1688 Reviews: Unlock Top Expert Wholesale Strategies

Welcome to an in-depth 1688 review! Your gateway to discovering the HIDDEN treasure of sourcing dirt-cheap products from China. 

Here at LeelineSourcing, we love SHARING sourcing hacks with our clients. And, in this post, we’ll introduce you to the China-exclusive wholesaler: 1688. That only the TOP 1% of eCommerce entrepreneurs know! 

You’re ONE-READ away from gaining BIGGER PROFITS. And spending the LOWEST procurement costs than before.

Dive into this article before 1688 reaches MAINSTREAM like Alibaba or AliExpress. 

Is 1688 Legit And Safe?

YES, 1688 is legit and one of the safest wholesale platforms to source products. 

It is owned by Alibaba Group and is commonly referred to as Alibaba’s Chinese version. 

1688 is designed for businesses of all sizes looking for AFFORDABLE products in China. Although its target market is mainly the domestic market. People around the world can’t help but notice the SOURCING POTENTIAL it offers.

I’m talking about the 50 industries and 1,700 subcategories of products.

You’ll find all sorts of items you’ll ever need! From small products to industrial products. All at incredibly low prices.

1688.com also houses MILLIONS of Chinese suppliers. All of whom are guaranteed to have their business licenses secured. 

It’s a MANDATORY requirement for every supplier wishing to sell products on the platform. 

So, you don’t have to worry about unreliable ones you’ve dealt with from other websites. And the chances of you running into any scammers are RELATIVELY LOW, too! 

Pro Tip: Many suppliers don’t offer the same product quality, and their prices usually vary. So, before buying anything from the platform, conduct a quick research first. 

Suggested reading: Is Alibaba Safe and Reliable? Is Alibaba legit?

Suggested reading: 1688 vs Alibaba: Which is better for importing from china

Can Anyone Buy From 1688 Directly?

Yes, ANYONE, regardless of their location, can buy products from 1688. 

However, if you’re an international buyer, 1688 is not the best place for you.

Why?

The platform PRIMARILY caters to the Chinese market. As you can see from the screenshot below, even the entire site is written in Chinese. So, naturally, most suppliers are Chinese as well. 

1688 suppliers also DON’T HAVE an export license. Because as I mentioned, their services are catered to the Chinese people. So, obviously, they don’t need one.

Therefore, for non-Chinese buyers, receiving what you have purchased will be difficult. 

Unless…you hire sourcing agents or trading companies. 

A sourcing agent makes sourcing from 1688 a little more convenient. 

Apart from helping you find the best suppliers and quality products. They also help you BYPASS the platform’s number one hurdle, which is the language barrier.  

(I’ll have a thorough explanation of this topic later on, so stay tuned!)

If you really think 1688.com is still the right platform for your international business. Read my previous article, 1688 Agent.

In this article, I’ve covered the Top 5 1688 Agents in China. So you don’t need to worry about finding one. 

Hard to negotiate with suppliers and pay on 1688.com ?

LeelineSourcing is ready to help you buy from 1688 low cost and efficiently.

Talk to Leelinesourcing

1688 Reviews: Key Points 

1688 is not an easy platform to deal with if you’re a new user. So, let’s delve deeper into how this platform actually works. 

Starting from its…

1. Register and User Interface 

Before you can source products from 1688.com, you must SIGN UP for an account first. 

But, since everything is in Chinese, navigating the site is quite challenging. Making it a not user-friendly website, unlike Alibaba and other platforms.

The only way to understand what’s on the website is to use Google Translate.

I’ve also written an entire article on how to buy from 1688. There, I outline the exact steps to navigate 1688 without hassle. It’s the ultimate guide, so be sure to check it out! 

Now, suppose you’ve translated the site; go ahead and register a free personal account.

Note: Business account requires you to have a China business license. So, if your sole purpose is to SOURCE PRODUCTS, then a personal account will do just fine.

Once you’re registered, you may explore the entire site. 

Products, factories, and industrial products are neatly categorized, so it’ll be easy to search. As well as the categories of each product as I have mentioned above.  

(See image for reference.)

Now, as I move to find a factory, I notice how some text is not properly aligned anymore. But this only happens because it was translated into English. So, as a foreign user, this can be very stressful. But don’t give up just yet.

Luckily, 1688 has a recommendation for all the TOP PERFORMING factories. Just scroll through it and find those that are trusted by users.

Overall, sourcing in 1688 requires a ton of PATIENCE. After all, there’s no easy route to finding a hidden treasure.

