How to buy products from 1688 to New Zealand?
Last updated: 11 Aug 2025
Learn how Kiwi businesses can buy products from China’s biggest B2B marketplace, 1688.com—with tips on account setup, payments, suppliers, and shipping.
Key takeaways
- com offers low prices and smaller MOQs, making it ideal for NZ importers
- The platform is entirely in Chinese and only supports local payments, which can be a barrier for overseas buyers
- World Pay, powered by WorldFirst, allows Kiwi businesses to pay 1688 suppliers in Yuan without a Chinese bank account
- Choosing the right suppliers, verifying credentials, and negotiating terms are essential for a smooth buying process
- Shipping from 1688 requires a third-party freight forwarder, but it’s manageable with proper planning and support
If your New Zealand-based business is looking to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers, consider 1688.com, a B2B marketplace owned by the Alibaba Group. Unlike Alibaba.com, which is designed for international trade, 1688.com is tailored for the Chinese domestic market. That means lower prices, more direct access to manufacturers and a wider selection of products.
But there’s a catch: the platform operates entirely in Chinese and it only accepts domestic payments in Yuan. This can make the process intimidating for overseas buyers. Fortunately, solutions like World Pay make it possible to buy from 1688.com without needing a Chinese bank account or business license. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Table of Contents
What is 1688?
1688 is a B2B wholesale marketplace in China that is a part of the Alibaba Group. Established in 1999, it is a popular marketplace for global businesses wanting to source products directly from China.
When comparing prices on other B2B platforms in the Chinese market, the products on 1688.com are typically 4% to 15%* lower and in some cases, they are up to 40% lower. One of the platform’s biggest advantages is its ability to take small orders of as few as two pieces.
*Numbers provided by 1688
Can New Zealand businesses buy from 1688.com?
Yes, buyers based in New Zealand can directly buy from 1688.com, but it’s not as straightforward as buying from global platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress. 1688.com is primarily intended for trade within China, which means that only domestic payments are accepted. Many suppliers may also be unfamiliar with international shipping procedures.
However, with a bit of planning and the right tools, New Zealand businesses can access the same wholesale pricing that Chinese companies enjoy.
Benefits of sourcing from 1688 to New Zealand
- Local pricing advantage on 1688: Products listed on 1688 are typically priced for the Chinese domestic market, meaning there’s no export markup. You’re getting what local Chinese retailers would pay (in most cases)
- Huge catalogue of suppliers: 1688 features a massive range of suppliers, which is far beyond what’s visible on Alibaba. Many of these factories and wholesalers don’t actively seek overseas buyers, which also means less competition and more unique product options for your business in New Zealand.
- Lower MOQs and prices: Suppliers on 1688 often have lower minimum order quantities (MOQs). Though keep in mind that this can vary on a case-by-case basis. Low MOQs allow small businesses to test products with less upfront investment while still enjoying wholesale pricing.
The challenges for international buyers
While the savings and product access on 1688 are attractive, there are also some challenges that New Zealand businesses need to be aware of.
- Language barrier and platform navigation: 1688 is entirely in Chinese and designed for domestic users. Unlike Alibaba, there’s no built-in language toggle and navigating supplier profiles or listings can be difficult without a translation tool or browser extension. You may also need a translator’s help to communicate with suppliers, as most only have a basic understanding of English.
- No international payment method support: One of the biggest hurdles for international buyers is payment. 1688 does not support international credit cards, PayPal, or most global payment gateways. You’ll need a workaround, like using a local Chinese payment solution or a partner like World Pay, which allows New Zealand buyers to make secure and instant payments on 1688.
- Shipping limitations to New Zealand: 1688 suppliers generally do not ship internationally. That’s because the platform is focused on local Chinese businesses. To ship to New Zealand, you’ll either need to coordinate with a third-party freight forwarder or work with a sourcing agent who can consolidate and manage your shipments.
