1688 buying agent guide: samples, MOQs, factory checks and testing
How a 1688 buying agent works for overseas buyers: confirm MOQs, samples and specs with ChinaCarty, then arrange factory checks, testing and shipping. For factory sourcing beyond Taobao or JD retail links.
Reviewed: · ChinaCarty LLC
Define the order before comparing prices
Send the 1688 listing, selected options, quantity per variant, intended use, budget and destination country. For a bulk project, include material, dimensions and tolerances, colour, branding and packaging requirements. A displayed quantity-tier price may not apply to your selected variant or order size. Staff confirm the actual unit price, minimum order quantity, domestic freight, lead time and available supporting documents with the supplier before you approve a quote.
Treat samples and bulk orders separately
If you need a sample first, specify the quantity and what you want to check. Sample prices, delivery costs, production time and whether variants can be combined to meet a minimum order all require supplier confirmation. Do not assume single-piece purchasing is available. Keep the approved sample details, photos and specifications as the reference for a later bulk order. An acceptable sample does not guarantee every unit in a production batch will be defect-free.
Supplier checks and factory audits
For a factory check, provide the supplier name, factory address, contact, areas of concern and required report language. Agreed on-site or remote checks can cover equipment, capacity and quality management, with findings recorded. Confirm access, scope, scheduling and cost before work begins. A supplier or factory report describes the agreed checks; it is not an unlimited guarantee of credentials, product quality or future performance.
Inspection, laboratory testing and reports
Basic warehouse inspection covers quantity, confirmed options and obvious exterior damage. Specialist inspection needs an agreed sampling scope, method and acceptance criteria. If laboratory testing is required, ChinaCarty can help coordinate sampling, sample shipment, contact with a third-party laboratory and delivery of its report. Confirm the standards, provider, samples, cost and timing first. A purchasing or factory report does not replace laboratory test results or certification.
Keep purchasing and project fees separate
The basic purchasing fee is CNY 6 for a product amount up to and including CNY 100, or 5% above CNY 100; domestic shipping is separate. Factory audits, specialist inspection, reports, testing, customization and insurance are project services quoted separately and carried out after agreement. There is no service fee on international shipping; freight and agreed optional services remain payable. Other payment currencies use the exchange rate in your confirmed quote.
Your own freight forwarder or onward shipping
You can request delivery to a nominated forwarder. Provide the warehouse address, contact, shipping mark, receiving reference and any cut-off requirements so domestic delivery and handover can be agreed. If you need international courier or other transport coordination, disclose the product attributes, destination and packing needs before ordering; final shipping is quoted after warehouse measurement. Insurance is underwritten by the insurance provider, with eligibility, exclusions, deductibles and claims governed by the actual policy.
Read next
- ChinaCarty home · 1688 buying agent entry
Return to the English homepage to send a 1688 link or a sourcing request.
- Taobao buying agent guide: Tmall links, quotes, inspection and shipping
Taobao buying agent: links, coupons and fees.
- China Product Sourcing: Hard-to-Find Items from Photos
Need help finding a supplier first?
- Service Fees & Calculator: CNY 6 or 5%
Basic buying fee vs project service fees.
Checklist to include in your inquiry
- Intended use, material, dimensions, tolerances, quantity and required delivery window.
- Stock, sample or custom production; whether sample approval must precede production.
- Specific factory-audit or testing scope, acceptance criteria, report language and required issuing body.
- Brand-source documents, packaging and label requirements, destination and nominated forwarder.
Frequently asked questions
Will I pay the lowest price shown on a 1688 listing?
That needs verification. The price may refer to a particular variant, component or quantity tier. Staff confirm the supplier's price for the exact items and quantities you selected before purchasing.
Are factory audits, testing and insurance included in the 5% fee?
No. These optional project services require a separate agreement covering price, provider, scope and deliverables. They are not assumed to have been completed as part of basic purchasing assistance.
Payment methods available at top-up
- Rabbit LINE Pay
- BPI
- BillEase
- Kredivo
- Toss Pay
- Kakao Pay
- GCash
- K PLUS
- Touch 'n Go eWallet
- TrueMoney
- AlipayHK
- Boost
- NAVER Pay
- DANA
Payments are provided by Antom. Availability varies by country or region, currency, amount and account eligibility. Please refer to the methods shown at the top-up checkout.