How to buy from 1688: your first-order plan
Turn a product idea into a written brief, a comparable quotation and an agreed delivery plan.

Turn a product idea into a written brief, a comparable quotation and an agreed delivery plan.
Compare supplier identity, manufacturing claims, samples, specifications and written order terms. Use evidence and unanswered questions to assess each quote.
Give each supplier the same information so the prices you receive are easier to compare.
Record agreed criteria, observations and evidence for four checks. Use a separate record for each sample or batch.
Look beyond the unit price to identify transport, handling and destination costs before you order.
Align warehouse references, arrival records and packing instructions before arranging international delivery.
Connect receiving checks, evidence, agreed remedies and closure in one clear record.
Review performance, confirm business contacts and recheck reorder terms before the next purchase.
Clarify logo, product and packaging minimums before a small branded order. Includes a cost checklist, sample approval steps and a bilingual supplier enquiry.
Prepare a bulky-goods shipping enquiry with packed dimensions, gross weights, delivery access and unloading requirements. Compare complete quote scopes.
Compare split and consolidated 1688 shipments using complete quotes, packing measurements and release dates. Includes a worked example and quote request.
Define who finds suppliers, places orders, inspects goods and arranges transport. Compare provider quotes with a clear responsibility checklist.
Coordinate a 1688 return before goods leave a China warehouse. Confirm the order owner, dispatch status, return address, costs and tracking with a practical checklist.
Compare 1688 listings by specification, quantity, packing and service. Use an evidence table and supplier questions before treating similar photos as the same product.
Clarify minimum quantities by product, variant and order. Use a mixed-order example and a bilingual enquiry to compare sample and small-batch options.
Confirm receipt, inspect the items, resolve discrepancies and approve a packed-shipment quote before your 1688 order leaves a China warehouse.
Check final dimensions, packed weight, shipping method and extra charges when a 1688 freight estimate changes. Includes a dimensional-weight example.
Compare 1688 agent quotes line by line, including minimum fees, packing, payment and shipping. Use a worked example and a copyable quote request.
Compare direct purchasing, forwarding and buying-agent services. Check payment, inspection and total costs before choosing a route for your 1688 order.