How to Buy from 1688 in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide

1688 has become a popular wholesale marketplace in China. As part of the Alibaba Group, it's the go-to platform for Chinese manufacturers and suppliers looking to sell in bulk, often at prices lower than what you’d find on Taobao or even Alibaba.com.

Over the years, buying from 1688 has become increasingly popular among domestic Chinese buyers and overseas shoppers, including business owners in Singapore. With competitive prices, various products, and thousands of verified sellers, the platform offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to source goods directly from Chinese factories.

Whether you’re opening a new online store or looking to expand your existing product line, 1688 can be a game-changer, especially when you know how to navigate it effectively.

Should You Buy from 1688.com?

1688 is primarily for local Chinese businesses and experienced wholesale buyers. The platform caters to bulk purchases—usually with minimum order quantities (MOQs)—making it ideal for resellers, e-commerce store owners, and SMEs looking to reduce sourcing costs.

It’s important to note that the platform is entirely in Mandarin, and some suppliers may not be fluent in English. As such, it’s important to have basic fluency in Mandarin and an understanding of Chinese business practices. While tools like Google Translate can help, there's still a risk of miscommunication, especially when discussing product specifications or delivery terms.

The platform is widely used for businesses selling fashion items, home goods, electronics accessories, toys, packaging, and more. If you're in dropshipping, private labelling, or branded retail, 1688 can serve as a cost-effective alternative to other marketplaces.

Is 1688 a Safe Site?

Yes, 1688 is generally a safe platform, especially considering it’s owned by the Alibaba Group. Suppliers are required to hold a valid Chinese business license, which adds a level of credibility. They must also disclose key company details, such as the date of incorporation, registered address, and other business information that helps verify their legitimacy in the Chinese market.

However, as with any e-commerce platform, there are potential risks. Product listings may sometimes look different from what you actually receive, especially when buying in bulk or dealing with unverified suppliers.

To protect yourself, it’s important to:

• Check product reviews and buyer feedback
• Communicate clearly with the supplier
• Consider ordering samples first, especially for large or repeated orders
• Have a contingency plan in case the products don’t meet your expectations

Doing your due diligence upfront can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother sourcing experience.

Use the 1688 Chrome Extension to Make the Buying Process Easier

1688 offers the 1688 AIBUY Chrome Extension, designed to simplify the buying experience for international users. It simplifies product discovery, improves communication, and helps streamline your purchasing journey. Key features include:

• One-click visual search: Instantly find similar products by taking a screenshot of any item.
• Official product recommendations: Get curated suggestions based on your search and preferences.
• Cross-border insights: Access valuable data like popular export countries and key product attributes.
• Automatic currency conversion: View prices in your local currency for easier budgeting.
• AI-powered translation assistant: Communicate with sellers in real time using the built-in translator.

The General Process on How to Buy from 1688

If you’re planning to buy from 1688, especially from Singapore, we will give you a simplified step-by-step guide on how to navigate the process smoothly, from account setup to shipping.

Step 1: Create an Account on 1688

To begin, you'll need to register for an account on 1688. Registration can be done via mobile or desktop. However, you may face some challenges, such as needing a China-based mobile number for verification. Many international buyers work around this by signing up using Taobao, which shares login credentials with 1688.

Step 2: Search for Products

Use the search bar on the site to find the items you're looking for. Since the site is primarily in Mandarin, translation tools like Google Translate or image-based searches can help you navigate. To refine your search, you can also customise the filters by price, minimum order quantity (MOQ), supplier location, and shipping methods to better align with your sourcing requirements.

You can also use the 1688 AIBUY to take a screenshot of the item you want and let the app do a visual search on the item you’re looking for.

Step 3: Evaluate the Supplier

After identifying a product, take time to vet the seller. Check the supplier’s profile for:

• Years of experience in 1688
• Verified business badges
• Membership status (e.g., Powerful Merchant, Chengxintong)
• Available factory certifications

Be cautious with listings that seem too cheap, as low prices can sometimes indicate inferior quality or hidden costs.

Step 4: Communicate with the Seller

Using the platform’s internal messaging system, reach out to the supplier to confirm important details like product specifications, MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity), lead time, and shipping costs. If the supplier communicates primarily in Mandarin, the 1688 AIBUY Chrome Extension can assist with real-time translations, making the conversation smoother and more efficient.

