{"id":8296,"date":"2025-04-21T00:59:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T00:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/?p=8296"},"modified":"2025-04-29T02:17:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T02:17:04","slug":"1688-vs-alibaba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/","title":{"rendered":"1688 vs Alibaba: What\u2019s the Difference Between 1688 and Alibaba?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: roboto;\">Alibaba and 1688 are both popular e-commerce platforms, but they serve different purposes and cater to different types of buyers. Your choice between the two platforms depends on your specific needs and circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: roboto;\">Here are some factors to consider when deciding which platform to buy from:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ON4DqBHT5Yo?t=19s\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-roman ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#1688_vs_Alibaba\" title=\"1688 vs Alibaba:\">1688 vs Alibaba:<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Target_Audience\" title=\"Target Audience:\">Target Audience:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Language_and_Location\" title=\"Language and Location:\">Language and Location:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Product_Authenticity\" title=\"Product Authenticity:\">Product Authenticity:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Minimum_Order_Quantities_MOQs\" title=\"Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs):\">Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs):<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Payment_Options\" title=\"Payment Options:\">Payment Options:<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Shipping_and_Logistics\" title=\"Shipping and Logistics:\">Shipping and Logistics:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#How_to_Order_from_1688com\" title=\"How to Order from 1688.com?\">How to Order from 1688.com?<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_1_Translate_1688com_into_English\" title=\"Step 1: Translate 1688.com into English\">Step 1: Translate 1688.com into English<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_2_Search_Your_Desired_Product_on_1688com\" title=\"Step 2: Search Your Desired Product on 1688.com\">Step 2: Search Your Desired Product on 1688.com<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_3_Assessing_the_1688com_Listing\" title=\"Step 3: Assessing the 1688.com Listing\">Step 3: Assessing the 1688.com Listing<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_4_Scrutinize_the_1688com_Supplier\" title=\"Step 4: Scrutinize the 1688.com Supplier\">Step 4: Scrutinize the 1688.com Supplier<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_5_Connect_with_the_Supplier_and_Negotiate\" title=\"Step 5: Connect with the Supplier and Negotiate\">Step 5: Connect with the Supplier and Negotiate<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Step_6_Secure_Payment_and_Manage_Your_Order\" title=\"Step 6: Secure Payment and Manage Your Order\">Step 6: Secure Payment and Manage Your Order<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/#Summary_of_the_1688com_vs_Alibaba\" title=\"Summary of the 1688.com vs Alibaba:\">Summary of the 1688.com vs Alibaba:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1688_vs_Alibaba\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>1688 vs Alibaba:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">while both Alibaba and 1688 are owned by the same company and facilitate trade between buyers and sellers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/alibaba-reviews\/\">Alibaba<\/a> is a global B2B platform that caters to international buyers and suppliers, while 1688 is a Chinese domestic wholesale marketplace primarily serving the Chinese market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Taobao:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Taobao is a Chinese online shopping website, also owned by Alibaba Group, that primarily caters to individual consumers and retail customers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It offers a wide range of products, similar to Alibaba and 1688, but in smaller quantities suitable for individual consumers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Taobao is popular for its diverse selection, including fashion, electronics, household items, and more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It\u2019s a suitable platform if you want to make smaller purchases for personal use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table border=\"2\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #e6ab2e; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #e6ab2e; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #e6ab2e; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Taobao<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Target Audience<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">International businesses<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Domestic businesses<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Consumers (China)<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Language<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Multilingual<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Chinese<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Chinese<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Product Authenticity<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Emphasis on authenticity<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">May have authenticity issues<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Focus on individual sellers<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>\u00a0MOQs<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Common for larger orders<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">More flexibility for smaller orders<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Primarily for individuals<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Payment Options<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Various international methods<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Alipay<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Alipay<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Shipping and Logistics<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Experience with international shipping<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Domestic logistics<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Domestic shipping options<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">B2B and B2C<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Primarily B2B<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Primarily B2C<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Supplier Verification<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Verification processes<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Variable reliability<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Less focus on verification<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>Product Range<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Wide range of products<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Broad, domestic products<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Broad, domestic products<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; background-color: #57bff2; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><strong>User