What Is 1688.com? How To Find & Pay Suppliers On 1688.com
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anja
Clare Shi
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Key takeaways
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re sourcing products from China, chances are you’ve heard of 1688.com. As a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, it’s one of China’s largest B2B marketplaces, connecting businesses with wholesale manufacturers in China across nearly every industry imaginable.
If you’re launching a new product, starting a dropshipping business, or simply seeking more affordable inventory for your store, 1688.com is a powerful platform to help you scale. And with WorldFirst as the official cross-border payment partner of 1688.com, making secure and cost-effective payments has never been easier.
What is 1688.com and what is 1688 all about?
1688.com is one of China’s largest wholesale sourcing platforms, connecting manufacturers and suppliers directly with businesses. While Alibaba.com is designed for both Chinese and international buyers, 1688.com mainly serves the domestic Chinese market — which often means lower wholesale prices, more product variety, and access to local factories.
For overseas businesses asking how to buy from 1688 as a foreigner, there is also global.1688.com, where international buyers can find verified suppliers who accept overseas orders. This global version of 1688 features lower minimum order quantities (MOQs), international shipping options, and more flexible payment methods. Whether you’re sourcing for ecommerce, wholesale, or dropshipping, learning how to find reliable 1688 suppliers and how to pay them securely is key to making the most of this powerful platform.
How to register on 1688.com
You can register for a 1688.com account in two ways:
Method 1: Via Taobao (mobile)
- Register for a Taobao account (if you don’t already have one)
- Use your Taobao login on the 1688.com app—it’s automatically linked
Method 2: Directly on 1688.com (PC)
- Visit www.1688.com
- Click 免费注册 (Sign Up for Free)
- Fill in your details (name, mobile number, password)
- Click 同意并注册 (Agree and Register)
- Verify via OTP
- Submit and log in
Finding and sourcing from 1688 suppliers
With thousands of product categories across 16 major industries, direct sourcing from China via 1688.com is efficient and cost-effective.
Sourcing tips:
- Use filters like 商品分类 (Categories), 24小时发货 (24-Hour Shipping), and 实力商家 (Trusted Sellers)
- Confirm product specs, MOQ, shipping, and customisation options
- Always save chat logs as proof in case of disputes
If you’re new to China sourcing or face language barriers, you may benefit from hiring a 1688 sourcing agent. They can help with communication, quality control, shipping coordination, and negotiating with suppliers.
Verifying supplier reliability
Before committing to a large order, check the supplier’s:
- Number of years active on 1688.com
- Buyer reviews and ratings
- Return and response rates
- Certifications and export readiness
- Transaction history
- Buyer protection terms
Pro tip: Order a sample first, confirm all terms in writing, and screenshot chats or receipts for your records.
World Pay (跨境宝): Pay your 1688 suppliers securely
World Pay is an integrated payment solution in the WorldFirst account, designed for easy and secure supplier payments to sourcing platforms 1688.com and TaoWorld.
Why use WorldFirst to pay 1688.com suppliers?
As 1688’s official payment partner, WorldFirst allows you to:
- Pay in CNH, directly to suppliers: Settle orders in the local currency without extra steps or workarounds
- Manage your payments in one place: Connect your 1688,com account and pay directly from your WorldFirst dashboard
- Stay compliant: Avoid the risks of unofficial transfers and ensure your payments are recognised by 1688.com
- Protect every order: Enjoy buyer protection via 1688.com’s escrow system
- Scale easily: No caps on your B2B payments, so you can increase your orders as your business grows
How to pay 1688.com suppliers via WorldFirst
Here’s how to pay 1688.com suppliers:
- Register for a WorldFirst account
- In your dashboard, go to Payments > World Pay
- Select “View details and sign up for 1688.com”
- Authorise your 1688.com ID
- Link your 1688.com Malaysia account to WorldFirst
How to fund your account
- In your WorldFirst dashboard, create a CNH (Chinese Yuan Offshore) receiving account
- Convert funds from any currency you hold to CNH
- At checkout, choose World Pay as your payment option
- WorldFirst completes the payment through 1688.com’s system
Sourcing checklist and payment tips
Before you click “Buy,” ensure the following:
- Product specs, quantities and pricing have been confirmed in writing
- Shipping terms have been clarified
- Supplier is verified
- You hold sufficient CNH in your account
- You have all the receipts and screenshots for reference
Pro tip: To avoid payment delays, make sure your CNH currency account has enough funds before confirming your order.
Why choose WorldFirst for supplier payments to 1688.com?
Whether you’re dropshipping, sourcing inventory, or launching your first import business, WorldFirst helps you pay suppliers easily, securely and at great rates.
Key benefits include:
- Fast, reliable payments to keep your stock moving
- Competitive FX rates when converting funds
- Seamless checkout on 1688.com to pay suppliers in a few clicks
- Payment protection – funds are released only when supplier obligations are met
- Dedicated support for 1688 supplier payments
Sourcing without the confusion
1688.com is a game-changer for businesses sourcing from wholesale manufacturers in China. But without the right payment tools, you could face unnecessary currency conversion costs, payment delays or even rejected transfers.
💡 Want to go deeper? We’ve cracked 1688 with all the tips and tricks you need.
👉 Download our free step by step sourcing guide to become a pro at finding suppliers.
With WorldFirst, you get a trusted way to pay in CNH directly from your World Account, making your 1688 sourcing journey smooth and secure from start to finish. Register for a World Account today.
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