Step 5: Negotiate Terms

Negotiating with suppliers is often expected and encouraged at 1688. You can discuss bulk discounts, packaging options, or improved shipping rates. Don't hesitate to negotiate better terms, especially if you're ordering large volumes.

Step 6: Confirm the Order and Make Payment

After finalising the pricing and order details with your supplier, they will issue a quotation or trade order. Take time to double-check the product specifications, quantities, and total cost before proceeding with payment.

Since 1688 primarily caters to the domestic Chinese market, its payment systems are localised. The most commonly accepted methods are Alipay and WeChat Pay. While some sellers may support international credit cards, this is not always guaranteed.

If navigating these payment platforms or completing the purchase process feels complicated, consider using Com&Buy. Our team can manage the purchase, payment, and shipment to Singapore on your behalf, ensuring a smoother, hassle-free transaction.

When Buying from 1688 Becomes Difficult, Partner with Com&Buy

Navigating 1688 can be overwhelming, especially with the language barrier, payment restrictions, and shipping limitations. That’s where Com&Buy comes in. As your trusted parcel forwarding service, we simplify every step of the buying and shipping process.

Ship for Me Service

If you’ve already purchased and paid for your items on 1688, Com&Buy’s Ship for Me service can handle the logistics and delivery process. This is how you can engage our services to have your items shipped from China to Singapore:

Step 1: Create a Com&Buy Account

Sign up for a Com&Buy account to gain access to our China warehouse address. You'll use this address when checking out with your 1688 supplier.

Step 2: Ship Items to Our China Warehouse

Provide our warehouse address to your 1688 seller and have them ship your products directly to us. Make sure your order includes a tracking number.

Step 3: Submit Tracking Information to Us

Once your items are shipped, submit the tracking number using one of the following methods:

• Shopping Assistant Chrome Extension
• Online submission form on our website
• Excel sheet upload (for multiple orders from different merchants)

Step 4: Submit Delivery Order

After all your packages arrive at our warehouse and you're ready to ship them to Singapore, log in to your account and submit a Delivery Order to consolidate and prepare your shipment.

Step 5: Make Payment

Once your parcels are packed and weighed, we’ll send you a payment notification. Settle the delivery charges based on your selected shipping method.

Step 6: Track Your Shipment

You can monitor your package status in real time through our Order Tracking page. Delivery time will depend on the method you’ve chosen.

Step 7: Receive Your Package in Singapore

Once your shipment arrives in Singapore, we’ll deliver it straight to your registered address. Sit back and wait for your order to arrive at your doorstep.

Shop for Me Service

If you need help purchasing products from 1688, Com&Buy’s Shop for Me service makes it easier by handling the purchase process for you. This is how to use the service:

Step 1: Provide Product URL

Copy and paste the URL of the product you want to purchase into the Buy for Me page.

You can also use the Com&Buy Shopping Assistant Chrome extension to purchase from 1688. Simply click on 我要代购 in the extension. This will directly add to the Com&Buy cart.

Step 2: Add to Cart and Checkout

Once the item is in the cart, make sure to select the China warehouse to check out. We will then proceed to purchase the item on your behalf, ensuring the order details are correct.

Step 3: Order Processing

Your order will be processed within one business day. For more complex orders, it may take longer. We will verify the product details and confirm stock availability.

Step 4: Wait for Shipping to China Warehouse

Shipping times from the merchant to our China warehouse may vary between 1 and 15 working days, depending on the seller's location and processing time.

Step 5: Receive Payment Notification

Once the package arrives at our warehouse, we will send you a payment notification. You will need to settle the payment for the shipping costs.

Step 6: Payment and Delivery

After receiving your payment, we will prepare the items and ship them from China to Singapore.

Step 7: Final Delivery to Your Address

Once the package arrives in Singapore, we will promptly process and ship it to your registered address. You can track the shipment’s progress through our tracking system.

Work with Com&Buy Today!

When purchasing unique items from overseas platforms, partnering with a reliable parcel forwarding service like Com&Buy can simplify the process. Our comprehensive services include product sourcing, order management, secure payments, and seamless delivery from international websites like 1688 to your doorstep in Singapore. By working with Com&Buy, you can access a broader range of products, eliminate the language barrier, and bypass shipping restrictions, all while ensuring safe and timely delivery.

Let Com&Buy handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your business or personal collection.