Platform
DHgate
A wholesale marketplace with low minimum orders, good for small batches when you are not ready for a big order.
- Small wholesale
- Low minimums
- Trial batches
- Order size
- Small wholesale lots
- Price
- Between retail and wholesale
- Shipping
- Seller ships, options at checkout
- Protection
- Payment held until you confirm delivery
Why use it
- Low minimum orders.
- Prices drop as you buy more.
- Payment is held until you confirm delivery.
- Many sellers ship to you.
Watch out for
- Many listings are copies of brand names.
- Quality and sizes vary by seller.
- Less choice of true factories than Alibaba.
- Delivery can be slow.
Good fit if
- A small trial batch
- Selling accessories and general goods
Not a good fit if
- Branded products
- Large orders with custom packaging
Budget tips
- Set a small batch budget.
- Compare price per unit at each quantity step.
- Add shipping and duty to the total.
- Do not count on fake brand goods, they can be seized.
Avoid scams
Red flags
- Famous brands at tiny prices.
- Seller asks to pay off the platform.
- No reviews or photos.
- Pressure to confirm delivery early.
Do this
- Avoid branded or copy items.
- Pay and chat only on DHgate.
- Confirm delivery only after you check the goods.
- Read seller ratings and recent reviews.
Timing
- Seller dispatch time is shown on the listing.
- Shipping choice changes the delivery time.
- Sales and holidays slow delivery.
- Allow time for customs clearing in Cameroon.
Ready to import from DHgate? Start in the app
Order products, pay securely and track delivery from supplier to your door.
How to order
- 1Search and compare sellers.
- 2Read ratings and reviews.
- 3Choose the quantity and shipping option.
- 4Pay on the platform.
- 5Track the order and check the goods.
- 6Confirm delivery only when you are happy.
Quick answers
Is DHgate safe?
It can be if you pay on the platform, avoid brand copies and confirm delivery only after checking.
How is it different from Alibaba?
It has lower minimums but fewer true factories, so prices and customisation are less flexible.
Can I sell branded items from it?
No. Copies of brands are illegal to sell and can be seized at customs.
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.