How the 1688-B2B Market App Works: A Comprehensive Guide
The 1688-B2B Market app is a leading wholesale and business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform in China, operated by Alibaba Group. It serves as a bridge between manufacturers, wholesalers, and business buyers, offering a vast selection of products at competitive prices. This guide provides an in-depth explanation of how the app works, covering registration, product sourcing, ordering, payment, logistics, and customer support.
1. Introduction to 1688-B2B Market App
1688.com is China’s largest B2B wholesale marketplace, catering primarily to domestic buyers but also accessible to international businesses. The is the mobile version of this platform, designed for convenience and efficiency in sourcing products from Chinese suppliers.
Build with us
If you want to build a similar app
Share your ideas with us!
In the last five years, our focus on app development has driven over HK$3,000,000 in revenue for merchants.
Wholesale & Bulk Purchasing: Focused on bulk orders with MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) requirements.
Direct Factory Connections: Buyers can source directly from manufacturers.
Competitive Pricing: Lower prices compared to retail platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress.
Local & International Buyers: Primarily for Chinese businesses but can be used by overseas buyers with agents or freight forwarders.
Multiple Payment & Logistics Options: Supports Alipay, bank transfers, and third-party logistics.
2. Registration & Account Setup
To use the 1688-B2B Market app, users must create an account. However, the platform is primarily designed for Chinese businesses, meaning registration may require a Chinese phone number and business verification.
Steps to Register on 1688
Download the App
Available on Apple App Store (China region) or Android app stores (like Huawei AppGallery).
Search for "1688" or "阿里巴巴 1688".
Sign-Up Process
Open the app and click "注册" (Register).
Enter a Chinese mobile number (foreign numbers may not work).
Receive an SMS verification code.
Set a password and complete basic profile details.
Business Verification (Optional but Recommended)
Some features require business verification (e.g., applying for trade assurance).
Upload a business license (for Chinese companies).
Logging In
Use the registered mobile number and password.
Foreign buyers may need a third-party agent or virtual Chinese number for access.
3. Navigating the 1688 App Interface
The app 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)
Displays featured products, promotions, and categories.
Search bar for direct product searches.
Categories (分类)
Organized into sections like Electronics, Clothing, Home & Garden, Machinery, etc.
Subcategories for refined searches.
Search Function (搜索)
Users can search by product name, keyword, or supplier.
Filters for price range, MOQ, location, and supplier type.
Messages (消息)
Direct chat with suppliers for inquiries and negotiations.
Orders (订单)
Track purchases, payment status, and shipments.
Account (我的)
Manage profile, payment methods, and saved suppliers.
4. Finding & Selecting Products
1688 connects buyers with manufacturers, wholesalers, and trading companies. Here’s how to find the right supplier:
A. Product Search & Filters
Use keywords in Chinese (e.g., "女装" for women's clothing).
Apply filters:
Price range
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
Supplier location (e.g., Guangdong, Zhejiang)
Verified suppliers (认证商家)
B. Evaluating Suppliers
Before placing an order, check:
Supplier Credentials
Gold Supplier (金牌卖家) – Verified and trusted.
Trade Assurance (诚信保障) – Buyer protection.
Years in Business (开店时长) – Longer history = more reliable.
Product Listings
High-quality images & descriptions.
MOQ & pricing tiers (bulk discounts).
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Check buyer feedback (评价) and transaction history.
Contacting Suppliers (在线沟通)
Use the chat function to negotiate prices, MOQ, and customization.
5. Placing an Order
Once a suitable supplier is found, follow these steps:
A. Adding to Cart & Checkout
Select product variations (color, size, etc.).
Enter desired quantity (must meet MOQ).
Click "加入进货单" (Add to Cart) or "立即订购" (Buy Now).
B. Order Confirmation
Review product details, price, shipping cost.
Enter shipping address (Chinese addresses preferred; international buyers may need a freight forwarder).
C. Payment Methods
1688 supports:
Alipay (支付宝) – Most common.
Bank Transfer (银行转账) – For large orders.
WeChat Pay (微信支付) – Alternative option.
Third-Party Agents – For international buyers without Chinese payment methods.
6. Payment & Security
A. Trade Assurance (Optional)
Provides buyer protection in case of disputes.
Covers quality issues, late shipments, and fraud.
B. Escrow Payment (担保交易)
Funds are held until order is confirmed.
Reduces risk for buyers.
C. Risks for International Buyers
No direct international payment gateways (like PayPal).
Currency: Transactions are in CNY (RMB).
Agents may be needed for payment processing.
7. Shipping & Logistics
1688 primarily serves domestic buyers, but international buyers can use:
A. Domestic Shipping (中国境内)
Suppliers ship to a local warehouse or agent.
Common couriers: ZTO, SF Express, YTO.
B. International Shipping (海外运输)
Freight Forwarders
Companies like Jinwu, Superbuy, or Pandabuy help consolidate and ship overseas.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Services
Some suppliers offer door-to-door shipping with taxes included.
Self-Arranged Logistics
Buyers can use DHL, FedEx, or UPS for direct shipping.
C. Tracking Orders
Use the "订单" (Orders) section to track shipments.
Enter tracking numbers on courier websites.
8. Returns & Dispute Resolution
A. Return Policy
Most suppliers accept returns for defective or wrong items.
Buyer usually covers return shipping.
B. Dispute Handling
Contact Supplier First – Negotiate a solution.
Open a Dispute (投诉) – If unresolved, escalate via 1688’s mediation.
Trade Assurance Claims – For protected orders.
9. Tips for International Buyers
Use a Sourcing Agent – Helps with communication, payments, and logistics.
Verify Suppliers – Avoid scams by checking credentials.
Start with Small Orders – Test product quality before bulk purchases.
Learn Basic Chinese – Helps in negotiations (or use translation tools).
Understand Import Taxes – Check customs duties in your country.
10. Conclusion
The 1688-B2B Market app is a powerful tool for bulk sourcing from Chinese suppliers. While it primarily targets domestic buyers, international businesses can also benefit by using agents and freight forwarders. Key steps include:
Registration (may require a Chinese number).
Product Search & Supplier Verification.
Negotiation & Order Placement.
Payment & Logistics Management.
Dispute Resolution (if needed).
By following this guide, buyers can efficiently navigate 1688 and leverage its wholesale advantages for their business needs.
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
