Why Inspect Products Before International Shipping from China?
Product inspection before international shipping is an important step for overseas buyers purchasing from China. Before spending money on international freight, you need to know whether the products received at your China warehouse match your order and are in acceptable visible condition. Many buyers assume that once a Chinese supplier ships an order, the goods […]
What Is MOQ on 1688? A Guide to Minimum Order Quantities, SKUs and Mixed Orders
If you are buying products from 1688 for the first time, you may notice a term called MOQ on product listings. MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. It tells you the minimum number of units a supplier is willing to sell under a particular ordering arrangement. Understanding MOQ on 1688 is important because the minimum […]
Original Supplier Packaging vs Repacking: A 1688 Buyer’s Guide
When buying products from 1688 suppliers, international buyers need to decide whether to keep the original supplier packaging or authorize a warehouse to repack their orders before shipping. The right decision depends on more than the appearance of a carton. Original packaging may contain product labels, SKU information, accessories, or protective materials that buyers need […]
1688 Registration Failed? SMS Errors, Region Limits & Solutions
1688 registration failed? If you are trying to create an account outside China, the problem may involve regional restrictions, SMS verification errors, repeated security checks, or an unsuccessful Taobao or Alipay login. A failed registration does not necessarily mean that foreigners cannot buy from 1688. The platform recognises overseas users, but registration methods and available […]
Restricted vs Prohibited Goods: What If Your 1688 Order Cannot Ship?
Your 1688 order has arrived at a China warehouse, but the shipping provider says it cannot be shipped internationally. Should you look for another shipping route, separate the affected items, or return the goods to your supplier? Understanding restricted vs prohibited goods is the first step. Restricted goods may still qualify for international shipping if […]
Air Freight vs Sea Freight from China: Which Is Cheaper for Your Shipment?
Air freight vs sea freight from China: which is cheaper for your shipment? Sea freight is generally more economical for larger, non-urgent cargo, while air freight can be a better choice for small shipments, urgent inventory or orders where sea freight’s minimum charges reduce the potential savings. However, the cheapest option cannot be determined by […]
How to Reduce Shipping Volume Through Repacking
You can reduce shipping volume through repacking by removing unnecessary outer cartons, using better-fitting boxes, combining compatible products, and reducing wasted space inside packages. These changes can lower volumetric weight and may reduce international shipping costs when the goods are charged partly or entirely by the space they occupy. This is especially useful when buying […]
1688 Purchasing Service Fees Explained: Is an 8% Agent Fee Worth Paying?
1688 purchasing service fees are worth paying when an agent handles purchasing work you cannot complete yourself, such as paying Chinese suppliers in RMB or coordinating orders. If you can already place and pay for your own 1688 orders, you may not need an agent at all. At 1688DDP, assisted purchasing costs 8% of the […]
How Does Customs Clearance Work?
How does customs clearance work? The process involves submitting shipment information to customs authorities, verifying import requirements, assessing applicable duties and taxes, and obtaining permission to release the goods. For shipments imported from China, customs authorities may review commercial documents, examine declared product information, or inspect the cargo before authorizing release. A customs broker, carrier, […]
What Is DDP Shipping?
DDP shipping means Delivered Duty Paid. Under the DDP Incoterms® rule, the seller is responsible for transporting goods to an agreed destination, arranging import customs clearance, and paying applicable import duties and taxes. The seller also bears the transportation risk until the goods are delivered at the named destination, ready for unloading. For international buyers, […]