A little knowledge. A better next order.
Practical guides for buying, consolidating and shipping from China.
Buying direct or using an agent?
Direct buying requires you to manage supplier communication, payment and domestic logistics. An agent coordinates these tasks for a service charge. Compare the full.
Read guideSOURCING JOURNALUnderstanding minimum order quantities
Check the minimum quantity for each product and variant. Ask whether quantities can be mixed across sizes and colours. Samples and lower-volume orders may have.
Read guideSOURCING JOURNALIs 1688 safe for international buyers?
Compare specifications, request samples where appropriate and review supplier information. Keep written records of agreed quantities, materials and acceptable.
Read guideSOURCING JOURNALWhy a light box can cost more to ship
Actual weight measures mass. Volumetric weight measures the space a parcel occupies. Carriers commonly compare them when calculating chargeable weight. A larger.
Read guideReady to plan
your next 1688 order?
Tell us what you want to source. Let’s map out the rest.
Prepare your sourcing requestThree things to start with.
- Product links or screenshots
- Quantities and specifications
- Destination country and city