Finding the Right Supplier in China
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Where you buy decides what you pay and who you can trust. Alibaba lists English-speaking exporters with trade assurance, 1688 is the domestic wholesale platform where the same goods often cost 20–40% less, and going direct to a factory cuts the trading-company markup but demands you handle export paperwork yourself. The right channel depends on order size and how much vetting work you can do.
A supplier on Alibaba is often a trading company, not the factory — confirm by asking for the business license and checking the registered scope matches the product. We trace whether the entity actually manufactures or just resells, because a trader adds 5–15% margin and a layer between you and quality control.
Guides (1)
FAQ
Is Alibaba or 1688 cheaper for electronics?
1688 prices are typically 20–40% lower than Alibaba for the same goods, but 1688 is Chinese-language only, sells domestically, and won't handle export — you need an agent or forwarder to use it.
How do I tell if a supplier is a factory or a trader?
Ask for the business license and check the registered business scope, request a factory video walkthrough, and compare their address to the manufacturing region. Traders often dodge these or give vague answers.
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