Complete Guide to Registering an Account on 1688.com in 2025

Vitaliy Sokyrenko
Jun 4
3 min read

1688.com is the leading Chinese B2B marketplace focused primarily on the domestic Chinese market. However, with the right approach, international entrepreneurs can also successfully use this platform to purchase goods at wholesale prices. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to register an account on 1688.com and share practical tips for using the platform effectively.

Why Should You Register on 1688.com?

Registering on 1688.com offers several key advantages:

Access to wholesale prices: Prices on 1688.com are often significantly lower than on international platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress.
Extensive product selection: Millions of products from a wide variety of suppliers are available.
Direct communication with suppliers: You can clarify product details, negotiate prices, and request custom terms directly with manufacturers.

Preparation Before Registration

To avoid issues during the registration process, we recommend the following:

Register during Chinese night hours: Preferably after 7:00 PM Beijing time (or after 7:00 PM Moscow time), when fewer security checks are triggered.
Disable any VPN software: VPN usage may raise red flags with the platform’s security systems.
Use a unique phone number: It’s best to register with a number that has not been used on any other Chinese platform.

Ways to Register on 1688.com

1. Registration via the 1688 Mobile App

This is one of the most reliable methods:

Download the 1688 app: Available in the iOS App Store and via the official 1688 Android site (APK file).
Open the app and select registration via Alipay: This integration ensures better account stability.
Log in to your Alipay account: If you don’t have one, follow the instructions in the next section to create one.
Once authorized, your 1688 account will be automatically created.

2. Registration via Alipay

Registering through Alipay adds an extra layer of security:

Download the Alipay app: Available on both iOS and Android.
Register using your mobile number: Select your country code and enter your phone number.
Verify your phone number: Enter the SMS code received.
Complete identity verification: Upload a photo of your passport and enter the required personal information.
Once verified, you can use your Alipay credentials to register on 1688.com.

3. Registration via the 1688.com Website

This method is less reliable for foreign users but still possible:

Go to 1688.com.
Click the “免费注册” button (Free Registration).
Choose the account type: The left option is for businesses, the right one is for individuals.
Fill out the registration form: Enter your username, password, phone number, and solve the captcha.
Enter the SMS verification code sent to your phone.

⚠️ Note: Accounts registered via the website may be more likely to be blocked when using foreign phone numbers.

How to Use 1688.com Effectively

Product Search Options:

By keyword: Use Chinese characters for more accurate search results.
By image: Upload a photo of the product, and the system will find similar items.
By category: Browse through categorized product listings.

Evaluating Supplier Reliability:

Sales volume: Higher volumes indicate more reliable suppliers.
Repeat purchase rate: A high rate shows strong customer trust.
Years on the platform: Suppliers with 3+ years of experience are usually more trustworthy.
Ratings and reviews: Always check feedback from other buyers.
Return policy: A 7-day return window with no explanation required is a good sign.

How We Can Help

UnreaL China offers a full range of services to help you work with Chinese suppliers:

🔍 Supplier sourcing and verification: Our experts will find and verify reliable manufacturers.
💰 Purchasing and payment support: We can purchase goods on your behalf using local payment methods.
📦 Inspection and consolidation: We check the product quality and consolidate shipments to reduce delivery costs.
🚚 Shipping worldwide: We handle logistics to any destination, including Amazon FBA warehouses.
📞 Support and consulting: Full assistance throughout the entire procurement process.

Conclusion

Registering on 1688.com can seem complicated for international users, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes a powerful tool for scaling your sourcing and business operations. If you have any questions or need assistance, the team at UnreaL China is always ready to help.