How to Sourcing from 1688 in 2025: A Complete Guide for Smart Sourcing

How to Source from 1688 in 2025

Introduction
If you’re looking for cost-effective products directly from China, 1688 is a powerful platform that can save you both time and money. As a China sourcing company with over 10 years of experience, we’ve helped countless customers navigate 1688 for sourcing, product inspections, and shipping. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the best practices for sourcing from 1688 in 2025—everything from finding reliable suppliers to securing safe payments and managing shipments.

What is 1688 and Why Should You Use It?

1688 is China’s largest wholesale B2B marketplace, and it’s part of the Alibaba Group. However, while Alibaba caters to international buyers, 1688 is designed for the domestic Chinese market. This difference makes 1688 a goldmine for international businesses looking for competitive prices and direct access to manufacturers.

Unlike Alibaba, where many suppliers are trading companies, 1688 connects you directly with Chinese factories, which often results in 5-60% cheaper prices for the same products. Most Chinese businesses prefer 1688 because it allows them to skip intermediaries and purchase goods directly from manufacturers.

Key Reasons to Source from 1688:

• Cheaper Prices: Cut out the middleman and enjoy direct access to Chinese manufacturers.
• Lower Overhead Costs: No inflated fees for international buyers.
• Direct Factory Access: Buy straight from the source for better control over pricing and product customization.

How to Get Started with 1688 in 2025

Here’s how to successfully source products from 1688 in just a few simple steps.

1. Set Up Your 1688 Account

Before you can start sourcing, you need to create an account on 1688. Though the platform is primarily in Chinese, don’t worry! Use Google Translate or browser translation tools to help navigate and understand the content.

Personal account or business account both okay, just business account are more formal and offcial but the price you got are same.

2. Use Google Translate

Since 1688 is not available in English by default, Google Translate is your best friend for product descriptions and supplier communications. Many browsers also offer automatic translation, which can simplify the entire process.

3. Search Products Using Images or Keywords

1688 offers powerful search tools, including the ability to search by image, which is especially helpful if you’ve seen a product elsewhere and want to find the same one at a better price. This tool ranks products by sales volume and price, allowing you to quickly identify top suppliers.

How to Identify Reliable Suppliers on 1688

With millions of suppliers listed on 1688, finding a reliable one is crucial. Here are six factors you should consider when selecting a supplier:

1. Years of Operation: Check how long the supplier has been on 1688. A longer history often indicates reliability.
2. Response Rate: Suppliers with higher response rates tend to offer better customer service and are more responsive to inquiries.
3. Delivery Time: Ensure the supplier can meet your required delivery times, ideally within 48 hours.
4. Trustworthiness: Look for suppliers with a low number of complaints and high ratings.
5. Repurchase Rate: A high repurchase rate indicates that other buyers are satisfied with the products and service.
6. Certifications: Make sure the supplier can provide necessary product certifications (e.g., CE, RoHS, FDA) and meet your country’s import requirements.

Pro Tip: If a supplier has a high number of bad reviews or a low rating, avoid them. It’s better to take extra time to find a reliable source rather than risk dealing with quality or delivery issues.

Negotiating with Suppliers on 1688

Effective negotiation is key to getting the best price on 1688. Here are some strategies to help you secure better deals:

1. Use WeChat for Communication:
   WeChat is the go-to messaging app in China and is widely used for business. It also includes an auto-translate feature, making it easier to communicate with suppliers even if you don’t speak Chinese. how to find their wechat number, find their 1688 store, go to company profile– contact info, they will show they phone number, remmeber to add +86

2. Speak with the Key Decision-Maker:
   Don’t settle for just any sales representative. Try to speak directly with the factory boss or key decision-makers. They have the authority to offer better prices, especially if you’re negotiating larger orders.

3. In-Person Negotiations (Optional):
   If you are in China, arranging an in-person meeting over a cup of tea or dinner can help build trust and open the door for better deals in the future.

4. Find a Sourcing Agent (Recommended for New Buyers):
   If you’re new to sourcing from China or want to save time, working with a professional sourcing agent can simplify the process. An agent can help you find the right supplier, negotiate prices, and ensure product quality.

Payment and Shipping: How to Pay and Ship Products from 1688

How to Pay on 1688

1688 offers various payment methods, but we recommend using the following options for international buyers:

• Alipay: A secure and popular payment platform in China.
• WorldFirst: A cross-border payment service that allows you to pay in your local currency.

How to Ship from 1688

Once you’ve secured the products, you’ll need to arrange shipping. You can either ship directly from the supplier or use a sourcing agent to handle the logistics. A sourcing agent can help you with:

• Shipping documentation (invoice, packing list, certificates of origin).
• Customs clearance in your country.
• Product quality checks to ensure you receive what you ordered.

Shipping Costs and Timeframes

Shipping costs and times vary based on the product type, shipping method (air, sea, or express), and destination. Be sure to discuss shipping costs and timelines with your supplier to avoid any surprises.

Why Work with a Sourcing Agent?

Sourcing agents are invaluable, especially for new buyers or those looking to scale quickly. They can help you:

• Find reliable suppliers: Agents are experienced at distinguishing between legitimate factories and middlemen.
• Negotiate better deals: With years of experience, they know how to secure the best prices.
• Ensure smooth logistics: Agents handle shipping, documentation, and even product inspection.

Conclusion

Sourcing from 1688 in 2025 is a great way to find high-quality products at lower prices, directly from Chinese manufacturers. To ensure a smooth and successful sourcing experience, follow these key steps:

1. Key Steps for Sourcing from 1688:

1. Set Up Your 1688 Account

   • Register on the 1688 platform and use Google Translate or browser translation tools to navigate the site.

2. Search for Products Using Keywords or Images

   • Use 1688’s powerful search tools, including the image search feature, to find similar products and compare prices.

3. Find Reliable Suppliers

   • Pay attention to the supplier’s years of operation, response rate, delivery time, and reviews.

4. Negotiate Prices Directly with Decision-Makers

   • Use WeChat to communicate and negotiate directly with the factory boss or key decision-makers for better pricing.

5. Arrange Payment Securely

   • Use secure payment methods like Alipay or WorldFirst to complete transactions safely.

6. Ensure Smooth Shipping

   • Work with a sourcing agent or discuss shipping details with your supplier to manage logistics and documentation.

2. Final Tips for Successful Sourcing from 1688:

• Use Google Translate to understand product details and communicate with suppliers more easily.
• Negotiate directly with the decision-maker for the best pricing and product deals.
• Review supplier ratings and verify certifications to ensure quality and reliability.
• Work with a sourcing agent if you need expert help or are new to sourcing from China.

By following these steps, you can streamline your sourcing process and enjoy the benefits of direct purchasing from 1688, while avoiding middlemen and reducing costs.

Final Tips for Successful Sourcing from 1688:

1. Use Google Translate to understand product listings and communicate with suppliers.
2. Negotiate directly with the boss or key decision-makers to get better pricing.
3. Check supplier reviews and certifications to ensure quality and reliability.
4. Work with a sourcing agent if you need more support or are unfamiliar with the process.

Ready to start sourcing from 1688? If you need help, our team of experts at Dropshipme Sourcing is here to assist you with everything from product inspection to shipping. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you source from China with ease!