1688.com serves as a Chinese online B2B marketplace linking manufacturers and wholesalers with buyers seeking bulk purchases. It stands as the largest domestic wholesale platform in China, under the Alibaba Group umbrella that also oversees Alibaba.com and AliExpress, but distinguishes itself by largely targeting the local Chinese market through its Chinese language website.
1688.com vs. Alibaba: Are they the Same?
Although both are part of the Alibaba Group family of platforms, 1688.com and Alibaba.com possess distinct identities. Alibaba.com serves a diverse audience through its multilingual website, whereas 1688.com is designed for domestic Chinese commerce, providing support in the Chinese language. Many sellers on Alibaba.com and AliExpress frequently source items from 1688.com at lower prices, which they subsequently sell at increased rates to consumers globally.
How to Buy from 1688.com as an International Customer
When it comes to shopping on 1688.com from overseas, there are obstacles to consider because the site mainly caters to a domestic audience in China. To shop on the platform, you will need to pay in Chinese Yuan (also known as RMB) using payment methods since international payment options are not available. Moreover, it’s limited shipping choices that may pose some difficulties for buyers.
Payment Solutions:
- 1688 Agent-Assisted Payment: The most common and recommended approach is engaging a 1688 agent who can handle payments on your behalf, often utilizing their established payment methods within China.
- Third-Party Payment Options: Although restricted, certain providers might allow payments through services such as PayPal. Nevertheless, it is essential to verify the payment methods accepted by the supplier in advance.
- Direct Bank Transfer: If you possess a Chinese bank account, you can transfer money directly to the supplier. Nonetheless, establishing a Chinese bank account necessitates being physically present in China.
- Trade Assurance: This secure payment system supported by Alibaba provides buyer protection, although it isn’t accessible to every supplier on 1688.com. It’s important to verify whether the supplier is part of Trade Assurance before moving forward.
Shipping Solutions:
1688.com does not provide shipping services outside the country, which means customers have to look for options for delivery facilitation; a common solution is to enlist the help of a sourcing agent who can assist with the process.
- Using a 1688 Agent: Engaging a sourcing agent is highly recommended as they can coordinate all aspects of shipping, from consolidating your orders to finding international shipping options and managing customs clearance.
- Direct Shipping from Suppliers: In some cases, suppliers on 1688.com may partner with international shipping companies. However, this is not common, and you’ll need to confirm this option with the supplier directly.
- Independent Freight Forwarding: You can arrange your shipping through a freight forwarding service. This option requires more research and effort, demanding coordination with both the supplier and the freight forwarder.
How to Source Products on 1688.com
The Chinese layout of 1688.com poses a major obstacle for buyers from around the world. Given that services like Google Translate offer translations only, it’s worth exploring these alternative strategies for finding products.
- Image Search: Utilize the camera icon in the search bar to upload a product image and find visually similar listings on 1688.com. This method often yields more accurate results than text-based searches, especially when dealing with language barriers.
- Keyword Searches with Precise Translations: Translate your desired product keywords into Chinese before searching. Tools like Google Translate can help, but it’s crucial to ensure accurate translations for relevant results.
- Leveraging a Sourcing Agent: A sourcing agent fluent in Chinese can efficiently search for products based on your specific requirements, saving you time and effort. They can also navigate the nuances of product descriptions and supplier communications, ensuring clear understanding.
Communication – Do Not Expect Much English
1688.com mainly caters to the market, which results in suppliers predominantly using Chinese for communication purposes. This language barrier poses a major challenge for buyers from overseas. Instead of committing to learning Chinese in the long run, here are some immediate alternatives to explore:
- Translation Tools: Platforms like Google Translate can help with basic translations, but they are not reliable for nuanced business communications. Expect inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
- Hiring a Translator: While an option, hiring a translator can be expensive and may still lack the cultural understanding necessary for smooth negotiations.
- Sourcing Agent: Utilizing a sourcing agent fluent in both Chinese and English is the most practical solution. They can seamlessly handle all communication and negotiations, ensuring clear understanding and preventing potential misinterpretations.
Holyale: Your reliable souring agent:
Holyale is a tier-sourcing firm established in 2002 that offers comprehensive services to wholesalers and retailers across the globe as well as online stores. As an organization with more than 100 staff members and branches in Yiwui, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou, they take pride in their warehouse which spans over 2000 square meters. Holyale collaborates with over 10,000 suppliers and manufacturers and has effectively supported more than 6,000 clients globally. Their expertise lies in aiding clients in locating Chinese manufacturers overseeing production progress ensuring quality control and facilitating international transactions.
Holyale’s offers high-quality services:
Sourcing and buying agent services,
You can see their dedication to ensuring customer happiness through their thorough approach that prioritizes transparency and careful consideration.
Holyale’s Tips for Sourcing the Best Supplier of Chinese Wholesale Products
At 1688.com you can find a range of suppliers that need to be carefully screened to establish a dependable and trustworthy relationship with them. Here are some tips on how to recognize top-notch suppliers:
- Look for Verification Badges: com utilizes a verification system to vet suppliers. Look for the blue tick mark, which signifies a verified supplier with a confirmed business license and history on the platform.
- Scrutinize Supplier Profiles: Evaluate the depth of information provided in supplier profiles, including company details, registration location, main products, partnerships, and any medals or certifications received. Suppliers with detailed and transparent profiles tend to be more reliable.
- Assess Specialization and Experience: Opt for suppliers specializing in your desired product category, as they’ll possess greater expertise and manufacturing capabilities. Check the supplier’s years of operation, as those with longer track records often demonstrate greater stability and experience.
- Utilize Filters to Narrow Your Search: com offers various filters to refine your search, including price range, MOQ, location, business type, sales volume, and verification status. These filters help you quickly identify suppliers meeting your specific criteria.
- Consider “Super Factories”: These elite suppliers undergo rigorous vetting and pay a premium fee to be designated as Super Factories, offering high sales volume, on-time delivery, and exceptional product quality. Look for the “Super Factory” badge on supplier profiles for an added layer of assurance.
Customs and Taxes with 1688.com Purchases
When you bring in products from China, some customs rules and taxes differ based on where you’re located. Usually, agents or forwarders take care of customs clearance and paperwork required, making sure everything follows the import laws. You must look into the rules and possible charges for the country where your goods will go so you don’t face unexpected issues or holdups receiving your items.
Final Thoughts
1688.com provides an opportunity for global shoppers looking for better deals and a wider range of products from exclusive Chinese suppliers that may lead to profitable outcomes in the result, yet it is important to take into account challenges like language barriers and restrictions on payments and shipping options when making a decision.
It is advisable to work with a trusted sourcing agent from 1688 when sourcing from China and lacking experience in this area, to ensure a secure sourcing process that leads to success in the end.
