1688 vs alibaba

1688 vs alibaba is a comparison often made when considering sourcing products from China. Both 1688 and Alibaba are owned by the same parent company, Alibaba Group, but they cater to different audiences. 1688 is primarily a Chinese domestic marketplace where local businesses buy and sell products. It is often used by Chinese wholesalers and manufacturers for bulk sourcing, with much lower prices than Alibaba. Alibaba, on the other hand, is more focused on international trade and provides a platform for global buyers to connect with suppliers worldwide. The key difference lies in language, payment methods, and shipping logistics. While 1688 is cheaper due to the local market setup, it can be more challenging for international buyers due to the language barrier and limited support for international transactions.