1688.com might look like Alibaba — but it’s not made for foreigners.

While Alibaba is geared toward international trade, 1688.com is a domestic platform where Chinese wholesalers sell to local businesses at extremely low prices.
If you’re a foreign buyer — whether you’re sourcing products for resale, dropshipping, or just buying for yourself — you can use 1688, even without a Chinese business license.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Understand the Key Differences Between 1688 and Alibaba

• Language: 1688 is 100% Chinese-language only.

• Audience: It targets Chinese businesses, not international buyers.

• Price: Often 30–50% cheaper than Alibaba for the same products.

• Payment/Shipping: Requires Chinese payment methods and local shipping — but you can work around that.

Step 2: Create an Account on 1688.com

• Visit https://www.1688.com

• Click on 登录 (Login) → 免费注册 (Free Registration)

• You’ll need a Chinese phone number to verify the account.

TIP: If you don’t have one, you can use a third-party purchasing agent (more below).

Step 3: Search for Products (with Smart Tricks)

Because the site is in Chinese, try these tactics:

• Use image search (camera icon in search bar)

• Translate keywords using DeepL or Baidu Translate

• Browse through categories if you’re unsure what to type

Example keyword:

• “耳机” (headphones)

• “宠物用品” (pet products)

Step 4: Contact Sellers — In Chinese

Most sellers don’t speak English. Use:

• Google Translate or ChatGPT to write short messages in Chinese

• Start with simple questions like:

  • “是否支持支付宝？” (Do you support Alipay?)

  • “可以发国际快递吗？” (Can you ship internationally?)

TIP: Many sellers only ship domestically — see Step 6 for workaround.

Step 5: Payment Options (Alipay or Bank)

1688 typically accepts:

• Alipay (支付宝)

• Bank transfer (only within China)

Foreign credit cards usually won’t work

Step 6: Use a Sourcing Agent or Freight Forwarder

If you don’t have a Chinese address or can’t pay locally:

Hire a 1688 Sourcing Agent — they:

• Purchase products on your behalf

• Provide Chinese shipping address

• Consolidate orders

• Ship internationally

• Handle customs

You can try [our sourcing service] or find freelancers on Fiverr.

Step 7: Confirm, Consolidate, and Ship

Once your items arrive at the agent’s warehouse:

• They’ll send you photos or inspection results

• You confirm what to ship and how (DHL, FedEx, etc.)

• Pay for international shipping fee + service fee

Typical costs:

• Product cost (原价 from 1688)

• Domestic shipping (¥10–25)

• Service fee (~$5 or 5%)

• International shipping ($10–$80+)

Final Thoughts: 1688 Is Powerful — If You Know the System

You don’t need to be fluent in Chinese or have a business license to unlock incredible wholesale prices in China.
With the right tools (like translation) and a trustworthy agent, 1688 can become your secret weapon for sourcing.

Need help buying from 1688?
[Contact us] and we’ll help you find the right products, agents, and shipping — with no hidden fees.