The 1688 app is a leading Chinese B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce platform owned by Alibaba Group. It connects manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, primarily catering to domestic Chinese buyers but also serving international traders. The platform specializes in bulk purchasing at wholesale prices, making it a go-to marketplace for sourcing products directly from factories and suppliers.
This guide provides an in-depth explanation of how the 1688 app works, covering its features, registration process, product search, ordering system, payment methods, logistics, and more.
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1688.com (also known as Alibaba 1688) is China’s largest wholesale marketplace, similar to Alibaba.com but focused on the domestic market. The 1688 app is the mobile version of the platform, offering a user-friendly interface for buyers to browse, order, and manage transactions on the go.
Key Features of the 1688 App
Wholesale & Bulk Purchasing: Primarily for bulk orders at factory prices.
Direct Factory Connections: Buyers can source directly from manufacturers.
Chinese Market Focus: Most suppliers are based in China, and transactions are mainly in RMB (Chinese Yuan).
Integrated Logistics: Supports domestic and international shipping.
Secure Payments: Uses Alipay and other Chinese payment methods.
Multi-language Support (Limited): Primarily in Chinese, but some tools help non-Chinese users.
2. Registration & Account Setup
To use the 1688 app, you must create an account. Here’s how:
Step 1: Download the App
Available on Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
Search for "1688" or "阿里巴巴 1688".
Step 2: Sign Up
Open the app and select 注册 (Register).
You can register using:
A Chinese phone number (required for verification).
An Alibaba account (if you already have one).
International users may need a Chinese friend or agent to help with verification.
Step 3: Complete Profile
Fill in business details (optional but recommended for bulk buyers).
Some suppliers may require business verification before allowing large orders.
3. Navigating the 1688 App
The app’s interface is in Chinese, so non-Chinese speakers may need translation tools like Google Translate or browser extensions.
Main Sections of the App
Homepage (首页)
Featured products, promotions, and recommended suppliers.
Categories (分类)
Organized by product types (electronics, clothing, machinery, etc.).
Search Bar (搜索)
Search for products using keywords (in Chinese).
Shopping Cart (购物车)
Stores selected items before checkout.
Orders (订单)
Tracks purchases, payments, and shipments.
Messages (消息)
Communicate with suppliers via AliTalk (similar to Alibaba’s chat system).
Account (我的)
Manages profile, payment methods, and settings.
4. Searching for Products
Since most listings are in Chinese, effective searching requires:
Using Chinese keywords (e.g., "女装" for women's clothing).
Using image search (upload a product photo to find similar items).
Filtering by:
Price range
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Supplier location (e.g., Guangdong, Zhejiang)
Delivery options
Tips for Non-Chinese Users
Use Google Translate or Pleco (Chinese dictionary app).
Copy-paste Chinese keywords from other sources.
Hire a sourcing agent to help with communication.
5. Evaluating Suppliers
Since 1688 is a B2B marketplace, verifying suppliers is crucial to avoid scams.
Supplier Verification Checklist
✔ Gold Supplier (诚信通): Indicates verified suppliers (similar to Alibaba’s Gold Supplier status).
✔ Transaction History (成交记录): Check past sales and buyer reviews.
✔ Response Rate (回复率): Faster replies indicate better service.
✔ Factory Audits (验厂报告): Some suppliers provide factory inspection reports.
✔ Trade Assurance (担保交易): Ensures payment protection (similar to Alibaba’s Trade Assurance).
Contacting Suppliers
Use AliTalk (in-app chat) to negotiate prices, MOQ, and shipping.
Ask for:
Product samples (样品).
Customization options (OEM/ODM services).
Shipping costs and lead times.
6. Placing an Order
Once you’ve selected a product, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select Quantity & Specifications
Enter the MOQ (minimum order quantity).
Choose variations (color, size, etc.).
Step 2: Add to Cart or Buy Now
Add to Cart (加入购物车) for multiple orders.
Buy Now (立即购买) for direct checkout.
Step 3: Confirm Shipping & Payment
Enter shipping address (China-based for domestic logistics).
