1688

Rating: 3.2	Downloads: 1,000,000+
Category: Shopping	Offer by: 1688.com

1688 is China’s leading wholesale B2B e-commerce marketplace operated by Alibaba Group, primarily serving domestic and international businesses seeking bulk goods at discounted prices. It connects global buyers directly with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers, offering access to vast inventories for sourcing commercial products. Essentially, it’s a powerful digital hub for businesses looking to procure goods efficiently within and outside China.

The key appeal and practical usage of 1688 lie in its ability to streamline the sourcing process dramatically. Users can quickly find competitive wholesale prices for over 100 million SKUs, negotiate directly with suppliers, and manage orders all online. This makes international trade and bulk procurement significantly faster and more accessible for small, medium, and large businesses alike.

App Features

• Supplier Directory & Search: The platform provides a massive database of verified manufacturers, traders, and agents, searchable by product, location, or specific business details. This feature saves users countless hours spent manually searching and allows quick shortlisting of potential suppliers based on precise criteria like minimum order quantity or production capacity, enabling efficient sourcing decisions.
• Bulk Purchase & Trade Tools: Designed specifically for wholesale transactions, the app includes tools for creating bulk orders, comparing supplier prices across various quantities and payment terms, and handling the logistics complexities inherent in B2B deals. These integrated functionalities, including features like bulk messaging and order tracking, simplify the entire process from negotiation to payment and delivery confirmation for international orders.
• Mobile Order Management: Users can conveniently manage their accounts directly from their smartphones, overseeing active orders, tracking shipments in real-time, and accessing their supplier network while on the go. This enhances user experience by providing constant access to essential trading information and actions, proving especially valuable during travel or for users managing multiple sourcing tasks simultaneously.
• Alibaba Trade Assurance (In Context): This feature offers financial protection by verifying supplier claims and potentially holding funds securely pending shipment confirmation. It’s valuable as the final stage of many B2B transactions, providing peace of mind by mitigating risks associated with payment and product non-delivery, thereby encouraging trust in potentially high-value international deals initiated through the app.
• Multi-Channel Sourcing Integration: While primarily a B2B platform, features often include access to broader Alibaba resources like 1688 Mall (for retail) or integration points for market trends and news. This flexibility caters to diverse user bases, allowing importers, exporters, and even small retailers to find suppliers for various needs, whether sourcing for bulk re-sale, export manufacturing, or supplementing their inventory, adapting easily to different business models.
• Language Translation Assistance: Recognizing the global user base, the app offers translation features to help navigate the Chinese-language interface or understand product descriptions and supplier messages, although effectiveness can vary. This is crucial for users whose first language is not Chinese, breaking down a significant barrier to entry for non-Chinese speakers and facilitating smoother communication throughout the sourcing process.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vast Selection & Competitive Sourcing
• Direct Supplier Access & Price Negotiation
• Streamlined Order Management Tools
• Comprehensive Supplier Verification System

Cons:

• Language Barrier & Interface Complexity
• Potential Complexity in Logistics Management
• Quality Control Challenges Require Vigilance
• Account Verification & Transaction Setup Can Be Tedious

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
AliExpress Business	Offers access to smaller retailers and dropshipping suppliers, focusing on retail import rather than pure wholesale. Includes features for managing dropshipping orders and supplier relationships.
Alibaba.com	The international counterpart to 1688 (originally 1688.com), targeting global B2B buyers with a vast supplier network. Often includes more advanced international trade tools and payment services.
Global Sources	A well-established B2B directory connecting buyers with verified suppliers worldwide. Emphasis on quality control reports and supplier vetting services, often used for finding manufacturers beyond China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get started with buying on the 1688 app for the first time?
A: Setting up your 1688 app account is the first step. You’ll typically need to provide business or personal information, verify your identity and sometimes your business license. After basic registration, you should familiarize yourself with the search and supplier directories. Using the Trade Assurance feature for your initial orders is often recommended for added security.

Q: Can I find reliable manufacturers on the 1688 app for my small export business?
A: Yes, 1688 is known for having a large number of Chinese manufacturers listed. You can search specifically for suppliers offering certain production capabilities. However, due diligence is crucial. Verify seller ratings, request product samples, check for Alibaba’s Trade Assurance protection, and look for suppliers with clear communication and positive buyer feedback relevant to your export requirements.

Q: What’s the difference between 1688 and other platforms like Alibaba.com for B2B sourcing?
A: The 1688 app primarily targets the domestic Chinese market and focuses heavily on wholesale (B2B) transactions between buyers and Chinese suppliers. While both platforms are Alibaba-owned and deal in B2B, 1688 has a larger focus on Chinese domestic trade (CN domestic B2B) and offers a vast selection often at competitive prices for bulk orders, whereas Alibaba.com is more geared towards international trade (B2B cross-border).

Q: How does the order tracking work for shipments initiated via the 1688 mobile app?
A: Once you place an order on the 1688 app, the shipping process is handled directly between you and the supplier. Some suppliers may offer integrated shipping solutions or tracking through the app, but often you’ll need to liaise directly with the supplier for shipment details, tracking numbers, and status updates. The app may provide general tools to manage this communication.

Q: Are there any hidden costs or fees associated with using the 1688 app?
A: While browsing and basic account features are usually free, several fees can apply depending on your activities. These might include import/export duties/taxes (outside mainland China), shipping fees charged by the supplier, potential currency conversion fees, transaction security fees (if using certain payment methods like L/C or MoneyGram), and listing or premium service fees for specific features. Always factor these into your cost calculations.

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