Use this buyer guide to choose the next decision resource for a commercial sourcing project in China. Wholesalers, importers and product businesses can start with the buying route, supplier and product checks, multi-supplier coordination, or cost and scope. Each link leads to an existing guide or service page; use the relevant resource to prepare a clearer request before confirming a written project scope and quotation.
Start with the buying route
How to Buy from 1688 Outside China
Start here when you need to understand the buying steps before selecting suppliers or deciding which China-side support to request.
1688 Buying Agent for International Buyers
Review the commercial service when you have product or supplier links and need to discuss sourcing, purchasing and supplier coordination on 1688.
1688 Agent or Freight Forwarder?
Compare sourcing and purchasing support with freight-only needs to decide which provider role matches the work still required for your order.
Check suppliers and product risk
Verify a Supplier Before You Pay
Review the verification scope when supplier identity or commercial details need clarification before a purchasing decision.
Choose an Inspection Scope
Use the inspection guide to distinguish warehouse receiving checks, separately scoped product inspection and On-site Factory Inspection before requesting a check.
Coordinate several suppliers
Plan Warehouse Consolidation
Review the commercial service when goods from several suppliers need a scoped plan for China-side warehousing and consolidation before shipment.
Read the 1688 Consolidation Guide
Read the platform-specific guide when your consolidation questions concern orders from 1688 sellers.
Understand cost and scope
Review China Sourcing Service Fees
Visit the pricing page to review the published commercial terms before requesting a quotation for your actual project.
How Much Does a 1688 Agent Charge?
Use the fee guide to understand the questions to ask about the requested work and quotation.
When you are ready to discuss a commercial order, send your product or SKU references, expected quantities, destination and the China-side support you need. Include supplier details and the current buying stage where available, and mark unknown information as pending.