Customized logistics solutions, Shipping from China to the World
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English
For global cross-border e-commerce sellers, wholesalers, buyers, and retailers doing business with China, 1688.com is a website you are highly likely to encounter. As China's largest wholesale marketplace—launched in 1999, the same year as Alibaba—it has successfully migrated millions of Chinese factories from offline operations to the digital realm. This transition makes it easier for Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to connect with one another, thereby facilitating highly efficient procurement processes.
Today, 1688.com serves as a core channel for both domestic and international buyers sourcing goods from China. Sourcing from 1688.com offers the following key advantages:
A Vast Network of Source Factories and High-Quality Suppliers: Access to an immense pool of direct manufacturers and reliable vendors.
Comprehensive Product Categories: Coverage across all types of goods (you can even find every individual component required to assemble a complete product).
Exceptional Value for Money: Highly competitive pricing, as goods are shipped directly from source factories with no intermediaries involved.
Extremely Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): For certain items, orders can be placed for as little as a single unit; even at these low volumes, prices remain significantly lower than those found on other Chinese e-commerce platforms.
Flexible and Robust Customization Capabilities: Leveraging China's powerful manufacturing infrastructure, you can commission high-quality, customized products tailored specifically to your brand.
While sourcing from 1688.com is highly worthwhile, foreign buyers may still encounter several specific challenges:
Language Barriers: 1688.com is designed primarily for Chinese domestic buyers; it lacks built-in translation features, the user interface is entirely in Chinese, and customer support is conducted almost exclusively in Chinese.
Cross-Border Payment Restrictions: Although 1688.com offers a cross-border payment solution ("Kuajingbao") for major corporate clients, the eligibility requirements remain too high for most SMEs. Consequently, the most common payment method for foreign buyers is to route payments through a Chinese freight forwarder or intermediary.
International Logistics and Customs Clearance: Ensuring that goods are transported to your doorstep safely, on time, and at a low cost is paramount. Delays and fines incurred during customs clearance can significantly erode your profit margins—and no one wants to put in all that effort only to end up empty-handed.
Supplier Vetting: It is crucial to select a freight forwarder who acts as a guardian of your profits. They can assist you in verifying supplier credentials, conducting on-site factory inspections, and rigorously checking the quality and quantity of the products supplied.
After-Sales Support and Assurance: Your freight forwarder can facilitate returns or exchanges for any missing items or defective products before your shipment leaves China. Additionally, they can reinforce your product packaging (as standard supplier packaging is often designed only for domestic transit and provides insufficient protection for international shipping).
Fortunately, to facilitate the growth of its cross-border business, 1688 Official has already introduced a comprehensive set of solutions.
Mobile Devices
Download the "1688 Global" app. This application features user interfaces available in major languages—including English, Russian, and Spanish—and supports multilingual customer service communication as well as price estimates displayed in local currencies.
Desktop Computers
Download the "1688 AIBUY" browser extension. This plugin utilizes AI to provide real-time translation of web pages, image content, and customer chat conversations. It also features a one-click image recognition tool that allows you to search for identical or similar products.
Alternatively, you can translate 1688 web pages using the built-in translation features found in mainstream browsers such as Chrome or Edge. However, please note that this method does not translate text embedded within images.
There are two primary, compliant methods for registering a 1688 account:
If you already possess an Alibaba International (Alibaba.com) or Alipay account, you can log in directly by linking your existing credentials.
Overseas buyers may register a personal account by verifying their identity via a verification code sent to their mobile phone number.
1. If you do not receive the verification code, please check your spam/junk folder or try sending the code again using a different mobile number or at a different time.
2. Account risk control issues are the most common problem encountered by buyers. It is crucial to maintain a stable network connection; avoid frequently switching IP addresses or using public Wi-Fi networks.
There are two primary methods for shipping goods from 1688:
Partner with a Freight Forwarder: A freight forwarder can provide warehousing services to receive shipments from your various suppliers, consolidate the goods, and transport them to your final destination via air, rail, sea, road, or multimodal transport.
Work with a Sourcing Agent: An agent offers more than just shipping and warehousing services; they can also assist you in sourcing suppliers, procuring goods, providing quality inspection reports, and conducting on-site supplier visits to ensure more rigorous checks on product quality and quantity.
Both options allow for third-party payment to your suppliers. VIPUTRANS offers both of these shipping services for goods originating from 1688.
With its comprehensive selection of high-quality and cost-effective products, 1688 attracts a vast number of buyers; whether for individuals or businesses, sourcing from 1688 is a profitable endeavor. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the 1688 shopping process to assist buyers looking to make purchases on the platform.