2. Price and Quality of Product

Have you ever wondered why international buyers are willing to risk it all just to buy from 1688?

First, because of the jaw-dropping prices the platform has for its wholesale products. And second, most suppliers are direct factories and manufacturers!

And did you know that everything that’s listed on 1688 is actually listed on Alibaba? 

The only difference is that Alibaba’s product listings have a 20-30% marked-up price. Meaning 1688’s prices are WAY MORE CHEAPER.

1688’s minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirements are also on the lower side. Well, that’s because there’s NO international shipping costs involved. Perfect for bulk purchases.

As for product quality, 1688 doesn’t meet the quality standards in the U.S., UK, or EU.

This is not uncommon for entrepreneurs anymore. 

You buy a cheap product, then expect the QUALITY to be cheap as well. This is almost always guaranteed if you don’t work with sourcing agents.

Luckily, LeelineSourcing is the BEST 1688 agent you’ll ever find in China. 

We find you QUALITY PRODUCTS from THE BEST SUPPLIERS on the platform.

Our agents COMPARE the real prices of each product from the same supplier. Negotiate prices to suit your budget. And process customs clearance so you can ship your products anywhere in the world.

Wanna know the best part? 

We offer all these services at a cheaper price. No need to worry about those middlemen trying to suck up your profits. Here at LeelineSourcing, we prioritize your SUCCESS.

3. 1688 Language

Language barriers are a very common issue for a Chinese platform like 1688. 

Even on the Alibaba website, not all suppliers there understand English. And now you’re dealing with 1688’s suppliers who don’t even speak English. 

Imagine how stressful that is!

I’ve already discussed how to switch to the English version. So, I’m not gonna repeat that again.

But, I’d like to talk about how NOT ALL product information is easily translatable into English. 

Let’s say you’re planning to buy an outdoor solar power. Of course, knowing the specific specs for this kind of product is crucial. But there are instances where translations are INACCURATE and CANNOT BE TRANSLATED.

Chances are, you’re going to end up with the wrong product.

This is where sourcing agents like LeelineSourcing come in handy. 

Our agents are expert multilingual communicators. Bridging the GAP between you and Chinese 1688 suppliers.

You won’t need to stress about translating every single word on the site ever again. We communicate on your behalf. You’ll guarantee a smooth transaction when you dropship products at 1688. 

4. Suppliers Performance

1688 is home to millions of verified suppliers, many of which are DIRECT FACTORIES. 

Since the numbers are continuously growing, so is the risk of working with a subpar factory.

“What do I need to look for when evaluating a supplier’s performance?”

There’s a ton, actually! But I will only teach you two things you need to keep your focus on.

BADGES.

The best-performing suppliers in 1688 have distinct badges before their names.

1. A Red Bull badge means they have a strong work ethic.

2. A blue diamond badge means they are considered a super factory. 

Now, you might be wondering which supplier is better.

Both of them are TRUSTWORTHY, with a SOLID REPUTATION and POSITIVE REVIEWS. But, one of these two suppliers is considered to be a “power seller” promoted by Alibaba.

And if you guess it right, the supplier I’m talking about is the second one. 

You can see right off the bat the key differences between their YEARS OF SERVICE. And with their SALES VOLUME as well.

Here’s what they also guarantee:

• Better product prices and quality
• Handle large quantities of orders
• Handle communication better
• Has a gold membership on Alibaba

Expert Tip: Just because you see a blue badge doesn’t mean you can just pick randomly. You need to review their supplier’s information first. Know whether they can meet your business needs or not.

Susan Peng, China Senior Sourcing Specialist

Now, if you wanna ensure that the suppliers you are working with are the best of the best. Let LeelineSourcing do it on your behalf.

Our supplier evaluation process is the best in China. 

Our team inspects each production facility to guarantee premium product quality. We verify important information such as certification and bank information. And most importantly, we adhere to a final quality inspection. Ensuring every product meets the quality standards you’re looking for.

1688 Review: Payment Options

One thing you need to be aware of when purchasing at 1688 is the limited payment options. Let’s discuss each of them to find what suits you better.

1. Alipay

Alipay is a widely-used payment option not only in 1688 but also in Alibaba and AliExpress. It’s convenient yet VERY CHEAP. 

But keep in mind that this is best only if you have a Chinese bank account. And your orders are in large quantities. Plus, opening a Chinese bank card cannot be done remotely. You MUST be physically present in China.

