1. What is the difference between 1688 and Taobao?
Two main EC sites are used for sourcing in China.
| Item | Taobao | 1688 |
|---|---|---|
| Target | General consumers | Companies & wholesale |
| Purchase unit | Buyable from a single item | Based on lots (bulk buying) |
| Price | Retail price | Wholesale price (cheaper) |
| Best for | Personal import & test sourcing | Bulk sourcing & OEM production |
Taobao is beginner-friendly because you can buy from a single item, while 1688 is ideal for those who want to cut costs with bulk buying. Both can be used through allallbuy's sourcing proxy.
2. The basic steps of 1688 & Taobao sourcing
Sourcing on Chinese EC sites proceeds in the following 6 steps.
Searching and selecting products
Find the products you want to source on Taobao or 1688. Check price, ratings and sales volume, and choose a trustworthy seller or supplier.
Negotiating with the supplier
Price negotiation for bulk buying, sample requests and delivery-date confirmation are all done in Chinese. With allallbuy's sourcing proxy, we handle all the negotiation too.
Ordering and payment
Once the order is confirmed, payment is settled within China. Leaving it to the proxy means no need to worry about Chinese payment methods or exchange rates.
Inspection and packing
Local staff inspect the goods and check for defective items, fakes and quantity shortages. If problems are found, we negotiate with the supplier to support exchanges and refunds.
International logistics
We ship to Japan by the best method for your cost and schedule from air freight, sea freight and international courier.
Domestic delivery in Japan
We deliver to your home or warehouse. For B2B, bulk shipping to a corporate address is also supported.
See the logistics plans for details on shipping options.
3. 5 benefits of using a sourcing proxy
Removes the language barrier
Even if you don't speak Chinese, just send the product URL and we handle all purchasing and negotiation.
Inspection reduces the risk of defective goods
Local staff inspect before shipment and check in advance for fakes, defective items and quantity shortages.
No need for Chinese domestic payment
Even without a Chinese payment method or bank account, the proxy settles payment on your behalf.
Handles small lots
Since there is no minimum order quantity, you can start easily with a test order.
One-stop logistics and customs procedures
From arranging international logistics to the export-related paperwork, we handle it all in one go, saving you significant effort.
4. Cautions to keep in mind when sourcing
- Fakes and counterfeits: brand-name items carry a fake risk, so choosing a trustworthy supplier and inspection are important.
- Inconsistent quality: the real item can differ from the photos, so make use of sample confirmation and inspection.
- Shipping and customs duty estimates: on top of the product price, international shipping and customs duty may apply. Confirm the total cost in advance.
- Delivery trouble: to prepare for damage or delays, it's important to choose an experienced logistics provider and proxy.
5. How pricing works — start with no monthly fee
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | ¥0 | No fixed cost; use anytime |
| Service fee | Commission on the purchase amount | Varies with product complexity and quantity |
| Logistics fee | Settled at actual cost | Choose from air, sea or international courier |
| Other | Sample costs, customs duty, etc. | Explained in advance when incurred; no unclear fees |
See the pricing page for detailed fees.
6. FAQ
7. Summary — start with a free consultation
Sourcing from China via 1688 and Taobao is a business that, once you know the tricks, both individuals and companies can start easily. To remove the language barrier and the effort of inspection and logistics, we recommend using an experienced sourcing proxy.
With 14 years of industry experience and 3,000+ clients, allallbuy supports everything from 1688 and Taobao sourcing through inspection and international logistics in one stop. You can use it with no monthly fee.
Consultations on 1688 & Taobao sourcing are free
If you'd like to know "what products can I source" or "what sort of costs should I expect," please get in touch with us once.