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    Your FISHGOO Guide to Navigating 1688 Without Knowing Chinese

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    Marcus
    ·October 6, 2025
    ·14 min read
    Your FISHGOO Guide to Navigating 1688 Without Knowing Chinese
    Image Source: pexels

    You can shop on 1688 even if you do not know Chinese. Many people from other countries use 1688 to find special products. They also get wholesale prices and buy straight from China’s market. Here are some top categories you can look at:

    Product Category

    Popular Items

    Home and Comfort Products

    Organizers, textiles, decor items

    Gadgets and Electronics

    USB hubs, humidifiers, ring lights, tripods

    Clothing and Accessories

    Tracksuits, T-shirts, tote bags

    Pet Supplies

    Interactive toys, GPS trackers for collars

    FISHGOO makes buying easy and safe. You get English translations and ways to pay from other countries. You also get friendly customer support. FISHGOO keeps track of your orders and gives you different shipping choices. This helps you feel sure at every step. Use this Complete Guide to start buying from China now.

    Key Takeaways

    • You can shop on 1688 even if you do not know Chinese. Use translation tools like Google Chrome to read product details.

    • FISHGOO makes buying easier. It gives English support. It has many ways to pay. It helps you talk to suppliers.

    • Always check suppliers before you buy anything. Look for sellers with 'Trustpass member' status. Check their reviews to stay safe from scams.

    • FISHGOO lets you combine packages. This service saves money by putting many orders in one box.

    • You can pay using your local money. FISHGOO takes PayPal, Visa, and more. This makes paying easy and safe.

    Complete Guide to 1688

    What Is 1688?

    You might ask what 1688 is and why it is popular. 1688 is the biggest online wholesale site in China. It lets you talk to manufacturers and suppliers in China. Many people from other countries use 1688 every year. They buy things for their shops or for themselves. In 2023, 5.94 million buyers from other countries used 1688 from January to November. This number grew by more than 76% from last year.

    1688 gives a full guide for anyone who wants to shop in China’s market. You can look at over 10 million products. These include electronics, clothes, home items, and more. You can buy in bulk or just try a small order. This is good for new buyers and those with experience. If you want to save money and find special things, 1688 is a great choice.

    Why Source from China?

    China is famous for making many products and having lots of choices. When you use 1688, you get to see this big market. Here are some main reasons:

    Advantage

    Description

    Extensive Product Range

    1688 has over 10 million products, making it China’s largest wholesale market.

    Direct Access to Manufacturers

    Buyers talk straight to manufacturers, so prices are better and quality is checked.

    Low Minimum Order Quantity

    Many sellers let you buy small amounts, so you can start small or test new things.

    Transparent Pricing

    Prices are easy to see, so you can compare and pick fast.

    Consistent Supply

    Many sellers keep products in stock, so you can order again easily.

    Buyer Protection

    A credit points system helps protect buyers from problems or delays.

    You do not need to worry about language or paying. FISHGOO gives you a full guide to 1688. You get English help, many ways to pay, and quick shipping to many places. You can pay with PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, or other ways. FISHGOO helps buyers from other countries shop easily on 1688. This makes China’s market open to everyone.

    Navigating 1688

    Translation Tools

    You do not need to know Chinese to start shopping on 1688. You can use translation tools to help you understand the website. Many people use Google Chrome because it has a built-in translation feature. Here is how you can use it:

    1. Install Google Chrome if you do not have it.

    2. Go to 1688.com.

    3. Right-click anywhere on the page.

    4. Select "Translate to English."

    5. Wait for the translation to finish, then browse the page.

    You can also use Google Translate. Both tools help you read product names, prices, and descriptions. Browser-based translation tools work well for most text. Sometimes, they may not translate everything perfectly. Complex phrases or text in images may not show up in English. You should check important details carefully before you buy.

    Tip: If you see text in an image, try searching for the product name in English or ask FISHGOO’s support team for help.

    Browsing in English

    FISHGOO makes browsing 1688 much easier for you. The platform gives you an English interface. You can see product details like prices, colors, and sizes without needing to read Chinese. FISHGOO shows clear prices with no hidden fees. You can explore categories such as clothing, gadgets, and home goods. The platform also lets you find trending products and special deals.

    FISHGOO offers curated categories and influencer picks. These features help you discover popular items and get recommendations from influencers. You can see what is trending and find unique products. The Exquisite Mall on FISHGOO acts like a boutique, showing seasonal arrivals and special collections. This makes your shopping journey more fun and efficient.

