When purchasing products from 1688.com, understanding the key aspects of the process can mean the difference between a profitable sourcing operation and a costly mistake. Here are 10 critical aspects every international buyer should know before placing orders on China’s largest domestic B2B marketplace.
1. Supplier Verification
Not all suppliers on 1688.com are equal. Before placing an order, verify the supplier’s credentials:
- Check for “实力商家” (Verified Merchant) or “源头工厂” (Source Factory) badges
- Review transaction history and buyer ratings
- Verify business license number and registration
- Check how long the supplier has been active on the platform
2. Product Quality Assessment
Product quality can vary significantly between suppliers. Always:
- Request product samples before bulk orders
- Ask for detailed specifications, material certificates, and test reports
- Check if products have relevant certifications (CE, RoHS, FDA, etc.)
- Review buyer feedback and photo reviews
3. Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
MOQs on 1688.com vary by supplier and product:
- Listed MOQs are often negotiable, especially for first-time buyers
- Tiered pricing: larger orders typically get better per-unit prices
- Sample orders (below MOQ) are possible but at higher prices
- Some suppliers offer “mix and match” options for multiple product variants
4. Pricing and Negotiation
Prices on 1688.com are almost always negotiable:
- Listed prices are starting points, not final prices
- Bulk orders (500+ units) typically receive 15-30% discounts
- Payment terms affect pricing: full upfront payment may unlock additional discounts
- Seasonal factors: prices may be lower during slow seasons (post-Chinese New Year)
5. Payment Methods and Security
1688.com uses Chinese domestic payment systems:
- Alipay: The primary payment method, offering buyer protection
- Bank transfer: Direct RMB transfers to supplier accounts
- Trade assurance: Some suppliers offer trade assurance for added security
- International buyers typically need a sourcing agent for payment processing
6. Quality Inspection Before Shipping
Never skip quality inspection, especially for bulk orders:
- Hire a third-party inspection service or sourcing agent
- Inspect during production (DUPRO) and before shipment (FRI)
- Check product count, quality, packaging, and labeling
- Document any defects with photos and negotiate remedies
7. Domestic and International Shipping
Shipping from 1688.com involves two stages:
- Domestic shipping: From supplier to consolidation warehouse in China
- International shipping: Sea freight (cheapest, 30-40 days), rail freight (15-20 days), air freight (5-7 days), or express (3-5 days)
- Consolidate multiple orders to reduce per-unit shipping costs
- Consider insurance for high-value shipments
8. Customs and Import Duties
Understand your country’s import regulations before ordering:
- Research the correct HS code for your product category
- Check applicable import duty rates (typically 0-25% depending on product and country)
- Prepare for VAT/GST charges upon import
- Ensure products meet safety and labeling requirements
- Some products require special import licenses or permits
9. Intellectual Property Considerations
Protect yourself from IP issues:
- Avoid products with trademarked logos or brand names without authorization
- Check if products have patents in your destination country
- Request OEM/ODM agreements that clarify IP ownership
- Be cautious of “replica” or “copy” products — they can be seized at customs
10. After-Sales Support and Returns
Understand the supplier’s policies before purchasing:
- Check return and refund policies — they may be limited for international buyers
- Negotiate warranty terms for defective products
- Document all agreements in writing
- Build relationships with reliable suppliers for better after-sales support
Working with a Professional Sourcing Agent
For international buyers, navigating all 10 aspects of purchasing from 1688.com can be overwhelming. A professional sourcing agent like Dawon1688 can handle:
- Supplier verification and negotiation
- Quality inspection and sample testing
- Payment processing and order management
- Warehousing, consolidation, and international shipping
- Customs documentation and compliance
This allows you to focus on what matters most: growing your business. Learn more about the advantages of 1688 and challenges you may encounter.
Related Articles
- What is 1688.com?
- Advantages of Buying on 1688
- 6 Challenges When Buying from 1688
- How to Order on 1688?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important things to check before buying on 1688?
Verify supplier credentials (business license, factory verification), check transaction history and customer reviews, confirm product specifications and materials, understand MOQ and pricing tiers, review payment terms (Alipay escrow), clarify shipping methods and domestic logistics, and confirm lead times. Ordering samples before bulk orders is essential for quality verification.
How do I evaluate a supplier’s production capacity on 1688?
Check the supplier’s listed production capacity (monthly output), factory size, number of workers, equipment photos, and certifications. Ask directly about current production schedules and whether they can meet your delivery timeline. For large orders, request a factory audit or visit. Suppliers with consistent high transaction volumes typically have reliable production capacity.
What quality inspection steps should I take for 1688 orders?
Order samples first, request production photos during manufacturing, hire a third-party inspection service for pre-shipment inspection (PSI), specify an Acceptable Quality Limit (AQL) standard in your agreement, and randomly test units from the final batch. For ongoing orders, establish quality checklists with the supplier and maintain consistent inspection protocols.
How do I handle intellectual property concerns when sourcing from 1688?
File patents and trademarks in China before sharing designs, use NDAs with suppliers, avoid sharing complete technical drawings until trust is established, choose suppliers with clean IP records, and register your brand with China Customs to block unauthorized exports. Be cautious of suppliers who offer to replicate branded products, as this creates legal liability.
What logistics options are available for 1688 orders?
Domestic Chinese shipping is handled by the supplier to your forwarder’s address using SF Express, YTO, or other Chinese logistics companies. For international shipping, choose express courier (DHL, FedEx: 3-7 days), air freight (5-10 days), or sea freight (15-40 days). Your freight forwarder consolidates packages and manages international shipping and customs.
How do I manage lead times and production schedules with 1688 suppliers?
Confirm realistic lead times before ordering, add buffer time for unexpected delays, communicate your delivery deadlines clearly, avoid peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Double 11), and plan orders well in advance. For repeat orders, establish standing production schedules with key suppliers to reduce lead times and ensure consistent supply.
What after-sales support can I expect from 1688 suppliers?
After-sales support varies by supplier but typically includes replacement of defective units (often 1-2% of order), refund or replacement for quality issues, and technical support for product-related questions. Negotiate after-sales terms before ordering and document them in your agreement. Building long-term relationships improves after-sales responsiveness.
