Platform
1688
China's own wholesale marketplace with the lowest prices, best used through a sourcing agent.
- Lowest prices
- Repeat bulk orders
- Through an agent
- Order size
- Bulk, set by the seller
- Price
- Often the lowest
- Shipping
- Inside China only, then you ship out
- Language
- Chinese
Why use it
- Factory prices, often below Alibaba.
- Very wide range of products.
- Good for large, repeat orders.
- An agent can inspect and combine orders.
Watch out for
- Chinese language only.
- Needs Chinese payment, so you need an agent.
- Little protection for foreign buyers.
- Seller ships inside China, then you ship abroad.
Good fit if
- You reorder a proven product in volume
- You work with a trusted sourcing agent
Not a good fit if
- Your first ever import
- You want to buy directly without an agent
Budget tips
- Add the agent's service fee.
- Add the cost of moving goods inside China.
- Add international shipping, duty and clearing.
- Keep a reserve for inspection and re-orders.
Avoid scams
Red flags
- An agent with no reviews or address.
- Pressure to pay the full amount before any photos.
- Payment requested to a personal account.
- A price that is far below other listings.
Do this
- Use an agent with real reviews and a business registration.
- Ask for photos or video of your goods before shipping.
- Pay in stages, not everything upfront.
- Keep all quotes and receipts in writing.
Timing
- Goods first travel inside China to a warehouse.
- Agents often consolidate orders, which adds days.
- Chinese New Year closes factories and slows everything.
- Allow for customs clearing in Cameroon.
Ready to import from 1688? Start in the app
Order products, pay securely and track delivery from supplier to your door.
How to order
- 1Choose a trusted sourcing agent.
- 2Send the links of the products you want.
- 3Get a quote with all fees.
- 4Pay in stages as agreed.
- 5Check photos of your goods.
- 6Agent ships them to your forwarder.
Quick answers
Can I buy on 1688 myself?
It is built for buyers in China, so most foreign importers use an agent.
Is it cheaper than Alibaba?
Often yes, but add the agent fee and extra shipping before you compare.
Is it good for beginners?
Not for a first order. Start on Alibaba or AliExpress, then move here.
Compare with other platforms
| Platform | Order size | Price | Shipping | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alibaba.com | Bulk | Wholesale | Quoted separately | Medium |
| AliExpress | Single items | Retail | Often to your door | Medium |
| 1688 | Bulk | Lowest | China only first | Higher without an agent |
| Shein | Retail, larger carts | Low per piece | Delivered, shown at checkout | Low, watch fake sites |
| Temu | Retail | Very low | Shown at checkout | Medium, quality varies |
| DHgate | Small lots | Between retail and wholesale | Seller ships | Medium, avoid fake brands |
Read next
Ready to import? Start in the app
Order products, pay securely and track delivery from supplier to your door.