1688.com is Alibaba's wholesale platform for the domestic Chinese market, which is why it offers factory prices: 1688 sellers work with Chinese buyers, not foreigners. For WB and Ozon sellers, this is the primary source of goods: millions of items, purchasing from a single unit from many suppliers, and domestic shipping within 1–3 days.
Why 1688 instead of retail platforms
- prices are lower than on Chinese retail platforms because it is wholesale
- large suppliers provide fapiao, which means a tax deduction of 2,500 ¥ for every 100,000 ¥ of turnover: why this document is so important
- supplier ratings and history are visible in their profile, making it easy to filter for reliable ones
- many items are available from 1–2 units, allowing you to order samples and work on a made-to-order basis
How to structure your procurement
- search: by photo (screenshot of a competitor's product), by Chinese keywords, or by category
- supplier filtering: history of 2–3+ years, high rating, and verified manufacturer status
- samples from 2–3 suppliers: spending dozens of yuan saves thousands
- negotiations: price based on volume, lead times, packaging; using a translator works for correspondence, use a partner for complex issues
- payment and delivery to fulfillment: 1–3 days from almost any region
1688 as a storefront without a warehouse
"Made-to-order" model: WB/Ozon listings are created based on the 1688 assortment, with procurement occurring after a customer order. Investment in inventory is zero, and dead stock is eliminated: how it works economically. The MarketBridge platform automatically transfers products from 1688 to your listing, including translations and specifications.
What to include in your pricing
- procurement + delivery to fulfillment (a few yuan per unit)
- fulfillment services per unit
- platform logistics: WB / Ozon
- category commission: WB / Ozon
- taxes ~6% and a buffer for exchange rate fluctuations — pricing formula
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Chinese bank account to buy on 1688?
For systematic procurement, yes; paying from a corporate account provides documentation and tax deductions. Samples at the start can be purchased through intermediaries, but it is more expensive and lacks fapiao.
How to communicate with a supplier without knowing Chinese?
The built-in 1688 chat + a translator covers standard negotiations: price, lead times, and packaging. Terms are repetitive, and you can master a vocabulary of twenty phrases in a week.
Why should I choose 1688 over retail platforms for my business?
1688 offers lower wholesale prices and allows you to purchase items in small quantities starting from 1-2 units. Additionally, you can access supplier ratings and history to ensure reliability and obtain fapiao for tax deductions.
How can I find reliable suppliers on 1688?
You should filter suppliers based on a history of 2-3 years or more, a high rating, and verified manufacturer status. Checking for store history, repeat purchase rates, and production photos helps eliminate most potential problems.
Can I run a store on WB or Ozon without keeping inventory?
Yes, you can use a made-to-order model where you list products from 1688 and only procure them after a customer places an order. This approach requires zero investment in inventory and eliminates the risk of dead stock.
What costs should I factor into my pricing strategy?
Your pricing should include procurement costs, delivery to fulfillment, fulfillment services per unit, and platform logistics for WB or Ozon. You must also account for category commissions, taxes of approximately 6%, and a buffer for exchange rate fluctuations.
- Listing and infographic generation
- Live price calculator
- Publishing to WB and Ozon