How to Buy from 1688

Begin with the specification you need

For a sourcing request, a product photograph is rarely a complete specification. The material, dimensions, finish, accessories, packaging and intended quantity can affect whether a supplier’s offer is suitable.

Send the 1688 listing or full app share text and explain which requirements are fixed. If you are comparing suppliers, identify what needs to be equivalent. Two listings that look similar may refer to different materials, quantities or included components.

State quantity and sample needs separately

Minimum quantities and sample arrangements depend on the supplier and the item. Tell us your expected order quantity and whether you need a sample before considering a larger purchase. Do not assume the displayed price applies to a single unit or every quantity.

If you are flexible about quantity, explain the range you would consider. That helps the communication stay focused without authorizing a larger purchase than you intended.

Make a practical sourcing brief

Include:

• Product link or complete share text.
• Expected quantity and a separate sample request, if needed.
• Target budget with its currency clearly stated.
• Materials, measurements, color, model and other essential specifications.
• Required accessories, retail or transport packaging and labeling.
• Destination country and any timing requirements.
• Questions that must be answered before you approve a purchase.

If the goods are for resale or a regulated use, identify any testing or documentation you need. Ordinary sourcing assistance does not certify compliance. You may need a qualified testing provider or independent advice before importing or selling the goods.

Use samples for a defined purpose

A sample can help you examine a product before committing to more units. Decide what you will evaluate: dimensions, finish, assembly, compatibility or another requirement. Keep those criteria clear.

An acceptable sample does not guarantee that every later unit will match. If consistency, tolerances or production checks are important, they need their own agreed scope. A basic photo inspection is not a factory audit or a substitute for technical testing.

Review the commercial terms

1688 purchases use the same published buying fee schedule as Taobao, Pinduoduo and JD.com. For a single-platform order, an order product subtotal up to CNY 300 has a fee of 5% of that subtotal, with a US$5 minimum. Above CNY 300 and up to CNY 2,000, the fee is 8% of the entire product subtotal; above CNY 2,000, it is 5%. Domestic shipping, international shipping and taxes are excluded from the fee base. The percentage and USD minimum are compared using the exchange rate confirmed in the quote. Requests combining platforms receive a manually confirmed fee. See Pricing for the complete scope.

Confirm the exact product and quantity, known supplier costs, domestic delivery and the service work involved. Supplier minimum quantities, production timing, sample availability and any special sourcing, testing or packaging work still need individual confirmation. Any extra work and its charge are agreed before it begins.

Purchasing should only proceed after you have reviewed and accepted the details. A target budget is context for a quote, not permission to spend that amount without confirmation.

Plan the shipment before placing the order

Large quantities can change parcel size, handling needs and route suitability. Products containing batteries, liquids or other sensitive contents need review. Multiple suppliers may require coordination and separate arrival times before consolidation can be assessed.

The international charge may need final packed measurements. Include destination and product details early so an unsuitable shipping assumption does not become an expensive surprise after purchasing.

Warehouse storage is free for 30 days. The start date and any extended-storage fees are confirmed in your quote before storage is extended.