Among China's e-commerce platforms, 1688.com is regarded as the largest "wholesale warehouse," offering extremely competitive prices. It brings together millions of manufacturers and factories selling directly, allowing businesses in Vietnam to buy goods at factory prices.
However, importing from 1688 is far from simple, especially for beginners. Language, payment and shipping barriers trip many people up. In this article, we will walk you through how to import from 1688 to Vietnam, step by step from A to Z, along with hands-on tips to help you optimize costs and minimize risk.
What Is 1688? Why Import from 1688?
1688.com is a domestic Chinese e-commerce platform owned by the Alibaba Group, specializing in wholesale goods.
✔ Advantages of 1688:
- Cheaper than Taobao
- A vast range of products
- Many factories selling directly
- Ideal for large-volume orders
⚠️ Disadvantages:
- Chinese-language interface
- No international support
- Difficult payment process
Detailed Steps to Import from 1688 to Vietnam
Step 1: Create a 1688 account
To get started, you need to register an account. Here's how:
- Go to the 1688.com website
- Register with a phone number
- Verify your account
Note:
- Use Google Chrome for automatic translation
- Save your login details
Step 2: Search for products
✔ Search by keyword
- Use Chinese for better results
✔ Search by image
- Upload a product photo
- The system will suggest similar products
Step 3: Evaluate the supplier
On 1688, you should check carefully:
- Rating score: the higher, the more reputable
- Number of transactions: a shop with many orders is more trustworthy
- Time in business: long-established shops are more stable
- Customer feedback: look at real photos & reviews
Step 4: Place your order
Once you've chosen a product:
- Select the model, size and quantity
- Check the price
- Add it to your cart
Note:
- The displayed price is usually the wholesale price
- It can drop further when you buy in bulk
Step 5: Contact the supplier
You should chat with the shop to:
- Confirm the goods
- Negotiate the price
- Ask about delivery time
Step 6: Payment
1688 only supports domestic Chinese payments.
❌ Challenges:
- International cards don't work
- You need an Alipay account
✅ Solutions:
- Use a pay-on-your-behalf service
- Rely on an import intermediary
Step 7: Shipping to Vietnam
- Within China: the shop sends the goods to a warehouse in China
- International shipping: by road or by sea
- Transit time: 3–7 days (depending on the method)
Step 8: Receive the goods
- Check the quantity
- Check the quality
- Handle any defects
>>>See More: Reliable Import-Export Desk Rental Service in Dong Nai
Risks of Importing from 1688
- Not knowing Chinese
- Picking an unreliable shop by mistake
- Being unable to pay
- Defective or counterfeit goods
Conclusion
1688 is an extremely promising source of goods if you know how to tap into it properly. In short:
- Find the right product
- Choose the right supplier
- Optimize your shipping
- Keep your costs under control
If you're a beginner, using an intermediary service will save you time and reduce risk. Contact us now via Hotline: 0936911656 for the earliest possible advice and quotation!
Contact for consultation:
- 0936911656 (HCMC) – Embassy Freight Services (VN), Southern Vietnam
- 0937361637 (Hanoi) - Embassy Freight Services (VN), Northern Vietnam
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