1688.com is China’s largest wholesale marketplace, and the fastest way to pay suppliers on it, connecting businesses with wholesale manufacturers in China across nearly every industry imaginable.
If you’re launching a new product, starting or growing 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 B2B wholesale platforms, owned by Alibaba Group. It connects manufacturers and wholesalers directly with buyers across dozens of industries and more than 1,700 product categories, from electronics and textiles to packaging, homeware and toys.
1688.com vs Alibaba.com: what is the difference?
Alibaba.com is built for international buyers and trades in English and US dollars. 1688.com serves the domestic Chinese market, which usually means lower wholesale prices, more product variety and direct access to the original factories. The trade-off is that 1688 is in Chinese and built around local payment methods.
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
To pay a 1688 supplier from Malaysia, open a free World Account, convert your funds to CNH, link your 1688 account to World Pay, and choose World Pay at checkout. The payment comes straight from your CNH balance and reaches your supplier in China, usually within one to two business days.
World Pay (跨境宝) is the official cross-border payment solution of 1688.com, created by Ant Group and 1688.com and powered by WorldFirst. It lets you pay suppliers directly, in the local currency, without a Chinese bank account or a third-party agent.
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.
What does World Pay cost?
World Pay keeps pricing transparent. You pay a low fee per transaction when you settle 1688 orders from your CNH balance, and 1688 charges a small platform fee of 0.2%. There are no caps on your business payments, so you can scale your orders as you grow. For the exact rate that applies to your account, check the World Pay fee breakdown in your WorldFirst dashboard or help centre before you confirm an 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.
Ready to source from 1688?
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.
Open your free World Account today and pay 1688 suppliers directly in CNH, securely and at competitive rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1688 safe for international buyers?
Yes, when you take the usual precautions. Vet suppliers by their reviews, transaction history and export readiness, order a sample first, and confirm terms in writing. Paying through World Pay adds a further layer of safety, since funds move through 1688’s secured transaction system rather than an unofficial transfer.
How much does it cost to pay 1688 suppliers with World Pay?
World Pay charges a low, transparent fee per transaction, and 1688 adds a small platform fee of 0.2%. There are no caps on your payments. Check your WorldFirst dashboard for the exact rate that applies to your account.
How long do 1688 payments take?
Most World Pay payments reach your supplier within one to two business days, and you can track every payment from your WorldFirst dashboard.
Can I use 1688 if I do not read Chinese?
Yes. Use your browser’s translate function to read the site in English, and search by uploading a product image or pasting the Chinese name of what you need.
Do I need a sourcing agent to buy from 1688?
No. Agents used to be the only way overseas buyers could pay Chinese suppliers, but World Pay lets you pay directly. You can still use an agent for communication or quality control if you prefer, but you no longer need one just to make payment.
Is 1688 cheaper than Alibaba?
Often, yes. Because 1688 serves China’s domestic market and connects you to the original factories, prices and minimum order quantities are usually lower than on Alibaba.com. The trade-off is that the platform is in Chinese and built for local payment methods, which World Pay solves.
Do I need an Alipay account to use World Pay?
Your 1688 account needs to be linked to an Alipay account registered in Mainland China and to have completed Alipay identity verification. If your 1688 account was previously linked to an Alipay International or Business account, unbind it first, then authorise it to your World Account.
Can I pay 1688 suppliers without a Chinese bank account?
Yes, that is the whole point of World Pay. You pay from your World Account’s CNH balance and your supplier receives RMB in China, with no Chinese bank account needed on your side.
