How to Buy Products at the Lowest Prices from China (1688.com Guide)

Learn how to buy products at the lowest prices directly from China and maximize your profit as a mini importer. This simple guide explains how to use 1688.com — the same platform many successful importers in Nigeria use — to get cheaper deals, avoid scams, and grow your business.

You might also want to read our detailed step-by-step guide on how to start mini importation to fully understand the process.

What is 1688.com?

1688.com is a Chinese wholesale marketplace owned by Alibaba Group. It’s cheaper than AliExpress because it caters mainly to the local Chinese market. This means you can access very low wholesale prices on almost any product — if you know how to navigate the site.

Why Use 1688.com?

✅ Cheaper prices than AliExpress or Amazon.
✅ Bulk deals with better profit margins.
✅ Wide product variety — from electronics to fashion and beauty.

Step 1: Open 1688.com

Go to 1688.com using Google Chrome. Since the website is entirely in Chinese, enable Chrome’s “Translate this page” feature for easier navigation.

Step 2: Search for Products

Type your desired product in English and translate it into Chinese using Google Translate. Copy the translated text and paste it in the 1688 search bar.

Filter your results by:

Trade Assurance ✅ (safer transactions)
Gold Supplier 🥇 (verified seller)

This helps you find trusted sellers faster.

Step 3: Check Seller Reputation

Before buying, check each seller’s rating and reviews. Look for sellers with at least 4 stars and clear photos from previous buyers. Avoid sellers with very low prices and no buyer feedback — these are red flags.

For more guidance, check out our list of best cheap suppliers for mini importation to compare and find reliable vendors.

Step 4: Contact the Seller

Use Alibaba Trade Manager or WhatsApp (if provided) to chat with the supplier. Ask about:

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Available colors, packaging, and variants
Shipping methods and estimated delivery time

Step 5: Payment Options

1688.com mainly accepts Alipay or local bank transfer within China. If you are outside China, use a trusted buying agent who can pay on your behalf.

These agents simplify the process by handling all communication, payments, and product verification for you.

Step 6: Use a Buying Agent

A buying agent acts as your representative in China. They help ensure you’re not scammed and your goods arrive safely. Here’s what they do:

✔️ Pay the seller on your behalf
✔️ Check product quality and confirm quantities
✔️ Consolidate and ship your items to Nigeria

Popular agents include Sino Shipping, Superbuy, and Basenton Logistics.

Step 7: Arrange Shipping

Decide between air freight and sea freight:

✈️ Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Ideal for light items or urgent orders.
🚢 Sea Freight: Slower but cheaper for bulk goods.

Step 8: Receive and Inspect Your Products

Once your shipment arrives, open and check all products immediately. Look for damages, wrong colors, or missing quantities. Report issues to your agent quickly so they can help you file a complaint or replacement request.

Step 9: Start Selling

After confirming product quality, start selling on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Jumia, or your own mini eCommerce website.

Use marketing tips from our profitable side hustles guide to grow sales fast.

Quick Success Tips for Using 1688

🛒 Always compare prices from at least three suppliers.
📦 Start small to reduce risk.
💬 Maintain good communication with your agent and seller.
📸 Request product videos and photos before paying.

Free Resource: 1688 Supplier Checklist

We’ve prepared a free 1688 suppliers checklist to help you identify reliable sellers and track your product orders. Download the checklist here.

Also Read:

Final Thoughts

Buying from 1688.com is one of the best ways to source cheap, high-quality products directly from manufacturers in China. With patience, proper research, and a trusted agent, you can build a reliable mini importation business and earn consistent profits.

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