Step-by-step guide: Buying from 1688.com in New Zealand
For first-time buyers, the process of buying from 1688 from outside China can seem overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it confidently.
1. Create and verify your 1688 account
Before you can start purchasing, you need to set up and verify your account on 1688.com.
There are two ways to register:
- Via the Taobao mobile app: If you already have a Taobao account, you can use the same login credentials for 1688.com.
- Via the 1688 website: Visit 1688.com, click on the “免费注册” tab (which means ‘Sign up for free’) and register as an individual.
Note: Foreign companies are required to register as individuals on 1688, even if the account is used for business purposes.
If you’re unfamiliar with Chinese, use your browser’s translate feature to navigate the process easily. After filling in your details and agreeing to the user agreement, your account will be created.
To activate and verify your 1688 account, you must link it to a personal Alipay account (not a business account). Verification includes uploading a passport photo, taking a real-time selfie and connecting your Alipay account through the account management settings on 1688.
Once this is done, your 1688 account will be fully operational.
2. Find products and reliable suppliers
Finding the right product and the right supplier is key to successful sourcing on 1688.com.
You can search for products in two main ways:
- Using Google Translate: Translate the product name from English to Chinese and enter the Chinese term into the search bar.
- Image search: If you have an image of the product you’re looking for, you can upload it directly using the camera icon on the 1688 homepage. The site will then show you similar products.
When selecting suppliers, it’s essential to vet them carefully. Here are a few important factors to check:
- Years of operation: Look for how long the supplier has been active on 1688. More years typically mean more experience and reliability.
- Response rate: A high response rate indicates the supplier is attentive and will likely communicate well during your transaction.
- Trustworthiness badge (实力商家): Suppliers awarded this badge have been recognized for consistent quality and service.
- Repurchase rate: A high rate of repeat customers is a strong indicator of good product quality and supplier reliability.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): This is the minimum number of units that you’ll have to place an order for to get the product at a specific rate. Many suppliers offer better pricing for larger orders, so planning your volume wisely can save you money.
- Factory information: By checking the supplier’s factory files (工厂档案), you can see details like the number of employees, production capabilities and actual factory images.
Pro Tip: You can also filter suppliers based on location (所在地) to reduce shipping times and costs if you already have a freight forwarder in a specific Chinese region.
3. Communicate and negotiate with suppliers
Effective communication is vital to ensure you get the right product specifications, pricing and delivery terms.
Most suppliers communicate through Aliwangwang (1688’s internal messaging tool) or WeChat. Because many sellers have limited English proficiency, it’s important to keep your messages simple, clear and professional. If needed, you can use translation apps or hire a local agent to assist with negotiations.
When contacting suppliers, it’s important to ask:
- Whether they can ship internationally or if they only sell domestically
- What their return and refund policies are
- Expected delivery timeframes and current stock availability
- Certifications needed for import, depending on your product category
Negotiation is expected by 1688 suppliers. Don’t hesitate to discuss price reductions, better shipping terms, or flexible MOQs, especially for bulk orders.
4. Make payments securely with World Pay
One of the biggest challenges Australian buyers face is the payment process. Traditionally, suppliers on 1688 only accept local Chinese payment methods like WeChat Pay, Alipay, or bank transfers—all of which can be difficult for global businesses located outside China.
To solve this, World Pay, powered by WorldFirst, offers a fully integrated, secure payment method directly linked with 1688.com.
How World Pay works:
- First, register and create a World Account (available for sole traders and businesses)
- Top up your WorldFirst account and convert your balance into CNH (Chinese Yuan)
3. Link your 1688 account to World Pay through the WorldFirst dashboard
4. At checkout on 1688.com, choose cross border logistics→ select RMB as the payment currency →Click on cross-border treasure as the payment method
- Open 15+ local currency accounts and get paid like a local
- Pay suppliers, partners and staff worldwide in 100+ currencies
- Collect payments for free from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Etsy, PayPal and Shopify
- Save with competitive exchange rates on currency conversions and transfers
- Lock in exchange rates for up to 24 months for cash flow certainty
Key benefits of using World Pay:
- No need for a Chinese bank account: You can pay suppliers directly from the existing balance in your World Account.