    • Browse curated categories for easy shopping.

    • Check influencer picks for the latest trends.

    • Visit the Exquisite Mall for unique finds.

    With FISHGOO, you can shop on 1688 confidently, even if you do not know Chinese. The platform guides you every step of the way.

    How to Buy from 1688

    Account Setup

    If you want to buy from China, you need an account. First, go to the 1688 homepage and click 'Free Registration'. Next, pick if you want a personal or business account. Enter your phone number. You will get a code by text. Type in the code to check your phone. Fill in your name and membership status. Update your account for safety and to make it yours.

    Having an account lets you see many products and suppliers. Some buyers find it hard to register. Most pages are in Chinese, so it can be confusing. Paying can be tricky for people outside China. You might worry about product quality or shipping. You can use translation tools or ask FISHGOO for help. FISHGOO lets you skip hard steps. Just paste the product link, and FISHGOO does the rest. This makes buying from 1688.com much easier.

    Tip: If you get stuck, FISHGOO’s customer support can help you with each step.

    Product Search

    To find products on 1688.com, you have a few ways. Try Google Translate to help with keywords. Type your words in the search bar. You can also use the camera icon to search by photo. Upload a picture of what you want, and 1688 will show similar things.

    FISHGOO’s instant translation helps you read product details. You see names, descriptions, and prices in your language. This breaks the language barrier and helps you choose well. You can look at special categories, influencer picks, and the Exquisite Mall for cool finds. FISHGOO makes buying from 1688.com simple and clear.

    Search Method

    How It Works

    Keyword Search

    Type translated keywords in the search bar

    Image Search

    Upload a product photo using the camera icon

    FISHGOO Link Search

    Paste product link for instant translation

    You do not have to worry about missing details. FISHGOO’s support team answers your questions and helps you find the best products. This makes buying from China smooth and easy.

    Communicating with Suppliers

    You should talk to suppliers before you pay them. Good communication is important when you import. Many suppliers only speak Chinese. Use translation tools to send messages. Keep your questions short and clear. Ask about the products and their rules. Tell them what you want and expect.

    FISHGOO helps you talk to suppliers. Their team can translate and talk for you. You get real-time translations of messages and product info. FISHGOO’s support helps you make deals and confirm orders. This makes buying from 1688.com safe and reliable.

    Note: Always check the supplier’s information before you pay. FISHGOO’s experts help you avoid mistakes and make sure your order is right.

    You can pay suppliers in China with PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, and more. You do not need a Chinese bank account. This makes paying suppliers in China easy and safe.

    If you want to import from China, FISHGOO’s service helps you with every step. You learn how to buy from 1688.com without knowing Chinese. You get help from finding products to getting your delivery.

    Payments & Logistics

    Payment Methods

    You can buy things from 1688.com with many payment options. FISHGOO lets you pay in different ways. You do not need a Chinese bank account. This makes shopping easy and safe for people everywhere. Here are some payment choices you can use:

    • Alipay is a top way to pay in China.

    • WeChat Pay is used by many people in China.

    • You can use Visa or MasterCard for your orders.

    • Some services let you pay with PayPal.

    • Wise, WorldFirst, and Payoneer help you pay if you do not have Alipay.

    FISHGOO makes paying simple and smooth. You can use PayPal, Apple Pay, or your credit or debit card. The platform has a wallet to help you keep track of your money. FISHGOO uses strong tech to keep your payment safe. Manual checks add more safety. You can see your payment history and enjoy safe checkout every time.

    Payment Method

    Description

    PayPal

    Fast and safe payment option

    Apple Pay

    Quick and secure payment method

    Credit or Debit Cards

    Commonly used for online shopping

    SuperBuy Wallet

    Helps users manage their funds effectively

    Security Feature

    Description

    Strong Technology

    Protects buyer information during transactions

    Manual Approval

    Adds extra safety by checking payments

    Payment History

    Allows buyers to track transactions easily

    Secure Checkout

    Ensures trust in every order

    You do not need to worry about payment problems. FISHGOO keeps your payments safe and easy. This lets you focus on finding the best products for you.

