Buying from 1688 as a foreigner can be challenging. However, with the right understanding of the site and the selection of high-quality suppliers, one can uncover a treasure trove of products. In this article, we will explore how to buy from 1688 if you are outside of China and how to choose reliable suppliers to ensure a successful transaction.
The article will cover the challenges that buyers may face when purchasing from 1688, as well as tips on avoiding scams to protect your investment. By the end of this article, readers will have a clear understanding of how to navigate the 1688 platform and purchase goods with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Buying from 1688 as a foreigner can be challenging but rewarding.
- Understanding the platform and selecting reliable suppliers is key to a successful transaction.
- Tips on avoiding scams will help protect your investment.
How to Buy from 1688?
1. Familiarize Yourself with the 1688 Platform
1688.com is a website under the Alibaba Group that offers a catalog of China wholesale suppliers. Unlike Alibaba.com, 1688.com primarily caters to Chinese companies. This is because some Chinese wholesale suppliers have inherent prejudice against foreigners when they offer quotes on Alibaba, resulting in higher prices for foreign companies.
However, you can work with both Alibaba and 1688.com to ensure that you get the lowest price possible. 1688.com has several advantages, such as a full range of product categories in China, the best way to find China’s real manufacturers, and the lowest price for the same products.
On the other hand, 1688.com has disadvantages, including a language barrier, payment security, and difficulty returning products. It is a good choice for people who want to source products from China at the most reasonable price. If you order a large quantity at one time, you can negotiate with the manufacturer for quality control. However, if you have a small quantity but a large number of SKUs, it will be difficult for you to achieve quality control.
2. Decide Who Will Handle Your 1688 Orders
There are three options for buying from 1688:
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Contact the supplier directly on 1688.com. After registering your 1688.com account, you can log in to your Aliwangwang account to communicate directly with suppliers. Alternatively, you can find the supplier’s mobile number or WeChat ID on the product page and contact the supplier on WeChat. The advantage of this option is that you can bypass the middleman and talk directly to the manufacturer. Most sellers on 1688.com only sell to China domestic buyers, so the prices they offer are usually lower than Alibaba. However, many suppliers do not speak English, so be patient and use simple English. Additionally, many 1688.com suppliers do not have a PayPal account, so you have to find a payment method they can accept.
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Buy goods from 1688.com with a shopping proxy website. Many Chinese buying agent websites offer buying services from popular Chinese online stores like Taobao, 1688.com, JD.com, etc. All you need to do is submit a product link on their website, and they will help you buy products from 1688 suppliers. When all your orders arrive at their warehouse, they will consolidate and repack them for you and send them to you via different shipping methods. The advantage of this option is that the procedure is simple and easy, and the shopping experience is great. They also offer PayPal or credit card payment options. However, they will not help you source products or suppliers, nor will they help you check the quantity and quality of your order. Their shipping method is only for small orders, and they do not offer shipping options such as air, rail, LCL, or ocean for bulk orders.
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Hire a 1688 purchasing agent. You can apply for 1688 agent service, and they can help you find and pay suppliers on 1688 and help you ship from China to your country via international express service. To use this option, you need to find a 1688 agent with the product, color, size, and quantity and other basic information of your business, such as budget price and quality control, samples, payment terms, commission, and other things about your business question. After that, the agent can help you procure and negotiate with the supplier on 1688 to get feedback on the product and supplier so that you can make a purchasing decision. Then, you can pay for the order and the money for shipping from China 1688. The advantage of this option is that they usually offer more services like sourcing products and manufacturers, samples, custom products, customs clearance, more shipping methods, etc. Their service is one-to-one, which means you get prompt and personalized service. Many of them are fluent in foreign languages, and you can communicate with them in the local language. However, they only like big customers and big orders, and if your order is small, they will charge a high commission, or their response may not be as positive.
3. Search for Your Products on 1688
The entire website is in Chinese, so you have two ways to find the products you want on 1688 in English:
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Use Google Translate. Enter the relevant keywords of the desired product in the search bar, or click the camera icon to search for images.
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Search by image on 1688. Click on the camera icon available in the upper right corner of the search bar. Using this option, you can upload an image of the product you want to search for, and the site will display a list of related products.
4. Find a Good Supplier on 1688
To find a good supplier on
Buying on 1688 Challenges You May Face
Foreigners who want to purchase products from 1688.com may face several difficulties because the marketplace is designed to cater to domestic customers only. Here are the top six challenges that foreign users may encounter:
1. Language Barriers
1688.com is a domestic marketplace that serves only local buyers and suppliers in mainland China. As a result, the website is in Mandarin, which can be a challenge for foreigners who do not know the language. This language barrier can make it difficult for foreign buyers to navigate the website and find the products they need.
2. Payment Method Problem
1688.com is a domestic market that only accepts local payment methods such as WeChat, Alipay, and company or personal bank accounts. Chinese providers only accept RMB, so foreign buyers must convert their currency to RMB before making a purchase. Alternatively, foreign buyers can hire a local agent to pay bills in China as a middleman.
