1688; 20 best Advice for Importation Success

Getting good discounts on products from 1688 is one sure way you can save money and get the items you need at a lower price.

complete guide to mini-importation

Stop wasting time and money on:

  • Paying procurment agent
  • Costly hipping
  • Sourcing agents
  • bad Facebook advertising

You can do all of these by yourself

Because the website is not primarily in English, many mini-importers find it difficult to know their left from their right while shopping on the site 1688.

But today, I will show you 20 simple and best ways you can get a discount from 1688.

20 ways to help you get good discounts on products from 1688:

You cannot get anything if you don’t sign up on the website. So, go ahead and sign up first. The question many people ask is how am I going to understand what is written on the website since it is primarily for Chinese speaking people?

How to translate and understand words on 1688:

Use edge browser to translate 1688 website

Best way to do it is to download and use any one of the following Browsers:

Now that we have solved the problem of language for Chinese websites, let’s talk about how you can actually start saving money as you import your goods.

Sign up for an account on 1688:

By creating an account on 1688, you can gain access to exclusive deals and discounts that are only available to registered users.

When you are done creating your account, and verifying it, accordingly, move to the point below.

Keep an eye out for 1688 promotions:

1688 often runs promotions and sales events where you can get discounts on a wide range of products. Make sure to check the website regularly for these deals.

Another thing you can do on this is to subscribe to their emails. That way, you will be notified anytime there is a promotion going on.

Join 1688’s loyalty program to get a discount:

Some sellers on the website offer loyalty programs that reward frequent shoppers with discounts and special offers.

Sign up for these programs to take advantage of the savings.

Use coupons:

Many sellers on 1688 offer coupons that can be used to get discounts on specific products or entire orders.

Look for these coupons on the seller’s page or in their store.

Buy in bulk in 1688 to get good at cheap prices:

Purchasing products in bulk often lead to significant discounts on 1688. If you have storage space and need multiple items, buying in bulk your best bet to save money.

If you don’t have enough capital to buy in bulk, you can also team up with other buyers in your niche to get goods at cheaper rate.

But if you are wondering where to see people to team up with, I suggest you check Instagram and Facebook. These places are full of importation groups where people can come together to buy in bulk.

Always keep an eye open for fishy deals too.

Negotiate with sellers:

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with sellers on for lower prices.

Many sellers are willing to haggle on the price, especially if you are buying multiple items or purchasing in bulk.

On this, I will advise that when you find a good supplier who can fulfill your needs, please stick with them and build relationship.

These relationships are vital to succeed in importation.

With the right relationship, the suppliers will be your go to place for both buying and advice when the time comes.

Compare prices:

Before purchasing anything on 1688, be sure to compare prices from different sellers to find the best deal. Sometimes the same product is available from multiple sellers at different prices, so it pays to shop around.

Take advantage of flash sales:

1688 often holds flash sales where you can get steep discounts on a limited selection of products for a short period. Keep an eye out for these sales for big savings.

Look for free shipping:

Some sellers and suppliers on 1688 offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Take advantage of this offer to save on shipping costs and get a better overall deal.

Follow 1688 on social media:

By following 1688 on social media, you can stay up-to-date on the latest promotions and discounts. Some sellers also offer exclusive deals to followers on social media.

Subscribe to the 1688 newsletter:

Sign up for the 1688 newsletter to receive updates on promotions, discounts, and sales events. This is a great way to stay informed about deals and savings opportunities.

Wait for holiday sales:

1688 often runs special sales events around holidays such as Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Black Friday. Wait for these holidays to get the best discounts on products from 1688.

Use price tracking tools:

There are several price tracking tools available that can help you monitor price changes on 1688 and alert you when prices drop. Use these tools to get the best deal on the products you want.

Leave reviews for sellers: Some sellers on 1688 offer discounts to customers who leave positive reviews on their products. Take advantage of this offer to get a discount on future purchases.

Utilize cashback offers:

Some credit cards and online payment platforms offer cashback rewards for purchases made on 1688. Use these offers to save money on your purchases.

Check for refurbished items: Refurbished items on 1688 are sold at a discounted price compared to brand-new items.

Consider purchasing refurbished items to get a good deal on the products you need. Before you do that, make sure you have a ready market for it.

Better still, you can advertise and sell on Facebook, while mentioning that you are selling refurbished good.

Look for bundle deals:

Some sellers on 1688 offer bundle deals where you can get multiple items for a discounted price. Look for these deals to save money on your purchases.

Participate in group buys:

Group buys on 1688 allow you to team up with other buyers to purchase products at a discounted price. Join a group buy to get a good deal on the items you want.

Use price negotiation tools:

Some websites and apps offer price negotiation tools that can help you negotiate with sellers on 1688 for a lower price. Use these tools to get the best deal on the products you need.

Take advantage of seller discounts:

Some sellers on 1688 offer discounts to new customers or for first-time purchases. Take advantage of these discounts to save money on your initial order.


By using these 20 strategies, you can get good discounts on products from 1688 and save money on your purchases.

Happy shopping!

Please make sure you read the rest of the series in this mini importation topic to get a feel for all you need to know about importation as a business.