Description
1688.com is a major Chinese wholesale and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform operated by Alibaba Group. It is often referred to as the “Chinese Alibaba” because it mainly serves the domestic Chinese market and caters to bulk buyers looking for factory-direct pricing. While similar to Alibaba.com, which serves a global audience, 1688.com focuses on wholesalers and suppliers within China, making it popular among businesses and resellers looking for bulk purchasing options.
Key Features of 1688.com:
Wholesale and Bulk Pricing: 1688.com is primarily designed for businesses buying in large quantities, and its pricing structure reflects wholesale discounts, which become steeper with higher purchase volumes. This makes it ideal for buyers looking to source products at low cost for resale.
Extensive Product Range: 1688.com offers a vast selection of products across categories such as electronics, clothing, home goods, accessories, and machinery. With access to Chinese factories and suppliers, buyers can find nearly any product for various industries.
Factory-Direct Access: The platform often connects buyers directly with manufacturers, allowing for competitive pricing and a shorter supply chain. Buyers can often negotiate prices, especially for larger orders, and even customize products with their own branding or specifications.
Customizable Orders and OEM/ODM Services: Many suppliers on 1688.com offer Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) services, allowing businesses to order customized products that meet specific design, logo, or material requirements. This is beneficial for creating private-label products.
Supplier Verification and Ratings: To help buyers assess suppliers, 1688.com includes a rating and verification system, showing customer feedback, transaction volume, and other indicators of supplier reliability. This helps buyers reduce risks when selecting suppliers.
Integration with Alibaba Ecosystem: As part of the Alibaba Group, 1688.com integrates with other Alibaba services, such as Alipay, for secure payments. It also benefits from Alibaba’s extensive logistics network, making it easier to arrange shipments within China.
Lower Minimum Order Quantities: Compared to global sites like Alibaba.com, 1688.com often has lower minimum order quantities (MOQs), allowing buyers to order smaller quantities, which is helpful for businesses testing new products or sourcing for small- to medium-scale distribution.
Payment Flexibility: 1688.com supports multiple payment options, including Alipay, bank transfers, and local Chinese payment methods. While it generally caters to buyers in China, some international buyers use Taobao or 1688 agents to handle payments and logistics.
Logistics and Shipping: For domestic buyers, 1688.com offers various shipping options through Alibaba’s logistics network, Cainiao. For international buyers, shipping can be arranged either through third-party agents or directly if the supplier offers international shipping options.
