1688.com is a leading online wholesale marketplace in China that was launched in 1999 by the Alibaba Group.
It is a business-to-business (B2B) platform that connects manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers with buyers both in China and around the world.
The platform is named after the year 1688, which was the year when the first modern marketplace was established in China during the Qing Dynasty.
Good reasons to source products from 1688.com
It is one of the largest and most popular B2B e-commerce platforms in China.
Some beneficial reasons to source products from 1688.com are:
1. Wide Range of Products
1688 sourcing platform offers a massive range of products in almost all categories, including electronics, fashion, home appliances, and more.
This provides a huge variety of options to choose from, ensuring that you can find the products that best meet your business needs.
2. Competitive Prices
Due to the large number of suppliers on 1688, the prices of the products are very competitive.
In many cases, you can find products at prices much lower than what you would find on other B2B platforms or even in your local market.
3. Reliable Suppliers
1688.com is owned by Alibaba Group, which is known for its strict supplier verification process.
Therefore, you can trust that the suppliers on this website are reliable and have undergone thorough vetting before being allowed to sell on the platform.
4. Easy Communication
1688.com has a built-in communication system that makes it easy to communicate with suppliers.
This allows you to get quick answers to any questions you may have about the products, pricing, shipping, and other important details.
5. Safe Transactions
The platform provides a secure payment system that protects both the buyer and the seller.
The platform uses Escrow, which means that your payment is held in a secure account until the transaction is completed successfully.
6. Fast Shipping
With 1688.com, you can expect fast and reliable shipping. Most suppliers offer a variety of shipping methods, including air freight, sea freight, and express delivery. You can choose the shipping method that best meets your needs.
7. Customized Services
1688.com offers customized services to meet the specific needs of your business. This includes services such as quality control, product customization, and more.
These services can help you improve your overall sourcing experience and ensure that you get the products you need for your business.
1688 sourcing platform provides a range of value-added services such as logistics, financing, and quality inspection to help businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency.
How to source products from China 1688 suppliers?
Sourcing from China 1688 suppliers involves a process of identifying, vetting, and communicating with potential suppliers in China through the 1688 platform.
1. Find potential suppliers on 1688
Visit the 1688 website and search for potential suppliers by product or industry category. Review the supplier’s profile, product range, and customer feedback.
2. Contact suppliers
Reach out to the suppliers through the platform’s messaging system to inquire about their products, pricing, and minimum order quantities.
You can negotiate prices, request samples, and ask for any other information you need to make a decision.
3. Evaluate suppliers
Evaluate the supplier’s response time, communication skills, and willingness to meet your needs.
You can also request references or conduct a factory audit to verify their legitimacy and quality standards.
4. Place an order
Once you have identified a suitable supplier, negotiated pricing, and verified their legitimacy, you can place an order through the platform.
Be sure to review the order details and payment terms carefully before placing the order.
5. Receive the product
After you place the order, the supplier will manufacture and ship the product to your designated location. You can track the shipment and verify the product’s quality upon delivery.
Overall, sourcing from China 1688 suppliers can be a cost-effective way to access a wide range of products and services.
However, it is important to carefully vet potential suppliers and take steps to protect yourself from fraud or poor quality products.
