In this guide
What should a UK buyer confirm before ordering from 1688?
Confirm the exact product variants and quantities, supplier price and payment terms, China receiving address, agreed checks and UK delivery requirements. Keep these in one order sheet with the approved sample and named approval points. A product link alone leaves the supplier and the people handling your stock too much to decide.
Start with the stock you want to receive
Create one order sheet before asking a supplier or purchasing agent to buy. A product link is a starting point; it may contain several variants with different prices and minimum quantities.
- Supplier link and your own SKU or product reference
- Exact model, size, colour, material and quantity for each variant
- Intended use and any feature that affects your buying decision
- Approved sample reference or clear product images
Record the commercial agreement
Keep the agreed product details and buying terms together. A later conversation is easier to resolve when both parties can refer to the same version of the order.
- Unit price, currency, minimum quantity and domestic delivery charge
- Sample cost and approval process, where relevant
- Payment stages, payee and the trigger for each payment
- Dispatch readiness, permitted substitutions and the process for changes
- Supplier return or replacement terms and associated costs
Agree what will be checked in China
Choose the checks that matter for this order and confirm how the findings will be recorded. A receipt check, a sampled inspection and product testing have different scopes.
- Which quantities, variants and visible defects will be checked
- Any measurements, sample comparison or functional check
- Photos or records required before you release the shipment
- Who can approve a hold, supplier return or international dispatch
Prepare the UK side before goods move
Use the GOV.UK import checklist to identify the customs and product requirements for your goods. Keep this work alongside the purchasing plan. Product safety documentation and labelling should match the actual product and intended market. Check the requirements for the intended destination; rules can differ between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- Confirm the business responsible for importing and the customs arrangement
- Collect accurate product descriptions, values and shipment records
- Check the documentation and labelling needed for the product
- Get the destination warehouse’s receiving rules and delivery contact
Turn the sheet into a quotation brief
Send the completed order sheet with your UK postcode, target stock date and requested services. Identify what is confirmed and what still needs a supplier answer. This gives purchasing, checking and shipping a shared starting point.
Turn your order sheet into a purchasing brief
The sourcing service explains which supplier and purchasing tasks can be included. You can email or WhatsApp us about the parts of your order already decided and any questions still open.
Questions before you order
Is a 1688 product link enough to place an order?
Add the model, material, size, colour and quantity for each variant. Save the supplier’s written confirmation, price and sample reference with the link. Listings with several variants need a separate line for each item you want.
What should be approved before international dispatch?
Review the agreed China-side checks, any recorded issues, the freight quotation and the UK warehouse instructions. Name the person who can approve release and keep that decision with the order record.
Sources & further guidance
These references provide platform, payment or import background. The purchasing checklists are our practical guidance. Check the current terms and official requirements for your product and destination.
Product acceptance, inspection scope, charges and delivery arrangements need to be agreed for your order.