A plain-English explanation of the Chinese wholesale marketplace, how it works, and how international buyers pay suppliers.
What is 1688? It is Alibaba Group’s China-focused wholesale marketplace, connecting buyers with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers at wholesale prices. This guide explains what 1688 is, how it differs from Alibaba, whether people outside China can buy from it, and the practical question every seller asks next: how do you actually pay the supplier?
Key Takeaways
- 1688 is a domestic Chinese wholesale marketplace owned by Alibaba Group, built mainly for buyers sourcing directly from manufacturers and suppliers inside China.
- 1688 usually shows lower wholesale prices than international platforms because it serves China’s home market, though the site runs in Chinese and quotes prices in CNY.
- Foreigners can source from 1688, but account setup, language, and supplier payment often need extra steps compared with an international marketplace.
- Paying 1688 suppliers from outside China is the main hurdle, since suppliers expect payment in Chinese yuan (CNY) through local channels.
- WorldFirst supports CNY supplier payments for buyers in Nigeria and Kenya, giving sourcing businesses a direct way to pay 1688 suppliers.
What Is 1688 and How Does It Work?
1688 is Alibaba Group’s wholesale marketplace built for China’s domestic market. It connects buyers with Chinese manufacturers, wholesalers, and trading companies, and it lists products at wholesale prices in Chinese yuan (CNY, China’s currency). The site runs almost entirely in Chinese.¹
For an e-commerce seller sourcing goods for resale, this matters because 1688 sits closer to the factory than most international platforms. You browse suppliers, agree quantities and prices, then arrange payment and shipping. Because it is aimed at buyers inside China, the buying journey assumes you can read Chinese, pay in CNY, and handle local logistics, which is where international buyers usually need support.
What Is 1688 Used For?
1688 is used mainly for wholesale sourcing straight from Chinese suppliers. Sellers use it to buy stock at volume prices and then resell locally or on international marketplaces.
Common use cases include:
- Wholesale sourcing of products in bulk at lower unit prices.
- Finding manufacturers and suppliers rather than resellers.
- Buying products for resale on platforms like Jumia, Amazon, or Temu.
- Testing products with smaller orders before scaling.
- Ongoing product sourcing for a growing e-commerce business.
A Nigerian online seller, for example, might find a phone-accessory supplier on 1688, order a trial batch, and list the products for resale once they arrive.
What Is the Difference Between Alibaba and 1688?
The simplest difference: Alibaba.com serves international buyers, while 1688 serves China’s domestic market. Both belong to Alibaba Group, but they target different audiences and run differently.
| Feature |
1688 |
Alibaba.com |
| Primary market |
China domestic buyers |
International buyers |
| Typical buyer |
Chinese wholesalers, resellers |
Overseas importers |
| Product sourcing |
Direct from manufacturers, wholesalers |
Manufacturers, trading companies, exporters |
| Pricing |
Often lower, domestic wholesale in CNY |
Often higher, export-oriented |
| Language |
Chinese |
English and other languages |
| International payment |
Set up for CNY, local channels |
Set up for international payment methods |
Note: Features and availability may vary by region and are subject to change. Always verify current offerings directly with each provider before making a decision.
Alibaba.com is built for cross-border trade, so it supports English and international payment methods.² 1688 can offer lower prices because it skips the export layer, but the trade-off is a Chinese-language site and payment expectations aimed at domestic buyers. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your language ability, order size, and how you plan to pay.
Can Foreigners Buy From 1688?
Yes, buyers outside China can source from 1688, but the experience differs from using an international marketplace. The platform assumes a Chinese-speaking buyer with a local payment method, so international buyers usually need to solve for three things: language, account access, and payment.
Language is the first barrier, as listings, supplier chat, and product specifications are in Chinese. Many buyers use browser translation or a sourcing partner to communicate. Account setup can also require Chinese verification details. The biggest practical issue, though, is payment, because suppliers expect CNY through channels built for the domestic market. That payment gap is what this guide focuses on below.
Can You Trust 1688 Suppliers?
1688 hosts genuine manufacturers and wholesalers alongside less reliable sellers, so trust comes from doing your own checks rather than assuming. Treat supplier selection the same way you would for any large purchase.
Practical steps to source more safely:
- Check supplier information, including how long the shop has operated and its transaction history where shown.
- Review product details, photos, and specifications carefully.
- Communicate your requirements clearly and confirm them in writing.
- Request samples before committing to a large order.
- Start with a smaller first order to test quality and reliability.
- Confirm shipping terms and product requirements before you pay.
No marketplace can promise that every supplier is trustworthy, and no single payment method removes all risk. Careful verification and a small first order are your strongest protections.
