How to Shop from 1688: The Complete Guide

Shopping from 1688.com has become one of the smartest ways to buy products directly from Chinese factories at the lowest wholesale prices. Whether you’re a small business owner, reseller, or simply looking for cheap products for personal use, 1688 can save you 40–70% compared to other platforms like Alibaba and AliExpress.

This guide will teach you exactly how to shop from 1688 — even if you don’t speak Chinese and don’t have a Chinese payment method.

What Is 1688.com?

1688 is China’s biggest wholesale marketplace owned by Alibaba Group. Unlike Alibaba (which targets global buyers), 1688 focuses on local Chinese businesses, meaning:

Cheaper prices
More suppliers
Higher minimum order quantities (MOQs)
Website interface is in Chinese only
Local payment methods like Alipay are normally required

But don’t worry — you can shop easily using a buying agent.

Why Shop from 1688 Instead of Alibaba or AliExpress?

Here are the top reasons:

⭐ 1. Lowest Prices in China

The platform is designed for Chinese wholesalers — meaning you are getting factory pricing with no international markup.

⭐ 2. Huge Variety

Millions of products: fashion, electronics, homeware, accessories, and more.

⭐ 3. Trusted Chinese Manufacturers

Most sellers are factories or verified suppliers.

⭐ 4. Perfect for Business Owners

If you’re dropshipping, reselling, or stocking your shop, 1688 gives you the best margins.

How to Shop from 1688 (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit 1688.com

You can browse using:

Desktop website
1688 mobile app

Use Chrome browser to auto-translate the page.

Step 2: Search for Products

Ways to search:

Chinese keywords (use Google Translate)
Image search (great for finding the same item cheaper)
Categories and subcategories

📝 Pro Tip: Upload a product photo (from Amazon, AliExpress, TikTok, etc.) and find the supplier on 1688 at half the price.

Step 3: Check Supplier Details

Before buying, check:

Rating (stars)
Years in business
Minimum order quantity
Customer reviews
Product photos & videos

Choose suppliers with:
✔ 4+ stars
✔ 2+ years on the platform
✔ Real photos and videos
✔ Quick response rate

Step 4: Make the Purchase

Since 1688 accepts Chinese local payments only, international buyers usually choose one of these:

Option A — Use a Buying Agent (Easiest)

An agent will:

Buy the products for you
Consolidate parcels
Inspect items
Ship internationally

Most agents accept:

USD
Credit cards
Western Union
Bank transfer

Option B — Use Alipay with International Card

This works only sometimes; many sellers still require Chinese accounts.

Step 5: Ship Your Goods

Shipping options:

Air freight (fast)
Sea freight (cheapest for large shipments)
Courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.)

If buying through an agent, they will recommend the best method based on weight and destination.

Tips to Shop Safely on 1688

Compare at least 3 suppliers
Avoid extremely cheap items (low quality)
Ask for real product videos
Confirm packaging and color variations
Calculate shipping before placing large orders

Is 1688 Safe?

Yes — 1688 is part of Alibaba Group and is one of the safest wholesale platforms in China. The key is to choose reputable suppliers and use a trusted agent if you don’t have Alipay.

Who Should Use 1688?

1688 is perfect for:

Shopify sellers
Instagram & TikTok shop owners
Wholesale resellers
Dropshippers
Gift shops
Business owners in the Middle East & Africa

If you want extremely low product prices to grow your business, 1688 is the best place to start.

Final Words

Shopping from 1688 opens the door to direct factory prices, unlimited product choices, and higher profit margins. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, the process is simple with the right tools and guidance.