    Shipping Options

    After you pay, you need to pick how to ship your products. FISHGOO gives you many shipping choices for your needs and budget. You can choose the best way to get your products fast and safe. Here is a table to help you compare shipping methods:

    Shipping Method

    Delivery Time

    Cost Range (USD)

    Best For

    Express Courier

    2-5 days

    High ($20+)

    Urgent shipments, samples

    Postal (China Post)

    10-25 days

    Low (~$1.36)

    Low-value items

    Commercial Line

    6-12 days

    Medium ($5-$8)

    E-commerce brands

    Express courier is good if you need your products fast. Postal shipping costs less and is best for cheap products. Commercial line is a good mix of speed and price. It works well for e-commerce brands and b2b buyers. FISHGOO’s team helps you pick the best shipping for your products. You can check shipping costs with the online calculator before you choose.

    FISHGOO ships to over 200 countries and regions. The platform uses a strong network to make sure your products arrive on time. You can track your products at every step. This helps you feel calm and plan your business.

    Package Consolidation

    If you buy from many sellers, shipping each one alone costs more. FISHGOO offers package consolidation to help you save money. This service puts your products into one big box. You only pay for one shipment, so you spend less on shipping.

    Here is how package consolidation works:

    1. Your products go to FISHGOO’s warehouse.

    2. The team checks each product for quality.

    3. They pack your products together in one big box.

    4. FISHGOO gets all papers ready for customs.

    5. The big box ships with the best shipping choice.

    Package consolidation gives you many good things:

    • You pay less for shipping with one box.

    • Smart packing saves space and avoids extra fees.

    • One box makes customs faster and easier.

    • You get all your products together, which saves time.

    FISHGOO’s experts handle every step for you. You do not need to worry about missing products or high costs. This service makes buying from other countries easy and cheap.

    Tip: Ask FISHGOO’s support team if you want to know the best way to pack your products. They can help you pick the right shipping plan for you.

    FISHGOO’s one-stop logistics service lets you focus on your business. You can trust the platform to deliver your products safely, quickly, and at a good price.

    How to Buy Products from 1688.com Safely

    Supplier Verification

    You want to make sure you buy from a trustworthy supplier on 1688.com. Start by checking the supplier’s profile. When you hover over the supplier name, you see an overview with reviews and how long they have been a member. This gives you a quick idea of their reliability.

    Always look for sellers marked as 'Trustpass member.' This badge shows a basic level of trust.

    Here are some steps you can follow to check a supplier:

    1. Filter for 'Trustpass member' sellers.

    2. Check for red flags like incomplete profiles or missing contact details.

    3. Visit the supplier’s company information page for more details.

    You should also look for guarantees on the supplier’s Factory File or Company page. These guarantees show what protection you get if something goes wrong. Read the coverage details to understand what is included.

    FISHGOO helps you with supplier checks. The team reviews each supplier before working with them. They also look at feedback from other buyers on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube. This helps you avoid risky sellers.

    Avoiding Scams

    You need to watch out for scams when shopping online. Here are some common scams you might see on 1688.com:

    Scam Type

    Description

    Fake Sellers

    Use stolen identities, list fake products, and disappear after payment.

    Bait and Switch

    Show high-quality items but send low-quality ones and refuse refunds.

    Payment Scams

    Ask for payment outside the platform or send fake payment links.

    Shipping Scams

    Charge high shipping fees or give fake tracking numbers.

    Agent Scams

    Pretend to be agents, ask for upfront money, and add hidden fees.

    FISHGOO protects you from these risks. The team inspects your products for damage or mistakes before shipping. You get photos of your items from different angles. If you find a problem, you can ask for more photos, a replacement, or a refund before your order ships. FISHGOO uses strong boxes and extra padding for fragile or expensive items, so your package stays safe and dry.

    If you have any problems after your order, FISHGOO’s after-sales team helps you with refunds, returns, and questions. You can contact them by email, chat, or social media. This support gives you peace of mind when buying from 1688.com.

    FISHGOO One-Stop Service

    FISHGOO One-Stop Service
    Image Source: pexels

    Agent vs. DIY Sourcing

    If you want to buy from 1688, you have two choices. You can do DIY sourcing or use FISHGOO as your agent. DIY sourcing means you do everything yourself. You look for products and talk to suppliers. You check the quality and set up shipping. You also fix payment problems and try to understand Chinese. This can be hard and take a lot of time, especially for buyers from other countries.

    FISHGOO works as your sourcing agent. You just paste a product link. FISHGOO does all the work for you. They help you find products and talk to suppliers. They handle payments and check your goods. FISHGOO arranges shipping to your country. You do not need to worry about language or hidden costs. FISHGOO gives clear prices and full support. This makes buying from China easy and safe.

