1688.com is a goldmine for buyers looking to source products directly from Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers. Operated by Alibaba Group, it's the go-to platform for factory-direct pricing — but it comes with a learning curve. That’s why tools like QC check, QC finder, Plug4.me, Cnfans spreadsheet, Kakobuy spreadsheet, and the Acbuy spreadsheet are essential for making smart, safe purchases from 1688.
1688.com (阿里巴巴1688) is a B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce platform aimed primarily at Chinese merchants. It's ideal for:
Bulk buying
White-label product sourcing
OEM/ODM customization
While it’s mainly for domestic Chinese use, international buyers can access it through shopping agents like Kakobuy, Cnfans, and smart support tools like Plug4.me.
Plug4.me is a powerful shopping tool that lets you:
Search for products using images
Generate shareable purchase links that automatically include your referral code
Track which links earn commission if you’re a content creator or group leader
Discover product matches across platforms like 1688, Taobao, Weidian, and more
Plug4.me makes it especially easy to:
Share 1688 finds with your audience
Monetize link sharing with built-in commission tracking
Automate product link generation via image search (great for reverse searching factory products)
It integrates seamlessly with agents like Cnfans and Kakobuy, giving you an extra edge in tracking and monetization.
Since 1688 sellers prioritize volume, not customer service, quality control is non-negotiable.
QC Check: Agents like Cnfans or Kakobuy will photograph your items at their warehouse before international shipping.
QC Finder: This lets you find reviews or QC photos from others who bought the same item.
With tools like Plug4.me, you can also reverse search factory images to verify whether a product is being sold elsewhere, at different prices or quality levels.
Managing multiple orders from 1688? The Acbuy spreadsheet is your best friend.
It helps you:
Track product links, QC photos, arrival times
Compare items across agents
Keep financials transparent (including commission earned via Plug4.me)
Share haul data with others in your community
Many communities use this sheet along with Plug4.me links to organize bulk buys, giveaways, or resale operations.