1688 guide
How to use 1688 as a product reference
Turn a listing into a usable brief: product identity, quantity, target price and the commercial context a sourcing review needs.
Read the 1688 guideBuyer guides
Source from China with a clearer brief.
Practical guides for overseas buyers who use Chinese marketplaces for product research, supplier references and sourcing requests.
Marketplace comparison
Alibaba.com vs 1688 for overseas buyers
Learn the practical difference between an international-facing marketplace and a China domestic listing source, without assuming either page is a quote.
Compare Alibaba.com and 1688Product research
Using Taobao product pages carefully
Use retail listings for product discovery and keep the exact reference, variant and requirement visible for review.
Read the Taobao guideUse the right tool
From marketplace page to sourcing brief.
The page is a starting point. Your specification and purchasing context make it actionable.
Save the reference
Keep the product URL, title, image and selected variant visible.
Clarify the item
Add material, dimensions, configuration, quantity and target price direction.
Add project context
Include destination, timing, samples, inspection, certification and packaging needs.
Submit for review
Send the confirmed brief when your product project meets the US$1,000 starting level.
Tools
Choose a single-product form or a multi-product helper.
Use the website form for one item on any device. The guided desktop Chrome helper is available for organizing up to 50 active product pages in one project.
A product page is not a confirmed supplier, final price or purchase contract. Sourcing support starts from US$1,000 and is confirmed only after review.