When it comes to buying from 1688, many people choose to work with an agent to help navigate the process. However, it is possible to buy directly from the site without an agent. To do so, there are a few key things that buyers will need to keep in mind, including payment methods and finding a reliable supplier.
In addition to these basic considerations, there are a number of additional tips that can help buyers successfully purchase from 1688 without an agent. These include strategies for finding a good supplier, as well as ways to address common problems that may arise during the buying process. By keeping these tips in mind, buyers can feel confident in their ability to purchase directly from 1688.
Key Takeaways
- Buying from 1688 without an agent is possible, but requires careful attention to payment methods and supplier selection.
- Additional tips can help buyers navigate the site successfully and address common issues.
- By following these tips, buyers can feel confident in their ability to purchase directly from 1688.
To Buy from 1688 without an Agent, You will Need to:
To buy from 1688 without an agent, the first step is to create an account using your email address or phone number. Once you have created an account, you can start searching for suppliers by product name, keyword, or category. After finding a supplier, you can contact them to get more information about their products and pricing. You can also negotiate the price and MOQ (minimum order quantity).
Once you have agreed on the price and MOQ, you can place an order. The payment for your order can be made using various methods, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit card. After placing the order, you will need to arrange shipping. You can either do this yourself or hire a freight forwarder.
In summary, to buy from 1688 without an agent, you need to create an account, find a supplier, contact them, place an order, and arrange shipping. It is important to note that buying directly from 1688 requires a certain level of knowledge and experience in dealing with Chinese suppliers and logistics.
Here are Some Additional Tips for Buying from 1688 without an Agent:
When purchasing from 1688 without an agent, it is crucial to take extra precautions to ensure a smooth transaction. Here are some additional tips to help you navigate the platform:
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Verify the supplier’s information. Before placing an order, verify the supplier’s information, such as their business license and contact details. This will help you avoid fraudulent suppliers.
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Communicate clearly with the supplier. Use a translation tool to communicate clearly with the supplier and avoid any misunderstandings. Be sure to ask any questions you may have before placing an order.
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Check the product quality. Ask the supplier for product samples or photos to check the quality before placing a large order. This will help you avoid any surprises when the product arrives.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risks of buying from 1688 without an agent and ensure a successful transaction.
Here are some additional tips for finding a reliable supplier on 1688:
- Look for suppliers who have been on the platform for a long time.
- Check the supplier’s product reviews and ratings from previous customers.
- Verify the supplier’s contact information and address.
- Consider using a third-party inspection service to ensure product quality.
- Negotiate payment terms and delivery times before placing an order.
The Problems You Will Face When Buying on 1688
Language
For overseas small businesses, language can be a significant barrier when buying on 1688. The platform is entirely in Chinese, making it difficult for non-Chinese speakers to search for products and communicate with suppliers. Without a good understanding of Chinese, buyers may struggle to find products by keywords and negotiate with suppliers for product details.
Payment
1688 mainly caters to the Chinese market, and as a result, it currently only accepts UnionPay and Alipay. This makes it challenging for small businesses overseas to pay for their purchases directly on the platform. Few suppliers accept credit cards or other Alibaba financial products, making it almost impossible for small businesses to pay for goods directly on 1688.
Product Quality
Similar to AliExpress, small businesses that are not in China can only check the quality of the goods based on product photos. If the quality of the goods does not match their price, it can be difficult to return the goods from overseas. Furthermore, Alibaba does not support disputes due to shipping costs for an extended period, making it challenging for small businesses to get their money back.
Shipping
1688 mainly focuses on the Chinese market, and as a result, most suppliers only support domestic shipping methods. This means that it can be difficult for suppliers to ship goods from China to overseas unless they apply for an international freight forwarder. As a result, shipping costs can be high, and delivery times can be longer than expected.
In summary, small businesses face several challenges when buying on 1688, including language barriers, limited payment options, quality control issues, and shipping difficulties. Buyers must be aware of these challenges and take steps to overcome them to ensure a successful purchasing experience.
How to Pay 1688 without Alipay?
If you are an international buyer outside of mainland China, you may encounter difficulties while attempting to make payments on 1688 without Alipay. However, 1688 offers three alternative payment options to help you complete your purchase. Here’s a brief overview of each method, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Use Wire Transfer.
The wire transfer method allows you to make payments directly to the supplier through bank transfers or similar methods. However, this method involves some risks, especially if you are new to dealing with suppliers. Here are the steps to pay on 1688 using a wire transfer:
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Obtain the supplier’s bank account information from their 1688 store page.
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Contact your bank and initiate a wire transfer to the supplier’s bank account.
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Include the supplier’s name and order number in the transfer memo.
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Notify the supplier once the wire transfer is complete.
Advantages: Wire transfer is a safe and reliable method of payment, and you have leverage as you haven’t released the full payment.
Disadvantages: This method requires the supplier to be proficient in English, and offline payments may involve some risks.
2. Use 1688 Agents.
If you frequently order from 1688, using an agent can help you negotiate with suppliers and make purchases and shipments from China. However, you may need to pay some commissions, which can increase the total cost of products, service fees, and international shipping. Here are the steps to pay on 1688 using a buying agent:
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Find a reputable buying agent by doing your research and reading reviews.
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Contact the buying agent and provide them with a list of the items you want to purchase.
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The buying agent will provide you with a quote for their services, including the cost of the goods and their commission.
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Pay the buying agent using your preferred payment method.
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The buying agent will purchase the goods on your behalf and arrange for shipping.
Advantages: Buying agents can provide a variety of services, such as product sourcing, quality inspection, and shipping.
Disadvantages: You may need to pay some commissions, which can increase the total cost of products, service fees, and international shipping.
3. Use a Third-party Payment Service.
Small to medium businesses that require bulk wholesale orders from 1688 often use this method. Here are the steps to pay on 1688 using a third-party payment service:
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Create an account with a third-party payment service such as Wise, WorldFirst, or Payoneer.
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Link your bank account to your third-party payment service account.
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Deposit funds into your third-party payment service account.
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Select the third-party payment service as your payment method on 1688.
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You will then be redirected to the third-party payment service website to complete the payment.
Advantages: This method is often used by small to medium businesses that require bulk wholesale orders from 1688.
Disadvantages: You need to create an account with a third-party payment service, link your bank account, and deposit funds into your account before making a payment.
If you are not comfortable buying from 1688 without an agent, you can always hire a reputable 1688 agent to help you. Agents can provide a variety of services, such as product sourcing, quality inspection, and shipping. Cross-border Pay (跨境宝/KJB) is a one-stop cross-border solution for international 1688 buyers outside of mainland China. However, this payment solution is only applicable to users in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Virgin Island British.