Translate your procurement requirements into precise Chinese keywords, and select filters such as "Verified Suppliers," "In-depth Factory Audits," "Buyer Protection," and "7-Day No-Reason Returns." This allows you to effectively screen for and identify high-quality suppliers.
Suppliers exhibiting the following characteristics are generally more trustworthy:
Established History: A long-standing company history and operational track record.
Valid Licensing: A valid and compliant business license.
Positive Reputation: Favorable reviews and platform badges (specifically, suppliers holding a 3A-level badge or higher).
High Repurchase Rate: An exceptionally high rate of repeat business (20% or greater)—indicating a high level of buyer loyalty and satisfaction.
Cross-Border Logistics Experience: Suppliers with prior experience in international shipping are a significant plus.
Regulatory Compliance: Possession of relevant compliance certifications (e.g., CE, FDA, UKCA, etc.).
Distinguishing Between Manufacturers and Trading Companies
When selecting a supplier, it is crucial to differentiate between manufacturers and trading companies:
Manufacturers: Offer lower pricing and possess greater capabilities for product customization.
Trading Companies: Provide a wider variety of product categories and typically have lower Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs).
Selecting a supplier with a business model that aligns with your specific needs will directly impact the flexibility of your orders, the standards of quality control, and the overall smoothness of logistics and customs clearance processes.
All communications with suppliers must take place exclusively via the official 1688 Wangwang chat platform; these records serve as valid evidence for resolving any post-sales disputes. Ensure you clarify the following key issues with the supplier:
Core Product Parameters: Specifications, materials, dimensions, and compliance certifications.
Procurement Details: Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), tiered pricing structure, lead time, and whether mixed-batch orders are accepted.
Customization Requirements: Availability of logo printing, custom packaging, associated customization fees, product modifications, etc.
Logistics and After-Sales Support: Domestic shipping transit times, warranty policies, and procedures for returns and exchanges.
Whether you are an individual buyer or a corporate purchaser, you will need to collaborate with a freight forwarder or sourcing agent to transport goods to your home country.
A professional freight forwarder or sourcing agent can assist you by:
Making payments in RMB to suppliers on your behalf;
Leveraging proficiency in both English and Chinese to facilitate effective communication with suppliers, while ensuring their export documentation and packaging meet required standards;
Providing quality inspection services and facilitating the return or exchange of defective goods;
Offering warehousing services to consolidate your shipments;
Arranging additional insurance coverage, reinforced packaging, and wooden crating;
Providing video and photo reports of your goods;
Handling domestic transportation, export customs clearance, tax payments, and door-to-door delivery.
For large-scale corporate purchases, you can use Cross-Border Bao for business bank transfers. Individual buyers and those making small-batch purchases can use Alipay International or international credit card transfers supported by 1688 (though the transaction fees are relatively high).
If the above options are difficult or unsuitable for you, using a purchasing agent to make the payment on your behalf is the best choice, but please note the following points:
Verify that they hold a valid business licence
Ensure they have a good reputation
Sign a formal service agreement
Clarify the fee structure and division of responsibilities
Avoid private, unofficial payment arrangements
At this stage, you have already purchased and paid for your goods. You now require a warehouse to receive shipments from your various suppliers and to provide services such as storage, cargo consolidation, repacking, and labeling. This is when you select a reliable freight forwarder to handle these tasks on your behalf.
Their core services include:
Express shipment receipt
Quantity verification and quality inspection
Unboxing and inspection
Video and photo reporting
Consolidated packaging
Free storage
Reinforced packaging for international shipping
Handling replacements for defective or missing items from suppliers
The official 1688 Cainiao Warehouse also offers cargo consolidation and shipping services, though it primarily focuses on the transportation of small parcels.
Cainiao Official Consolidated Shipping operates on a standardized shipping model suitable only for small, general-category parcels. It caters primarily to C2C and small B2B buyers in destination countries where customs clearance is straightforward, and is unable to accommodate complex supply chain requirements. Cainiao Consolidated Shipping is subject to the following limitations:
Limited shipping methods
Low capacity to handle special or sensitive goods
Absence of customized services (e.g., DDP)
Lack of dedicated professional customer support and limited risk management capabilities
Select a professional logistics provider or procurement agent to handle the transportation of your goods. A professional freight forwarder can offer comprehensive, one-stop logistics services—covering everything from shipping from China and export customs declarations to import clearance, tax payments, and door-to-door delivery.