2. Bank Transfers

Suppliers at 1688.com do not deal with foreign currencies other than their own. They only accept RMB, also known as the Renminbi, which is China’s local currency. So, make sure your wire transfer is in this currency. 

Now, your last option is paying through a…

3. Sourcing Agent

Sourcing agents are professionals hired by individual buyers. They come into play when you outsource their services. You skip the hassle of traveling all the way to China and wire transfers.

This is by far the MOST CONVENIENT payment option you can choose.

“How can I guarantee that my agent won’t run away with my money?”

Expert Sourcing Tip: Hire a decade-long agent like LeelineSourcing. 

Brady Ouyang, China Souring and Buying Agent

We’ve been helping THOUSANDS of entrepreneurs source at 1688. Our team comprises the BEST PROCUREMENT experts to win you the best rates.

So, even if your budget is as low as $500, we’ll find you a supplier with no MOQ requirements. You get the BEST VALUE  for your money and the BEST PRODUCTS for your business.

Suggested reading: why is alibaba so cheap

1688 Review: Shipping Methods

1688 is designed for domestic buyers. Therefore, the site lacks international shipping options.  Unlike Alibaba, which has an Alibaba trade assurance, 1688 didn’t have one.

The good news is…

International buyers can use a freight forwarder company.

These companies provide the best shipping solutions for your goods. 

You can either choose by air, sea, or by rail to get your 1688 products delivered.

Even if you’re buying from different suppliers, they can consolidate your orders. 

This will save you a HUGE amount of money. Reducing the risk of late deliveries. 

Of course, when it comes to finding freight forwarding agents. LeelineSourcing is your BEST BET. Air freight, sea freight, or land transport– just name the shipping service. We offer it! 

Our agents don’t just consolidate your goods. We guarantee you WIN the best rates to INCREASE your profits. Maximize every inch of your shipping container to save money. And protect your goods through insurance to SAFEGUARD your assets. 

Expert Tip: If you’re sourcing fragile items. Be sure to double-check whether they use special packaging. 

Hasnain Naveed, Product Sourcing Specialist

1688 Review: Dropshipping

1688 is one of the BEST dropshipping platforms out there. 

For a small business owner, 1688 is a haven for LOWER PRICE products. As it offers all sorts of wholesale items at factory prices.

Now, the real question is: is it worth the trouble?

For me, honestly it’s not, especially if you are sourcing on your own. In order to make the most out of this site. Hiring a sourcing agent is the KEY.

Our company, LeelineSourcing, is the best 1688 dropshipping agent in China. We handle all 1688-related tasks on behalf of eCommerce businesses. Negotiating the BEST terms on your behalf. 

Here’s what you can expect from us: 

• Stringent supplier selection process.
• Double-check raw materials before production to ensure 100% quality of goods.
• We help you create a strong brand through our private-label services.
• We consolidate your bulk orders and process export and import documents
• Save tons of money as we pack, ship, and deliver your products on time.
• Receive transparent quotations with no hidden charges.

These are some of the best services you can get when you partner with LeelineSourcing.

So, instead of stressing about navigating the complex platform of 1688. Why don’t you leave the hard work with us and spend your efforts on improving your business?

Buy bulk from 1688 by yourself or hire a 1688 buying agent？

Working with a buying agent is, of course, the best option when sourcing from 1688. 

Aside from the fact that they know exactly how to find the best products and suppliers. They understand Chinese better than any translation tool out there.

Besides, suppliers DON’T HAVE an export license. So, there’s no way you can receive your bulk orders without hiring an agent. 

Hiring a buying agent does require you to pay a commission, though.

It’s either charge per link or through shipment value

Charge per product link

Agents charge you here with every link of the products you plan to buy. Let’s say, you send them 20 product links. If they charge $2 for every link, their commission is $40. They will buy and consolidate these products and send them to you. 

Charge per shipment value

Here, the buying agent charges your shipment with a certain percentage. Suppose your shipment’s overall valued at $1,000, and the agent’s fee is at 8%. Then you need to pay them $80.

Note: Buying agent’s commissions vary. It’s best to list at least 3 agents and then request a quotation. Compare their prices and services to find the one that SUITS your needs and budget. 

People Also Ask About 1688 Review

What’s Next

1688 offers endless opportunities to SCALE your business from small to global heights. Although navigating the platform might be challenging. But with the right sourcing agent, success will be in the palm of your hands.

Looking for an agent but don’t know how?

Call LeelineSourcing! We connect you with the TOP RATED 1688 suppliers in China. Ship your 1688 products all over the world with the cheapest shipping rates!