1688.com is the largest supplier information platform in China, and it is also the purchasing platform chosen by many buyers. However, 1688.com was established for Chinese buyers and does not meet the purchasing habits of foreign customers. This article aims to let everyone know how to sourcing products from 1688.com in English.
Before you start, pls pay attention to the below points :
Mindset Shift: Transitioning from a “consumer” (Like shopping on Amazon) to a “B2B buyer” (requiring communication, negotiation, and verification).
Need more patience: The process demands patience, unlike the immediacy of B2C shopping.
Risk Awareness: Some risks (such as MOQs and quality variations) still exist; however, this guide and our services are specifically designed to mitigate these risks.
Sourcing products from 1688.com in English has the following question: This article will answer the above questions one by one.
How to use the English version of 1688.com?
Most browsers have the function of translating website content, here is Google Chrome as an example:
Find the Google Translate Chrome extension in the chrome web store. Search “Google Translate Chrome extension” in Google Search and Click Add to Chrome.
Navigate to 1688.com and a message should automatically pop-up prompting you to translate the site into English. If it does not, click the Google Translate Chrome extension icon in your browser window.
How to use 1688.com to search for products?
- Enter product name in Chinese to search
Like most e-commerce platforms, you need to enter the product name you want in the search box, but for 1688.com, you’d better use the Chinese name of the product to search, because this is a Chinese platform, and products will be more accurate when you use the Chinese name searched.
As for the Chinese name of the product, you can use translation software to translate it, paste the result into the search box, and click search.
- Use the photo recognition function
Click “1688 Home”, click the camera icon, and upload the product image you want to search (note that the background of the product image is as clear as possible, most of the small daily necessities can use this function smoothly)
What should I pay attention to when using 1688.com?
- Don’t trust the prices on 1688.com
Many suppliers will deliberately lower prices in order to attract more page views, the actual transaction price is often higher than what you see, so you must communicate with the supplier and understand the actual price.
- Pay attention to the MOQ of the product
The MOQ of each product is usually higher than 2 pieces, you must read the MOQ and style on the page, and the information is usually accurate and credible.
- Don’t be easily attracted by pictures
Photo theft on 1688.com is common, so you can often see different merchants using the same image to attract customers. You must get real photos of the product through the details page or directly inquire with the supplier. This way you can take responsibility for the products you buy.
- Best to find a 1688 agent
The usage habits of 1688.com are more friendly to Chinese people. It is difficult for you to become a professional 1688 buyer in a short time. You must study and practice for a long time. Pictures and prices and quality on the site are deceiving and there are many other unknown risks.
1688 agent can provide Product Sourcing/Purchase/Collect Samples/Warehouse Storage/Package/Shipping and other exporting services, All fees are clear and easy to purchase. You just need to send the product link and send it to us and you can wait for the arrival of the goods.
How to select a good supplier on 1688.com?
Welcome to our other article on this site
“How to select good suppliers in 1688.com?“
How to communicate with suppliers on 1688.com?
I do not recommend contacting the supplier directly through Alitalk, because Alitalk does not provide a translation function, the supplier usually does not speak English, and using Alitalk will also make foreigners feel uncomfortable. So you need to use the more commonly used Wechat to contact the supplier directly.
Click the supplier’s name at the bottom of the product link to enter the store’s homepage, and then click contact to get their contact number. Usually, Chinese mobile phone No is their Wechat No. Wechat is the most common communication software used in China, similar to Facebook.
After getting in touch with the supplier, make clear the product and functional parameters you want. It is best to have similar pictures for the supplier’s reference. The supplier will give you the ex-factory price according to your quantity. Usually the first quotation from the supplier is Negotiable.
Procurement communication differs significantly from everyday conversation, requiring clarity, professionalism, and should be record. Here I provide some commonly used Chinese communication templates that you can copy and use directly:
- Ask for more specifications of products :
请问这款产品是什么规格的， 页面上的规格准确吗？
- Ask for MOQ for products :
这款产品多少数量起订？
- Ask if they can reach your target price :
这款产品可以达到这个价格吗？
- Ask for certificates of products :
请问你们有这款产品的证书吗？
For high-frequency or large-value procurement, communication costs can be substantial. Our bilingual procurement specialists can handle this on your behalf, ensuring information is accurate and error-free. You may initiate a request for quotation via the ‘1688 sourcing services’ section on our website.
After getting in touch with the supplier, make clear the product and functional parameters you want. It is best to have similar pictures for the supplier’s reference. The supplier will give you the ex-factory price according to your quantity. Usually, the first quotation from the supplier is Negotiable.
How to pay the supplier on 1688.com?
For small orders, Chinese suppliers usually accept WeChat payment or Alipay, and large orders are usually paid by RMB bank card number (but the premise is that you have an account on such a platform, otherwise everything is negotiable), if there is a For more questions, please contact our 1688 agent for processing, we are professional in this regard and do not charge any fees for your consultation!
Managing Quality Control & Logistics
Quality Control:
‘Sample confirmation’ forms the cornerstone of quality assurance, requiring full verification of colour, appearance, specifications, dimensions and other details prior to mass production. QC during bulk production remains critical: in-process inspections and pre-shipment inspections are essential.
Logistics Arrangements:
A clear understanding of common trade terms such as EXW, FOB, CIF and their respective responsibility divisions is required.
Newcomers are advised to utilise freight forwarders for logistics handling, offering greater peace of mind.
As your procurement partner in China, Union Source not only locates suppliers but also delivers comprehensive quality control and logistics solutions, ensuring products arrive safely from the production line to your warehouse.
Let us finally review the above questions：
1. How to use the English version of 1688.com?
2. How to use 1688.com to search for products?
3. What should I pay attention to when using 1688.com?
4. How to select a good supplier on 1688.com?
5. How to communicate with suppliers on 1688.com?
6. How to pay the supplier on 1688.com?
I have answered the above questions in detail, if you still have any questions, please contact me in time:
Bob Chen
0579-89892161
+86 15150579106（WhatsApp/Skype/Linkedin/Wechat)
bob@unionsource.com.cn
Dujuan is a sourcing specialist at UnionSource China, experienced in global procurement, product development and supplier coordination. She focuses on helping overseas buyers find quality products with reliable service, clear communication and efficient order follow-ups.
