Is 1688 Safe? What Global Brands Need to Know

If you've ever sourced products through Alibaba.com, you've likely come across its lesser-known counterpart: 1688.com. Frequently referred to as “domestic Alibaba,” 1688 is a B2B platform owned by the Alibaba Group that primarily caters to Chinese businesses. As the line between global and local sourcing continues to blur, more international companies are eyeing 1688 for its ultra-low pricing, vast product range, and direct access to manufacturers. But is 1688 safe?

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What Is 1688?

1688.com is a domestic B2B e-commerce platform that connects Chinese wholesalers, factories, and manufacturers with businesses across China. Unlike Alibaba.com, which is designed for international buyers, 1688 was built for the Chinese market, which makes it incredibly competitive on price.

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However, lower prices often come with trade-offs, including limited buyer protections, challenging logistics, and higher counterfeit risks: especially for foreign buyers unfamiliar with China’s domestic commerce ecosystem.1688 is not a scam site, but buyers must approach it with caution. Vetting is critical. Knowing how to navigate supplier listings, check for business legitimacy, and enforce your IP rights is what separates a smart sourcing strategy from a risky one.

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Is 1688 Legit? Understanding the Platform’s Strengths

Despite its risks, 1688 offers compelling advantages for experienced buyers who know how to navigate the platform. One of the biggest draws is pricing: because most sellers on 1688 are direct factory owners rather than intermediaries, buyers benefit from minimal markups and factory-direct rates. Competitive pressure among local suppliers also drives prices down, often making 1688 even cheaper than Alibaba, especially for bulk orders.

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Another key benefit is flexibility. Many suppliers on 1688 offer low minimum order quantities, sometimes allowing buyers to purchase just one or two units. This makes it easy for businesses to test product quality before committing to larger orders. In addition, buyers gain direct access to manufacturers, which generally facilitates customization, clearer communication, and more favorable pricing negotiations: advantages that are often lost when dealing through trading companies or agents.

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When Is 1688 Risky? How to Vet Suppliers

The biggest concern when sourcing from 1688 is product authenticity. Because the platform was built primarily for China’s domestic market, it lacks many of the safeguards and enforcement mechanisms that international buyers might expect. Intellectual property protection is weaker, making it easier for bad actors to list counterfeit products that closely mimic popular brands, right down to the logos and packaging.

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Additionally, 1688’s interface is entirely in Chinese, which creates a steep learning curve for global users trying to vet listings or communicate with suppliers. Transactions are also primarily conducted through Alipay, a system not always accessible or convenient for non-Chinese buyers. These structural limitations can make it difficult for foreign businesses to navigate the platform confidently, increasing the risk of sourcing inauthentic goods.

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To minimize risk, it’s crucial to vet each seller carefully. Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind:

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1. Check Company Longevity: Go to the “Company” tab on the seller’s profile. Look for businesses established at least 3 years ago: scammers tend to pop up and disappear quickly.
2. Employee Count: Less than 50 employees? Might be a scam trading company. 50–500 employees typically indicate legitimate, mid-sized manufacturers.
3. Office Space: Look for a facility of at least 200 square meters (~2,157 sq ft). Larger premises generally correlate with more established operations.
4. “Delivery Guarantee” Badge: Suppliers with this badge deposit 3,000 RMB once the buyer purchases something, and they can’t retrieve it unless the buyer confirms delivery. It’s a key sign of reliability.

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How to Report IP Infringement on 1688: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your brand’s intellectual property is being infringed upon on 1688, Alibaba Group provides a centralized platform to address such issues. The Alibaba Intellectual Property Protection (IPP) Platform allows rights holders to submit complaints across various Alibaba platforms, including 1688, Alibaba.com, AliExpress, Taobao, and Tmall.

Step 1: Register on the Alibaba IP Protection Platform

Before you can file any takedown requests, you’ll need to create an account on Alibaba’s official IPP Platform. This verifies your identity as a rights holder and unlocks access to the full suite of enforcement tools.

• Access the IPP Platform: Visit the Alibaba IP Protection Platform.
• Create an Account: Sign up using your email address.
• Provide Identification:
  
  • For individuals: Upload a valid government-issued ID or passport.
  • For businesses: Submit a certificate of incorporation or business license.
    
    

Note: Verification typically takes up to three business days, so plan ahead before submitting time-sensitive claims.

Step 2: Register Your Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)

After account verification, the next step is to formally register your intellectual property. Without registering your IP, you won’t be able to submit enforcement requests, even if infringement is obvious.

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• Log In: Access your account on the IPP Platform.
• Navigate to “My IPR:” Here, you can register your IP rights.
• Provide IP Details:
  
  • Trademarks: Include the registration number, jurisdiction, class of goods/services, and a copy of the registration certificate.
  • Patents: Provide the patent number, jurisdiction, and relevant documentation.
  • Copyrights: Submit proof of ownership and registration details.
• Submit for Verification: Alibaba will review and verify your IP rights. Once approved, you can proceed to file complaints.

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Once verified, your IPRs are stored in your account for easy use across future complaints. This step is foundational: again, your IP must be registered before any enforcement action can occur.

Step 3: Submit an Infringement Complaint

Now that your IP is registered and verified, you can file a formal complaint against any listing that infringes upon your rights. The process is relatively straightforward, but accuracy and clear evidence are essential.

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• Access Complaint Submission: In your IPP dashboard, click on “Submit a Complaint”.
• Select Platform: Choose “1688.com” as the platform where the infringement occurred.
• Choose IP Type: Select the type of IP right being infringed (e.g., trademark, patent, copyright).
• Provide Infringement Details:
  
  • URLs: List the specific URLs of the infringing listings.
  • Description: Detail how the listing infringes upon your IP rights.
  • Evidence: Upload supporting documents, such as comparison images, purchase receipts, or prior communications.
• Submit Complaint: Once all information is provided, submit the complaint for review.

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A well-documented submission can significantly improve your takedown success rate, especially when supported by side-by-side comparisons and clear product identifiers.

Step 4: Monitor and Respond

Submitting a complaint is only half the battle: monitoring and follow-up are key to successful enforcement. Here’s what to expect once your report is in review:

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• Review Period: Alibaba typically reviews complaints within 1-3 business days.
• Seller Response: The alleged infringing seller has a set period (usually 3 business days) to respond.
• Outcome:
  
  • If the seller does not respond or the response is inadequate, Alibaba will remove the infringing listing.
  • If the seller provides a counter-notification, you will be notified and may need to provide additional evidence or clarification.

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Be sure to check your IPP dashboard and email regularly: delayed responses can cause Alibaba to drop the case in favor of the seller. A successful resolution often depends on your responsiveness and ability to counter any claims made by the infringing party.

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Final Takeaway: Should You Source from 1688?

1688.com is legit, but not risk-free. For e-commerce brands, it presents a cost-effective path to sourcing: especially for sample testing. But without proper vetting and IP enforcement tools, brands expose themselves to counterfeits, unauthorized sellers, and regulatory risk. 

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That’s where MarqVision comes in. We help brands monitor marketplaces like 1688, detect infringing listings using AI, and automate the takedown process so your team can focus on growth, not chasing fakes.

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Book a demo now to learn how MarqVision can secure your brand across 1688 and beyond.

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