Suppliers and sourcing
Decoding Chinese Digital Platforms (Like 1688.com) to Find Suppliers
1688.com is considered China's largest online wholesale platform and the largest e-commerce company for local buyers.
By Sami Al-Hajri1 min read
1688.com is considered China's largest online wholesale platform and the largest e-commerce company for local buyers.
What is 1688.com?
Founded in 1999, it was originally called "Alibaba China Market." It remains China's largest online wholesale platform for local buyers, with:
- More than 120 million users
- 50,000 different companies
- 80% of sellers are Chinese factories
- 20% trading companies
Advantages of 1688.com for International Buyers
Better prices than other platforms
The sellers you encounter are actual factories and manufacturers of products. Products on 1688.com are 20-30% cheaper than Alibaba and AliExpress.
Better suppliers - the best are there
1688.com has almost every supplier available in China because they deal almost exclusively with Chinese buyers.
Lower minimum order quantity - perfect for small and medium businesses
Few restrictions on minimum order quantity compared to other platforms.
How to Find the Best Supplier
Look for the blue checkmark
Verified suppliers who have been on 1688.com for some time will get a blue checkmark.
Understanding important symbols:
- Red bull symbol: Strong business ethics (annual fee 36,800 yuan)
- Super Factory: The best of the best (annual fee 106,800 yuan)
- 7X24H: Seller available around the clock to respond to inquiries
- 48: Products ship within 48 hours
Challenges for International Buyers
- Language barrier: The site is entirely in Chinese
- Payment methods: Requires Chinese bank account or Alipay
- Communication: Most suppliers don't speak English
Recommended Solutions
Use a professional sourcing agent who is:
- Native Chinese
- Native Chinese speaker
- Familiar with 1688.com in detail
- Able to speak and communicate in good English
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