1688 QC Finder: check a wholesale listing before you order

Why are prices on 1688 lower than on Taobao?

Because 1688 is a business-to-business platform. Sellers quote wholesale prices, often assuming larger quantities, and add no retail margin. Buying through an agent you can usually get a single piece, but not always: some listings have a minimum order quantity that only shows on the product page.

Is it worth buying from 1688 instead of Weidian?

It depends on whether you are after a specific batch or the lowest price. On 1688 you land straight at the factory more often, so the price is lower, but descriptions are dry and variants are easier to mix up. Weidian is more convenient for someone buying a single piece, because sellers describe goods for end customers. QC photos level out that difference, because they show the goods regardless of how the listing is written.

Common traps in 1688 listings

• Minimum order quantity: some listings require several pieces, and the agent will not always split it into one.
• Variants on one page: colours and sizes are often separate items with different quality.
• Sample photos: on 1688, more often than elsewhere, one photo is shared by a whole group of products.
• No history: fresh listings have no QC photos yet, because nobody has ordered them.