How to Choose Between Taobao and 1688 Sites
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- Source：OrientDeck
So you're trying to figure out whether Taobao or 1688 is the better platform for your shopping or business needs? You're not alone. Millions of buyers — both retail shoppers and resellers — face this decision every day. Let’s break it down in plain English, with real data, insider insights, and a dash of humor.
Who Are These Giants Anyway?
Taobao and 1688 are both under the Alibaba Group umbrella, but they serve very different audiences.
- Taobao: Think of it as China's Amazon + Etsy hybrid — perfect for individual consumers who want variety, good visuals, and fast delivery.
- 1688.com: This is the wholesale beast. It's where manufacturers, small shops, and bulk buyers go to get rock-bottom prices directly from suppliers.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison table to show how they stack up:
| Feature | Taobao | 1688 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Individual shoppers | Bulk buyers & resellers |
| Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) | Often 1 piece | 5–50+ units |
| Average Price (Same Product) | ¥35 | ¥22 |
| Shipping Speed (Domestic) | 1–3 days | 3–7 days |
| Languages Available | Chinese, basic English | Chinese only |
| Customer Support | User-friendly chat | Limited, mostly text-based |
As you can see, 1688 wins on price, but Taobao wins on convenience.
When Should You Use Taobao?
Go with Taobao if:
- You’re buying just one or two items.
- You care about product photos, reviews, and descriptions.
- You want fast shipping within China.
- You’re not fluent in Chinese — Taobao has slightly better interface support for foreigners.
For example, a cute phone case might cost ¥35 on Taobao with free shipping and 500 five-star reviews. Great for personal use!
When Is 1688 the Smarter Move?
Pick 1688 when:
- You’re planning to resell products.
- You need bulk quantities (say, 50 LED lamps).
- You’re working with a tight budget and margins matter.
- You have a sourcing agent or speak Mandarin.
On 1688, that same phone case might cost only ¥22 — but you’d need to buy 10 at a time. That’s a 37% savings!
Pro Tip: Check Supplier History
On 1688, always look at the supplier’s transaction history and response rate. A factory selling 10,000 units/month is more reliable than one with three sales last year.
The Bottom Line
If you're a casual shopper, Taobao is your go-to. But if you're building a brand, running an e-commerce store, or sourcing inventory, 1688 gives you serious cost advantages.
Want the best of both worlds? Some smart buyers use 1688 to find suppliers, then order samples via Taobao (same seller, often) to check quality before placing a bulk order.
In short: Taobao for convenience, 1688 for profit.