Avoid scams and poor-quality products. Learn how to verify suppliers on 1688 before placing your first order.
Importing goods from China through platforms like 1688.com is one of the smartest ways to save money and grow your business. However, the risk of encountering fake suppliers, poor-quality products, or unreliable sellers is real—especially if you’re new to the process. This is why verifying 1688 sellers before making a purchase is absolutely critical.
In this post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to verify sellers on 1688 and make safe, confident buying decisions.
🔍 Why Verifying 1688 Sellers Is Important
1688.com is a wholesale platform mainly used by manufacturers and local Chinese businesses. It’s an incredible place to get cheap prices, but unlike platforms like Alibaba, 1688 is designed for the local Chinese market, meaning most sellers don’t speak English and international buyer protections may be limited.
Without proper verification, you could:
- Receive low-quality or fake goods
- Lose money to fraudulent sellers
- Face delays or total order failure
That’s why verification isn’t optional—it’s essential.
✅ 6 Proven Ways to Verify 1688 Sellers Before You Buy
1. Check the Seller’s Store Rating and Years of Operation
1688 displays a seller’s performance using icons (such as crowns, diamonds, or hearts) along with how many years they’ve been in business.
- 🔹 1-5 Diamonds or Crowns: Good reputation
- 🛍️ Years Active: Longer = more trust
- 👥 Buyer Reviews: Use Google Translate to read feedback on their page
Tip: Aim for sellers with 3 years+ experience and solid ratings.
2. Verify the Business License
Scroll down on the product or seller page and look for their company verification details. This includes:
- Business name and license number
- Verification badge from 1688 (real-name/company verification)
- Registered address and contact info
If the seller has passed 1688’s own verification system, you’ll see a blue badge or a company verification icon.
3. Check Product Photos and Descriptions Carefully
Fake sellers often use stolen or misleading product images. Here’s what to do:
- Reverse image search the product using Google or Baidu
- Look for inconsistencies in product details
- Ask for live or factory photos
Pro tip: If product photos look overly polished or copied from another brand, be cautious.
4. Contact the Seller and Ask the Right Questions
Use the 1688 chat tool (AliWangWang) or a translator to communicate. Ask:
- Can you send factory photos or a sample video?
- What’s your return/refund policy?
- Do you offer OEM or branding services?
How they respond will show if they are truly a professional supplier or just a middleman with no real stock.
5. Check for Gold Supplier or Factory Tags
Gold suppliers or verified factories often display tags like:
- 实地认证 (Onsite Verified)
- 诚信通 (TrustPass membership)
- 工厂店 (Factory Store)
These tags indicate a more reliable, long-term supplier and not just a random seller.
6. Use a Third-Party Verification Agent Like Jonify Imports
If you’re not fluent in Chinese or new to importing, using a trusted sourcing company like Jonify Imports is your best bet.
We help you:
- Verify product links and sellers on 1688
- Ensure the supplier is legit and factory-direct
- Handle payments and logistics with complete transparency
This way, you avoid the language barrier and get full peace of mind.
🚫 Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Prices that are too good to be true
- Incomplete or vague product descriptions
- No verified company info or years of experience
- Poor response or pushy communication
If any of these show up—walk away.
🛡️ Final Thoughts: Trust but Verify
Buying from 1688 can be extremely rewarding, but only when you take the time to verify the seller first. Don’t let cheap prices lure you into a costly mistake. By following the steps above—or using a professional sourcing partner like Jonify Imports—you can import confidently, safely, and profitably.
👇 Ready to Start Importing?
Let Jonify Imports help you verify and source from trusted 1688 sellers.
🔗 Submit a product link for verification or Get a quote today!