1688 vs Alibaba - the TRUTH about 1688.com

Summary

In this informative video, Kian Golzari, an experienced China-based sourcing expert, compares 1688 and Alibaba for product purchasing. He highlights the language barrier, differing quality standards, the need for an export license, lack of payment protection, and the challenges of building relationships with suppliers on 1688. Kian offers seven key tips for buyers and a live demo, emphasizing the complexities of sourcing from China and suggesting that Alibaba might often be a better choice despite the perceived lower prices on 1688.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kian Golzari, the host, has extensive experience in China, manufacturing, and sourcing, having worked with major brands and attended numerous Canton Fairs.
• 🛍️ The purpose of the channel is to educate viewers on how to effectively source products from China, emphasizing the importance of understanding the sourcing process.
• 🍀 '1688' is the Chinese pronunciation and is considered lucky in China because the numbers six and eight are associated with happiness, good fortune, and wealth.
• 🏢 1688 is the domestic Chinese version of Alibaba, focusing on the Chinese market, whereas Alibaba is for exporting goods worldwide.
• 📈 Kian addresses common misconceptions about 1688 offering cheaper prices and better direct manufacturer access, urging viewers to consider the full picture.
• 🗣️ A significant barrier when using 1688 is the language issue, as the platform is in Chinese, which can complicate communication and understanding of product specifications.
• 🔍 Quality standards on 1688 may not meet international standards, especially for the US and EU markets, which could lead to issues with compliance and customer satisfaction.
• 📄 Many suppliers on 1688 do not have an export license, which is required for shipping products outside of China, necessitating the use of sourcing agents or trading companies.
• 💸 There is no payment protection on 1688, unlike Alibaba's Trade Assurance feature, and payments often have to go through intermediaries, adding risk and cost.
• 🤝 Building a relationship with manufacturers on 1688 is challenging due to language barriers and the platform's domestic focus, which is crucial for negotiation and problem-solving.
• 💰 While 1688 is perceived as offering lower prices, the actual savings may not be significant when considering the additional challenges and potential quality compromises.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the 'Sourcing with Kian' YouTube channel?

The main purpose of the 'Sourcing with Kian' YouTube channel is to teach viewers how to master the art of sourcing products from China.

Who is Kian Golzari and what is his experience in China?

Kian Golzari is the host of the channel who has been living and working in China for over 10 years. He has manufactured over two and a half thousand products, visited more than 500 factories, and attended over 20 Canton Fairs, working with brands such as the MBA and the Olympics.

What are the implications of the name '1688' in Chinese culture?

In Chinese culture, the number 6 is associated with happiness and good for business, while the number 8 is associated with good fortune and wealth. Therefore, '1688' is considered to have a lucky connotation.

Why is the number 4 considered unlucky in China?

The number 4 is considered unlucky in China because its pronunciation is similar to the word for 'death'.

What is the primary difference between Alibaba and 1688?

Alibaba is for exporting Chinese goods to the rest of the world, while 1688 is for domestic retailers and wholesalers in China who want to buy from Chinese factories.

What are the language challenges one might face when using 1688.com?

The language challenges include the fact that 1688.com is a Chinese domestic website, and everything is in Chinese. Users may need to rely on Google Translate, which might not be easily accessible in China, and not all information is easily translatable from Chinese into English.

Why might the quality standards of products on 1688 be lower than those required in the US or EU?

Products on 1688 are focused on the Chinese domestic market, which does not have the same quality standards as the US or EU. Cheaper products on 1688 might use inferior materials and not comply with the standards required for import into the US or EU.

What is the issue with purchasing from 1688 suppliers who do not have an export license?

Suppliers on 1688 do not have an export license, which is legally required to export products out of China. This means buyers have to purchase through a sourcing agent or a trading company, which adds a middleman cost and potential complications.

Why is payment protection important when sourcing products from China?

Payment protection, such as Alibaba's Trade Assurance feature, ensures that buyers are refunded if they receive incorrect or unsatisfactory products. 1688 does not offer such protection, which can lead to financial risks for buyers.

What are the potential drawbacks of trying to get the cheapest price from 1688 without considering other factors?

The potential drawbacks include not necessarily getting the best price, lack of payment protection, having to deal with middlemen, and not being able to communicate effectively with manufacturers who do not speak English.

How does Kian suggest building a strong relationship with manufacturers?

Kian suggests that building a strong relationship with manufacturers can lead to better prices, credit terms, and faster lead times. However, this can be challenging on 1688 due to language barriers and the focus on the domestic market.

What is the main takeaway from the video regarding sourcing from 1688 compared to Alibaba?

The main takeaway is that while 1688 might seem like an attractive option for cheaper prices, it comes with several challenges and potential drawbacks, such as language barriers, lower quality standards, lack of payment protection, and the need to deal with middlemen.