alibaba 1688 is the largest supplier information platform in China and a preferred purchasing platform for many buyers. However, alibaba 1688 is designed primarily for Chinese buyers and does not fully align with the purchasing habits of international customers. This article aims to help readers understand how to source products from alibaba 1688 in English.
Sourcing products from alibaba 1688 in English comes with certain challenges. This article will address these challenges one by one.
1. How to use the English version of alibaba 1688?
Most browsers have a built-in function to translate website content. Here, we’ll use Google Chrome as an example:
Navigate to alibaba 1688, and a message should automatically pop up, prompting you to translate the site into English. If it doesn’t, click the Google Translate Chrome extension icon in your browser window.
Find the Google Translate Chrome extension in the Chrome Web Store. Simply search for “Google Translate Chrome extension” on Google and click Add to Chrome.
2. How to use alibaba 1688 to search for products?
1. Enter product name in Chinese to search：
Like most e-commerce platforms, you need to enter the product name you want in the search box. However, for alibaba 1688, it’s best to use the Chinese name of the product for your search. Since this is a Chinese platform, using the Chinese name will yield more accurate results.
To find the Chinese name of the product, you can use translation software to translate it. Simply copy the translated name, paste it into the search box, and click search.
2. Use the photo recognition function：
Click on “Alibaba Home,” then click the camera icon and upload the product image you want to search for. (Ensure that the background of the product image is as clear as possible. This feature works smoothly for most small daily necessities.)
3. What should I pay attention to when using alibaba 1688？
1. Don’t trust the prices on alibaba 1688：
Many suppliers will deliberately lower prices in order to attract more page views, the actual transaction price is often higher than what you see, so you must communicate with the supplier and understand the actual price.
2. Pay attention to the MOQ of the product：
The MOQ of each product is usually higher than 2 pieces, you must read the MOQ and style on the page, and the information is usually accurate and credible.
3. Don’t be easily attracted by pictures：
Photo theft on alibaba 1688 is common, so it’s not unusual to see different merchants using the same images to attract customers. To ensure authenticity, you should obtain real photos of the product either from the details page or by directly inquiring with the supplier. This will help you take responsibility for the products you purchase.
4. Best to find a alibaba agent：
The usage habits of alibaba 1688 are more suited to Chinese users, making it challenging to become a professional buyer on the platform in a short time. It requires extensive study and practice. Additionally, the pictures, prices, and quality on the site can be misleading, and there are many other unknown risks involved.
An alibaba agent can provide services such as product sourcing, purchasing, sample collection, warehouse storage, packaging, shipping, and other export-related services. All fees are clear and easy to understand. You simply need to send the product link to us, and you can wait for the goods to arrive.
4. How to select a good supplier on alibaba 1688?
4.1 Evaluating Alibaba B2B Suppliers
When sourcing from alibaba 1688, start by looking for suppliers with a good reputation. Check for verified suppliers who have a proven track record in the B2B marketplace. Focus on manufacturers who offer high-quality alibaba products and have been in business for several years. Reading reviews and ratings can help you identify reliable alibaba suppliers.
4.2 Key Considerations When Choosing an Alibaba Supplier
To ensure you choose the right alibaba manufacturer, assess factors like product quality, pricing, and shipping options. Don’t hesitate to request samples before committing to bulk orders. Also, evaluate the supplier’s communication responsiveness and transparency regarding import regulations, which can affect your overall business experience.
5. How to communicate with suppliers on alibaba 1688?
I do not recommend contacting the supplier directly through Alitalk on alibaba 1688, as Alitalk lacks a translation function, and many suppliers do not speak English. Using Alitalk may also make foreign buyers uncomfortable. Instead, you should use the more commonly used WeChat to contact the supplier directly.
To get the supplier’s contact number, click the supplier’s name at the bottom of the product link to visit their store’s homepage, then click “Contact” to retrieve their phone number. Typically, a Chinese mobile number is also their WeChat number. WeChat is the most popular communication app in China, similar to Facebook.
Once you’re in touch with the supplier, clearly outline the product specifications and features you want. It’s helpful to provide similar pictures for the supplier’s reference. The supplier will give you the ex-factory price based on your order quantity. Keep in mind that the first quotation is usually negotiable.
6. How to pay the supplier on alibaba 1688?
For small orders, Chinese suppliers on alibaba 1688 usually accept WeChat payment or Alipay. For larger orders, payment is typically made via RMB bank card (but this requires you to have an account on such platforms; otherwise, terms are negotiable). If you have more questions, feel free to contact our alibaba agent for assistance. We are experts in this area and offer consultation without any fees!
Let us finally review the above questions：
1. How to use the English version of alibaba 1688？
2. How to use alibaba 1688 to search for products?
3. What should I pay attention to when using alibaba 1688?
4. How to select a good supplier on alibaba 1688?
5. How to communicate with suppliers on alibaba 1688?
6. How to pay the supplier on alibaba 1688?
I have answered the above questions in detail, if you still have any questions, please contact me in time！
