Sourcing directly from 1688.com can open doors to incredibly low-priced products straight from Chinese manufacturers, but for international buyers, the process isn’t as simple as clicking “Add to Cart.” With no built-in support for foreign languages, international shipping, or overseas payment methods, buying from 1688 without an agent requires extra preparation.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from navigating the platform and identifying trustworthy suppliers, to overcoming logistics and avoiding scams.
 

Why International E-Commerce Sellers Choose 1688

• Lower Prices: Compared to Alibaba or AliExpress, 1688 typically offers cheaper prices for the same suppliers because it is focused on the domestic Chinese market.

• Access to a Wide Range of Products: 1688 provides access to a complete range of Chinese products, from raw materials to private label goods, which may not be available on other platforms.

• Direct Factory Deals: Sellers have a better chance of dealing directly with manufacturers, cutting out middlemen and further reducing costs.

However, it also presents challenges:

• Chinese-Only Interface: The website is entirely in Chinese, which can be difficult for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.

• Payment Limitations: Payments are primarily in Chinese Yuan (RMB), and international payment methods like PayPal are often not accepted.

• Shipping Restrictions: Suppliers typically only ship within China, meaning you will need an additional service to handle international shipping.

• Limited Customer Support: There is minimal support for international buyers, making troubleshooting harder.

Who is 1688 Ideal For?

• Experienced Sellers or Importers: Those who have experience buying in bulk from overseas suppliers.

• Sellers with Chinese Knowledge: Understanding the language or using translation tools can significantly improve your experience.

• Risk-Takers: Sellers willing to learn the process, manage logistics, and troubleshoot any challenges that arise.

If these characteristics fit you, 1688 could be a great platform to explore.

Step 1: Navigating and Searching 1688 Without Knowing Chinese

Don’t worry if you can’t read Chinese. You can still find the products you want on 1688 by using these two helpful methods:

1. Use Image Search

If you don’t know the Chinese name of a product:

• Click the camera icon in 1688’s search bar.

• Upload a picture of the item you’re looking for.

• The site will automatically search for similar-looking products.

This is helpful if you're copying products from other platforms (e.g., Shopee or TikTok Shop) and want to find a matching supplier on 1688.

2. Use Translation Tools

• Use Google Chrome's built-in translation feature to translate the entire page from Chinese to English instantly.

• You can also install third-party translation extensions for more advanced features.

• If you're using BigSeller to manage your listings, it has a built-in bulk translation tool that can translate:

  • Product titles

  • Descriptions

  • Images (with embedded text)

• Supported languages include Malay, English, Thai, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese, etc.

These tools make it easier to understand product details and decide whether the supplier is suitable.
 

Step 2: Buying from 1688 Even Without an Agent

Option 1: Contacting Suppliers Directly

You can message suppliers on 1688 using tools like AliWangWang (Alibaba’s instant messenger) or WeChat. This is the most direct way to purchase, meaning lower costs, but it also puts all responsibility on you.

Pros:

• No middlemen = lowest prices

• Direct access to the supplier or manufacturer

Cons:

• Most suppliers only speak Chinese

• Only accepts RMB (Chinese Yuan); usually no support for PayPal or credit cards
   

Option 2: Use a Shopping Proxy Website

If you're uncomfortable negotiating or handling payment, shopping proxies like Superbuy, Wegobuy, or PandaBuy can handle the transaction for you. Just paste the 1688 product link into their system, and they’ll buy the item, store it, and ship it to you.

Pros:

• Very user-friendly for beginners

• Accepts international payment methods (PayPal, credit card)

• Helps with repacking and tracking

Cons:

• You must still find the supplier and product yourself

• No help with product sourcing, quality control, or business negotiation

• Not suitable for bulk orders or serious e-commerce operations
   

Step 3: Identifying Trustworthy Suppliers

Not every seller in 1688 is a real manufacturer or offers quality goods. Here’s how to spot the good ones:

Check Supplier Badges for Credibility

1688 assigns different levels of verification to its sellers. Look out for these:

• 诚信通 (Chengxintong): Basic membership. Any business can get this by paying a small fee. Not a strong sign of quality.

• 实力商家 (Powerful Merchant): Mid-tier badge. These suppliers often have higher sales volume and operate at a larger scale. Decent sign of reliability.

• 深度验厂 (Deep Factory Inspection): The most trustworthy badge. These sellers have been audited on-site and confirmed as real manufacturers. Strongest indicator of a serious, stable supplier.

Review Their Performance Score

1688 gives each supplier a rating based on customer satisfaction. Key indicators include:

• Product Description Match – How accurate the listings are

• Response Speed – How quickly they reply to buyers

• On-Time Delivery – How punctual they are in fulfilling orders

• Repurchase Rate – This is the most important! A repurchase rate over 30% is a strong sign that buyers are happy with the quality and come back for more.

Analyse the Company Profile

Click into the company’s profile and look for:

• Years in business – More years = more stable

• Number of employees – Aim for 50 or more, which usually signals a larger, more capable operation

• Factory size and production output – Larger factories are more likely to meet quality standards and ship on time

Don’t Trust Photos Alone

Slick product images don’t always reflect reality. Some sellers use stock photos or over-edit their listings. Always:

• Request physical samples before placing a large or final order

• Use the sample to verify material, workmanship, size, color, and finish

Step 4: Dealing with Payment and Logistics

1688 doesn’t accept typical international payment methods like PayPal or credit cards. Here are your best options:

Use a Third-Party Payment Service

Platforms like Payoneer or Wise allow you to convert currencies and transfer money to Chinese bank accounts. Make sure your supplier accepts this method and that you send it to a business account, not personal.
 

Use 1688’s Cross-Border Payment System

If you have a registered company in China, you can apply for access to 1688’s official cross-border payment channel. This is the most direct and secure method, but only available to registered Chinese entities.

Most suppliers on 1688 only ship within China, so you’ll need a two-step logistics plan:

1. Ship Domestically First

Ask the supplier to deliver goods to your freight forwarder in China. They’ll receive your goods, inspect them if needed, and prepare them for international shipping.

2. Arrange International Shipping

Once all products arrive at your forwarder’s warehouse:

• They’ll consolidate your items (if multiple suppliers)

• Then ship them internationally using air, sea, or rail freight

Special Caution for High-Risk Products
If you're buying batteries, powders, liquids, or branded goods, shipping restrictions apply. Talk to your forwarder early to confirm shipping options and compliance rules.

1688 Sourcing Is Powerful If Done Right

Sourcing from 1688.com gives international sellers access to some of China’s most competitive wholesale prices and direct factory connections, but only if you take the right steps.

Start small, validate your supplier, inspect your products, and use the right tools to overcome language and logistics barriers.

And if you're scraping 1688 products to sell on platforms like Shopee, TikTok Shop, or Lazada, don't forget to take advantage of BigSeller’s built-in translation tools. With just one click, you can translate titles, descriptions, and even product images into Malay, English, Thai, Vietnamese, and more, helping you localise faster and sell smarter.
 

Try BigSeller for free today and claim your 7-day VIP trial when you register.

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