How to Shop from 1688.com: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide"*

# How to Shop from 1688.com: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide (2026)

Are you looking for cheap products directly from China? 1688.com is one of the best-kept secrets for affordable wholesale shopping. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to shop from 1688.com step by step — even if you don't speak Chinese.

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## What is 1688.com?

1688.com is a Chinese wholesale marketplace owned by Alibaba Group. Unlike AliExpress, which is designed for international buyers, 1688.com is built for Chinese domestic buyers — which means the prices are **much cheaper**.

Here's why 1688.com is popular:

- Prices are up to **70% cheaper** than AliExpress

- You buy directly from manufacturers and suppliers

- Huge variety of products — clothing, electronics, accessories, and more

- Great for resellers and small business owners

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## Is 1688.com Safe?

Yes, 1688.com is a legitimate platform owned by Alibaba — the same company behind AliExpress and Alibaba.com. However, since it is a Chinese domestic platform, international buyers need to take extra steps to shop safely.

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## What You Need Before You Start

Before shopping on 1688.com, make sure you have:

- A smartphone or computer with Google Chrome browser

- A valid email address

- A payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal — through an agent)

- Patience for shipping (it takes time from China)

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## Step-by-Step: How to Shop from 1688.com

### Step 1: Translate the Website

1688.com is entirely in Chinese. Here's how to read it in English:

1. Open **Google Chrome** on your phone or computer

2. Go to **1688.com**

3. Chrome will automatically ask if you want to **translate the page** — click Yes

4. If it doesn't translate automatically, right-click anywhere on the page and select **"Translate to English"**

### Step 2: Search for Products

- Type your product name in the **search bar** at the top

- For better results, use **Google Translate** to translate your search term into Chinese first

- Example: Search "wholesale women's dresses" → translate to Chinese → paste in 1688 search bar

- Browse through the results and compare prices

### Step 3: Check the Supplier

Before buying, always check:

- **Seller rating and reviews** — look for sellers with high ratings

- **Number of transactions** — more transactions means more trusted seller

- **Product photos** — check if photos look real and detailed

- **Minimum order quantity (MOQ)** — some sellers require you to buy in bulk

### Step 4: Use a Buying Agent (Highly Recommended)

This is the most important step for international buyers. Because 1688.com is designed for Chinese shoppers, paying directly is very difficult for people outside China.

**A buying agent** is a company that:

- Buys the product on your behalf

- Receives it at their warehouse in China

- Ships it to your home country

**Popular and trusted buying agents:**

| Agent | Website | Best For |

|-------|---------|----------|

| Superbuy | superbuy.com | Beginners |

| Wegobuy | wegobuy.com | Affordable shipping |

| Cssbuy | cssbuy.com | Budget buyers |

| Basetao | basetao.com | Reliable service |

| Ytaopal | ytaopal.com | Variety of shipping options |

### Step 5: Place Your Order Through the Agent

Here's how it works with a buying agent:

1. **Copy the product link** from 1688.com

2. **Go to your agent's website** (e.g., Superbuy)

3. **Create an account** on the agent's site

4. **Paste the 1688 product link** into the agent's search bar

5. **Choose your size, color, and quantity**

6. **Pay the agent** — they will buy the item for you

7. The agent receives the item at their warehouse and **inspects it**

8. You **pay for international shipping** from China to your country

9. Your package is delivered to your door

### Step 6: Choose Your Shipping Method

When shipping from China, you have several options:

- **Economy shipping** — cheapest but slowest (3–8 weeks)

- **Standard shipping** — moderate price and speed (2–4 weeks)

- **Express shipping** (DHL, FedEx, EMS) — fastest but most expensive (1–2 weeks)

> **Tip:** For heavy or bulky items, sea freight may be more affordable.

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## How to Pay on 1688.com

Direct payment on 1688 requires a Chinese Alipay account, which is hard for foreigners to set up. This is why using a buying agent is the easiest solution — you pay the agent in USD or your local currency, and they handle the rest.

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## Tips to Get the Best Deals on 1688.com

- **Buy in bulk** — prices drop significantly when you order more quantities

- **Compare multiple sellers** for the same product before buying

- **Ask for product samples** before placing a large order

- **Check shipping weight** carefully — heavier items cost more to ship internationally

- **Look for sellers with video reviews** of their products

- **Negotiate with sellers** — many 1688 suppliers are open to price negotiation

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## What Products Are Popular on 1688.com?

Here are some of the most popular categories people buy from 1688:

- Women's and men's clothing and fashion

- Phone accessories and gadgets

- Hair products and wigs

- Jewellery and accessories

- Baby products and toys

- Home decor and kitchen items

- Shoes and bags

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I shop from 1688 in Ghana (or Africa)?**

Yes! Many buyers in Ghana, Nigeria, and across Africa use buying agents to shop from 1688. Shipping typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on the method.

**Is there a minimum order on 1688?**

It depends on the seller. Some sellers have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 1 piece, while others require 10 or more. Always check before ordering.

**How long does delivery take from 1688 to Ghana?**

With economy shipping, expect 4–8 weeks. With express shipping (DHL/FedEx), it can arrive in 1–2 weeks.

**Are the products on 1688 original?**

1688 has both branded and unbranded products. Many products are the same factory goods sold on other platforms at higher prices. Always read reviews and check seller ratings.

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## Final Thoughts

Shopping from 1688.com can save you a lot of money, especially if you are a reseller or small business owner. The key is to use a trusted buying agent, compare sellers carefully, and be patient with shipping times.

Start small with your first order, test the quality, and then scale up once you're comfortable with the process.

**Have questions about shopping from 1688? Drop a comment below and I'll help you out!**

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