How to Buy from 1688 When You’re Outside of China – The Ultimate Guide 

Two Simple Steps to Buy from 1688

Understanding the 1688 Platform: A Brief Overview

Are you interested in buying from 1688, a popular Chinese site for dropshipping and wholesale? It’s a supplier for big e-commerce platforms like Taobao, AliExpress, Lazada, Wish, and Amazon. However, if you run an e-commerce business and want to purchase directly or wholesale from China through 1688, you might encounter some challenges. Language, payment, and shipping can be tricky because 1688 operates mainly in Chinese and accepts payments in RMB currency. Plus, their shipping services are primarily within China.

Now, here’s a valuable tip: If you want to navigate 1688 in English, you’ll need to address the language barrier. The entire website is in Chinese, but don’t worry! There’s a solution. You can download a translation extension for your Google Chrome browser. This handy tool will automatically translate the Chinese content into English, making your browsing experience much smoother.

Remember, 1688 offers a wide range of products, and with the right approach, you can tap into its potential for your business. Just be prepared to overcome the language and logistical hurdles along the way. Happy sourcing

Selecting an Order Handler for Your 1688 Orders

Looking to buy directly or wholesale from 1688 to your country? 

There’s a solution: sign up for the 1688 agent service. These agents are experts at helping you navigate the platform, connect with suppliers, and arrange international shipping from China using express services.

Here’s the deal: Start by finding a trustworthy 1688 agent. Share crucial details about your requirements, like product specifics, colors, sizes, quantities, budget price, quality control expectations, sample requests, payment terms, commissions, and any other relevant information for your business.

Once you’ve provided all the necessary information, the agent will swing into action. They’ll communicate with suppliers on your behalf, gathering valuable feedback on the products and the suppliers themselves. This way, you can make well-informed decisions before making any purchases. Once you’re ready to proceed, simply pay for your order, including the shipping costs from 1688 in China.

Remember, it’s essential to establish a strong relationship with your 1688 agent. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and build trust. This way, you can avoid any potential hiccups and enjoy a seamless buying experience on 1688.com.

If you want to buy products from 1688.com, you have a few options to choose from:

1. Contact the supplier directly: Once you’ve signed up for a 1688.com account, you can log in to your Aliwangwang account (a chat platform) to talk directly with the suppliers. On the product page, you’ll find the supplier’s phone number or WeChat ID, which you can use to contact them. You’ll be able to discuss product details, samples, order quantity, payment methods, and more.

The good thing about this approach is that you can communicate directly with the manufacturer, cutting out the middleman. Plus, the prices offered by sellers on 1688.com are often lower than on Alibaba.

However, keep in mind that some suppliers may not speak fluent English, so it’s best to be patient and use simple English during your conversations. Additionally, many suppliers on 1688.com prefer payment methods like bank cards in RMB, so you might need to figure out a payment solution that they accept.

1. Use a shopping proxy site: There are Chinese websites that can assist you in purchasing items from various Chinese online stores, including 1688.com. All you need to do is provide them with the product link, and they’ll help you make the purchase. These sites also offer additional services like combining orders, repackaging, and providing different shipping methods.

The advantage of using these sites is that they are user-friendly and similar to shopping on AliExpress. You can even pay with PayPal or a credit card, which adds convenience. However, keep in mind that they won’t help you with finding products or potential buyers, and their support for checking order quality may be limited. Moreover, their shipping methods are primarily suitable for small orders, so if you have larger orders, they might not offer suitable options.

1. Hire a 1688 purchasing agent: If you search on Google or Alibaba, you can find various 1688.com buying agents. These agents provide comprehensive services, including product sourcing, connecting with manufacturers, handling samples, customizing products, customs clearance, and offering different shipping methods.

Working with a purchasing agent offers several advantages. They offer a wide range of services and can assist you with finding products, customizing them, and handling logistics. You’ll receive personalized one-on-one support, and many agents are proficient in multiple languages, making communication easier.

However, it’s worth noting that some agents may prioritize larger customers and orders. If you have a small order, they might charge a higher commission or not provide the same level of responsiveness.

When choosing the best option for you, consider your specific needs, preferences, and the scale of your purchase from 1688.com 

Contacting 1688 to Connect with Reliable Suppliers

When it comes to finding reliable suppliers on 1688.com, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances:

1. Chengxintong Membership: You can apply for a Chengxintong membership, which costs 6688 yuan per year. All you need is a business license to join. However, it’s important to note that the membership fee alone doesn’t guarantee the quality of a supplier. It’s just one aspect to consider, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that a higher fee indicates better reliability. So, while it’s good to have Chengxintong membership, it’s not the only factor to rely on when choosing a supplier.

1. Powerful Merchants: On 1688.com, you’ll come across powerful merchants who have a Bull Head sign. These merchants have higher annual membership fees, ranging from 28,000 to 58,000 yuan, depending on the clothing industry. To become a powerful merchant, a company needs to have at least 500,000 yuan in registered capital. While choosing powerful merchants can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t guarantee the quality of their products or services. It’s just an indication of their financial stability and standing within the platform.

1. In-Depth Inspections: To ensure reliability, you can request in-depth inspections of both the factory and the business. If the supplier is a manufacturer, you can ask for a thorough evaluation of their factory. If they are not a manufacturer, you can request a comprehensive business inspection. Factory inspections are generally more reliable, as manufacturers can guarantee product quality and offer competitive prices. Opting for these inspections can increase your chances of finding a good supplier to about 80%.

