Alibaba vs 1688: which one should you use?

Bottom line up front: Alibaba is for foreign buyers who can't read the market; 1688 is where Chinese domestic buyers shop — cheaper, more factories, but it's set up to exclude you.

How each platform works (and how to register)

Alibaba's export storefront model vs 1688's domestic market: registration barriers, payment rails, and why 1688 prices are lower.

Who should use which (by order size and category)

A simple decision table: first orders, big volume, and categories where 1688 beats Alibaba badly.

The 1688 traps: when you can't find real factories

Traders posing as factories, minimum-order games, and how to read 1688 listings the way a local buyer would.

FAQ

Can foreigners register on 1688? Technically yes, practically it resists you — see the registration section.

Which is cheaper? 1688, most of the time; the caveats are in the traps section.

Next: how the import and clearance actually works →