What we buy from 1688 and Chinese marketplaces

Choose the category by use and specification

Use the category cards below for product-specific buying questions. A decorative ceramic vessel and a drinking cup may look similar but need different intended-use information. Empty cosmetic containers differ from filled formulations. A toy-shaped electronic item may need both age-use and electrical requirements considered.

For mixed orders, group products by seller and list each variant separately. Keep a reference image, link, listing option and quantity. State whether alternatives are acceptable so offers can be compared on the same basis.

Prepare the details that change the buying decision

Apparel needs garment measurements, fibre composition and quantities by size and colour. Electronics need the model, power supply, plug and accessories. Homeware needs dimensions, finish, intended use and protective packing. Bags need material, hardware and usable internal size.

For empty beauty packaging, specify capacity, closure, neck dimensions and compatibility requirements for your intended contents. Toys and hobby products need intended users, materials and any required safety evidence. Do not treat these brief prompts as a complete technical or regulatory checklist.

• Identify the material and dimensions that must match; distinguish essential features from preferences.
• State the sales market, intended use and necessary labels or documents.
• List quantities per variant, sample needs, packaging and acceptable substitutions.
• Add the delivery destination and disclose anything that may affect carrier acceptance.

Separate ordinary sourcing from unresolved restrictions

Disclose logos, branded designs and third-party artwork early. Rights or provenance evidence may be needed before purchase. A seller offering a product does not establish your right to import or resell it. Product documentation must relate to the actual model, material and intended market.

Batteries, energy-storage products and DIY energy components require a separate feasibility review. Classification, technical documentation, packaging and carrier acceptance must be checked; this page does not confirm that these goods are accepted or that engineering validation or testing is available. The same early disclosure matters for liquids and other restricted contents.

Compare categories using delivered cost

A low unit price can be outweighed by minimum quantities, special packaging, dimensional freight or destination requirements. Ask whether minimums apply per size, colour, model or custom package. A mixed carton is not automatically a mixed minimum order.

Request goods, local transport, service, agreed checks, packing, international freight and destination costs separately. Consolidation may help some orders but can add waiting, handling or protection requirements. Compare the quoted options using packed measurements and the goods you can actually use or sell.

• Understand minimum order quantities →
• Compare consolidation and separate shipping →

Use samples to answer a specific question

State what a sample should resolve: size, finish, assembly, packaging or another defined feature. Agree its price, shipping, review method and the link between the approved sample and later production. A sample photograph cannot establish hidden composition, long-term durability or destination compliance.

If your product is not listed, describe it. The next step is to establish whether its specification, buying scope and route can be assessed.