| Mode of Transport | Cost | Transit Time | Suitable Cargo |
Full Container Load (FCL) Sea Freight | $2,400–$4,500 (20GP container) $3,300–$5,000 (40HQ container); | Standard Shipping: 25–45 days Express Shipping: 20–40 days | Suitable for shipments with sufficient volume to fill an entire container, particularly for cargo that is not time-sensitive. |
Sea Freight LCL | $65–$220 per cubic meter | 30–50 days | Suitable for small-batch shipments ranging from 2 to 13 cubic meters, for those seeking to minimize logistics costs to the absolute limit. |
Air Freight | $4–$8 per kilogram | 3–8 days | Suitable for urgent shipments, high-value cargo, and time-critical goods. |
International Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | $4.50–$11.00 per kilogram | 3–5 days | Transport for urgent documents and small-scale cargo requiring high value and time-critical handling. |
Mode of Transport | Cost | Transit Time | Suitable Cargo |
Full Container Load (FCL) Sea Freight | $2,900–$4,000 (20GP container) $4,300–$7,000 (40HQ container); | 35–50 days | Suitable for small-to-medium batch stocking—specifically for shipments falling short of a full container load—and ideal for replenishment cycles of approximately 45 days. |
Sea Freight LCL | $150–$260 per cubic meter | 40–55 days | The lowest-cost solution for long-term inventory stocking of massive batches of low-value goods and bulk trade orders. |
Air Freight | $4.50 to $9.00 per kilogram | 5–15 days | Time-sensitive, medium-to-high-value cargo; replenishment of e-commerce goods. |
International Express (DHL/UPS/FedEx) | $5 to $11 per kilogram | 3–8 days | Urgent Cargo, Samples, Rush Orders, High-Value Goods |
Rail LCL (Less than Container Load) | $120–$220 per cubic meter | 22–30 days | Suitable for shipments requiring a balance between cost and transit time, and not exceeding 15 cubic meters. |
Full Container Load (FCL) Rail Transport | $4000–$5,000 (20GP container) $5,600–$9,000 (40HQ container) | 18-25 days | For large-volume shipments of sensitive goods (containing batteries or magnets) and heavy-weight cargo, the stability of customs clearance via rail is superior to that of sea freight. |
Road Transport | $1 to $5 per kilogram | 15-25days | Suitable for landlocked European countries, for shipments where transshipment is minimal, and a transit time falling between air and rail transport is desired. |
Once your shipment arrives in the destination country, the customs clearance and tax payment process begins. Prompt, compliant, and accurate payment of duties—and the subsequent clearance through customs—is the key to ensuring your goods are delivered safely and on time.
Improper handling of this process may result in additional fees, fines, the seizure of goods, or even their destruction.
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Bill of Lading
Tax ID
HS Code
Importer Security Filing (ISF) — Sea Freight Only
Customs Bond
Power of Attorney for Customs Entry
CBP Forms: Customs Release and Entry Summary
Product Compliance Documentation (FCC, FDA, CPSIA Certifications)
EORI Number
T1 Transit Declaration
IOSS Number (for parcels valued at €150 or less)
Product Certification Documentation (CE Certification, RoHS Certificate, REACH Compliance)
Virtually all countries determine the applicable tax rates and types based on the Harmonized System (HS) codes of the goods.
Import Tariffs
Section 301 Tariffs
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)
Customs Bond
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Other Handling Fees (EORI Registration Fee and Inspection Fees)
For individual buyers or businesses importing goods for the first time, DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping is the optimal choice.
Your freight forwarder assumes responsibility for transporting the goods from the supplier's warehouse directly to your final destination. They possess a specialized team and the requisite experience to handle all associated matters—including customs clearance, transportation logistics, and tax payments—while allowing you to gradually gain experience in the import process.
Conversely, for large-scale enterprises or businesses with extensive prior experience importing from China, FOB (Free on Board) or EXW (Ex Works) terms are typically preferred. These arrangements enable them to retain greater control over their logistics supply chain and secure a larger share of the profit margins.
The rougher the seas, the higher the price of fish. Sourcing goods from 1688 can be highly profitable, yet it also entails numerous risks—primarily due to the differences in business customs, language, and culture between the two countries.
Some suppliers attract customers with low prices but ship products that do not match the description—potentially inferior goods—or even falsely claim to have shipped the order.
Solution: Find a reliable agent to inspect the quality and verify the quantity of the goods on your behalf. You can also request samples from the supplier before placing an order, or sign an agreement stipulating that the final payment will be released only after the goods have arrived and been verified as correct.
Delays may primarily be caused by the following factors:
A mismatch between the supplier's production capacity and the volume of orders.
A shortage of raw materials;
Overcrowding at freight warehouses.
Obstacles encountered during customs clearance.
Proposed Solution: Select a factory with production capacity that aligns with your shipment volume; small factories are unable to handle large orders, while small orders placed with large companies are prone to production delays.
Choose a logistics partner with expertise in international shipping, warehousing, and integrated cargo management. Additionally, build in a buffer period to allow for contingencies.
