1688 is a Chinese online marketplace popular in Nigeria due to its variety, affordability, and ease of use. It has been trusted by millions of businesses in Nigeria due to the availability of reliable and trusted sellers.
The language of trade on the platform is mainly Chinese. Therefore, you may struggle with importing goods from 1688 as a first-time importer due to language barrier. Additionally, you may experience challenges in determining a legitimate supplier or navigating the site. It is imperative to conduct adequate research to understand how things work before visiting the site to trade.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to import goods from 1688 to Nigeria in 2025.
What Is 1688 and Why Do Nigerians Use It?
1688 is a Chinese wholesale marketplace under the Alibaba group. It differs from Alibaba because it targets the domestic Chinese market. 1688 offers a wide range of goods, from raw materials to finished products. The site is great for Nigerian mini-importers, boutique owners, resellers, and e-commerce businesses.
It is also known for having cheaper prices than Alibaba. The reason for the relatively low cost is multifaceted. However, the most probable is that middlemen aren’t involved in the trade. Additionally, its target audience, being the local Chinese market, contributes.
Understand that sometimes the price differences may be insignificant. Shipping, agent, and clearance fees are also involved.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
You need a smartphone or a laptop with a strong internet connection. Ensure that Google Chrome is installed on the device. You should also have an idea of what you want to import. Carefully evaluate your customers’ demands to ensure you ship a suitable product.
Prepare the capital for your purchase. Advisably, start with a small capital. This allows you to evaluate the demand and the supplier. You can ship larger volumes after you have established a stable import route. Additionally, you can learn from experience to make better purchase decisions subsequently.
Consider hiring a trusted agent and shipping company like D2D Cargo for expert assistance. Many intricacies are involved with importing in 1688, which makes it almost impossible to trade there without an expert, especially if you’re a beginner.
Additionally, you must know how to verify a supplier’s credibility. There are also shipping and freight forwarding aspects to consider. A reliable shipping company like D2D Cargo will handle these aspects on your behalf to guarantee effective trade.
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing from 1688 to Nigeria
Here is a step by step guide on how to import goods from 1688 to Nigeria.
Step 1: Search for Products on 1688.com
The first step to importing from 1688 to Nigeria is to search for the products. Use Google Translate or the Chrome Translate feature to understand the website. Search for your preferred product and browse through the results. Select one that appeals to you and initiate the purchase.
Verify a seller or supplier to avoid falling victim to a scam. Check their rating and years of operation on their 1688 profile. Select sellers with high ratings or those that have many years of business experience.
Consider whether the supplier sells related products. A seller who lists many unrelated products may be a retailer, and not be suitable for meeting large-scale demands.
Return rate can help determine the reliability of a seller. It is the percentage of sellers who made a return purchase from the supplier. A high return rate denotes satisfaction with the seller’s services.
Check their user review ratings. It is a realistic way to access the practical performance of the products.
Step 2: Get a Sourcing and Shipping Partner
When figuring out how to import from 1688 to Nigeria, having a sourcing partner is integral. You cannot pay directly with Nigerian cards. Additionally, 1688 sellers don’t ship internationally.
A sourcing partner will buy the products on your behalf, while a shipping company will ship them to Nigeria. All you have to do is manage their activities through remote tracking to ensure they undertake effective services.
Step 3: Make Payment
You must convert your Nigerian Naira to the Yuan (RMB) to shop on 1688. However, you don’t need to worry about currency conversion if you hire an agent.
Additionally, you will pay an agent service and international shipping fee. It is advisable to request an invoice from your seller and shipping company before paying.
Step 4: Shipping the Product to Nigeria
Air freight and sea freight are your options for shipping to Nigeria from 1688. Air freight is costlier and faster. Sea freight is cheaper and slower. Ensure that your carrier gives you an estimated delivery time and provides tracking services.
D2D Cargo offers sea freight and air freight shipping services. You can discuss with their agent to determine the appropriate shipping method for your consignment.
Step 5: Delivery or Pick-Up in Nigeria
Shipping your goods from 1688 to a Nigerian port isn’t the end of the process; you must clear them at the port and transport them to your inland location.
Many agents, including D2D Cargo, offer customs clearance services. They will handle payment of duties, goods inspection, compliance checks, and correspondence. They can also deliver the goods to your exact location in Nigeria.
