1688.com is a goldmine for wholesale products in China—but for international buyers, buying without an agent can feel like walking a maze. If you’re looking to cut agent costs, this guide gives you the real roadmap—and reveals the hidden traps most people don’t mention.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Account Registration

Registering on 1688 is simple if you have a Chinese phone number. Without one, try logging in with a Taobao or Alibaba account (these platforms are linked). Use Google Chrome with auto-translate to navigate the interface.

2. Search Like a Pro

  • Use Chinese keywords or image search (camera icon).
  • Translate keywords via Baidu Translate or copy from Taobao listings.
  • Look for seller badges like “实力商家” (trusted seller) or “源头工厂” (source factory).

3. Chat with Suppliers

Click the 旺旺 chat icon to talk with sellers. Use simple Chinese or translated messages. Ask:

  • What’s the MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)?
  • What’s the bulk price?
  • Do you offer different packaging options?
  • How much is domestic shipping to my forwarder’s warehouse?

Request real product photos (实物图) or buyer feedback pictures (买家秀).

4. Payment Without Alipay?

1688 does not accept PayPal or international credit cards. Alternatives include:

  • Chinese friend or partner: Pays via Alipay or bank transfer.
  • Bank transfer/TransferWise: Rare, requires trust.
  • Freight forwarder’s代付 service: Send USD to them; they pay in RMB.
  • Use  Worldfirst to build one viral account.

5. Payment with worldfirst step by step

1. How to Open a 1688 Account

There are two ways to register for a 1688 account:

✅ Option 1: Via the Taobao App (Mobile)

Since 1688, Taobao, and AliExpress all belong to Alibaba Group, you can use your Taobao login details for 1688. If you already have a Taobao account, simply use it to log in at www.1688.com.

✅ Option 2: Via 1688 Website (Desktop)

  1. Go to 1688.com

  2. Click 免费注册 (“Sign up for free”)

  3. A registration pop-up will appear—choose individual account (not a company account)

  4. Fill in your details and click 同意并注册 (“Agree and Register”)

Tip: Use Google Chrome’s “Translate to English” feature if you can’t read Chinese.

Note: Only Chinese domestic businesses can register as companies. International users should always register as individuals—even if buying for a company.

2. How to Verify Your 1688 Account

Verification is optional—but highly recommended if you want to make international payments through 1688’s World Pay system.

Why Verify?

  • Enables secure cross-border payments via Alipay and WorldFirst

  • Reduces risk of account suspension

  • Ensures you can pay suppliers in CNH (Chinese Yuan for trade)

How to Verify:

You must link a personal Alipay account to your 1688 profile.

3. How to Open a Personal Alipay Account

On Mobile:

  1. Download the Alipay App (iOS or Android)

  2. Tap Register

  3. Select your country and enter your mobile number

  4. Input the verification code you receive

On Desktop:

  1. Visit www.alipay.com and click Register

  2. Choose Personal Account

  3. Select your region and mobile number

  4. Enter the verification code

4. Linking Alipay to Your 1688 Account

Once your personal Alipay account is set up:

  1. Log into 1688 and click your profile name

  2. Navigate to 账户管理 (Account Management)

  3. Under 我的认证 (My Verification), click 我要认证 (Verify Personal Info)

  4. You’ll be redirected—enter your Alipay login details

  5. Click the orange button to link your Alipay account

Your 1688 account is now verified and linked to Alipay, enabling you to use 1688 World Pay.

5. Setting Up Payments on 1688

Currently, 1688 only accepts domestic payment methods like WeChat, Alipay, or bank transfers from Chinese bank accounts.

For international buyers, the best alternative is using WorldFirst’s World Pay solution.

Benefits of Using WorldFirst:

  • ✅ Easy setup with your 1688 account

  • ✅ Fully compliant and secure fund transfer

  • ✅ No annual limit on foreign exchange

  • ✅ Lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional banks

  • ✅ Pay suppliers in CNH from your local currency account

6. How to Pay on 1688 Using WorldFirst

  1. Sign up for a free WorldFirst account

  2. Go to your dashboard → Payments → World Pay

  3. Click Activate to enable cross-border payments

  4. Add your 1688 account ID and confirm

  5. Agree to the service terms and click Next

  6. Enter the 6-digit code sent to your phone

  7. You’re done! Now you can select World Pay as your payment method when checking out on 1688

Make sure you have enough CNH in your WorldFirst account. You can also convert from other currencies within the dashboard.

Bonus: WorldFirst Business Features

  • Open 15+ local currency accounts

  • Accept payments from 130+ platforms (e.g., Amazon, Shopify, PayPal)

  • Pay suppliers in 100+ currencies

  • Use the World Card to earn 1% cashback

  • Lock exchange rates up to 24 months for better cash flow control

Shipping: From Supplier to Your Doorstep

  1. Give the supplier your forwarder’s Chinese warehouse address.
  2. Supplier ships domestically via SF Express, YTO, etc.
  3. Forwarder collects, inspects, repackages, and ships internationally.

Ask if the forwarder offers inspection, repackaging, customs declaration, and value declaration for tax savings.

5 Hidden Traps Most People Miss

  • No after-sales service: Returns or replacements are rare once shipped to forwarder.
  • Refunds require Chinese accounts: Foreigners can’t easily receive refunds.
  • No export docs: Some sellers can’t provide customs papers or export licenses.
  • No trade assurance: 1688 doesn’t offer escrow like Alibaba.
  • You can get blacklisted: Complaining too much can get you blocked (“拉黑”).

Bonus Tips for Buyers

  • Use “一件代发” for dropshipping or “现货” for in-stock items.
  • Request an “电子发票” (e-invoice) for your forwarder or customs.
  • Consolidate orders with your forwarder to save on shipping fees.
  • Double-check specs, plug types, and packaging using photos.
  • Start with small orders to test quality and communication.

Should You Skip the Agent?

If you:

  • Understand basic Chinese or use translation tools
  • Have a reliable freight forwarder
  • Can accept risks like no refunds or after-sales

Then yes, you can buy from 1688 without an agent and save money.

But if you:

  • Are you buying for the first time
  • Need strict quality control or export documents
  • Want payment protection and smooth communication

Then using a trusted agent might be safer and more efficient.

Final Words: Buying directly from 1688 is possible, but requires preparation and careful handling of communication, payment, and logistics. Whether you go solo or work with a professional agent, knowing how 1688 works gives you a powerful edge.

If you need help verifying suppliers or finding a reliable forwarder, contact our team—we’re here to help!