Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: which one should you use?
Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: the three platforms belong to the same group, but they don’t serve the same buyer. Picking the wrong one is expensive: paying retail prices for stock, or getting lost on a Chinese-language platform for a single sample.
This comparison explains who each platform is for, what that means for quantities, language, payment and protection, then suggests a simple choice by stage: test, first batch or scaling a product sold with cash on delivery.
Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: three different audiences
In its annual report filed with the SEC, Alibaba Group refers to 1688.com and Alibaba.com as its wholesale marketplaces. AliExpress is described by the group as a global retail platform that lets consumers buy directly from manufacturers, available in 16 languages.
| Criterion | Alibaba.com | 1688 | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of sale | Wholesale, international | Wholesale, Chinese domestic market | Retail, international |
| Target buyer | Businesses | Chinese businesses and resellers | Consumers |
| Quantities | Minimum order (MOQ), negotiable | Varies by seller | Usually single units |
| Language | English and other languages | Chinese | 16 languages |
| Payment | Cards, wallets, transfers through Trade Assurance | Chinese methods or a partner solution | Consumer online payment |
| Protection | Trade Assurance | Depends on the agent and payment solution | Choice service: free shipping, free returns and delivery guarantees, depending on the offer |
| Delivery | Per negotiated terms | Within China, to an agent’s warehouse | To the customer’s door, internationally |
Which platform at which stage
Test stage: AliExpress for the sample
To see and film the product before committing to stock, AliExpress is convenient: single units, an interface in your language, delivery to your door. It’s not a stock source for COD: prices are retail, and every parcel travels separately.
First batch: Alibaba.com
For a first batch of a few dozen to a few hundred pieces, Alibaba.com combines wholesale prices, negotiable MOQs and Trade Assurance protection. It’s the best compromise when you want to buy yourself, in English. See our guide on how to buy from Alibaba.
Scaling: 1688 through an agent
Once a product is validated and volumes grow, 1688 can lower your unit cost, provided you go through an agent or service center that handles language, payment, inspection and consolidation. See our guide on how to buy from 1688.
Example: total cost, not the listed price
| Platform | Unit price | Added fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| AliExpress (retail purchase) | $4.50 | Shipping included or not depending on the offer | ≈ $450 |
| Alibaba.com | $1.90 | Sample and fees per supplier | ≈ $190 |
| 1688 through an agent | ≈ $1.25 | 10% commission and domestic delivery (assumptions) | ≈ $143 |
The lowest listed price doesn’t always win: factor in agent fees, samples, freight, customs and quality risk. Then check the margin stays positive per delivered order with our COD profit calculation method.
Tools to compare platforms
| Need | Free option | Paid option |
|---|---|---|
| Compare landed costs | Google SheetsOnline spreadsheet, usable with a Google account. | Ecommerce service centerFull quote: sourcing, freight and delivery to the warehouse. |
| Read Chinese listings | DeepL TranslatorFree text translation. | DeepL ProSubscription from €7.49 a month. |
Key takeaways
Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: AliExpress for the sample, Alibaba.com for a first batch you buy yourself, 1688 through an agent when volume justifies the intermediary. Always compare total landed cost at your center. To hand over sourcing entirely, see our guide on using a China sourcing agent. Create your ReadyStore store to sell your product with cash on delivery.
Sources
- Alibaba Group — AliExpress (business overview) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- Alibaba Group — 1688 (business overview) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- Alibaba Group — Annual report Form 20-F (SEC) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- Alibaba.com — Trade Assurance (accessed 18 October 2026)
- WorldFirst — 1688 payment solution (accessed 18 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Alibaba and 1688?
Both are Alibaba Group wholesale marketplaces. Alibaba.com targets international business buyers, with tools like Trade Assurance. 1688 serves China’s domestic market, in Chinese, with payment and delivery designed for China: an agent is almost always needed.
Can I buy stock on AliExpress?
You can, but it’s rarely profitable for COD: AliExpress is a retail platform for consumers, with retail prices and individual parcels. It’s mainly useful for ordering a sample or a very first trial before buying wholesale.
Is 1688 always cheaper?
The listed price is often lower, but you have to add the agent’s commission, domestic delivery, consolidation, freight and customs. Depending on volume and product, Alibaba.com can stay competitive, with Trade Assurance protection on top.
Which platform should a COD beginner use?
Often AliExpress for the sample, then Alibaba.com for the first batch, or a service center that sources for you. 1688 becomes worthwhile once the product is validated and volumes justify an agent.
Do all three belong to the same group?
Yes. Alibaba.com, 1688 and AliExpress are part of Alibaba Group. The group describes 1688 and Alibaba.com as its wholesale marketplaces, and AliExpress as a global retail platform.
Related guides
How to buy from Alibaba and vet a reliable supplier
How to buy from Alibaba without bad surprises: prepare your brief, vet a supplier, order a sample, negotiate and pay through Trade Assurance before shipping.
Read the guideSourcingHow to buy from 1688 without speaking Chinese
How to buy from 1688 from Africa or the Gulf: understand the platform, find a product, use an agent, pay, consolidate and ship to your service center.
Read the guidePillar guideHow to find winning products for Africa and the Gulf
How to find winning products for COD in Africa and the Gulf: proof of demand, COD filters, margin per delivered order, sourcing, a scoring grid and testing.
Read the guideCOD dropshipping
Test and run COD dropshipping offers with a built-in catalog, bundles and ad tracking.
Learn more
You launch the store and the ads. The center does the rest.
Create your ReadyStore store: a short COD form, Meta Pixel and Conversions API, orders and analytics in one place.