3. Shipping Method Problem
1688.com’s suppliers only ship within China, which means that they cannot ship internationally because they do not have a shipping network. As a result, foreign buyers will need to find an export agent or freight forwarder who can pick up their order from the supplier and deliver it to their doorstep.
4. Product Quality Verification
The products offered by 1688.com are not quality-verified, which means that sellers can sell anything they want. To ensure that they buy a quality product, foreign buyers must perform quality checks. They can do this by checking the seller profile, quality certifications, number of employees, and verification tick marks on previous order quantities. It is also advisable to order sample products before placing a larger order.
5. Suppliers Usually Do Not Export to Foreign Countries
1688.com’s suppliers mainly work for inland customers, so they do not have export licenses because they do not need them. As a result, foreign buyers will need to hire an export agent to export their products. It is best to find a supplier with an export license to avoid any shipping issues.
6. High MOQ for Quality 1688 Suppliers
The minimum order quantity for quality 1688 suppliers is usually high, which can be a challenge for foreign buyers who want to purchase a small quantity of products. A large factory with a good reputation may have a minimum order quantity of 2000 pieces. However, foreign buyers can negotiate with the supplier to reduce the minimum order quantity to 500 pieces. It is important to note that foreign buyers may not receive the same level of service as large, multi-million-pound companies because their orders are not as significant.
In conclusion, foreign buyers who want to purchase products from 1688.com may face several challenges, including language barriers, payment method problems, shipping method problems, product quality verification, suppliers usually do not export to foreign countries, and high MOQ for quality 1688 suppliers. However, with the right approach and the help of an export agent or freight forwarder, foreign buyers can successfully navigate these challenges and purchase the products they need from 1688.com.
Avoiding Scams when Buying from 1688.com
When buying from 1688.com, it is important to take certain precautions to avoid scams and ensure a seamless online shopping experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Online pictures cannot judge product quality
As a foreign buyer, it can be difficult to judge the quality of products through pictures alone. To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to ask for samples before placing a bulk order. This will help you determine the product’s material and quality beforehand.
2. Don’t buy big and heavy products from 1688.com
Buying big and heavy products from 1688.com can be risky and expensive due to high shipping costs. If you do decide to purchase such products, make sure to read the instructions carefully and inquire about the material quality and shipping methods. Additionally, ordering samples beforehand can help you avoid any potential issues.
3. Check the refund/return policy before confirming your order
Before placing an order on 1688.com, it is important to confirm that the supplier offers a refund or return policy. This can protect you in case the supplier fails to deliver or delays your order. Make sure to review the policy carefully before confirming your order.
4. Collect proof of verification from the seller/supplier
To ensure the authenticity of the vendor, it is recommended to check for blue verification check marks on the vendor’s profile, authenticity badges, and other symbols on the seller’s profile. Collecting proof of verification can help you avoid scams and ensure a safe transaction.
5. Don’t transfer money to personal accounts
When buying from 1688.com, it is important to request a company bank account for payment. Authentic vendors always have a bank account registered in their company’s name. Avoid sending money to any personal or individual account, as it may be a scam.
6. Only confirm orders from suppliers who are willing to send samples
Genuine suppliers on 1688.com will be willing to send samples before you place a bulk order. If a supplier is unwilling to send samples, it may indicate that they are a scam. Additionally, some suppliers may list products online without actually having the samples in hand, so requesting samples beforehand can help you avoid any potential issues.
7. Check the supplier’s comments on the order before confirming
Checking the supplier’s reviews on 1688.com can help you determine if they offer quality products and have a good history. Make sure to review the comments carefully before confirming your order.
8. High Risk Products Category on 1688
Electronic products and products that involve sewing, such as clothing, shoes, covers, bags, and accessories, are considered high-risk categories on 1688.com. These products may have quality issues or may not meet foreign standards. It is recommended to only purchase these products from large, well-known manufacturers to avoid any potential issues.
By following these key points, you can avoid scams and ensure a safe and seamless online shopping experience on 1688.com.
Buying Goods on 1688 Conclusion
To ensure the quality of products purchased on 1688, it is recommended to have the first two to three orders delivered to a warehouse for inspection. This will allow for defective items to be identified and removed before sending products to the final destination. By doing so, negative reviews due to quality issues can be avoided, which would otherwise significantly affect product rankings.
If quality requirements are of utmost importance, it is suggested to find an agent to assist with quality inspections, especially for online e-commerce sellers such as Amazon or eBay.
Once the first few orders have been successfully inspected, it may be possible to ship products directly from the supplier to the final destination. As the best China sourcing company, they can also assist with sourcing the best products from China.
Overall, taking steps to ensure product quality and working with reputable agents can greatly benefit those looking to purchase goods on 1688.