How to buy from 1688 without speaking Chinese
Learning how to buy from 1688 appeals to many COD sellers: it’s the wholesale platform of China’s domestic market, where many resellers source, including those who then sell on international sites. But 1688 is built for Chinese buyers: language, payment and delivery are organized for China.
This guide explains what 1688 is, why you almost always need an intermediary, how to find and compare a product without speaking Chinese, how to pay, and how to get goods consolidated, checked and shipped to your service center in Africa or the Gulf.
What is 1688?
According to Alibaba Group, 1688 is China’s leading integrated domestic wholesale marketplace, which has expanded from B2B to procurement services for small businesses and consumers. Unlike Alibaba.com, aimed at international buyers, 1688 primarily serves the Chinese market.
In September 2026, trade press reported that the group had begun integrating 1688 and Alibaba.com within a single wholesale business. Practices may change, so check terms when you buy.
Why you almost always need an intermediary
| Obstacle | Why | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Language | The platform and seller conversations are in Chinese | Agent, translation, service center |
| Payment | Paying through Alipay generally requires a mainland China bank account | Pay through the agent or a partner solution |
| Delivery | Sellers deliver within China | Agent’s warehouse in China, then international freight |
| Inspection | You don’t see the goods before shipping | Checks and photos by the agent |
Some payment solutions make it possible to buy on 1688 from abroad. WorldFirst, for example, says it offers international buyers a payment option with 1688, with a 1,000 RMB minimum order when paying from your balance and 3% fees for Visa or Mastercard cards. Even with a way to pay, language, domestic delivery and inspection remain: for a COD seller, an agent or service center is still the simplest route.
How to buy from 1688 in 7 steps with an agent
- Find the product: start from a photo or a reference seen on Alibaba or in an ad; your agent can look for the equivalent on 1688 with Chinese keywords.
- Translate and compare: price by quantity, number of sellers for the same item, reviews, available stock.
- Hand the order to an agent or your center: they talk to the seller, order and follow production.
- Pay the agent on their terms (product price, their commission, domestic delivery).
- Domestic delivery: the seller ships to the agent’s warehouse.
- Inspection and consolidation: the agent checks, photographs and consolidates your parcels, possibly from several sellers.
- Shipping to your country, by air or sea, with customs clearance to your center.
Always compare the total cost, not just the 1688 price: agent commission, domestic delivery, consolidation, international freight and customs. Our guide on sourcing through an ecommerce center covers quotes, samples and lead times.
Example: comparing total cost
| Line | 1688 through an agent | Alibaba.com |
|---|---|---|
| Product price | 100 × 9 RMB ≈ $1.25 | 100 × $1.90 |
| Products total | ≈ $125 | $190 |
| Agent commission (assumed 10%) | ≈ $13 | Not applicable |
| Domestic delivery in China | ≈ $5 | Per supplier terms |
| Total before international freight | ≈ $143 | $190 and up |
The price gap can be real, but it shrinks with intermediary fees and depends on volume. To choose for your situation, see our Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress comparison.
Tools for buying from 1688
| Need | Free option | Paid option |
|---|---|---|
| Understand product listings | DeepL TranslatorFree translation of Chinese text. | DeepL ProSubscription from €7.49 a month, document translation. |
| Order, inspect, consolidate | Direct purchase (with a suitable payment method)Possible, but language, delivery and inspection are on you. | Agent or service centerImport: sourcing, negotiation and routing by agents. |
Key takeaways
Buying from 1688 opens up China’s domestic wholesale market, but the platform is built for China: language, payment and delivery call for an intermediary. Use an agent or service center, compare the total landed cost and inspect before shipping. For Alibaba.com, see our guide on how to buy from Alibaba. Create your ReadyStore store to sell as soon as stock arrives.
Sources
- Alibaba Group — 1688 (business overview) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- WorldFirst — 1688 payment solution (help center) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- TechNode — Alibaba integrates 1688 and Alibaba.com (September 9, 2026) (accessed 18 October 2026)
- GibShip — Services (import) (accessed 18 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy from 1688 from abroad?
Yes, but the platform is designed for China’s domestic trade. Partner payment solutions exist, such as the one WorldFirst offers with 1688, but language, domestic delivery and inspection remain obstacles. For a COD seller, going through an agent or service center is the simplest option.
What’s the difference between 1688 and Alibaba.com?
Both belong to Alibaba Group and do wholesale. 1688 serves China’s domestic market, in Chinese; Alibaba.com targets international buyers, with tools such as Trade Assurance. 1688 often shows Chinese wholesale prices, but you have to add intermediary fees.
How do you pay on 1688?
Paying through Alipay generally requires a mainland China bank account, which is hard for a foreign buyer. The options are paying an agent who orders for you, or using a partner solution with its own terms (minimum amount, card fees). Check them before ordering.
Is 1688 cheaper than Alibaba?
The listed price is often lower, but compare the total landed cost: agent commission, domestic delivery, consolidation, freight and customs. The gap depends on the product and volume; only a full quote can settle it.
How do I avoid counterfeits on 1688?
Avoid products carrying a well-known brand’s logo or design, ask the agent for inspection photos before shipping, and check your country’s import rules. A counterfeit can be seized at customs and get your ads blocked.
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