Comparison
Alibaba vs 1688 for Dropshipping: Which Is Better?
Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
1688.com is better for dropshipping — it's cheaper and has more factories. Alibaba is better for bulk orders and English-speaking buyers. Most private agents source from 1688, not Alibaba.
What's the Difference?
Alibaba and 1688 are both owned by the same company (Alibaba Group). But they serve completely different markets:
- Alibaba.com: International B2B marketplace. English interface. For exporters selling to global buyers.
- 1688.com: Domestic Chinese marketplace. Chinese interface only. For factories selling to Chinese businesses.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Alibaba | 1688 |
|---|---|---|
| Language | English | Chinese only |
| Prices | 20-40% higher | Factory-direct prices |
| MOQ | 100-500 pieces | 1-10 pieces |
| Supplier Type | Trading companies + factories | Mostly factories |
| English Support | Good | Poor (most suppliers don't speak English) |
| Payment | PayPal, credit card, T/T | Alipay (Chinese bank account required) |
Why Private Agents Use 1688
Private agents like FulfilLink source from 1688 because:
- Better prices: 1688 prices are 20-40% cheaper than Alibaba
- Lower MOQ: Factories on 1688 will sell 1-5 pieces as samples
- More options: 1688 has 10x more products than Alibaba
- We speak Chinese: We can negotiate directly with factories
Can You Use 1688 Directly?
Technically yes, but practically no:
- 1688 is entirely in Chinese
- You need a Chinese bank account to pay via Alipay
- Suppliers don't ship internationally
- You need someone on the ground to do quality control
This is exactly why you need a private agent — we handle all of this for you.
Want factory-direct prices without the hassle?
FulfilLink sources directly from 1688 factories on your behalf. Get a free quote today.
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