How Do You Pay Suppliers on 1688 From Outside China?
Paying a 1688 supplier is the point where many international sellers get stuck. Suppliers expect payment in CNY through China’s domestic channels, which are not built for someone paying from abroad.
Because of this, many buyers rely on agents or middlemen to settle payments on their behalf. That adds a layer of cost, a commission, and another party who holds your money and handles your order details. It also reduces your control and visibility over the transaction. The alternative is to use a payments provider that can send CNY directly to the supplier, so you deal with the supplier yourself and avoid stacking extra intermediaries into the process.
How WorldFirst Can Help With 1688 Payments
WorldFirst is a payments provider that supports CNY supplier payments for buyers in Nigeria and Kenya, giving sourcing businesses a direct way to pay 1688 suppliers. Rather than routing money through an agent, you can pay the supplier from your own multi-currency account.
At a high level, the process works like this: you open a business account, add funds, convert to CNY, and send the payment to your 1688 supplier. WorldFirst supports payment into 1688 and CNY supplier payments through its 1688 and World Pay tools and its supplier payments to China function. WorldFirst is backed by Ant International (part of Ant Group), and holds funds through safeguarding arrangements rather than operating as a bank.
Registration requires standard business verification (KYC) and supporting business documents, so have your company details ready. CNY supplier payment is available for buyers in Nigeria and Kenya, and using Convert lets you move between currencies in your account before you pay.
What Should You Check Before Buying From 1688?
Before you place an order, run through a short sourcing checklist so you understand the full commitment, not just the listed price.
- Supplier credentials and shop history.
- Minimum order quantity (MOQ), the smallest number of units a supplier will sell.
- Unit price and any tiered pricing for larger volumes.
- Full product specifications, in writing.
- Sample quality before a bulk order.
- Shipping arrangements and delivery timelines.
- Import requirements and documentation for your country.
- Total landed cost, not just the product price.
Product price is not the same as total landed cost. Shipping, duties, taxes, and other import charges all add to what you finally pay, so factor them in before deciding whether an order makes sense.
Is 1688 Suitable for African E-commerce Sellers?
1688 can suit sellers who want wholesale Chinese products and have the capacity to manage international sourcing. It works best when you can handle language barriers, arrange shipping, and pay suppliers reliably.
It may be a strong fit if you sell physical products and buy in enough volume to benefit from wholesale pricing. A seller in Nigeria sourcing accessories for resale on Jumia, or a Kenyan business importing stock for an online store, can use 1688 to reach factory-level pricing. It is less suitable if you need very small quantities, cannot manage Chinese-language communication, or lack a dependable way to pay suppliers and clear imports. Weigh your operational capacity honestly before committing.
FAQs
What is 1688 used for?
1688 is used for wholesale sourcing directly from Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Sellers buy products in bulk at wholesale prices, then resell them locally or on international marketplaces. It is popular for finding suppliers, testing products with small orders, and building a repeatable sourcing pipeline for an e-commerce business.
What is the difference between Alibaba and 1688?
The main difference is the target market. Alibaba.com serves international buyers with English support and export-oriented pricing, while 1688 serves China’s domestic market in Chinese, often at lower wholesale prices. Both are owned by Alibaba Group, but 1688 usually needs more effort from foreign buyers around language and payment.
Can foreigners buy from 1688?
Yes, foreigners can buy from 1688, though the process differs from an international marketplace. Listings and supplier chat are in Chinese, account setup can need verification, and suppliers expect payment in CNY. Many international buyers use translation tools and a payments provider that supports CNY supplier payments to complete the purchase directly.
Can I trust 1688 suppliers?
1688 has reliable and less reliable suppliers, so verify before you buy. Check the supplier’s history and transaction record, review specifications carefully, request samples, and start with a small order. No marketplace can guarantee every supplier, but careful checks and a small trial order reduce your risk considerably.
How do I pay a 1688 supplier from abroad?
Suppliers on 1688 usually expect CNY through China’s domestic channels. Buyers outside China often pay through an agent or use a payments provider that sends CNY directly to the supplier. Paying directly keeps you in control of the transaction and avoids adding an extra middleman to your order.
Conclusion
Now you know what 1688 is: Alibaba Group’s Chinese wholesale marketplace, built for buyers sourcing directly from manufacturers. The opportunity is real wholesale pricing, and the practical challenge is paying suppliers in CNY from abroad. Solving the payment step, with proper supplier checks and a clear view of total landed cost, is what turns 1688 from a browsing exercise into a working sourcing channel.
Sources
- https://www.alibabagroup.com/en-US/about-alibaba-businesses
- https://www.alibaba.com/
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.