Branded products must be accompanied by the necessary authorization; failure to obtain such authorization may result in the following consequences:
Triggering of customs inspections regarding intellectual property rights
Imposition of fines, freezing of funds, or suspension of platform accounts
Confiscation of goods
Mitigation Strategies: Request that your freight forwarder verify whether the product names in question correspond to branded goods and confirm the existence of corporate authorization. Additionally, ensure that the contract explicitly defines the liabilities associated with intellectual property infringement.
Many suppliers in China lack experience in international trade. Although their products may be of high quality, language barriers and a lack of experience often lead to numerous errors when communicating with buyers and freight forwarders, as well as during the shipping and documentation processes.
Solution: Select a freight forwarder or supplier to assist you in communicating with your vendor. Leveraging their local expertise, they can help ensure that all necessary documentation is completed and properly filled out.
Tiered Negotiation: While 1688 features fixed tiered pricing, if your order volume falls between standard tiers, you can still negotiate with suppliers to secure exclusive, customized pricing.
Off-Peak Procurement: During peak seasons, supplier production capacity is often strained, leading to price hikes. Strategically schedule your procurement to avoid the peak periods for both suppliers and shipping carriers.
Long-Term Partnerships: Placing large, consistent orders as part of a long-term partnership will undoubtedly enable you to negotiate more favorable rates with both your suppliers and freight forwarders.
Price Locking: Fluctuations in raw material costs can trigger price increases. Proactively consult with your suppliers and freight forwarders to track the latest market trends and lock in your pricing.
Platform Promotions: Take advantage of the platform's major promotional campaigns and subsidies, which can result in significant savings on your overall procurement costs.
An Amazon furniture retailer utilized 1688 for their entire procurement and logistics chain. This strategy boosted their profit margins by 25.8%. Although the average delivery time increased from 12 days to 22 days, by proactively stocking inventory, they successfully improved their overall inventory turnover efficiency.
This company sourced a supplier on 1688 capable of providing custom-branded gift boxes, allowing them to create exclusive packaging designs. Their products were well-received by the market, leading to a surge in orders and a 24.4% increase in profits.
Facing issues with low profit margins, this client switched to sourcing mobile phone accessories through 1688. By leveraging 1688's end-to-end logistics services, they secured more competitive pricing, resulting in a 6.8% increase in their profit margins.
VIPUTRANS, a reliable freight forwarder, offers professional, dependable, and customized procurement and shipping services for goods sourced from 1688. We provide a comprehensive, end-to-end procurement solution for 1688 orders—covering sourcing, warehousing, cargo consolidation, transportation, export declarations, customs clearance, tax payments, and door-to-door delivery.
The professional assistance we can provide includes:
1. Sourcing, making payments to suppliers on your behalf, and cargo pickup.
2. Handling all domestic Chinese documentation, including export declarations.
3. Complimentary warehousing, cargo consolidation, packaging, labeling, cargo reinforcement, and optional supplementary insurance.
4. Professional and cost-effective air, sea, rail, and road freight services.
5. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) door-to-door shipping, encompassing every stage of the transportation process—including customs clearance and the payment of all applicable taxes and duties.
Connect with VIPUTRANS experts. Get exclusive shipping solutions for cost and supply chain optimization!
For both cross-border e-commerce players and traditional enterprises, the ability to ensure supply chain compliance and security is gradually emerging as a primary competitive differentiator.
To achieve long-term growth, enterprises must prioritize regulatory compliance and refined management. Only by thoroughly understanding every critical node—from sourcing via 1688 to final delivery in overseas markets—and by effectively managing risks while optimizing costs, can companies establish core competitive barriers within this fierce market landscape and realize sustainable, long-term profitability.
Yes, 1688 features 14 independent country-specific sites and one global site, covering major markets such as the United States, Russia, South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Yes, 1688 supports shipping to the United States. The platform offers dedicated U.S. logistics lines, international express services, DDP services, and more. If there are no official shipping channels available for your specific country, you can arrange shipping by collaborating with a freight forwarder or a purchasing agent.
Sensitive goods—such as food, cosmetics, medical devices, products containing batteries, liquids, powders, and branded items—may face clearance difficulties. It is advisable to consult with your logistics service provider regarding the feasibility of shipping these items before making your purchase.
It ranges from 1 unit to 10,000 units. 1688 offers flexible purchasing quantities, allowing for small-batch orders for trial sales.
Communicate proactively with logistics providers to understand transit times and costs.
Opt for small-batch purchases.
Retain transaction records and communication logs.
Keep shipping costs to no more than 15% of the total cost.
Avoid fragile items and sensitive goods.
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