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The Ultimate Guide to 1688: Self-Ordering Simplified

Ordering directly from 1688 offers significant cost savings and provides a wider range of options. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to navigate the 1688 platform and place orders independently, eliminating the need for middlemen.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Are you looking to shop on 1688 without a middleman but don’t know how? In today’s article, we will guide you through the steps to self-order on 1688 without an intermediary.

1 What is 1688?

1688.com is an e-commerce website owned by Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group, specializing in wholesale products in China. The range of products on 1688 is extensive and diverse, offering consumers a wide variety of choices.

1688.com

Additionally, most suppliers are large and small factories in China, so the prices on this website are quite affordable. Overall, 1688 allows sellers to post their product information and buyers to purchase any product they desire.

2 Steps to Self-Order on 1688 without an Intermediary

Step 1 Log in or register an account on https://www.1688.com.

How to log in: Visit the 1688.com website, and you can use Google Translate to translate the page into Vietnamese. Select the login option as shown, then enter your username and password.

Select the login option

Enter your username and password

How to register:

Select the free account registration option as shown.

Select free registration

Choose the right-hand option for individuals without a business license, then scroll down and accept the terms of use.

Choose the individual account and accept the terms of use

Fill in your personal information and click the orange box to submit. The password must contain both letters and numbers. For Vietnam, the country code is +84, and you should omit the leading zero when entering your phone number.

Submit registration information

Enter the code sent to your phone and click the orange box below to activate your account.

Click on “My Account” on the homepage

Choose “Set up delivery address”

Choose “Set up delivery address”

Select the blue option to create a domestic delivery address in China

Create a delivery address

Fill in your delivery address details and save it as your default address.

Fill in the delivery address details and save as default

Step 3 Search for products

You can search for products in three ways:

Enter keywords or product names in the search bar (you can use Google Translate).
Click on the camera icon and search for products by image.
Use the left-hand menu to search by product category.

Three ways to search for products

Step 4 Select products and add to cart

Click on the product you found, choose the size, color, and quantity you want to purchase. Then, you have three options:

Choose “Buy Now” to proceed to checkout.
Select “Add to Cart” to add the product to your cart.
Click “Go to Store” to buy other products or see reviews.

Add products to cart

Step 5 Negotiate with the shop

When buying in bulk, it is advisable to negotiate prices with the supplier to get a better deal. However, you will need to download the Aliwangwang app to communicate directly with the seller!

Negotiate with the shop

Step 6 Checkout and Shipping

After negotiating, proceed to checkout by paying with Alipay or choosing Alipay’s authorized payment service. However, using the authorized payment service is faster than using Alipay directly, as verifying an Alipay account can be challenging for Vietnamese users.

Checkout steps are shown below:

In your cart, select one or more products, then click on “Checkout”

Select products and click “Checkout”

Confirm your address, shipping fees, and place your order

Confirm address and shipping fees

Choose your payment method (Alipay) and click “Pay”

Choose payment method and pay

Choose to pay directly with your Alipay wallet or select an authorized Alipay payer. For the latter, enter the QQ account ID of the payer and the captcha, then click “Send.”

Pay directly with Alipay and confirm payment

Choose authorized Alipay payer

Enter authorized payer information and pay

Step 7 Track your shipment and order information

After completing the payment, you will receive a tracking number to monitor your order’s progress.

Successful order

Step 8 Ship your goods to Vietnam

Once the goods are delivered to your registered address in China, choose a suitable shipping company to deliver them to Vietnam.

3 Products Available for Direct Order on 1688

You can order a wide range of products from 1688

The range of products traded on 1688 is extensive and diverse. You can directly order clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, electronics, and more, mainly sourced from Guangzhou.

4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ordering from 1688

Ordering from 1688 saves time and money

Advantages of ordering from 1688

Customers are protected by Alibaba.
A wide range of products with various designs are available.
Competitive prices, with room for negotiation when buying in bulk.
Ability to take control of the ordering process, product selection, and supplier choice.
Cost savings on ordering and importing.

Frequently asked questions

1688.com is a Chinese wholesale website, similar to Alibaba, that connects buyers directly with suppliers and manufacturers. It offers a wide range of products at wholesale prices, making it an attractive platform for businesses and individuals looking for cost-effective sourcing options.

1688.com provides international buyers with access to a vast array of Chinese suppliers and manufacturers, offering competitive prices and a diverse selection of products. The website has an English interface, making it more accessible to global buyers. By sourcing directly from 1688.com, international buyers can cut out middlemen and potentially save on costs.

Registering on 1688.com is a straightforward process. You can sign up using your email address or mobile phone number. However, to verify your account, you may need to provide additional information, such as a scanned copy of your passport or business license, depending on your country of residence. This additional verification step is required to ensure the security and authenticity of transactions on the platform.

Yes, international buyers can purchase directly from 1688.com. However, it is important to note that the platform primarily caters to wholesale buyers looking to purchase in bulk. The website has minimum order quantities (MOQs) for most products, and prices are typically quoted in Renminbi (RMB). Additionally, you may need to use a third-party shipping agent or forwarder to handle logistics and customs clearance.

1688.com offers various payment methods for international buyers, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and JCB), wire transfers, and online payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. It’s important to note that some payment methods may incur additional transaction fees, and the availability of certain payment options may vary depending on your country of residence.

When searching for reliable suppliers on 1688.com, it is essential to conduct thorough research. Check supplier profiles for detailed information, including business licenses, production capacity, and transaction history. Look for suppliers with high ratings and positive feedback from other buyers. Verifying supplier information through third-party platforms or agencies can also help ensure their legitimacy and reliability.

One of the main challenges for international buyers on 1688.com is the language barrier. While the platform has an English interface, some suppliers may have limited English proficiency. Communicating your requirements and negotiating deals may require the use of translation tools or hiring a translator. Additionally, understanding Chinese product standards, regulations, and customs procedures can be complex, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with these aspects before placing orders.

To ensure product quality, it is recommended to request samples from suppliers before placing bulk orders. This allows you to assess the product’s quality, specifications, and packaging. Additionally, conducting factory audits or utilizing third-party inspection services can help verify the supplier’s production capabilities and ensure that the products meet your standards.

1688.com offers various shipping options for international buyers, including air freight, sea freight, and express delivery. The platform also provides a logistics service that can assist with customs clearance and door-to-door delivery. It is important to discuss shipping options and costs with your chosen supplier to ensure a smooth and cost-effective delivery process.

When purchasing from 1688.com, it is important to be aware of potential additional costs. These may include shipping fees, customs duties, taxes, and other associated charges. Some suppliers may also have additional fees for services such as product customization or special packaging. It is essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of your purchase to avoid any unexpected expenses.