- Competitive exchange rates and low fees: Payment fees are up to 0.8% of the transaction value.
- Instant transfers: Avoid the delays associated with international wire transfers.
- 24/7 customer support: WorldFirst offers assistance around the clock for any transaction issues
- One account for all your international payment needs: With your World Account, you can send and receive payments in over 90 currencies. You can also set up local currency accounts in 15+ currencies and use the account details to directly collect payments from global marketplaces
5. Managing shipping and customs
1688 suppliers don’t directly offer shipping options. You could also ask the suppliers for help with the process.
Shipping your products from China to New Zealand can be a complex and costly part of the sourcing process if not handled properly.
You have several options:
- Air freight: Faster but more expensive; suitable for smaller, urgent shipments.
- Sea freight: Cost-effective for bulk shipments, though transit times can range from 2–6 weeks depending on routes.
Is it possible to dropship from 1688?
1688 dropshipping is not directly supported on the platform, as it only focuses on connecting you with manufacturers and suppliers. You can either connect with a dropshipping agent based in China who can directly procure products from manufacturers and dropship them for you, or consider using Alibaba or AliExpress for dropshipping instead.
What is the difference between 1688, Alibaba and AliExpress?
Take a look at the key differences between the three marketplaces.
| Feature | 1688.com | Alibaba.com | AliExpress.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary audience | Chinese domestic businesses (B2B) | International wholesale buyers | International retail consumers (B2B) |
| Language | Chinese only | Multilingual (English default) | Multilingual |
| Pricing | Local Chinese wholesale pricing (lowest) | Export pricing (includes international margins) | Retail pricing (highest) |
| MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) | Often very low (even single units for some) | Medium to high (typically larger quantities) | No MOQ |
| Payment methods | RMB only, no foreign card payments supported. International buyers can use World Pay to make transactions. |
Accepts international payment methods | Credit card, PayPal, and international friendly |
| Shipping | Domestic only (will require international shipping support) | International shipping often available | International shipping offered directly |
| Access to suppliers | Deep access to local Chinese suppliers | Export-ready factories and trading companies | Resellers and manufacturers |
| Best for | Businesses wanting lowest prices and unique finds | Businesses importing in bulk internationally | Individuals or small orders with convenience |
Why NZ businesses prefer World Pay?
World Pay is a payment service provided by WorldFirst that allows global businesses to pay 1688.com suppliers directly in Yuan without needing a Chinese bank account or local company registration. WorldFirst is also a part of the Alibaba group and the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com.
Here’s how World Pay empowers Kiwi importers:
- Make payments like a local: World Pay enables you to send payments directly to 1688 suppliers, just like a local buyer in China would. You fund your WorldPay account in NZD or any other currency and World Pay handles the currency conversion and local settlement.
- No Chinese business license needed: Many 1688 payment options (like Alipay Business) require a local Chinese company registration. World Pay bypasses this entirely, making 1688 accessible to small businesses and startups in New Zealand.
- Secure and transparent transactions: World Pay offers high security and competitive foreign exchange rates (up to 0.8%), ensuring your money arrives safely and on time and that you don’t get stung by hidden fees or poor conversion rates.
Disclaimer: The information contained is general only and largely our views. Before acting on the information you should consider whether it is appropriate for you, in light of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Although information has been obtained from and is based upon multiple sources the author believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy and it may be incomplete or condensed. All opinions, estimates, mentioned products/services and referenced material constitute the author’s own judgement as of the date of the briefing and are subject to change without notice. WorldFirst shall not be responsible for any losses or damages arising from your reliance of such information.
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