Over the years, a few Chinese wholesale websites like Alibaba and Shein have become household names across the world. However, there are many more wholesale websites that have even more to offer.
So, settle in, dear reader, and let’s do a quick review of Chinese websites that you can check out next time you need to source goods.
目录
Highly Recommended Chinese Wholesale Websites: An Overview
1. Alibaba
Alibaba is a B2B wholesale website that offers an extensive selection of products from consumer goods to industrial machinery and inputs. The suppliers on the platform are mostly verified manufacturers.
- Language
Alibaba supports over 18 languages.
- MOQ
Mostly between 1 to 1,000. Custom goods have higher MOQs.
- Payment methods
Wire transfer, Western Union, Major bank cards, Moneygram, L/C
- Shipping methods
Air or sea/ocean shipping through DHL, TNT, EMS, etc.
- Communication
Alibaba chat messaging.
- Product quality
Good. Quality inspections are performed by independent inspectors.
Buyers can sign up for an Alibaba account for free, search for goods, and send an instant inquiry to the buyer. The buyer then responds or provides a quote and both parties can negotiate and agree on the terms of the sale.
Pros:
- Buyer protection is provided
- Manufacturers on the website offer customization services.
Cons:
- The MOQs can be high for start-ups.
2. AliExpress
AliExpress is primarily a B2C wholesale website but most suppliers can also sell in bulk. The product selection comprises consumer goods such as clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and much more.
To place an order, you only need to:
- Sign up for a free account
- Find the item(s)
- Add to cart
- Proceed to check out
- Language
It supports over 18 languages.
- MOQ
1
- Payment methods
PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Western Union, Bank Transfer, etc.
- Shipping methods
Express shipping via DHL, FedEx, or TNT.
China Post
- Communication
AliExpress message service
- Product quality
Good. You can ask for a refund if you receive poor-quality goods.
- Dropshipping
Allowed
Pros:
- Buyer protection is provided.
- Most suppliers respond positively to dropshipping requests.
Cons:
- Standard shipping takes a long time.
3. DHgate
DHgate is an ideal site if you would like to buy goods in medium wholesale quantities. Suppliers on the platform are mostly manufacturers and trading companies that deal in consumer goods.
- Language
It supports 15 languages.
- MOQ
It varies between suppliers but is often low.
- Payment methods
Bank transfer, PayPal, Major credit and debit cards, Western Union, etc.
- Shipping methods
Both air and sea
China Post, ePacket, DHL, FedEx
- Communication
DHgate online chat
- Product quality
Average.
- Dropshipping
Supported
You can search for products and add them to your cart after you register on DHgate. Checkout is easy and includes shipping options.
Pros:
- It offers a good balance of price and quality.
- The product catalogue features items you may not find elsewhere.
Cons:
- Some of the replica products on the website are of poor quality.
4. 1688.com
The services and provisions on the 1688 website are all China-oriented. The whole website is only accessible in Chinese which makes shopping on the platform difficult unless you can translate it. Even then, you will likely still need a China sourcing agent to finalise the purchase for you.
- Language
Chinese
- MOQ
It varies between suppliers.
- Payment methods
Alipay
- Shipping methods
Domestic shipping only.
- Communication
WeChat; if you can find the seller’s contact information.
- Product quality
Fair but the products are oriented toward Chinese consumers.
- Dropshipping
Chinese customers can dropship to other countries via 1688.
Pros:
- You can access customization services.
- Prices on 1688.com are comparatively lower than on most platforms.
Cons:
- Suppliers on 1688.com focus on the local market.
5. Yiwugo
Yiwugo lists wholesale suppliers from the famous Yiwu wholesale market. Their listings include their store addresses and product catalogues.
- Language
Chinese, Intermediary English
- MOQ
Often 10 units or more
- Payment methods
PayPal for small orders. L/C or T/T for bulk orders.
- Shipping methods
Buyers have to make their own arrangements.
- Communication
The ‘Send Inquiry’ provision or via a supplier’s contacts.
- Product quality
Average but varies between suppliers as it is not regulated.
- Dropshipping
It is not supported.
Ordering on Yiwugo is not direct. You first need to find products that you are interested in, then send an inquiry to a supplier and discuss whether it is possible to order.
Pros:
- It is a safer and easier way to shop from Yiwu wholesalers.
- The MOQs are accommodative to small buyers.
Cons:
- You would have to arrange for the shipment of your goods using independent freight forwarders.
6. Global Sources
Global Sources may be suitable for you if you need to source goods in bulk. It lists well-established trading companies and product manufacturers from Asia but most of them are Chinese.
- Language
English
- MOQ
1 to 1,000 but it varies between suppliers.
- Payment methods
PayPal, Western Union, T/T, etc.
- Shipping methods
Air or sea through different couriers.
- Communication
Global Sources messaging
‘Send Inquiry’ provision
- Product quality
Average.
To place orders, simply click on the item and ‘Start Order’ or ‘Add to Cart’.
Pros:
- You can access a very wide pool of suppliers.
- The MOQs are accessible.
Cons:
- Shipping provisions are not well-defined hence the costs and courier options can be unpredictable.
7. Made In China
Made In China comprises mostly manufacturers but there are some trading companies listed on the platform too. You can find both consumer goods and industrial equipment suppliers and listings on the website.
- Language
English
- MOQ
Mostly 500+ but it depends on the supplier.
- Payment methods
T/T, L/C, Western Union, Paypal, Master/Visa Card
- Shipping methods
Air, sea, or express shipping through couriers
- Communication
A messaging form is provided under each product listing.
