Tracking Prices of Products on Chinese Websites: A Short Guide

Article content: 

1. Types of Prices for Goods from China.
2. What Determines Product Prices in China.
3. Analyzing Prices on Chinese Websites.
4. A Profitable Start for Scaling Your Business with DiFFreight.

Dreaming of the perfect high-margin product that will fly off the shelves? Then the vast Chinese e-commerce market is for you! Here, prices are not a fixed value but a living, changing system. By clicking “Buy” on the first website you see, you risk losing a significant portion of your margin. Here is a short guide from DiFFreight sourcing specialists on how to professionally analyze and monitor prices.

Types of Prices for Goods from China

In China, there are several pricing levels, each depending on the chosen platform. Let’s review the main types of pricing:

1. Retail. The highest price level, as it includes marketing costs and “free” shipping, which is actually already built into the price. Clear examples of Chinese retail platforms are AliExpress and Temu.
2. Small wholesale. This is the domestic market price in China. On 1688 and Taobao, prices vary depending on the quantity ordered. The more units you buy, the cheaper each item becomes. The same pricing approach is used on Alibaba.
3. Export wholesale. Alibaba is oriented toward international buyers, so even identical products are more expensive there than on 1688.
4. Direct from manufacturer. This price list is available when you work directly with a factory or plant and order large batches. Essentially, you purchase goods at production cost (with a small manufacturer markup), but you must meet the MOQ — minimum order quantity.

Let’s first take a look at Alibaba.

A wristwatch supplier offers a standard model priced from $6.40 to $7.30. By clicking “Select now,” you can see that the price depends on the case and strap color. You can order samples (sample price), but purchasing the product is possible only from 500 units.

Another pricing format is a price reduction when ordering larger quantities. Pay attention to the Wholesale tab. When ordering up to 199 units, the price is $16, while orders of more than 1000 units cost $14 per piece.

The supplier also offers customization options, but only for orders of 1000 units or more. Packaging costs an additional $0.50, and adding a logo costs an extra $0.30.

Purchasing goods in China is most cost-effective on the 1688 platform. It operates for the domestic market, so prices are significantly lower than export platforms. On 1688, you can also work directly with manufacturers and order branding.

Let’s compare with an identical model of the first wristwatches. When ordering up to 500 units, the cost price is only 20 yuan ($2.85). Customization options are also available. Of course, it is necessary to conduct a test purchase of samples and inspect the batch upon receipt.

The price for the second smartwatch model is also lower: only 88 yuan ($12.52), and one dollar more if you order a metal magnetic strap.

The 1688 interface is available only in Chinese, and payment with foreign cards is not supported. We offer supplier sourcing in China, including on 1688, and purchasing with payment — get the most competitive prices!

Prices on Alibaba, 1688, and Taobao do not include logistics and other related costs.

What Determines Product Prices in China

Pricing in China depends on several key factors:

1. Raw material costs. Even a slight increase of a few cents can significantly affect the final product price due to China’s massive production volumes.
2. Seasonality and demand. There are “summer,” “winter,” and “holiday” products. During peak sales seasons, production costs rise, and afterward they decline. The same applies to trending products.
3. Production location. Goods from Guangdong may be more expensive than similar products from Yiwu but often offer higher quality. Additionally, different regions of China specialize in specific product categories: some are better for clothing and footwear, others for electronics and lighting.
4. Order volume. In China, scale equals savings. The larger the order, the more willing suppliers or factories are to offer volume discounts.

Considering all these fluctuations, monitoring prices on Chinese websites is crucial for entrepreneurs. It’s important not only to find the lowest price but also to catch the right moment when prices drop or at least remain stable.

Analyzing Prices on Chinese Websites

How can you tell when a deal is truly profitable? Use professional buyers’ methods:

• Image search. This is the fastest (but not the most reliable) way to find the original manufacturer and compare prices. Often, wholesalers buy from the same factory but apply different markups.
• Comparative analysis. Find the same product on platforms like Alibaba and 1688. Study the specifications and compare images. The price difference can reach 20–30%, with domestic platforms usually offering lower prices.
• Browser extensions. These tools help track price dynamics. If the price suddenly increases, it’s better to wait before making a purchase.

Product Prices in China: A Real Comparison. We conducted research comparing retail and wholesale prices. Product: a 360-degree rotating stainless steel spice rack with 12 spice jars.

If you purchase from China’s domestic market, warehouse services are essential. Consolidate orders from multiple suppliers into one shipment for more convenient and cost-effective logistics.

A Profitable Start for Scaling Your Business with DiFFreight

Finding a low import price is only half the battle. Additional costs include warehousing, delivery, insurance, and customs clearance. We act as a reliable bridge between you and Chinese suppliers, helping you scale your business through:

• sourcing the best products and purchasing on marketplaces;
• warehouse consolidation and group shipments at competitive rates;
• transparent pricing (air or sea freight — we choose the best option for your budget);
• customs brokerage services, so you don’t waste time and effort on bureaucracy.

Shipping goods from China to Ukraine can reduce your margin if logistics are not optimized. DiFFreight offers the best conditions for your business: buy smart, ship safely!