Dropshipping from 1688.com (Alibaba’s domestic wholesale platform) can be a game-changer for your eCommerce business. With lower prices than AliExpress and direct access to Chinese manufacturers, 1688 offers ”higher profit margins”—but navigating the platform requires strategy. This guide covers how to find suppliers, automate orders, and avoid common mistakes when dropshipping from 1688.
Why Dropshipping from 1688 is Better Than AliExpress
1. Lower Product Costs
• Prices on 1688 are 30-50% cheaper than AliExpress.
• No middlemen = ”better profit margins”.
2. More Supplier Options
• Thousands of factories and wholesalers to choose from.
• Better ”customization and branding opportunities”.
3. Faster Shipping Options
• Many suppliers offer express shipping services with reliable carriers
• Some maintain local warehouse stock in key international markets
4. Better for Bulk Orders
• If you scale up, you can ”negotiate even lower prices”.
How to Find Reliable 1688 Dropshipping Suppliers
1. Search for “一件代发” (Dropshipping-Friendly Suppliers)
• This term means “one-piece dropshipping” in Chinese.
• Suppliers who offer this service ”handle shipping for you”.
2. Check Supplier Credentials
✔ Gold Supplier badge (verified by Alibaba)
✔ High transaction volume (proves reliability)
✔ Positive reviews (look for detailed feedback)
3. Test Communication Response Time
• Message suppliers in Chinese (use Google Translate).
• Fast replies = ”better customer service”.
4. Order Samples First
• Always test product quality and shipping speed before listing.
How to Automate 1688 Dropshipping
1. Use a Sourcing Agent
• Agents can place orders, track shipments, and handle QC for you.
2. Integrate with AutoDS or Zendrop
• These tools ”sync 1688 products to your Shopify store”.
• Automate order forwarding to suppliers.
3. Set Up a Virtual Chinese Address
• Some agents provide a local Chinese address for faster processing.
Common Challenges & Solutions
1. Language Barrier
✅ Solution: Use Google Translate or hire a sourcing agent.
2. Payment Issues
✅ Solution: Pay via Alibaba Trade Assurance or PayPal.
3. Shipping Delays
✅ Solution: Choose suppliers with ”fast shipping options”.
4. Quality Control Problems
✅ Solution: Order samples and use ”third-party inspection services”.
Conclusion
Dropshipping from 1688.com can boost your profits compared to AliExpress, but it requires ”more effort in supplier vetting and order management”. Start with small test orders, use automation tools, and consider a sourcing agent to streamline the process.
If you want to do purchasing directly without registering 1688, you can use looperbuy, a one-stop purchasing-logistics solution：https://looperbuy.com/
Related Questions & Answers
· Can I dropship from 1688 without a sourcing agent?
Yes, but you’ll need to communicate in Chinese and manually forward orders.
· Do 1688 suppliers ship directly to customers?
Only if they offer ””一件代发” (dropshipping services)”—always confirm before ordering.
· Is 1688 cheaper than AliExpress for dropshipping?
Yes, prices are ”30-50% lower”, but shipping may take longer.
· How do I pay 1688 suppliers safely?
Use Alibaba Trade Assurance, or a sourcing agent for secure payments.
· Can I use Shopify with 1688 dropshipping?
Yes, but you’ll need an automation tool like AutoDS to sync orders.
