Platforms
Platforms: 1688 and Alibaba.com
Two marketplaces come up in almost every first conversation with an agent. They are run by the same group but serve different buyers.
1688
The Chinese-language wholesale marketplace for the domestic market.
Alibaba.com
The cross-border wholesale marketplace aimed at overseas buyers.
Side by side
| Point | 1688 | Alibaba.com |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Buyers inside China | Buyers outside China |
| Language of listings | Chinese | English and other languages |
| Prices quoted in | Renminbi, for domestic delivery | As quoted by the supplier for export |
| Agent's usual role | Ordering, paying, receiving, checking, exporting | Factory visits, checks, consolidation, negotiation |
This site is not affiliated with Alibaba Group, 1688.com or Alibaba.com. The names are used only to describe the marketplaces. For rules, fees and protections, the platform's own pages govern.