1688.com is one of the cheapest places on the internet to source products from China.
It is also one of the most misunderstood.
Many African buyers discover 1688 after hearing that it’s “Alibaba, but cheaper.” That description is directionally true, but incomplete. The lower prices come with trade-offs—language barriers, local-only design, and payment systems that were never built for foreign cards.
This guide explains what 1688 really is, who it’s for, how sourcing works in practice, why Nigerian cards fail, and how buyers outside China successfully pay suppliers.
What Is 1688.com?
1688.com is a Chinese wholesale marketplace owned by Alibaba Group. It was created for domestic Chinese businesses, not international buyers.
While Alibaba.com targets exporters and global trade, 1688 serves factories, wholesalers, and distributors selling within China. Prices are listed in RMB, listings are written in Chinese, and most sellers assume buyers understand local logistics and payment systems.
This domestic focus is the reason prices on 1688 are often significantly lower than on Alibaba or AliExpress. Suppliers don’t need to account for export handling, English-speaking support, or international payment processing.
In practice, 1688 is closer to a factory back office than an e-commerce store.
What 1688 Is Not (A Reality Check)
1688 is not:
- Beginner-friendly
- Designed for foreign buyers
- Optimized for small one-off purchases
- Built to support international cards
It works best for buyers who already understand sourcing, margins, and supplier communication. First-time importers who expect a smooth checkout experience are often surprised.
This doesn’t make 1688 risky. It makes it specific.
Benefits of Sourcing Products From 1688
Despite the friction, many businesses use 1688 for one reason: margins.
Key advantages include:
- Factory-direct pricing without export markups
- Lower minimum prices than Alibaba or AliExpress
- Access to suppliers that never list internationally
Many AliExpress sellers source from 1688 themselves. Buying directly simply removes layers.
For buyers who understand the workflow, the cost difference is often material.
Types of Sellers on 1688
Not every seller on 1688 is the same. Understanding who you’re dealing with matters.
Factories
Manufacturers producing goods directly. They usually offer the best pricing but higher MOQs.
Wholesalers
Middlemen aggregating factory products. Prices are slightly higher, but MOQs are often lower.
Trading Companies
Businesses that package, brand, or resell products. Easier to deal with, but margins are thinner.
In practice, factory listings emphasize production capacity and customization, while wholesalers focus on inventory volume and speed.
Why Local Nigerian Cards Fail on 1688
Most payment failures on 1688 are structural, not accidental.
Common reasons include:
- Nigerian cards blocked from Chinese merchant categories
- FX restrictions on international spending
- Unsupported card networks
- OTP failures during cross-border authorization
- Silent declines by issuing banks
What usually breaks is not the checkout page—it’s the bank infrastructure behind the card.
For buyers, the result is predictable: transactions fail without explanation, suppliers stop responding, and deals stall.
The cost is not just financial. It’s time, momentum, and trust.
Common 1688 Payment Failure Modes
Buyers outside China often encounter the same patterns:
- Payment accepted, then reversed
Usually caused by delayed bank-side rejection. - Transaction stuck in processing
Often a sign of unsupported cross-border routing. - Supplier requesting off-platform payment
Typically happens after repeated failed attempts. - Bank blocking without notification
Common with cards restricted to domestic use.
Understanding these signals helps buyers avoid repeating the same failed attempts.
How to Purchase Products on 1688 (Step by Step)
Buying on 1688 is less about clicking buttons and more about process.
- Create an account using a verified phone number
- Use translation tools to navigate listings and messages
- Search products using Chinese keywords when possible
- Contact suppliers directly to confirm pricing, MOQs, and stock
- Place the order once terms are agreed
Many successful buyers finalize details in chat before attempting payment.
Finding Products and Reliable Suppliers on 1688
Search results on 1688 reward specificity.
Practical tips:
- Filter by transaction volume, not just price
- Read supplier profiles, not only listings
- Confirm MOQs before negotiating price
- Ask clear, short questions
Suppliers respond better to buyers who sound prepared.
1688 Dropshipping: Is It Possible?
Technically, yes. Practically, it’s limited.
Most 1688 suppliers:
- Expect bulk orders
- Do not ship internationally
- Do not integrate with dropshipping tools
Dropshipping works only when a third-party agent handles storage, packaging, and shipping. Without that layer, 1688 is better suited for sourcing, not fulfillment.
1688 vs Alibaba vs AliExpress
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | MOQ | Language | Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1688 | Experienced buyers | Lowest | High | Chinese | Limited |
| Alibaba | Import/export | Medium | Medium | English | Global |
| AliExpress | Consumers | Highest | Low | English | Easy |
Each platform serves a different stage of the supply chain.
Should You Use 1688?
Use 1688 if:
- You care about margins
- You can handle supplier communication
- You understand sourcing timelines
Don’t use 1688 if:
- You want instant checkout
- You’re buying single units
- You rely on local cards only
How to Pay 1688.com Suppliers From Outside China
This is where most buyers get stuck.
1688 supports payment methods built for China. Foreign buyers succeed when they use internationally accepted USD cards with stable cross-border routing.
This is why many buyers use platforms like EverTry, which issue USD virtual cards designed for global online payments.
The card itself is not a workaround. It’s infrastructure.
How to Shop on 1688 Using an EverTry USD Card
The process is straightforward:
- Download the EverTry app (iOS or Android)
- Create an account
- Complete KYC with a government-issued ID
- Fund your wallet using available options
- Create a USD virtual card
- Fund the card with the purchase amount plus a small buffer
- Maintain a small balance to keep the card active
- Add the card to the 1688 payment portal
Buyers typically fund slightly above the order value to avoid FX or processing edge cases.
EverTry as a Passport to the Modern Internet
Most global platforms assume access to reliable international payment rails.
For buyers in Africa, tools like EverTry function less like products and more like access layers—bridging local constraints and global systems.
That access is often the difference between intention and execution.
Glossary
MOQ: Minimum Order Quantity
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
ODM: Original Design Manufacturer
Escrow: Third-party payment holding system
RMB: Chinese Yuan
FAQs
Can Nigerians buy directly from 1688.com?
Yes, but payment and logistics require planning.
Does 1688.com accept foreign cards?
Some do, many don’t. Success depends on card infrastructure.
Is 1688.com safe?
Yes, when dealing with verified suppliers and clear terms.
Is EverTry required?
No. It’s one of several ways buyers solve payment limitations.
Start Paying Global Suppliers Without Card Failures
1688 and similar platforms aren’t broken. Most local cards are. EverTry gives you a USD card built for global payments—so you can focus on sourcing, not retries.
Download EverTry for iOS
App Store
Download EverTry for Android
Google Play
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. EverTry is mentioned as a payment option, not a requirement. Platform rules, fees, and payment policies may change over time.