1. Check Company Profile: Take a closer look at the “Company Profile” of a merchant. Click on the “File Report” to access more information about the company, such as the number of employees and the size of the operation. It’s generally a good idea to consider suppliers with at least 50 employees, and if possible, even more than 100. Larger companies often have more resources and infrastructure, which can contribute to better quality products and services. This step can significantly increase your chances of finding a reliable supplier to about 98%

1. Consistency in Product Images: When dealing with clothing stores, pay attention to the consistency of the product images. If the models in the pictures frequently change, it could be a red flag that the seller might be using stolen images. On the other hand, if the same model is consistently featured in all the pictures, it indicates that the images were taken in real-life situations, which adds to the reliability of the supplier.

In summary, when searching for high-quality merchants on 1688.com, it’s important to consider multiple factors. Chengxintong membership, powerful merchants, in-depth inspections, checking the company profile, and product image consistency can all contribute to finding reliable suppliers. Remember to assess suppliers based on a combination of these factors to increase your chances of success.

Ensuring a Successful Purchase from 1688: How to Avoid Receiving Poor-Quality Products

When sourcing products for your Amazon store from 1688, it’s crucial to be cautious and not solely focus on choosing the cheapest supplier. Many new Amazon sellers make the mistake of opting for the lowest-priced supplier to maximize profits, but it often leads to low-quality goods.

Why do some 1688 suppliers charge less? Well, most of the time, it’s because they compromise on product quality. To offer such low prices, they might use cheap materials, inexpensive labor, or outdated equipment. While the immediate cost may seem enticing, the long-term consequences can be detrimental. The final product’s quality suffers, leading to potential issues down the line.

Let’s say you contact seven Amazon suppliers on 1688, and six of them provide offers ranging from $15 to $1.70 per unit. However, one supplier gives an offer of $0.90. It’s challenging to trust such a supplier. Why are others charging between $1.5 and $1.7 per unit when this supplier can offer the same product at almost half the price? Most likely, it’s because their products are of inferior quality.

Of course, each situation is unique, and it’s difficult to summarize everything in one sentence. However, it’s generally better to spend a bit more on goods manufactured by reputable companies with mature technology rather than opting for cheap alternatives that compromise quality.

When buying samples, it’s important to ensure that you receive samples of the final production units. Suppliers often promise to fix any minor issues that arise during production, but it’s better to have a complete version of the final sample. However, there may be instances where it’s not possible due to factors like custom packaging or special molds. In such cases, requesting pictures and videos of the production process can help you assess the final product’s appearance and make any necessary changes.

While it’s not a perfect solution, it’s better than nothing. In most cases, you can obtain a sample of the final product before proceeding with mass production. This gives you a good idea of how the manufacturer works and helps you make informed decisions for future collaborations.

To ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings, provide a detailed description of the product in a single contract. Include information such as sizes, measurements, materials used, weight, function, material and functional descriptions, and more. The more detailed the description, the better equipped you’ll be to address any quality-related concerns.

Additionally, demonstrate to the supplier that you prioritize product quality and won’t settle for anything less. This puts them under pressure to get things right from the beginning.

The next crucial step is the manufacturing process. To minimize the chances of receiving broken items, set up a pre-shipment inspection while the goods are still with the Chinese manufacturer. Inspection is crucial to assess product quality and allows suppliers to rectify any issues before final payment, as they want to receive the remaining payment from you.

Remember, thorough research, clear communication, and diligent quality control measures are vital when sourcing products from 1688 for your Amazon store.

To avoid purchasing broken electronic products on 1688, there are a few strategies you can follow:

1. Partner with reputable manufacturers: It’s essential to collaborate with well-known and reliable manufacturers. Opt for those with a solid reputation, as they are more likely to have stringent quality control processes in place. This reduces the risk of receiving faulty or damaged products.
2. Conduct thorough research: Before finalizing a supplier, delve into their background, reviews, and ratings. Pay close attention to any negative feedback related to product quality or instances of broken items. Look for manufacturers experienced in producing electronic goods and who have a proven track record of delivering satisfactory results.
3. Request product samples: Always ask for product samples before placing a large order. Carefully examine the samples for any defects or signs of poor quality. This firsthand evaluation will give you an idea of the supplier’s manufacturing capabilities and the overall quality of their products.
4. Clearly communicate your requirements: It’s crucial to communicate your expectations and specific requirements clearly to the supplier. Provide detailed specifications regarding quality standards, materials, components, packaging, and other important factors. By doing so, you ensure that the supplier understands your needs and can deliver products that meet your expectations.
5. Prioritize quality control inspections: Consider engaging a third-party inspection service to conduct quality control inspections during the manufacturing process. These inspections help identify potential issues or defects before the products are shipped. By catching problems early on, you have the opportunity to work with the supplier to resolve any issues and avoid receiving broken items.
6. Start with smaller orders: To minimize risk, it’s wise to begin with smaller orders. This allows you to test the supplier’s reliability and product quality before committing to larger quantities. Once you’re confident in their ability to meet your standards, you can gradually increase the order size.
7. Explore the option of a China sourcing agent: If navigating 1688 feels overwhelming, you can consider working with a China sourcing agent. These professionals specialize in sourcing products, managing orders, handling payments, and arranging shipping. They possess expertise in dealing with Chinese suppliers and can help mitigate risks while ensuring smoother transactions.

Remember, conducting thorough research and taking proactive measures are key to reducing the chances of purchasing broken electronic products or encountering quality issues when sourcing from 1688.