How To Order From 1688 To Nigeria

Introduction.

If you’re looking to save money and buy unique products in bulk, 1688.com is a goldmine. It’s one of China’s largest wholesale platforms, offering everything from clothing and electronics to kitchen tools—all at impressively low prices.

But here’s the thing: navigating 1688.com can be tricky, especially if you’re ordering from Nigeria. The site is in Chinese, and most of the sellers don’t ship internationally.

That’s where this guide comes in. I’ll walk you through the entire process, step by step, so you can confidently shop on 1688, get your items shipped to Nigeria, and avoid common pitfalls like scams or unexpected costs.

What Is 1688.com?

1688.com is part of the Alibaba Group, the same company that runs Alibaba and AliExpress. While Alibaba focuses on global wholesale and AliExpress is more retail-oriented, 1688 caters to the Chinese domestic market. That’s why prices on 1688 are often lower compared to other platforms.

The downside? 1688 is entirely in Chinese and doesn’t offer direct shipping to most countries, including Nigeria. But don’t worry—there are ways around this, and I’ll explain them below.

Why Order from 1688 to Nigeria?

Cheaper Prices: Products on 1688 are often 20-50% cheaper than on AliExpress or Amazon because it’s designed for the Chinese market.
Wide Variety: You’ll find millions of products, from trendy fashion items to industrial equipment.
Bulk Discounts: Many sellers offer significant discounts if you buy in bulk, making it perfect for business owners.
Customization: Some sellers allow you to customize products, like adding your brand logo or adjusting designs.

How Do I Order from 1688 to Nigeria?

Step 1: Use a Translation Tool

Since the entire site is in Chinese, you’ll need to use a browser like Google Chrome, which can automatically translate the pages into English. Alternatively, you can use Google Translate to copy and paste text for translation.

Step 2: Create an Account

To shop on 1688, you’ll need an account. Here’s how to set it up:

Visit 1688.com.
Click on the registration button (look for 注册 or sign-up options).
Enter your details—email, phone number, and password.
Verify your account via the SMS or email code sent to you.

Step 3: Search for Products

Use the search bar to find what you need. You can search in English (using the translation tool) or copy the Chinese names for products from Google Translate.

Here are some common product categories and their Chinese translations:

Clothing: 衣服
Electronics: 电子产品
Bags: 包包
Shoes: 鞋子

Step 4: Check Product Details

Once you find a product you like, check the following:

Price: Most prices are listed per unit or set.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Some sellers require you to buy a minimum number of items.
Reviews and Ratings: Look for feedback from other buyers to ensure the seller is reliable.

Step 5: Contact a Sourcing Agent

Since 1688 doesn’t ship directly to Nigeria, you’ll need a sourcing agent to help with:

Placing the order on your behalf.
Consolidating multiple items.
Shipping your goods to Nigeria.

Some popular agents include:

Supermart.ng
Chrisvicmall
Sino Shipping

Agents typically charge a service fee (around 5-10% of the total order value) and handle everything, from payments to delivery.

Step 6: Make Payment

1688 primarily accepts Alipay and Chinese bank cards. If you don’t have these, your sourcing agent can pay on your behalf.

In some cases, you can use third-party payment services like PayPal or Western Union through your agent.

Step 7: Shipping Options

There are two main shipping methods:

Air Freight: Faster (5-10 days) but more expensive. Ideal for smaller, lightweight items.
Sea Freight: Cheaper but slower (30-60 days). Great for bulky or heavy items.

Your agent will help you choose the best option based on your order size and budget.

Step 8: Track Your Order

Once your items are shipped, you’ll get a tracking number. Use it to monitor the progress of your delivery. Most agents offer updates via email or WhatsApp.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to ship from 1688 to Nigeria?

Shipping costs vary based on the weight and size of your items and the shipping method. Air freight can cost $7-$15 per kilogram, while sea freight is usually around $2-$5 per kilogram.

2. Are there customs duties in Nigeria?

Yes, you may need to pay customs duties when your goods arrive in Nigeria. The rates depend on the type of product and its declared value.

3. Can I return items from 1688?

Returns can be tricky because of the distance and language barrier. It’s best to double-check product details and communicate clearly with sellers before ordering.

4. What if I don’t want to use a sourcing agent?

You can try handling the process yourself, but it’s more complex. You’ll need a Chinese payment method, a local shipping address in China, and a way to forward items to Nigeria.

Conclusion

Ordering from 1688 to Nigeria might seem complicated at first, but with the right tools and a reliable sourcing agent, it’s easier than you think.

By following these steps, you can access high-quality products at unbeatable prices, whether you’re stocking up for your business or just shopping for personal use.

What’s the first product you’d like to order from 1688? Let me know in the comments