Your 2025 guide to safe and profitable buying from China’s biggest wholesale platform.

Your 2025 guide to safe and profitable buying from China’s biggest wholesale platform.

How to Find Trusted 1688 Suppliers and Avoid Scams — Mini Importation Checklist (2025)

Mini importation is one of the fastest ways to start an e-commerce business in Nigeria — but only if you source reliable suppliers. This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step supplier verification process on 1688.com (China’s largest wholesale marketplace), plus buying-agent tips, test-order strategies, and concrete templates you can copy-and-paste when contacting suppliers.

If you’re new to mini importation, first read our full Mini Importation Guide. This article focuses exclusively on supplier safety and quality control — the part that protects your money.

---

1. Use 1688’s Gold Supplier Filter (First Line of Defense)

On 1688, tick the Gold Supplier filter when searching. Gold suppliers pay for verification and are generally more trustworthy. This filter reduces scam risk but does not eliminate it — always follow up with deeper checks.

Why it helps: Gold status shows that a supplier is willing to invest in their business reputation. It usually correlates with better product photos, prompt replies, and clearer terms.

2. Check the Supplier’s Years in Business

Under every shop name you’ll see “2 years,” “5 years,” etc. Prefer suppliers with at least 2–3 years of activity. Longevity isn’t a guarantee — but a one-year shop with no reviews is a higher risk.

Take note of how long they’ve been selling the exact product you want, not just how long the shop exists.

3. Study Product Reviews — Focus on Real Photos

Scroll to the product reviews and filter for those with buyer-uploaded images. A product with dozens of reviews and photos is more reliable than one with empty praise and no visuals.

Checklist:

• At least 10 recent reviews with photos
• Reviews that mention shipping speed or packaging
• No repeated 1-line reviews that look copied

4. Verify with a Buying Agent (Highly Recommended)

A reliable buying agent saves time and prevents fraud. Agents can: visit the factory, confirm stock, check product dimensions, and consolidate shipments. Get an agent who shares photos/videos and gives you an independent quality report.

How to hire an agent safely:

• Ask for references or community recommendations (Reddit, Facebook groups).
• Pay small tasks first (e.g., inspection for ¥50) before sending larger sums.
• Use escrow or agent platforms that allow milestone payments.

5. Use 1688’s Chat Tool (Aliwangwang) — What to Ask

Aliwangwang (1688 chat) is the fastest way to test a supplier. Ask for:

• Close-up photos of the exact item in stock
• Short product video showing the item turning/working
• Packaging photos — how it will be packed for shipment
• Minimum order quantity (MOQ) and estimated lead time
• Sample price and shipping cost for a small test order

Sample message :

Hello. I am interested in your [product name].

 Do you have it in stock? Please send close-up photos and a short video. 

What is the MOQ and sample price including shipping to Lagos? Thanks.

6. Avoid Prices Too Low to Believe — Spot the Red Flags

If most suppliers sell at ¥20–¥25 and one is ¥8, treat it as suspicious. Scammers lure buyers with extremely low prices to collect payments and disappear.

Red flags to watch for:

• No product reviews or photos
• Supplier refuses to provide live video or refuses samples
• Pressure to “pay instantly” off-platform

7. Place a Small Test Order First — The 5–10 Rule

Always start with a small test order (5–10 pieces). Use the test to check:

• Product quality and functionality
• Packaging strength for international transit
• Lead time and shipping reliability

After the test is successful, increase order size gradually — this protects you from big upfront losses.

8. Sample Buying-Agent Instruction — Copy & Paste

When you use an agent, send a clear instruction. Here’s a template:

Hello [Agent Name],
Please inspect supplier [Supplier Name] for product [Product Link].
Check:
1) Product matches photos, show close-up images.
2) Measure dimensions and weight, confirm material.
3) Check packaging for export quality.
4) Confirm stock quantity and lead time.
Report with photos and short video. Thanks.
    

9. Negotiate Smartly — 3 Practical Tips

1. Start with small concessions: Ask for a lower price only after the supplier confirms quality.
2. Bundle orders: Ask for better unit price if you order 50+ units.
3. Ask for free samples: Some suppliers offer discounted or free samples if you pay shipping.

10. Shipping & Customs — Choose the Right Method

For mini importation, most sellers use two shipping types:

• Air freight (fast): Ideal for small, urgent orders — costs more but is faster.
• Sea freight (cheaper for bulk): Use for larger containers — longer lead time but lower unit cost.

Work with forwarders who handle customs clearance and provide a tracking link. Always budget for duty, clearing fees, and last-mile delivery in your cost calculations.

---

Quick Product Selection and Profit Example

Example calculation you can use:

Item CP (product): ₦1,200 — Shipping and duty: ₦800 — TC (total cost): ₦2,000

Suggested selling price (×2): ₦4,000 — Net profit per unit ≈ ₦2,000 (before marketing)

Always keep a small buffer for advertising and returns — a 10–15% markup safety margin will protect your margins.

---

Useful Resources and Next Steps

• Full Mini Importation Guide — step-by-step process from product research to delivery.
• Profitable side hustles — marketing channels and quick sales ideas.
• How to use TikTok for free organic product demos and fast sales.

Quick CTA — Ready to source?

Pick one product this week, run the 7–10 test order rule, and come back to report results. If you want, paste the supplier link here and I’ll review it for red flags.

---

Final note: Save every verified supplier’s contact in a dedicated spreadsheet — that supplier list becomes your most valuable business asset. Ready to start sourcing? Drop a supplier link or product name in the comments and I’ll help you vet it.