Choose payment method (Alipay, bank transfer, etc.).
Step 4: Complete Payment
Most suppliers prefer Alipay or bank transfer.
International buyers may need an agent to facilitate payment.
7. Payment Methods
1688 primarily supports Chinese payment options:
Alipay (支付宝) – Most common.
WeChat Pay (微信支付) – Alternative option.
Bank Transfer (银行转账) – For large orders.
Credit/Debit Cards (limited support) – Some suppliers accept international cards.
For International Buyers
Use a third-party agent (e.g., Superbuy, PandaBuy, CSSBuy) to handle payments.
Some agents provide RMB top-up services.
8. Shipping & Logistics
1688 mainly ships within China, but international buyers can use freight forwarders.
Domestic Shipping (China)
Suppliers ship via SF Express, YTO, ZTO, etc.
Delivery takes 2-7 days depending on location.
International Shipping
Direct Shipping (Rare)
Few suppliers ship overseas.
Freight Forwarders
Buyers use China-based agents to consolidate and ship orders.
Dropshipping
Some suppliers support dropshipping to customers worldwide.
Shipping Costs
Calculated based on weight, volume, and destination.
Sea freight is cheaper for bulk orders.
Air freight is faster but more expensive.
9. Tracking Orders
Check "My Orders" (我的订单) for shipment updates.
Use tracking numbers on logistics company websites (e.g., SF Express).
Contact supplier if delays occur.
10. Returns & Refunds
Return policies vary by supplier (check before ordering).
Most suppliers accept returns for defective products.
Refunds are processed via original payment method.
11. Tips for Using 1688 Effectively
Start with Small Orders – Test suppliers before bulk buying.
Use a Sourcing Agent – Helps with language barriers and logistics.
Negotiate Prices – Many suppliers offer discounts for large orders.
Check MOQ Carefully – Some products require high minimum quantities.
Verify Supplier Credibility – Avoid scams by checking reviews and certifications.
12. Conclusion
The 1688 app is a powerful tool for wholesale buyers, dropshippers, and resellers looking to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers. While the platform is primarily in Chinese, tools like translation apps and sourcing agents make it accessible to international users.
By understanding how to register, search for products, verify suppliers, place orders, and manage logistics, buyers can leverage 1688 to secure low-cost bulk products and grow their businesses efficiently.
Pricing · 5 tiers
App Development Costs & Features
We have prepared an approximate time and cost budget for you,<br/>enabling you to quickly launch the app to market and generate revenue within your budget.
Tier 01
20K - 40K
Simple Starter App (MVP)
~ 1 - 3 weeks
Displays information only (e.g., company information)
Simple, ready-to-use design
Only for Android
In one language (English or Chinese)
Tier 02
40K - 80K
Basic App with Key Features
~ 1 - 2 months
Payment Integration (e.g., Stripe)
Secure authentication (e.g., register, login)
Sends email updates (e.g., order confirmation)
Simple control panel for you to manage content (e.g., add products)
Tier 03Popular
80K - 140K
Enhanced App with More Features
~ 2 - 3 months
Customised design
Sends in-app notifications (e.g., order updates or promotions)
Supports up to 3 languages (e.g., English, Cantonese, Mandarin)
Advanced control panel to manage content and track activity
Tier 04
140K - 240K
Powerful Custom App
~ 3 - 4 months
Custom features for your needs
Tracks how users use the app and creates reports
Analyzes data to help you make smart decisions
Connects with other tools (e.g., marketing or delivery services)
Tier 05
240K or Above
Enterprise Custom App
~ 4 - 6 months
Smart AI features (e.g., personalized suggestions or chatbots)
Real-time updates (e.g., live inventory, instant user actions)
Handles thousands of users with lightning-fast performance
Seamlessly connects with tools like social media, analytics, or CRM
Works on both iOS and Android
Staff accounts with different access levels (e.g., manager vs. staff)
Permission settings to control which pages customers can view or use (e.g., restrict certain features to specific users)
Detailed control panel for managing everything
Advanced control panel with powerful reports to boost your business
