If you’re looking to purchase goods from China, 1688 is a great platform to consider. 1688 is a popular e-commerce platform in China, similar to Alibaba, that allows individuals and businesses to purchase products directly from Chinese manufacturers at wholesale prices. However, for American buyers, ordering from 1688 can seem like a daunting task. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to order from 1688.
Step 1: Create an account on 1688
The first step to begin ordering from 1688 is to create an account. You can use your email address or mobile phone number to sign up. After you’ve created your account, verify your email address or mobile phone number to ensure that your account is active.
Step 2: Search for products
Once your account is created, you can start searching for products on 1688. You can search for products by using keywords or by browsing through the different categories available on the platform. When searching for products, it’s important to pay attention to the product details, including the price, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and shipping options.
Step 3: Contact the supplier
After you’ve found a product that you’re interested in purchasing, you’ll need to contact the supplier to inquire about the product and negotiate the price. Most suppliers on 1688 are Chinese manufacturers, and they may not speak English. Therefore, it’s essential to use a translation tool or hire a translator to communicate with the supplier effectively. You can also use Aliwangwang to communicate with the supplier.
Step 4: Negotiate the price and MOQ
Once you’ve contacted the supplier, you can negotiate the price and MOQ of the product. It’s important to remember that the MOQ is the minimum quantity that the supplier is willing to sell. If you’re not able to meet the MOQ, you may need to look for a different supplier or consider purchasing a different product. Fortunately, most of suppliers provide small MOQ on 1688, most of MOQ are starting from 2pcs.
Step 5: Place your order
After you’ve negotiated the price and MOQ, it’s time to place your order. To do this, you’ll need to provide the supplier with your shipping information and payment details. It’s important to ensure that you provide accurate shipping information to avoid any delays or issues with your order.
Step 6: Make payment
The next step is to make payment for your order. 1688 just accept Alipay or China’s bank transfer, It’s important to confirm with the supplier which payment method they prefer and ensure that you follow the payment instructions carefully.
Step 7: Track your order
After you’ve made payment, the supplier will begin preparing your order for shipment. You can track your order on 1688 to monitor its progress and estimated delivery date. Once your order has been shipped, you’ll receive a tracking number that you can use to track your package.
Step 8: Receive your order
Finally, once your order has arrived, it’s important to inspect the products to ensure that they are in good condition and meet your expectations. If you’re satisfied with your order, you can leave feedback for the supplier on 1688.
It can save too much money to import from 1688 instead of other platforms such as alibaba.com.