Interface<\/strong><\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Business-oriented<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Business-oriented<\/span><\/th>\n<th style=\"height: 50px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: helvetica;\">Consumer-oriented<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Target_Audience\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Target_Audience\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Target Audience:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba.com primarily targets international buyers and sellers. It\u2019s a platform where businesses from around the world can connect and trade with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. If you\u2019re an international buyer looking for products to import or source from China, Alibaba is a suitable choice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688.com, on the other hand, is a Chinese-language platform that primarily targets domestic buyers and sellers within China. If you\u2019re based in China and looking to purchase products for domestic use or resale within China, 1688 may be more suitable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Language_and_Location\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Language_and_Location\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Language and Location:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba\u2019s website and communication are available in multiple languages, making it accessible to international users. You can find products and suppliers from various countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688.com is primarily in Chinese, which can be a barrier for international buyers who do not speak or read Chinese. It\u2019s designed for the Chinese market and may not have as much international product diversity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Product_Authenticity\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Product_Authenticity\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Product Authenticity:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba generally has a higher emphasis on product authenticity, and they have implemented various verification processes to ensure the credibility of suppliers. While there can still be issues, it is generally considered more reliable for international buyers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688 may have a wider range of products, but it may be riskier in terms of product authenticity and quality control. Due diligence is crucial when purchasing from 1688, especially for international buyers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Minimum_Order_Quantities_MOQs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Minimum_Order_Quantities_MOQs\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs):<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba often caters to businesses looking to buy products in larger quantities. Many suppliers on Alibaba have MOQs, which may not be suitable for individuals or smaller businesses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688 may have more options for smaller quantities, as it\u2019s designed for domestic buyers who may not require large quantities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Payment_Options\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Payment_Options\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Payment Options:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba offers various payment options, including Alipay and international payment methods, making it easier for international buyers to transact.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688 primarily uses Alipay for transactions, which can be challenging for international buyers who do not have an Alipay account.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shipping_and_Logistics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto;\"><span id=\"Shipping_and_Logistics\" class=\"ez-toc-section\"><\/span><strong>Shipping and Logistics:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alibaba:<\/strong>\u00a0Alibaba often has more experience dealing with international shipping and logistics, which can be helpful for international buyers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>1688:<\/strong>\u00a01688\u2019s focus is primarily on domestic logistics within China, so international shipping arrangements may be less straightforward.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">In summary, if you are an international buyer looking to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/source-from-china\/\">source products from China<\/a>, Alibaba is usually the better choice due to its international focus, language support, and emphasis on product authenticity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">However, if you are a domestic buyer within China, 1688 might offer a broader range of products at competitive prices. Or, you can consider hire a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/our-services\/1688-agent-china\/\">1688 sourcing agent<\/a>\u00a0to help you buy from 1688.com.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Regardless of the platform you choose, always conduct thorough due diligence when selecting suppliers to ensure product quality and authenticity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"comments\" class=\"comments-area\">\n<div id=\"wpd-post-rating\" class=\"wpd-not-rated\">\n<div class=\"wpd-rating-stars\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Order_from_1688com\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 24pt;\">How to Order from 1688.com?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Translate_1688com_into_English\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\">Step 1: Translate 1688.com into English<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To begin, follow these simple steps to translate 1688.com into English using the Google Chrome web browser:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6952\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-300x84.png\" alt=\"1688 in English\" width=\"800\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-300x84.png 300w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-600x168.png 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-768x216.png 768w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1536x431.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Choose Google Chrome<\/strong>: Ensure you are using the Google Chrome web browser.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Access Google Translate Extension<\/strong>: Visit the Chrome web store and search for the &#8220;Google Translate Chrome extension.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Add to Chrome<\/strong>: Once you&#8217;ve found the extension, click on &#8220;Add to Chrome.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Confirmation<\/strong>: A confirmation window will appear. Click on &#8220;Add Extension.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Extension Added<\/strong>: You will receive a confirmation message in the top right corner of your browser window, indicating that &#8220;Google Translate has been added to Chrome.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Visit 1688.com<\/strong>: Go to the 1688.com website. You may notice an automatic pop-up message that prompts you to translate the site into English. If this pop-up does not appear, you can manually click on the Google Translate Chrome extension icon within your browser window.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Language Selection<\/strong>: Ensure that English is selected as the target language.