    If you use FISHGOO as your agent, you save time and make fewer mistakes. You get expert help at every step.

    Customized Sourcing

    FISHGOO gives special sourcing services for people, businesses, and influencers. You can ask for unique products or big orders. FISHGOO’s team finds good suppliers and gets better prices for you. This helps you buy special items or large amounts for your business.

    Here are ways FISHGOO’s customized sourcing helps you:

    Benefit

    Description

    Easy Sourcing Process

    FISHGOO makes buying from China simple for buyers everywhere.

    Clear Pricing

    You see all costs before you pay, so there are no surprises.

    Quality Checks

    FISHGOO checks your products before shipping to make sure they are good.

    Fast Shipping Choices

    You can pick from many shipping methods for quick delivery.

    Save Money

    Packing your items together helps you spend less on shipping.

    Support After Buying

    FISHGOO helps you after you buy to make things go smoothly.

    You can use FISHGOO’s sourcing to grow your business in other countries. Many resources help ecommerce sellers do well. FISHGOO connects you with top suppliers and global tools. You get help for every order, big or small. FISHGOO’s team helps you reach new places and find great products.

    FISHGOO’s one-stop service helps you feel sure at every step. You can focus on your business while FISHGOO takes care of everything else.

    You can shop on 1688 even if you do not know Chinese. Many buyers have problems like language, quality, and payment. Some buyers worry about finding good suppliers. Others find it hard to pay or ship items. High order amounts and customs rules also cause trouble. Here is how these problems affect buyers:

    Challenge

    Description

    Language and Cultural Barriers

    Most of the site uses Mandarin, so it is hard to talk and understand.

    Quality Control

    Product quality changes a lot; online info may not be enough, so buyers need samples.

    Supplier Verification

    It is tough to find honest suppliers because there are so many; extra checks are needed.

    Payment and Shipping Complexities

    Paying and shipping from other countries is tricky; knowing about money exchange helps.

    High Minimum Order Quantities

    Suppliers ask for bigger orders from buyers outside China to cover costs.

    Customs Clearance

    Wrong papers can slow things down and cost more; buyers must learn import rules.

    FISHGOO helps buyers with these problems. You can search for products easily. Placing orders is simple. FISHGOO helps you pay in your own money. Your items go to a safe warehouse in China. FISHGOO checks your products and sends you pictures. You can pick how and when to ship your items.

    Service

    Description

    Product Search

    Find things from Taobao, 1688, Weidian, and other places.

    Order Placement

    Paste the product link, and FISHGOO does everything else.

    Payment Help

    Pay with your own money type, no need for a Chinese account.

    Warehouse Service

    Your items arrive at a safe warehouse in China.

    Quality Check

    FISHGOO looks at your products and sends you photos.

    Shipping

    Pick how and when to send your package to your country.

    Buyers can shop without worry and find new products. FISHGOO makes buying from China easy and safe for everyone. You get more choices and better deals. Start shopping and enjoy the fun of China’s market.

    FAQ

    How do I place an order on 1688 if I do not know Chinese?

    You can copy the product link from 1688 and paste it into FISHGOO. The platform shows you the product details in English. You follow simple steps to complete your order.

    Can I pay with my local currency on FISHGOO?

    Yes, you can pay with PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, or Apple Pay. FISHGOO accepts many local payment methods. You do not need a Chinese bank account.

    What if I want to buy from multiple sellers?

    FISHGOO collects all your items in one warehouse. The team checks each product and then combines them into one package. This saves you money on shipping.

    How does FISHGOO check product quality?

    FISHGOO inspects every item when it arrives at the warehouse. You get photos of your products. If there is a problem, you can ask for more photos or a replacement.

    Is it safe to shop on 1688 with FISHGOO?

    Yes. FISHGOO checks suppliers, inspects products, and offers after-sales support. You get help at every step. This makes your shopping experience safe and smooth.

    See Also

    Discover How Fishgoo Eases Your Chinese Shopping Experience

    Dive Into the Extensive Range of Chinese Goods via Fishgoo

    Begin Your Taobao Shopping Journey with This FISHGOO Guide

    Effortlessly Buy from Taobao to Your Home with Fishgoo

    Your Complete Guide to Global Taobao Shopping Using Fishgoo