1688 dropshipping means sourcing products from manufacturers on 1688.com, China’s largest domestic wholesale marketplace, and getting them to your customers through a sourcing agent or logistics partner, because most 1688 suppliers do not ship internationally. Traditionally, platforms like AliExpress have dominated the dropshipping business, but savvy business owners are turning to 1688 to source products at lower local prices, tap a wider supplier network, and use integrations that streamline order fulfillment.
1688.com is owned by Alibaba Group and primarily serves domestic businesses within China. Unlike AliExpress, which is geared toward international buyers, 1688 offers products at local Chinese prices, often significantly lower than those on global platforms. The catch is logistics: you need a partner to collect, inspect, and ship the goods. Forceget’s freight forwarding and DDP shipping from China to the USA cover that step, and our Shopify fulfillment ships orders to your customers from US warehouses.
This guide explains how 1688 dropshipping works, how to connect 1688 to your store, how to work with suppliers and dropship agents, what shipping and customs issues to plan for, and when 1688 is a better fit than AliExpress.
Key Features, Custom Packaging, and Product Sourcing on 1688.com
1688.com is a B2B wholesale marketplace built for Chinese wholesalers, but international dropshippers have started using it to source quality products at lower prices. The platform operates primarily in Mandarin and quotes prices in Chinese yuan. Key features include:
- Extensive supplier network: 1688 has a massive product selection across categories like electronics, fashion, home goods, and beauty, with more direct access to manufacturers than most global marketplaces.
- Bulk pricing and factory direct prices: Unlike AliExpress, which is designed for individual buyers, 1688 offers factory direct prices for B2B transactions, often 30 to 70% cheaper than AliExpress.
- Low MOQ on many listings: Some suppliers accept small orders, which helps you test products before committing to larger volumes.
- Custom packaging and customization: Because you can reach manufacturers, private label, custom packaging, and product changes are easier to negotiate than on AliExpress.
- 1688 dropship agents: Since 1688 is a Chinese-language website, many sellers work with agents to communicate with suppliers, negotiate prices, pay in yuan, and manage orders.
1688 vs. Alibaba vs. AliExpress
| 1688.com | Alibaba.com | AliExpress | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for | Chinese domestic buyers | International B2B buyers | International consumers and small resellers |
| Language and currency | Mandarin, Chinese yuan | English, US dollars | English, US dollars |
| Prices | Lowest, local wholesale | Wholesale export prices | Highest, often includes shipping |
| International shipping | Usually not offered; you need an agent or forwarder | Supplier or your forwarder | Ships parcels to the buyer |
| Buyer protection | Limited for overseas buyers; returns are difficult | Trade Assurance | Platform buyer protection |
If you buy in larger volumes and want English-speaking suppliers with Trade Assurance, read whether Alibaba is safe to buy from, or compare Temu vs. Alibaba for margins.
How to Start a Dropshipping Business With 1688.com
Dropshipping from 1688 requires a different approach than working with AliExpress. Since 1688 is not designed for international buyers, you need to set up an ordering and fulfillment system that works for your dropshipping store.
First, find reliable suppliers. Because 1688 is entirely in Chinese and most suppliers work with Chinese businesses, few speak English or offer international shipping. Navigating listings often requires translation tools, such as a browser translator, even before you contact a supplier. To navigate this, many dropshippers use 1688 dropship agents, who handle purchasing, communication, order placement, and shipping on your behalf. Paying suppliers can also be a barrier, since most accept only Chinese payment methods.
Once you’ve selected a supplier, connect it to your store. Integration tools sync your Shopify, WooCommerce, or other ecommerce website with 1688 so orders are sent to suppliers or your agent automatically, although managing logistics at scale usually still requires dedicated software or an agent. For the store side, see our guide on how to fulfill dropshipping orders on Shopify.
Shipping is the third piece. Most 1688 sellers do not handle international shipping, so you’ll need a freight forwarder from China or a 1688 dropship agent to plan each shipment to the USA or other markets such as the UK or Mexico. Many sellers use consolidation warehouses in China to store inventory and ship bulk orders internationally.
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The 1688 Dropshipping Agent and API Integration
Many ecommerce entrepreneurs ask, “Can I use 1688 for dropshipping?” The answer is yes, but only if you implement a system that efficiently manages inventory, suppliers, and shipping.
How Does 1688 API Integration Work?
1688 API integration connects your online store and 1688.com. It supports auto fulfillment for dropshipping orders, helping automate product listing, order processing, and fulfillment as you scale. The API syncs inventory, allowing real-time updates on stock levels, prices, and order tracking, which minimizes errors and delays.
Some sellers use a Shopify app such as 1688 Dropshipping Pro to import products and connect product sourcing with order automation. Others use third-party automation tools to streamline API connectivity for order handling and tracking updates.
