Chinese marketplaces are not limited to AliExpress and Temu. Nowadays, these are the least advantageous platforms for purchasing and reselling goods. The best prices can be found in China's domestic markets. Here, we will introduce marketplaces that are suitable for business.
Many Chinese shopping sites are already being optimized for international customers. This has its pros and cons, as we’ll see from the comparison of wholesalers. DiFFreight works with these marketplaces, ensuring the best purchasing terms in China.
One of the largest B2B platforms for wholesale purchases. It is oriented toward the international market and features products from both manufacturers and intermediaries. All product categories are represented, from industrial equipment to small consumer goods. Alibaba focuses on wholesale, making it suitable for medium-sized businesses.
Purchase terms:
The marketplace includes the best Chinese online stores offering free delivery to Ukraine through postal services or freight forwarders. These forwarders consolidate goods in Alibaba warehouses to conveniently deliver the entire batch. A bonus is payment in USD*.
*If you choose a different currency, the amount will be converted at your bank’s exchange rate.
Known as "The Cheapest Chinese Online Store" since it targets the domestic market. Its assortment includes products from big and medium-sized factories, mostly for big wholesale.
Purchase terms:
Direct payments to manufacturers can be made using services like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or specialized payment platforms such as PayPal or Wise. DiFFreight has prepared a video on how to set up Chinese payment services:
There is no direct delivery to Ukraine. However, these "disadvantages" allow for purchasing products at low prices and selling them with a high margin, as not all businesses can navigate China's domestic market. This increases your chances of finding cost-effective goods not yet available in the Ukrainian market.
A store for group purchases with a focus on low-cost retail.
Key trading terms:
Although the marketplace has a large assortment, it’s less convenient for large batches. Prices are still higher than on 1688.
The platform features suppliers from China for retail and small wholesale. It’s an excellent option for small businesses since you can buy a small amount and test the product.
Purchase features:
Some items are eligible for direct delivery through AliExpress Shipping. Others are shipped via cargo companies. Importing from Taobao is recommended if you’re not ready to start with large batches. It’s a great marketplace for getting acquainted with the Chinese market.
Chinese wholesale websites like Made-in-China primarily operate for export in the B2B segment, focusing on equipment and industrial goods.
Key features of purchasing on the platform:
Prices are competitive only for large batches. Delivery to Ukraine is handled via international courier services for medium wholesale or through intermediaries for large orders. The platform’s standout feature is personalized discounts for wholesalers.
Working with Made-in-China is optimal if you purchase equipment in large quantities. For other businesses, the benefits need to be carefully weighed.
Tmall is a Chinese marketplace offering products from brands for end consumers. These include local companies (Huawei, Xiaomi, Anta, Li-Ning) and international brands such as Nike, Adidas, Apple, and Estee Lauder. Tmall partners with verified sellers and official representatives.
Purchasing international brands through China can be advantageous due to lower prices during promotions and discounts. However, consider additional costs: delivery charges, mediator fees, and potential import taxes.
It’s likely more cost-effective to buy only Chinese brands, as American and European ones may be cheaper when ordered directly from the U.S. or Europe.
How purchasing on Tmall differs:
For international buyers, services for currency conversion and fund transfers may be required if Alipay cannot be set up. Products can be consolidated in a warehouse, but a logistics company is needed to ship them to Ukraine.
Yiwugo is a Chinese wholesale site for small-scale purchases from Yiwu, the world’s largest retail and wholesale market. The marketplace specializes in selling clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and household items.
Purchase terms:
Yiwugo is advantageous for small batches due to prices aligned with the domestic market and for larger ones, thanks to good wholesale discounts. Several orders can be consolidated in a warehouse, but a mediator or logistics partner is needed for delivery.
A lesser-known Chinese platform internationally, but worth attention. TechZK offers electronics, gadgets, and various equipment at favorable prices. It focuses on wholesale buyers, small businesses, and individual clients.
Purchase Terms
The interface is entirely in Chinese, making it challenging to navigate product details and conditions.
Marketplace | Assortment | Purchase Terms | Prices |
Alibaba | Wholesale, wide range | High MOQ, payment in $ | Medium, discounts for bulk |
1688 | Small wholesale | Low MOQ, payment in yuan | Lowest |
Pinduoduo | Retail, group purchases | No MOQ, payment in yuan | Low, discounts for wholesalers |
Taobao | Retail, small wholesale | No MOQ, payment in yuan | Affordable |
Made-in-China | Equipment, B2B | Large orders, payment in $ | Competitive |
Tmall | Brands, premium products | No MOQ, payment in yuan | High, as the products are premium |
Yiwugo | Small wholesale, Yiwu goods | Low MOQ, payment in yuan | Low |
TechZK | Electronics, gadgets | No MOQ for private clients, low MOQ for businesses, payment in yuan | Medium, discounts for bulk |
Recommended Platforms for:
Organizing dropshipping is challenging with most marketplaces, which once made AliExpress popular. However, the domestic market offers more favorable prices for online stores and other businesses.
As this overview shows, direct delivery to Ukraine from Chinese marketplaces is rare. The best terms are offered by platforms that require a mediator. DiFFreight provides freight delivery from China to Ukraine and purchasing services.
We will find sellers that meet your requirements or purchase batches on your preferred platform.
Your order will arrive at our warehouse, where we’ll ship it in a consolidated container (for small batches). DiFFreight’s buyers speak Chinese, ensuring complete understanding with sellers. By choosing China’s domestic marketplaces, you gain exceptional savings and competitive products.