How to Order from 1688 to the Philippines

1688 is where Chinese wholesalers sell to other Chinese businesses. Prices are often 30–50% below Alibaba for the same goods — here's how Filipino importers actually buy from it.

The catch: 1688 is built for domestic buyers. It's Chinese-language, wants Chinese payment methods, and ships domestically only. Here's how to work around all three.

Why 1688 is cheaper than Alibaba

Alibaba sellers price for export — English support, international payment handling, export documentation. 1688 sellers assume a Chinese buyer paying in RMB with domestic delivery. You're buying at the price Chinese resellers pay.

Step 1 — Get past the language barrier

Use Chrome with automatic translation, or the 1688 app with translation enabled. Search in Chinese for far better results — paste your product into a translator first. Searching “手机壳” returns vastly more than “phone case.”

Step 2 — Vet the supplier

Look for years active, transaction volume, repeat-buyer rate, and real product photos rather than stock images. Ask for a video of the actual item — suppliers on 1688 are used to this and usually respond.

Step 3 — You need an address in China

This is the core problem: 1688 sellers ship domestically only.

The solution is a China warehouse address from your forwarder. With Angkat you get:

• A warehouse address in Yiwu, Shishi, or Guangzhou to give your supplier
• A client code that ties every box to your account

Your supplier ships domestically (cheap and fast, often 2–4 days), and your goods land at our warehouse ready for consolidation.

Step 4 — Paying in RMB

1688 sellers want RMB, and most won't accept foreign cards. Options: a payment agent, or Angkat's RMB payment service — you send PHP, we remit RMB directly to your supplier's account within 1–3 banking days, based on that day's rate with no added fees.

Step 5 — Consolidate and ship

Multiple suppliers, one shipment. Everything arrives at our China warehouse under your code, we consolidate it, and it ships as one LCL consignment — 15–25 days warehouse to warehouse, or 5–7 days by air.

Common 1688 mistakes

1. Not ordering a sample. Photos lie; ship one unit by air before committing.
2. Missing the MOQ. Many listings have minimum order quantities — check before negotiating.
3. Assuming the listed price is final. Bulk discounts are normal; ask.
4. Forgetting the client code. The most common reason goods sit unmatched at a warehouse.

Related reading

• Philippine import duties and the ₱10,000 rule
• How to pay Chinese suppliers in RMB
• Ordering from Taobao to the Philippines