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Now, you are ready to explore 1688.com and search for products seamlessly, regardless of the language barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Search_Your_Desired_Product_on_1688com\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\">Step 2: Search Your Desired Product on 1688.com<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Discovering your desired product on 1688.com can be achieved through three different methods:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Image Upload on 1688.com<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Click on the camera icon located in the search bar to upload an image of your desired product.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The website&#8217;s image recognition feature will attempt to match your uploaded image with products based on their shape and design.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It&#8217;s worth noting that if you search for a toaster using this method, 1688 may suggest microwave ovens due to their similar shapes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Please be aware that utilizing this method requires you to have a 1688 account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To register an account, you must possess a valid ID registered in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, or South Korea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Using a VPN (virtual private network) will not allow you to bypass this requirement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6954\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-300x97.jpg\" alt=\"1688 in English\" width=\"800\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-300x97.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-600x194.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-768x248.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1536x496.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Search Using English Keywords<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Type your desired keyword in English into the search bar and click &#8220;Search&#8221; (\u641c\u7d22).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">For instance, entering &#8220;golf bag&#8221; will yield relevant results.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">However, there&#8217;s a limitation: searching &#8220;golf bag&#8221; in English will provide only 291 results, which may not cover the extensive range of suppliers available on 1688. You can enhance your search by conducting it in Chinese.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6955\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1-300x97.jpg\" alt=\"1688 in English\" width=\"800\" height=\"259\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1-300x97.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1-600x194.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1-768x248.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1-1536x496.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Search Using the Chinese Translation of Your Keyword<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Utilize Google Translate or Google Chrome to obtain the Chinese translation of your primary keyword.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">For example, you can type &#8220;translate golf bag to Chinese&#8221; in Google Chrome to acquire the translation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Copy and paste this translation into the 1688 search bar, then click the search button.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">You will observe that your search now generates a much larger pool of results, such as 3,725 in the case of &#8220;golf bag,&#8221; offering thousands more options compared to an English search.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6956\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-300x166.png\" alt=\"1688 in English\" width=\"800\" height=\"442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-600x331.png 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-768x424.png 768w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-1536x848.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1-672x372.png 672w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1688-in-English-1.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Assessing_the_1688com_Listing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Step 3: Assessing the 1688.com Listing<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It&#8217;s crucial to comprehend how 1688.com differs from consumer-oriented platforms like Amazon and other sourcing websites such as Alibaba. The dynamics on 1688.com operate under slightly different rules:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Listed Price Accuracy<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The price displayed on the listing is often not an exact reflection of the final cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Many suppliers purposefully advertise lower prices to capture your attention with enticing but often unrealistic expectations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">While some of these prices might indeed be accurate, they typically apply when you place orders in very high quantities. It&#8217;s advisable never to accept a listing price at face value; always engage with the supplier to clarify the actual cost.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The MOQ mentioned in the listing is usually reliable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">MOQ represents the minimum quantity of units you must purchase for the supplier to accept your order.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To put it in perspective, 250 units constitute a small MOQ, whereas a large MOQ might encompass 5,000 units or more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Generally, products with higher prices (above $25) tend to have smaller MOQs, while lower-priced items (under $25) may have larger MOQs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Ordering quantities surpassing the MOQ often opens the door to negotiating lower unit prices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Product Availability<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The presence of a product picture in the supplier&#8217;s listing doesn&#8217;t guarantee its immediate availability.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Some 1688 listings serve as &#8220;holding spots&#8221; and might persist even if the product isn&#8217;t in stock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The images displayed can either represent items currently in stock or products that the supplier can manufacture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It&#8217;s advisable to always communicate with the supplier to confirm product availability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Once you&#8217;ve assessed the listing and are content with it, proceed to evaluate the credibility and suitability of the supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Scrutinize_the_1688com_Supplier\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Step 4: Scrutinize the 1688.com Supplier<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To vet a supplier effectively on 1688.com, follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6962 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english.jpg\" alt=\"how to shop on 1688 in english\" width=\"612\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-600x502.