For many international buyers, 1688 is one of the most attractive sourcing platforms in China. It offers direct access to factories and domestic suppliers, but it is not designed for overseas users. The good news is that buying from 1688 no longer requires a Chinese address or a local bank account. With the right China Shopping Agent, the entire process becomes simple and practical.

This article explains how global buyers can buy from 1688 by copying product links and placing orders through KongfuMall, without dealing with domestic restrictions.

1. Why Can't Overseas Buyers Order Directly from 1688?

1688 is a domestic B2B platform built for users inside mainland China. Most international buyers encounter barriers at the very first step.

1.1 Why does 1688 require a Chinese delivery address?

Almost all sellers on 1688 ship only within China. During checkout, the system expects:

• A mainland Chinese shipping address
• Local courier selection
• Domestic recipient information

Without a Chinese address, orders cannot be completed directly.

1.2 Why is payment difficult for overseas users?

Payment systems on 1688 are closely tied to local financial tools. International buyers often face:

• Inability to link overseas bank cards
• Payment verification limitations
• Checkout blocks for non-domestic users

These issues make it impractical to buy from 1688 without local support.

2. Is It Still Possible to Buy from 1688 as an International Buyer?

Yes. The key is to avoid placing the order directly on 1688 and instead use a China Shopping Agent that supports link-based ordering.

2.1 What does "link-based ordering" mean?

Instead of registering and paying on 1688, buyers simply:

• Browse 1688 as usual
• Choose the product they want
• Copy the product link

The actual purchasing step is completed by the agent inside China.

2.2 Who benefits most from this method?

This approach is widely used by:

• Overseas individual buyers
• International resellers
• Small business owners
• Cross-border e-commerce sellers

Anyone who wants access to China's domestic supply can use this method.

3. How Does the KongfuMall Ordering Process Work?

KongfuMall simplifies the entire experience into a few clear steps. Buyers do not need Chinese accounts, addresses, or payment tools.

3.1 Step 1: Find products on 1688

Buyers browse 1688 normally and select the product they want to purchase. Once the product is chosen:

• Copy the product URL
• No need to log in or check out on 1688

This step is identical to local browsing behavior.

3.2 Step 2: Paste the 1688 link on KongfuMall

On KongfuMall, buyers paste the copied 1688 link into the order system. At this stage:

• Product details are automatically recognized
• Buyers can confirm quantities and variations
• The item can be added to the cart

This removes all platform and language barriers.

3.3 Step 3: Add to cart and place the order

After reviewing the order details, buyers proceed to checkout on KongfuMall. The platform handles:

• Domestic purchasing from 1688
• Seller communication in Chinese
• Order confirmation and follow-up

From the buyer's perspective, this feels like ordering from an international platform.

4. What Happens After the Order Is Placed?

Once the order is submitted, KongfuMall acts as the China Shopping Agent throughout the fulfillment process.

4.1 Domestic purchase and seller coordination

We place the order directly on 1688 as a local buyer. This includes:

• Confirming stock availability
• Verifying specifications
• Coordinating delivery to a mainland receiving location

Buyers do not need to contact sellers themselves.

4.2 Receiving and inspection inside China

After the goods arrive, we can assist with:

• Quantity checks
• Visual inspection
• Packaging confirmation

This step helps reduce common sourcing risks for overseas buyers.

4.3 Order consolidation and international forwarding

If buyers order from multiple sellers, items can be consolidated before international shipping. This is especially useful for buyers sourcing from different factories on 1688.

5. What Products Can You Buy from 1688 Through a China Shopping Agent?

One major advantage of using a China Shopping Agent is product coverage.

5.1 Are there limitations on product categories?

There are no platform-based restrictions. If a product can be purchased within mainland China, it can usually be sourced through KongfuMall.

This includes:

• Factory-produced goods
• Wholesale merchandise
• Customized and OEM products
• Everyday consumer items

5.2 Can buyers source from other Chinese platforms as well?

Yes. In addition to helping buyers buy from 1688, we also support sourcing from other mainland platforms. The process remains the same: copy the link, add to cart, and place the order.

6. Why Is This Method Easier Than Traditional Sourcing?

Traditional sourcing often requires multiple tools, accounts, and intermediaries.

6.1 No need for Chinese accounts or documents

Buyers do not need to:

• Register on 1688
• Set up local payment methods
• Manage domestic shipping details

All local requirements are handled by the agent.

6.2 Clear and centralized order management

Using a single China Shopping Agent means:

• All orders managed in one place
• Easier tracking and communication
• Less risk of misunderstandings

This is especially helpful for buyers new to the Chinese market.

7. Who Typically Uses KongfuMall to Buy from 1688?

The link-based ordering model supports a wide range of users.

7.1 Individual overseas buyers

Many buyers want access to products that are unavailable or hard to find outside China.

7.2 International sellers and online stores

We also work with buyers who:

• Source inventory for resale
• Restock online shops
• Test new products from Chinese suppliers

1688 is often the starting point for long-term sourcing relationships.

8. Why Choose a China Shopping Agent Instead of Doing It Alone?

Even experienced buyers face challenges when dealing directly with domestic platforms.

A China Shopping Agent provides:

• Local purchasing capability
• Seller communication support
• Order coordination inside China

This structure reduces friction and saves time for global buyers.

Conclusion

Buying from 1688 without a Chinese address or bank account is no longer a complex task. By copying a product link from 1688 and placing the order through KongfuMall, international buyers can access China's domestic supply with ease. A professional China Shopping Agent removes technical, language, and logistical barriers, making the process straightforward and reliable.

If you want a simple way to buy from 1688 and other Chinese platforms as an overseas buyer, learn more about our services at https://www.KongfuMall.com