How to Buy on 1688 Independently and Without Intermediaries: Advantages and Nuances

In the era of globalization and the development of e-commerce, more and more entrepreneurs and individuals are turning their attention to Chinese online platforms for wholesale purchases of goods. One of the most popular and well-known platforms is 1688 – a giant shopping mall. Here you can find almost any products, ranging from clothing to electronics, home goods, and more, directly from manufacturers and wholesale suppliers in China.

Features of the Online Resource 1688

The online resource 1688 is a powerful intermediary platform based on the B2B system with experience in cooperation with Alibaba. It offers a wide range of clothing, footwear, and food products. Product returns are difficult due to the careful selection of products. Suppliers rely on customers with large sales platforms, as bulk purchases bring significant financial benefits. Pricing depends on the number of units ordered: the more units, the lower the price.

Stages of Making a Purchase on 1688 Independently

Making a purchase on 1688 independently consists of several main stages:

1. Registration on the 1688 website and searching for suppliers in China. It is important to carefully study the reviews, ratings, and working conditions of potential suppliers.
2. Agreeing on the terms of the deal, choosing products, their quantity, and the method of delivery.
3. Payment for the order through the secure system of the trading platform.
4. Organizing the purchase of goods in China and their consolidation in a warehouse in China. At this stage, it is recommended to inspect the goods in China to check the quality and compliance of the order.
5. Organizing the international delivery of goods from China to the destination country.

Steps of Working with Intermediaries

How to buy on 1688 using DiFFreight's services:

• Negotiations: what goods, prices, and specifications are needed.
• Signing a cooperation agreement.
• Paying for services.
• Receiving the ordered products.

You won’t need to worry about verifying seller reliability, linking a card to Alipay, or arranging delivery from China to Ukraine: we handle the entire organization.

Pros and Cons of Independent Purchases on the 1688 Website

When making independent purchases on 1688, it is necessary to consider the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

• Direct access to a vast selection of products from manufacturers at wholesale prices.
• Possibility to purchase small batches of products for market testing.
• Absence of intermediary markups.
• Control over the entire purchase and delivery process.

Disadvantages:

• Language barrier and communication difficulties with Chinese suppliers.
• The necessity to independently organize the purchase of goods in China, inspection, and international delivery.
• Risks associated with the quality of goods and the reliability of suppliers.
• The necessity to learn the specifics of working on 1688 and the trading customs of China.

Delivery of goods from China to Ukraine

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Nuances of Purchasing from the 1688 Website

One of the key aspects of independently purchasing from the 1688 platform is the proper organization of the entire process. Purchasing and delivery from 1688 require a careful approach to supplier selection, product quality control, and logistics arrangement. It is important to choose reliable and verified partners for purchasing to avoid loss or damage of goods. You should also consider additional costs for purchasing services, which may range from 5% to 10% of the order value, depending on the volume and type of products.

It is important to choose reliable and proven partners for purchasing to avoid loss or damage of goods. It is also worth considering additional costs for purchasing services, which can range from 5% to 10% of the order value depending on the volume and specifics of the goods.

Benefits of Working with Intermediaries

The process of buying independently in 1688 comes with difficulties. Trust intermediaries for the purchase:

• full-service purchase including negotiations with suppliers, payment, and delivery to Ukraine;
• saving time and effort: no need to study areas that aren't relevant to you;
• the best conditions and prices thanks to effective communication with Chinese suppliers.

With intermediaries, you can establish regular deliveries without encountering issues.

Alternatives to the 1688 Marketplace: Where Else to Buy Goods

While the benefits of the platform are well known, what are some alternatives to 1688 if it doesn’t suit your needs?

• Alibaba.com — the international version of 1688 by Alibaba Group. Focuses on global B2B trade. Export-oriented with an interface in English and other languages. Prices may be slightly higher but it’s easier for foreign companies.
• DHgate — a major online platform also focused on B2B, but with low minimum order quantities (MOQ). Also popular for dropshipping. Easier for purchasing small batches.
• Made-in-China.com is a large B2B platform focused on exports. Like Alibaba.com, it’s aimed at the international market with an English-language interface and support.
• Global Sources is a platform focused on finding suppliers in Asia, particularly China. Strong emphasis on quality and organizing exhibitions (both online and offline) where products can be viewed in real-world settings.

While it’s easier to work with English-language export marketplaces, product costs there are higher. That’s why the most favorable deals are found in China’s domestic market.

How to Profitably Deliver Goods from 1688 to Ukraine

If your goal is to save on shipping costs, it is advisable to handle the purchasing process on the 1688 website yourself. For those who do this regularly and are proficient in Chinese or English, the procedure should not pose any significant difficulties.

However, if you are just starting to make international purchases on 1688, it’s advisable to enlist the support of an intermediary like DiFFreight. Our managers not only know how to find a reliable supplier, organize purchases, and arrange for shipping, but they also have a strong command of English to facilitate cooperation with sellers. With us, delivering goods from China to Ukraine will be smooth and straightforward. Even if challenges arise, we will handle all disputes on your behalf.

In addition, DiFFreight offers inspection services in China, warehousing services, legal support, and resolution of disputes regarding delivery times and product quality. Working with the professionals at DiFFreight is easy.