Air Freight vs Sea Freight: What’s Best?
Here is a tabular comparison of air freight and sea freight.
| Shipping Type | Speed | Cost | Cargo Capacity | Reliability | Environmental Impact | Types of Goods |
| Air Freight | 7–15 days | Expensive option due to fuel, airport, and handling charges | Suitable for large shipments | Highly reliable due to the speed and frequent scheduling | Has a higher carbon footprint | Best pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, and high-value goods |
| Sea Freight | 4–8 weeks or more | More economical, especially for bulk and heavy cargo | Best for smaller, high-value, and time-bound shipments | Less reliable. May be prone to delays due to weather and port congestion | Has a lower carbon footprint | Best for bulky goods such as raw materials, furniture, and bulk commodities |
How Much Does It Cost to Import from 1688?
The cost of importing from 1688 depends on item type, weight, shipping method, and the current exchange rate. For example, if you’re exporting a ₦20,000 (about 93 Yuan) product from 1688. You will need to pay a service fee of around ₦2,000. Shipping costs are also involved. Assuming the goods weigh 2kg, it will cost you around ₦10,000 to ₦21,000 to ship by air.
Therefore, you will need to spend at least ₦32,000 to ship a product of ₦20,000 from 1688 to Nigeria. To determine the exact cost for your importation, request a quote from your sourcing and shipping agent and add the amount to the cost of goods.
Mistakes First-Time Importers Should Avoid
These are some mistakes to avoid when importing from China to Nigeria for the first time.
1. Rushing to Buy without Confirming Product or Seller’s Reputation
You should avoid buying products from sellers unless you can confirm their reputation. This ensures that you can get quality services. Verify that the product is trendy in Nigeria. Products that aren’t popular with consumers can be challenging to retail.
2. Ignoring Total Cost
Failure to understand the overall shipping costs can cause unexpected expenses and shipment delays. Considering all essential costs allows you to budget properly and ensures a streamlined importation process.
3. Using Random Agents Without any Reviews or Business Identity
The quality of the agent you use for trading and shipping can impact your import. Ensure to hire an experienced agent like D2D Cargo, who provides end-to-end shipping services. You should consider factors such as:
- Pricing transparency
- Shipping and logistics capability
- Years in active business
- Communication and responsiveness
- Network and location
- Customs knowledge
Verify that they are licensed by the appropriate regulatory authorities in their jurisdiction, whether China or Nigeria. Conducting due diligence before hiring an agent ensures that you don’t fall victim to a scam or inferior services.
4. Not Communicating Clearly About the Delivery Timeline
Avoid forwarders that don’t clearly communicate the delivery timeline. It can inhibit your business operations and affect credibility.
A carrier who cannot adequately relay the delivery timeline may have a high chance of requesting hidden fees. Additionally, you may spend more time worrying about the upcoming delivery rather than focusing on your business operations.
FAQs About Importing from 1688 to Nigeria
Can I import from 1688 using my Nigerian ATM card?
You cannot import directly from 1688 using your Nigerian ATM card. You’ll need a third-party payment service such as Payoneer or Wise. Alternatively, you can allow a qualified sourcing agent or freight forwarder, such as D2D Cargo, to pay on your behalf.
Do I need a business name or a company to import?
You need a business or a company to import goods from 1688 to Nigeria. Nigerian customs requires your company to have a certificate of registration or incorporation and registration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). However, you do not need a registered company name to buy from 1688.
Can I get delivery outside Lagos?
Shipping companies such as D2D Cargo deliver outside Lagos. However, it may take longer to receive your shipments from other parts of the country. The reason is that the goods typically arrive at Lagos before they are shipped to other states.
Is there buyer protection like on AliExpress?
1688 offers buyers protection by allowing you to process refunds on unshipped orders. The refund will be sent to your Alipay or other third-party payment system. However, you will receive Alipay refunds faster.
Ready to Import from 1688?
Understanding how to import from 1688 to Nigeria can be overwhelming. However, do not let the process scare you. Follow the right procedure, and your purchase will go smoothly.
You can hire a freight forwarding company, like D2D Cargo. D2D Cargo has helped hundreds of Nigerian businesses to procure from 1688.com. We handle payment, shipping, clearing, and delivery. Contact us today to get started on importing from 1688.
