Quick answer
Alibaba is the easiest start: English listings, exporters and Trade Assurance, but many sellers are trading companies. 1688 is China's domestic wholesale site with lower prices, in Chinese, and most sellers don't export. Trade fairs like the Canton Fair let you meet many factories in a few days. Yiwu is best for small mixed orders of everyday goods. A sourcing agent helps you use 1688 and factories directly and checks suppliers in person.
The options side by side
| Channel | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Alibaba.com | Starting out, English, export-ready suppliers | Many traders; badges are paid memberships |
| 1688.com | Lower domestic prices, huge choice | Chinese only, domestic payment, sellers rarely export |
| Made-in-China / Global Sources | Machinery, industrial goods | Same verification needed as Alibaba |
| Canton Fair and other trade fairs | Meeting many factories, touching samples | Travel cost; real prices come after the fair |
| Yiwu market | Small mixed orders of everyday goods | Booths are often showrooms, not factories |
| Sourcing agent | Access to 1688 and factories, checks on the ground | Choose a transparent fee model |
Alibaba: easy, but verify
Alibaba is built for international buyers: English listings, export-ready sellers and Trade Assurance if you pay through the platform. But a large share of sellers are trading companies, and "Gold Supplier" or "Verified" badges are paid services, not proof of a factory.
Shortlist 3–5 suppliers, send each the same questions, and check their business licence before paying. See how to verify a Chinese supplier.
1688: lower prices, harder access
1688 is Alibaba Group's domestic marketplace for Chinese buyers. Prices are often lower and the range is huge, but the site is in Chinese, payment needs a Chinese account, and most sellers won't ship abroad. Importers usually buy on 1688 through an agent who pays, collects, checks and consolidates the goods.
Trade fairs and the Yiwu market
The Canton Fair in Guangzhou runs in spring and autumn, and many specialised fairs run in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Ningbo. You can meet dozens of suppliers, touch samples and compare in a few days. Real negotiation happens in the follow-ups after the fair.
The Yiwu International Trade City is a permanent wholesale market with tens of thousands of booths for small goods. It suits small, mixed orders. Read our Yiwu market guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1688 cheaper than Alibaba?
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Often, yes, because it serves Chinese domestic buyers. But you need someone in China to buy, pay, check and ship for you, which adds cost.
Can I buy from 1688 from India directly?
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It's difficult: the site is in Chinese, payment needs Chinese accounts and most sellers don't export. Most importers use an agent.
When is the Canton Fair?
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It's held twice a year in Guangzhou, in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November), in phases by product category.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Duty rates and import rules change — confirm current requirements for your HS code with DGFT, CBIC or a licensed customs broker.
