How to Buy from 1688 and Alibaba Safely from Bangladesh

Alibaba and 1688 are two of the biggest sources of products in China, but they work very differently. Understanding each one helps you buy at the best price without falling into common traps.

Alibaba vs 1688

Alibaba is built for international buyers: it is in English, supports export payments, and lists suppliers used to shipping abroad. 1688 is China’s domestic wholesale platform, often offering lower prices, but it is in Chinese and designed for buyers inside China.

The Challenge of Buying from 1688

Lower 1688 prices come with hurdles: the site and chats are in Chinese, many sellers only accept domestic Chinese payment methods, and they usually ship to a Chinese address rather than abroad. This is why most overseas buyers use an agent to purchase from 1688.

How to Buy Safely

• Check the supplier’s history, ratings and trade assurance
• Communicate clearly and keep records of every agreement
• Order a sample before any bulk purchase
• Use secure payment terms rather than paying everything up front
• Have the goods inspected before they ship

Use a Sourcing Agent for 1688

A China-based sourcing agent can buy from 1688 on your behalf, consolidate the goods, and verify the supplier before you pay — turning a risky purchase into a safe one.

DE International has teams in China who buy from 1688 and Alibaba for you and ship to Bangladesh. Explore our sourcing services or contact us to order safely.