What a 1688 Dropshipping Agent Does
A reliable sourcing agent handles supplier communication, payment in yuan, quality control, and international shipping for dropshippers. Many sellers also use the 1688 affiliate program to generate additional revenue by referring new businesses to purchase from 1688.com.
Shipping From 1688 to the USA
Shipping from China to the USA is one of the biggest concerns for dropshippers using 1688.com. Since the platform does not offer direct international shipping, sellers work with third-party logistics providers or 1688 dropship agents, and shipping times depend heavily on the provider you choose.
International freight forwarding simplifies this. A forwarder picks up from the supplier’s door, consolidates shipments to reduce costs, books air or ocean transport and trucking, and manages customs clearance. Air freight is faster but more expensive than ocean freight, so many sellers fly fast movers and send the rest by sea. Our guides to consolidated freight shipping and air express from China compare the options.
Common options include express couriers such as DHL, parcel consolidators such as YunExpress, and freight forwarders such as Forceget, each with different speeds and pricing. Holding inventory in a US warehouse and shipping each order domestically is usually the fastest way to reach customers. To estimate what a shipment costs, see our breakdown of China shipping costs, which applies to 1688 orders too.
Duties and Customs After the End of De Minimis
Single parcels from China no longer enter the United States duty-free. The $800 de minimis exemption ended for China and Hong Kong on May 2, 2025, and was suspended for all countries on August 29, 2025. Every order now needs customs entry, the duty for its HTS code, and any additional tariffs on Chinese goods.
That changes the math of classic one-parcel-per-order dropshipping. Many 1688 sellers now import in bulk, clear customs once through a customs broker, and fulfill from US stock. Check current rates in our China tariffs update before you price your products.
Advantages and Disadvantages of 1688 Dropshipping
Advantages
One of the key benefits of dropshipping from 1688 is the lower cost of goods compared to AliExpress or other platforms. Lower acquisition costs mean better profit margins and more room for competitive pricing on Shopify or Amazon, though ecommerce brands still need to account for hidden costs, including shipping fees, duties, and agent expenses. 1688 also offers a wider range of products, direct access to manufacturers for customization, and small orders that help you test demand before scaling. With the right partner, quality control can be more consistent than on AliExpress, and working with agents simplifies supplier communication and order management.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage is that 1688 is a Chinese-language platform, and many international sellers avoid it because of the language and payment barriers. Most suppliers do not ship internationally, so you depend on agents or forwarders. Returns and quality control become more complex because intermediaries sit between you and the supplier, and returns are often unfeasible. Overall, the process is more operationally complex than dropshipping from AliExpress.
Selecting Reliable Suppliers for 1688 Dropshipping
Choosing reliable suppliers on 1688.com is important for product quality, customer satisfaction, and branding. Avoid relying only on supplier ratings or reviews, and order samples before committing to large purchases.
Quality control inspections should happen before international shipping, often at an agent’s warehouse in China, where products can also get a quick packaging review. A good agent or logistics partner can negotiate prices, verify supplier reliability, and provide photo evidence of pre-shipping checks, since skipping inspections can lead to product issues. If you need correct customs codes for new products, our HTS classification service helps before the first shipment.
Alternative to 1688: Dropshipping Through AliExpress
For sellers who find 1688 too complex, AliExpress remains a viable alternative. AliExpress suppliers, including many middlemen, cater to international buyers with direct shipping, making it easier for beginners to start without an agent. Many AliExpress listings are simply resold from 1688 at a markup.
AliExpress prices are higher than 1688, so sellers using 1688 can achieve higher profit margins, though AliExpress pricing often includes shipping and buyer protection, which explains part of the difference. For product ideas, see what to buy from AliExpress and sell on Amazon.
Related guides for sourcing from China
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 1688 ship to the USA?
Generally no. Most 1688 suppliers only deliver within China, so you need a sourcing agent or freight forwarder to receive the goods in China and ship them to the USA.
Can Americans buy from 1688?
Yes, but usually through an agent. The site is in Mandarin, prices are in yuan, and most suppliers accept only Chinese payment methods, so an agent places and pays for the order and a forwarder ships it.
Which is cheaper, 1688 or Alibaba?
1688 is usually cheaper because suppliers sell at domestic wholesale prices. Alibaba.com prices are set for export buyers and include English support and Trade Assurance. Once you add agent fees, shipping, and duties, compare landed cost per unit, not the listed price.
Is dropshipping still viable in 2026?
Yes, but the model has changed. With duty-free de minimis gone, shipping one parcel per order from China costs more, so many sellers import in bulk and fulfill from US inventory to keep delivery fast and costs predictable.
What is 1688 API integration?
It is a connection between your store and 1688 that automates product imports, order placement, and stock and price updates, usually through an app or an agent’s software.