- Product quality
Good especially if you buy from well-rated manufacturers.
- Dropshipping
Supported
Orders are made by contacting the supplier directly so that you can work out the details of the sale.
Pros:
- It has a diverse product catalogue.
- Company profiles are quite detailed and informative.
Cons:
- Shipping logistics can be a challenge for beginners.
8. Banggood.com
Many compare Banggood to AliExpress but they are not identical. When you buy from Banggood, you buy from a central company, unlike AliExpress where each seller has a separate store.
- Language
English and 26 other languages
- MOQ
1 or more if you would like to access wholesale prices.
- Payment methods
PayPal, Mastercard, Visa
- Shipping methods
Priority Direct Mail
Express Shipping through couriers
- Communication
Online chat
- Product quality
Good
- Dropshipping
Supported
Banggood requires buyers to sign up before ordering. You can then add your preferred goods to your cart and checkout.
Pros:
- Banggood offers great discounts.
- The product variety is now dynamic and the quality control is good.
Cons:
- It can take a while before you get a response to queries.
9. Shein
Shein is a wholesale website dedicated to fashion items. It is suitable for sourcing women’s clothing but you can also find limited collections of apparel for men and kids, shoes, and assorted accessories.
- Language
There are multiple Shein websites for different regions in different languages.
- MOQ
It varies but most of them are low.
- Payment methods
Major bank cards, Paypal, Wire transfers
- Shipping methods
Air or sea shipping with standard and Express options.
- Communication
Online chat portal
- Product quality
Decent but also inconsistent.
- Dropshipping
It may only be possible with the support of a dropshipping agent.
Shopping on Shein is a breeze. You only need to sign up, add goods to your bag, and check out when you are done shopping.
Pros:
- Product listings are refreshed very regularly.
- Prices on Shein wholesale are affordable.
Cons:
- The quality of products is inconsistent.
It is difficult to dropship on Shein without an agent’s support.
10. Taobao
Taobao is both a B2C and C2C wholesale website. It is a great site if you are in search of uncommon yet trendy consumer goods. Its prices are also often cheaper than those of other wholesale websites.
- Language
Chinese
- MOQ
Variable but mostly on the lower end.
- Payment methods
Alipay
- Shipping methods
Consolidated Taobao shipping or ship through your Taobao agent
- Communication
Easier done through an agent but you can also use the ‘Contact Seller’ button on product listings.
- Product quality
Good
- Dropshipping
Supported
Everything on Taobao is written in Chinese. Consequently, you would either have to learn how to translate Taobao into English or shop via a Taobao agent.
Pros:
- The quality of products is quite good.
- A remarkable variety of unique products.
Cons:
- It is difficult for non-China residents to shop on the website.
- Dropshipping on Taobao is only possible through an agent.
Tips on Dealing With China Wholesale Suppliers
Compare Different Wholesale Suppliers
Try to avoid choosing the first supplier that seems to offer you a good deal. Instead, take your time and evaluate different suppliers that sell the type of product you are looking for. This will help you establish the right average price for the item and also identify a supplier that can give you the best value for money.
Communicate Clearly and Be Specific
It is crucial to specify exactly what you need to avoid ambiguity and miscommunication. Some essential details you could ask about include:
- The type of product
- Your preferred model/design
- Size details (where applicable)
- Your preferred colors
- The number of items you require
Negotiate
Wholesale prices in China are often based on minimum order quantities and are, subsequently, negotiable. To put it more succinctly, the larger your purchase, the more your negotiating power; use it to your advantage.
Vet Potential Wholesale Suppliers
Most Chinese provide suppliers with verification badges, indicating how long the seller has been active on the platform, and how many sales they have completed.
All these details are crucial because they allow you to analyze potential suppliers and distinguish legit suppliers from scammers.
How Do I Narrow Down My Supplier Options?
Consider Price and MOQ
Prioritize suppliers that offer wholesale prices within your budget and MOQs that match the size of orders that you require.
Request for Samples
Ask for samples from the top suppliers on your shortlist. This will give you a chance to evaluate their turnaround time and the quality of their products.
Evaluate Reliability
An ideal supplier should be able to provide a consistent supply of goods and honor the delivery timelines that you agree on. So, ask suppliers:
- How much they can deliver
- How long it takes them to produce/source orders
- How long it takes them to process orders and ship the goods to you
Conclusion
Understanding how different wholesale websites work and the products they offer gives you an upper hand any time you need to source goods. You can quickly tell where to find various items and also compare options to find the best supply terms.
On the flip side, sorting through so many options can be quite tasking. So, why not delegate it to a professional firm like Bestfulfill?
We fully take on the task of finding the products you need and negotiating the best possible prices and MOQs. You can also count on us for dropshipping services, product inspections, and other after-sale services.
Reach out to us with your sourcing needs and feel free to request a free quote.
FAQs About Chinese Wholesale Websites
Which Is the Best China Wholesale Website?
The answer to this question can vary based on the products you are looking for. Shein, for example, is great for clothing while DHgate has a more general collection of consumer goods. Suffice to say, the best China wholesale website is the one that meets your specific needs.
How Can I Avoid Scams When Buying from a China Wholesale Website?
- Request and verify their business registration details.
- Pay attention to the reviews and ratings of each supplier. Aim for ratings above 4 out of 5.
- Stick to the rules provided by the China wholesale website regarding buying, payments, and communication.
Are Products from Chinese Websites Legit?
Yes, they are.
However, the quality of products varies from one website to another and also among suppliers. Do not hesitate to arrange quality inspections to avoid paying for substandard items.
