1688.com Review: Legitimate Marketplace or Risky Platform?

What Is 1688.com?

1688.com is a China-based online wholesale marketplace, part of Alibaba Group's e-commerce ecosystem. Unlike Alibaba.com (for global trade), 1688 is primarily focused on the domestic Chinese market and offers direct access to manufacturers, suppliers, and wholesalers. It features an extensive range of products—from electronics, home goods, and clothing to industrial materials. (simoosourcing.com, starlight-trading.com)

Its appeal lies in remarkably low prices, achieved by cutting out middlemen, avoiding export costs, and leveraging bulk manufacturing advantages. (simoosourcing.com)

Who Owns 1688.com & How Does It Make Money?

1688 is owned and operated by the Alibaba Group, founded by Jack Ma in 1999. Alibaba is one of the world’s largest tech conglomerates, generating revenue through e-commerce, cloud computing, logistics, digital media, and more. (Wikipedia)

Income streams for 1688 include:

Annual seller membership fees (e.g., their “Chengxintong” badge costs ~¥6,688/year).
Listing and transaction fees.
Value-added services like logistics and advertising. (sourcingxpro.com, starlight-trading.com)

Pros: Why 1688 Stands Out

Feature	Benefit
Ultra-competitive pricing	Suppliers often offer prices lower than export-focused platforms. (simoosourcing.com, 8fig)
Direct access to manufacturers	Negotiable bulk pricing and custom orders. (Medium)
Lower MOQs than Alibaba	Great for small sellers or testing products. (8fig)
Trusted platform	Security rating of 95/100; not blacklisted. (EvenInsight)

Cons & Red Flags Buyers Must Know

Challenge	Explanation
Language barrier	Entirely in Chinese—may require translation tools. (starlight-trading.com, Alibaba.com Seller Central)
Payment limitations	Mostly supports Alipay or Chinese bank transfers. (Alibaba.com Seller Central, Reddit)
Shipping complexities	Not designed for global logistics; external agents often necessary. (Alibaba.com Seller Central, Nairaland)
Quality & authenticity concerns	Less strict IP protection; counterfeit items possible. (simoosourcing.com, starlight-trading.com)
Unverified sellers	Not all are true factories; due diligence required. (jitgalaxy.com, SIMCEL ONLINE)

What Real Users Say

“1688 is the cheapest wholesale in the world.”
“Change your agent—1688 is safe.”
(Reddit)

“This requires more research… sometimes a W, sometimes an L—but still cheaper than usual.”
(Reddit)

“Language barrier and registration pain—it’s tough for foreigners.”
(Reddit)

These experiences highlight that 1688 offers huge value—but demands care and planning.

Tips to Use 1688 Safely

Choose vetted sellers – Look for “Gold Supplier” or those with business license details. (jitgalaxy.com, sourcingxpro.com)
Request samples and verify quality – Don’t order bulk without testing first. (sourcingxpro.com, jitgalaxy.com)
Use secure payment – Prefer platform escrow to private transfers. (sourcingxpro.com, jitgalaxy.com)
Employ reliable sourcing agents – Especially for non-Chinese buyers. (Nairaland, Reddit)
Document everything – Keep messages, invoices, and proof of agreements. (sourcingxpro.com)
Be cautious of unbelievably low prices – They often signal risk. (jitgalaxy.com, SIMCEL ONLINE)

Final Verdict: Legitimate—With Caution

Yes, 1688.com is a legitimate and powerful platform, backed by Alibaba with strong infrastructure and potential for major savings. (starlight-trading.com, EvenInsight)

However, it is not beginner-friendly for international users. The language barrier, payment restrictions, logistics headaches, and quality concerns make it risky without preparation.

Best for small business owners and experienced resellers who:

Understand Chinese e-commerce practices
Can vet suppliers
Use sample orders and reliable agents

If you're new to cross-border sourcing, consider using more global-friendly platforms like Alibaba.com or AliExpress—at least until you're comfortable navigating 1688 effectively.