an approved international payment before settling the 1688 supplier’s order in RMB. Payment methods, exchange rates and applicable service fees will be confirmed before the transaction.
Inspection and Warehousing in China
We can receive orders from multiple 1688 suppliers at our China warehouse and provide agreed inspection, consolidation, labelling or repacking services before international shipment.
International Shipping to the USA and Worldwide
We arrange air freight, sea freight, express and available DDP shipping solutions from China. The recommended service and quotation depend on the product, shipment size, destination and required delivery time.
Amazon FBA & E-commerce Fulfillment
Depending on the agreed service, we can support product labelling, shipment preparation, shipping documentation and delivery to Amazon or other fulfilment centres. Product, packaging and destination requirements must be confirmed before shipment.
Send the 1688 product links, quantities, available carton information, destination and required delivery time to request a purchasing and shipping quotation.
Tonlexing can help receive goods from one or multiple 1688 suppliers at a China warehouse, check and consolidate the orders, prepare the shipment and arrange international delivery by air, sea, express or an available DDP service.
To request a quotation, send the 1688 product links, quantities, available carton information, destination city and postal code, and required delivery time. If the goods have already reached a warehouse, provide the final packing list, carton dimensions and gross weight.
Yes. Foreign buyers can purchase from 1688 when their account, payment method and delivery options support the transaction. Available features may vary by country, account, product and supplier.
Buying directly means that you must manage supplier communication, product verification, payment and delivery arrangements yourself. When international logistics are not available for the order, the goods must first be delivered to a warehouse or freight forwarder in China.
International shipping is available for some buyers, products and destinations through supported 1688 services, but it is not available for every order. Many suppliers still provide domestic delivery within mainland China only.
Before ordering, check whether international delivery is shown for your destination and confirm the products covered, shipping charges, customs responsibilities and final delivery terms. When direct international logistics are unavailable, a China-based freight forwarder can receive, consolidate and ship the goods overseas.
Not always. You may buy directly when you can communicate with the supplier, complete payment and manage the order independently. You may then need only a freight forwarder for warehousing and international shipping.
A buying agent may be more practical when you need help with Chinese-language communication, supplier coordination, RMB payment, samples, inspection or orders from multiple suppliers. You can also use an agent for only part of the purchasing process.
Payment options may include Alipay, World Pay, Visa or Mastercard, or another method displayed for the buyer’s account and region. World Pay is an official cross-border payment solution that allows eligible overseas buyers to pay 1688 orders without opening a mainland China bank account.
When a suitable direct payment method is unavailable, a buying agent may pay the supplier in RMB on the buyer’s behalf. Before sending funds, confirm the recipient, order amount, exchange rate, transaction fees and refund procedure.
The best shipping method depends on the product, shipment weight or volume, destination, budget and required delivery time.
Express courier may be suitable for samples and small urgent parcels. Air freight is generally used for time-sensitive commercial cargo, while sea freight is commonly considered for larger or heavier shipments. DDP shipping may be appropriate when the quotation clearly specifies the included customs, duty, tax and final-delivery services.
Inspection is recommended before the goods leave China, especially for customized, high-value or quality-sensitive orders.
A basic warehouse check may confirm carton quantity, visible damage, product model and packaging. A detailed pre-shipment inspection can compare the goods with the approved sample, written specifications and agreed quality criteria. Confirm the inspection scope before placing the order, because warehouse photographs or carton counting do not constitute a complete quality inspection.
Useful freight, customs and importing resources related to this shipping guide.