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-300x251.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px\" \/><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Access the Company Tab<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Click on the &#8220;Company&#8221; tab<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Verify the Following Criteria<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">A longer establishment period reduces the likelihood of fraudulent activity. Scammers tend to appear and disappear quickly, while legitimate businesses demonstrate longevity and growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Locate this information by scrolling down or using the search function (Command + F on Mac, Control + F on PC). Look for the term &#8220;Established.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Check if the supplier has been in operation for at least 3 years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Employee Count<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Ensure the supplier reports a workforce of 50-500 employees.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Fewer than 50 employees might indicate a trading company, as a full-scale factory typically requires more staff for high-volume production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">If the supplier boasts more than 500 employees, they likely engage in large-scale wholesale production, which may be less flexible for smaller initial orders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Find this information by searching the page (Command + F on Mac, Control + F on PC).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Office Space Size<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Ensure the supplier&#8217;s premises encompass a minimum of 200 square meters.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To put this in perspective, 200 square meters equate to about 2157 square feet or roughly half the size of a basketball court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Companies with larger office spaces are less likely to operate as secretive trading companies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Delivery Guarantee<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Confirm whether the company offers a &#8220;Delivery Guarantee.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">If you spot a &#8220;Delivery Guarantee&#8221; badge on their company page, it indicates that when you place an order, the supplier deposits 3,000 RMB into a third-party escrow account.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The supplier cannot retrieve this money until you confirm successful delivery of the ordered products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Connect_with_the_Supplier_and_Negotiate\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Step 5: Connect with the Supplier and Negotiate<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Engaging with suppliers and negotiating effectively is crucial when sourcing from 1688.com. Here&#8217;s how to do it:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6963 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-1.jpg\" alt=\"how to shop on 1688 in english\" width=\"627\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-1.jpg 627w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-1-600x502.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-shop-on-1688-in-english-1-300x251.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 627px) 100vw, 627px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Primary Communication Method<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The most commonly used communication platform on 1688.com is <strong>Alitalk<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">If you possess a 1688 account, you can access Alitalk by clicking the small blue raindrop icon. Alitalk functions similarly to chat services like WhatsApp or WeChat.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>The Challenge<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">It&#8217;s important to note that the majority of 1688 suppliers using Alitalk may expect conversations to be conducted in Chinese, as they often assume you are a Chinese retailer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">However, instead of obtaining a Chinese passport and learning a new language, there is a simpler solution:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Contact Suppliers Directly on WeChat<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/contact-chinese-supplier\/\">WeChat<\/a> is one of the most widely used messaging applications among Chinese citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The key advantage: WeChat offers translation capabilities, facilitating communication between Chinese and English.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">You can download WeChat for free from the App Store or Google Play Store and create an account.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">After setting up your WeChat account, tap the &#8220;Contacts&#8221; button located at the bottom of the screen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">To find the supplier&#8217;s mobile number on 1688, access the top menu and click &#8220;Contact.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Within WeChat, tap the human outline icon with a &#8220;+&#8221; in the upper right corner.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>How to Contact a Supplier on 1688.com without an Account<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">For those without a 1688 account, you still have options to contact suppliers:<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Firstly, ascertain if the supplier can manufacture your specific product. Provide detailed specifications, including precise measurements and material types, rather than vague descriptions like &#8220;made of steel.&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">When it comes to price negotiations, avoid focusing on samples, as Chinese suppliers may perceive you as inexperienced. Instead, concentrate on negotiating terms for larger product volumes. This approach not only saves more money in the long run but also earns the respect of your supplier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_6_Secure_Payment_and_Manage_Your_Order\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 18pt;\"><strong>Step 6: Secure Payment and Manage Your Order<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Managing payments and ensuring the integrity of your order is a critical step when dealing with suppliers on 1688.com. Here&#8217;s a detailed guide:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6964 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-pay-to-a-1688-supplier-e1692672888490.jpg\" alt=\"how to pay to a 1688 supplier\" width=\"631\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-pay-to-a-1688-supplier-e1692672888490.jpg 631w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-pay-to-a-1688-supplier-e1692672888490-600x514.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/how-to-pay-to-a-1688-supplier-e1692672888490-300x257.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Payment Options on 1688<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">1688 offers a range of payment options; however, these options are only accessible with an account. To create an account, you must possess a government-issued ID from one of the eligible Southeast Asian countries.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alternate Approach<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">If you don&#8217;t have a 1688 account, you can still manage your transactions outside the platform.