As China’s largest B2B wholesale platform, 1688.com connects global buyers with millions of Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Whether you’re sourcing products for your business or exploring bulk purchases, this guide will walk you through registration, login, search, shopping, and payment on 1688, tailored for international users.
1. Registration: Creating Your 1688 Account
Step 1: Access the Platform
Visit www.1688.com and click “免费注册” (Free Registration). For English navigation, use a browser extension like Google Translate to translate the page .
Step 2: Choose Account Type
- Personal Account: Ideal for individual buyers. Select “个人账号” (Personal Account) and agree to the terms.
- Business Account: Requires a Chinese business license. Skip this unless you’re a registered enterprise.
Step 3: Fill in Your Details
- Member Name: 5–25 characters (letters/Chinese characters).
- Password: 6–20 characters with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Phone Number: Enter your international mobile number (e.g., +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX) and verify via SMS .
Step 4: Complete Verification
Drag the slider to solve the captcha, then click “同意并注册” (Agree and Register). Check your phone for a verification code and submit it.
Optional: Verify Your Account
Log in and go to “账户管理” (Account Management) → “我的认证” (My Verification) to upload ID documents (e.g., passport) for enhanced security .
2. Login: Accessing Your Account
- Return to the 1688 homepage and click “登录” (Login).
- Enter your registered phone number/email and password.
- For faster access, link your Alipay or Taobao account (if you have one) .
3. Searching for Products: Finding the Right Suppliers
Keyword Search
Use the search bar to enter terms like “wholesale electronics” or “custom clothing”. Add specifics (e.g., “CE-certified”, “minimum order quantity 100”) to refine results.
Advanced Filters
- Location: Filter suppliers by province (e.g., Guangdong for electronics).
- Certifications: Look for badges like “诚信通” (TrustPass) or “深度验厂” (Verified Factory) .
- Trade Assurance: Select suppliers with “Trade Assurance” for order protection.
Supplier Evaluation
- Company Profile: Check the supplier’s registration date, transaction history, and customer reviews.
- Communication: Use the “联系卖家” (Contact Supplier) button to ask questions about pricing, shipping, or samples .
4. Shopping: Placing Your Order
Product Selection
Click a product to view details:
- Price: Negotiate bulk discounts via chat.
- MOQ: Confirm the Minimum Order Quantity.
- Shipping: Check estimated delivery times and costs.
Adding to Cart
Click “加入进货单” (Add to Cart) for multiple items or “立即订购” (Buy Now) for immediate purchase. Review your cart and proceed to checkout.
Order Confirmation
- Shipping Address: Enter your international address in English (e.g., “Street, City, Country”).
- Freight Options: Choose between sea, air, or express shipping. Many suppliers partner with Alibaba Logistics for door-to-door delivery .
5. Payment: Options for International Buyers
Alipay (Preferred)
- Alipay International: Link your international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or bank account to make payments.
- Cross-Border Pay (KJB): Available in select countries (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia), this service allows direct CNY payments via Alipay .
Third-Party Services
- Wise/Payoneer: Transfer funds to suppliers’ bank accounts using these platforms for competitive exchange rates.
- Agents: Hire a 1688 purchasing agent (e.g., Honor Ocean) to handle payments and logistics .
Bank Transfer
Request the supplier’s bank details and initiate an international wire transfer. Include the order number in the memo for tracking .
Pro Tips
- 30/70 Payment Split: Negotiate paying 30% upfront and 70% after quality inspection.
- Proforma Invoice: Always request a PI to confirm total costs (including taxes and shipping) .
6. Logistics: Shipping Your Order
Domestic Shipping
- Suppliers ship goods to a Chinese warehouse (e.g., in Shenzhen). Use a consolidation service to combine multiple orders and reduce costs.
International Shipping
- Alibaba Logistics: Choose from sea freight (20–40 days), air freight (5–10 days), or express delivery (3–7 days). Track your shipment via the platform .
- Customs Clearance: Suppliers can provide commercial invoices and certifications (e.g., CE, FDA) to facilitate customs.
Taxes & Duties
- Check your country’s import regulations and budget for VAT, duties, and handling fees.
Conclusion
1688 offers unparalleled access to China’s manufacturing ecosystem, but navigating it requires careful planning. By following this guide, you’ll master registration, search, and payment while leveraging platforms like Alibaba Logistics and Cross-Border Pay to streamline your experience. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned importer, 1688 empowers you to source high-quality products at competitive prices.
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