1688 Guide
How to buy from 1688.com as a foreign buyer — registration, payment, finding suppliers, and using sourcing agents.
1688 Sourcing Agents Compared: Fees, Services, and How to Pick One
Side-by-side comparison of 1688 sourcing agent fees and services — Yoybuy, CSSBuy, Superbuy, Lovenchy, and freelance agents. What each charges, what each delivers, and which fits your order size.
1688 vs Taobao for Foreign Buyers: Which Is Easier and Cheaper in 2025?
Both platforms are domestic Chinese marketplaces, but they serve different buyers. Here's a real comparison of prices, minimum orders, shipping, and what actually works for international buyers.
What I Wish I Knew Before My First 1688 Order (Lessons From Losing $1,800)
A personal post-mortem of my first 1688 order in 2018 — the wrong product spec, the WeChat misunderstanding, the freight forwarder who ghosted me, and the seven lessons I now check before every order.
Dropshipping from China: An Honest Guide to What Works in 2025
A realistic look at dropshipping from Chinese suppliers — what works, what doesn't, which platforms to use, and how to build a sustainable business rather than chasing shortcuts.
How to Pay 1688 Suppliers from the US, UK, or Australia (2025 Methods)
The practical options for international buyers to pay Chinese suppliers on 1688.com, including sourcing agents, Alipay international, and which method makes sense for your situation.
How to Use 1688 Without Speaking Chinese (Step-by-Step Guide)
A practical guide for English-speaking buyers to navigate 1688.com, search for products, contact suppliers, and place orders — no Chinese required.
How to Use 1688 as a Foreign Buyer: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
1688.com is entirely in Chinese and requires a Chinese bank account — but foreign buyers can still access it. Here's exactly how to navigate the platform, find products, and place orders without speaking Mandarin.
1688 vs Alibaba: The Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers (2025)
1688 and Alibaba are both owned by Alibaba Group, but they serve very different purposes. Here's exactly when to use each platform, how prices compare, and what traps to avoid.