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Request a Proforma Invoice (P.I.)<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Start by determining the total cost of your order, then request a proforma invoice (P.I.) from your supplier or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/our-services\/1688-agent-china\/\">1688 agent<\/a><\/strong>. This document serves as a price quote and outlines the quantity, product details, and purchase terms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>The 30\/70 Deal<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Propose the &#8220;30\/70 deal&#8221; to your supplier. Under this arrangement, you pay 30% of the total cost upfront and the remaining 70% upon completion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Wire Transfer<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Initiate an international wire transfer to your supplier to cover the 30% payment. Keep in mind that this transfer usually incurs fees ranging from $30 to $40 through your banking service.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">While wire transfers can be intimidating because the funds are not retrievable, remember that you still have leverage, as you haven&#8217;t released the full payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Product Inspection<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">After your supplier completes the manufacturing process, it&#8217;s advisable to hire a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.quacn.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">product inspection company in China<\/a>. You can seek recommendations from your private members&#8217; community for reputable inspection companies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Provide your product inspector with the same detailed specifications you shared with your supplier. Any terms stated in your contract with the supplier are enforceable during inspection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">For instance, if your product is advertised as a leak-proof water bottle, ensure the inspector tests it for leaks. Similarly, if durability is a feature, have the inspector drop the product from shoulder height. Be thorough in checking moving parts and potential points of failure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Expect the product inspector to document the inspection extensively, including dozens of photos and possibly videos. Inspection reports can be quite comprehensive, often spanning 25 pages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">This inspection process typically costs between $200 to $500, a small price to pay compared to the potential loss from a batch of faulty products. Learn from past mistakes; don&#8217;t skip this vital step.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Negotiate Fixes if Needed<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">If the product inspection reveals issues that require correction, approach your supplier. Maintain a firm yet courteous stance. Remember, you hold leverage since 70% of the payment remains pending.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Request a Commercial Invoice<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Ask your supplier for a commercial invoice, distinct from the proforma invoice. This invoice serves as international proof of your purchase and contains more detailed information than a proforma invoice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The responsibility for creating the commercial invoice rests with the exporter, i.e., your supplier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">This document is valuable in case of audits by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can use it to substantiate your business expenses, particularly when claiming tax write-offs. Additionally, Amazon may request a commercial invoice if issues arise regarding product authenticity or if you seek entry into a gated product category or programs like Brand Transparency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">The optimal time to request a commercial invoice is just before making the final 70% payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Translation and Payment<\/strong>:<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Your supplier will provide the commercial invoice in Chinese. Translate it using Google Translate or similar tools to have both Chinese and English versions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">In the end, proceed to wire the remaining 70% of the funds to your supplier. Request a tracking number from your supplier or freight forwarder to monitor the shipment&#8217;s progress from China to Amazon&#8217;s fulfillment center(s).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary_of_the_1688com_vs_Alibaba\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 24pt;\"><strong>Summary of the 1688.com vs Alibaba:<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">In summary, if you are an international buyer looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/source-from-china\/\">source products from China<\/a>, Alibaba is usually the better choice due to its international focus, language support, and emphasis on product authenticity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">However, if you are a domestic buyer within China, 1688 might offer a broader range of products at competitive prices. Or, you can consider hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/our-services\/1688-agent-china\/\">1688 sourcing agent<\/a>\u00a0to help you buy from 1688.com.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">According to our experience, if you are looking for a variety of products with a small Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), 1688 is undoubtedly a good choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">You just need to add the products you are interested in to the link provided in the table, and then let an agent take care of the next steps in the process for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: roboto; font-size: 14pt;\">Regardless of the platform you choose, always conduct thorough <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/verify-chinese-supplier\/\">due diligence when selecting suppliers<\/a> to ensure product quality and authenticity.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alibaba and 1688 are both popular e-commerce platforms, but they serve different purposes and cater to different types of buyers. Your choice between the two platforms depends on your specific needs and circumstances.\u00a0 Here are some factors to consider when deciding which platform to buy from: &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 1688 vs Alibaba: while both Alibaba &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/1688-vs-alibaba\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">1688 vs Alibaba: What\u2019s the Difference Between 1688 and Alibaba?<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8305,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,3266],"tags":[3192],"class_list":["post-8296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-source-from-china","category-1688-blog","tag-1688-vs-alibaba"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8296"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12158,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8296\/revisions\/12158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.supplyia.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}