Alibaba vs. 1688 vs. EJET Procurement: Which Platform is Best for You?

Struggling to choose where to source from China? While Alibaba and 1688 dominate the conversation, they're not your only options - and might not even be your best fit. In this no-nonsense comparison, we'll break down exactly how 1688 vs Alibaba vs EJET Procurement stack up for different B2B needs, so you can cut through the noise and pick the right platform with confidence.

Brief Overview of Alibaba vs 1688 vs EJET Procurement

While Alibaba and 1688 are both part of the Alibaba Group, they serve completely different markets. Alibaba operates as a global B2B platform connecting international buyers with Chinese suppliers, while 1688 focuses exclusively on domestic trade within China. EJET Procurement takes a different approach altogether—it is a full-service sourcing partner that handles everything from factory vetting to quality control on your behalf.

Alibaba

Alibaba Source is the global leader in B2B sourcing, connecting international buyers with Chinese manufacturers. Ideal for beginners, Alibaba Sourcing offers English support, trade assurance, and escrow payments. While prices are higher than domestic platforms, its verified supplier system and MOQ flexibility make it a safe choice for small to mid-volume importers.

Pros:

1. Global reach with a wide variety of suppliers.

2. Multiple language options.

3. Escrow payment options for buyer protection.

4. Often lower minimum order quantities (MOQs) compared to traditional manufacturers.

5. Good for initial market research and finding potential suppliers.

Cons:

1. Quality control can be inconsistent.

2. Communication barriers can arise due to language differences.

3. Prices might be higher compared to domestic platforms.

4. You are responsible for negotiations, quality checks, and logistics.

1688 Sourcing

1688.com offers factory-direct prices but requires local language/currency. Best for advanced buyers who can navigate Mandarin or use agents. MOQs are higher, and payments are riskier (no escrow), but costs can be 30–50% lower than Alibaba for bulk orders.

Pros:

1. Generally lower prices as it caters to the domestic market.

2. Vast selection of manufacturers and wholesalers.

3. Often better pricing for bulk purchases.

Cons:

1. The website is primarily in Chinese.

2. Most suppliers only cater to the domestic market, posing challenges for international shipping and payment.

3. Communication can be difficult if you don't speak Chinese.

4. Quality standards might differ from international expectations.

EJET Procurement

EJET Procurement bridges the gap, offering hands-on China sourcing with quality control, logistics, and negotiation handled by local experts. Unlike DIY platforms, EJET manages everything from factory vetting to shipping—ideal for businesses prioritizing reliability over the lowest price. Transparent fees and English support make it a turnkey solution for brands scaling production or with complex product needs.

Pros:

1. Provides end-to-end sourcing and procurement solutions, which save you time, effort, and potential headaches.

2. Leverages years of experience and a broad network of suppliers in China.

3. Offers additional services to help you when sourcing is not your only concern; supplier vetting, negotiation, quality control, and logistics are also ours to manage.

4. Can consolidate orders from multiple suppliers.

5. Potentially access better pricing through their network and bulk buying power.

6. Reduces sourcing risks and ensures quality.

Cons:

1. You are working with an agent, which involves a service fee (though EJET boasts zero upfront fees).

2. Less direct control over the initial supplier selection compared to browsing a marketplace yourself.

Alibaba vs 1688 vs EJET Procurement– A Quick Comparison!

Which Platform is Best for You?

Your ultimate decision on 1688.com vs Alibaba vs EJET Procurement may depend on your specific needs and resources.

If you are a small business or startup looking to explore the market for low MOQs and have the capabilities to oversee the sourcing process, then sourcing from Alibaba is probably a good option.

If you know the Chinese market and the language, are looking for the cheapest price for bulk orders, and have a process for quality control and international shipping, then you can check out 1688. Just be aware of the complications of international transactions.

If you are a growing business, e-commerce seller, retailer, wholesaler, or larger company looking to improve your supply chain while saving time and money and minimizing risks, EJET Procurement is a more complete solution. It is especially useful if you want quality assurance, logistics, and a local partner in China to deal with sourcing complications.

WHY WORK WITH  EJET Procurement?

• Save Money: Take advantage of our 20% savings generated by bulk buying power and negotiation skills.

• No Initial Costs: Your payment is only made upon confirmation of your order, reducing the risk of investment.

• Improve Cash Flow: The credit terms are 90 to 120 days.

• Guaranteed Quality: We have rigorous quality checks in place at each step of the process to ensure 100% quality.

• Focus on Your Business: You do not have to deal with the time-consuming and complex part of sourcing, leaving you to focus on your core business.

• Access a Vast Network: You will have access to a network of reliable, high-quality suppliers developed over the past 20 years.

• End-to-End Solutions: We offer end-to-end support, from finding the right supplier to managing logistics and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Final Advice

The sourcing world in China has many facets to consider. Here are some closing thoughts for you:

Be clear on your product specifications and quality requirements. The clearer you are with expectations, the greater chance you have of sourcing product satisfaction through a supplier.

Always ask for samples before placing bulk orders. This is essential in verifying quality and ensuring you will be satisfied with the end product.

Don't put all of your concentration on finding the lowest price. Make sure you consider the reliability of the single supplier, quality standards, and communication, etc. A higher price from a reputable supplier can prevent you from many headaches in the long run.

Scale up supplier relationships. Effective and open communication will bolster a trusting long-term relationship.

Track the Chinese regulatory environment and trade policies. You will avoid potential customs problems and an overall smoother import process.

Choose to use sourcing agents like EJET Procurement if you have never used China sourcing before or want to scale sourcing while mitigating risks. The benefits of a local agent are difficult to measure.

We strongly recommend a third-party sourcing agent to mitigate risks more effectively. Evaluate your needs carefully to decide which platform or method is best suited for your needs—take into account strengths, weaknesses, etc. Good luck with your sourcing!

Don't forget to contact us as soon as possible!