Alibaba.com is the international platform for overseas buyers with English interface, export suppliers, and international payments. 1688.com is the domestic Chinese platform with 20-50% lower prices, Chinese interface, domestic payment methods, and suppliers serving the local market. BSA GROUP helps you access 1688.com’s better pricing through local purchasing.

Gold Supplier status means paid membership and basic verification, but doesn’t guarantee quality or reliability. It’s a starting point, not a guarantee. BSA GROUP conducts deeper due diligence including factory audits, production capability assessment, quality testing, reference checks, and financial verification beyond platform badges.

Trade Assurance protects payments if suppliers fail to meet contract terms (quality, delivery time). Payment is held in escrow until order completion. However, it has limitations and claim processes can be complex. BSA GROUP structures agreements with additional protections and provides local oversight beyond platform services.

Technically yes, but extremely challenging due to Chinese-only interface, domestic payment requirements (Alipay), Chinese bank account needs, domestic shipping addresses, and no international support. BSA GROUP provides complete 1688.com purchasing services with local accounts, payments, quality inspection, and international shipping coordination.

Verify through video factory tours, checking business license manufacturing scope, analyzing product range (manufacturers specialize, traders have diverse catalogs), requesting machinery photos, arranging physical audits, and checking production equipment. BSA GROUP conducts on-site factory verification confirming manufacturing capabilities.

Verified Supplier means Alibaba or a third party has verified the company’s legal existence and business license. It doesn’t verify production capability, quality, or reliability. It’s one data point among many. BSA GROUP performs comprehensive verification including factory visits, capability assessment, and reputation research.

Yes, always request samples before bulk orders. Suppliers typically charge sample costs plus shipping. Sample fees are often refundable with bulk orders. BSA GROUP arranges sample procurement from multiple suppliers for comparison, conducts sample inspection, and provides detailed analysis before you commit to bulk production.

Post detailed requirements with photos/drawings, specify quantity and target price, include technical specifications, request multiple quotes for comparison, and be clear about quality standards. BSA GROUP uses RFQ strategically combined with direct supplier outreach and our existing networks for optimal supplier selection and pricing.

Safest methods include Trade Assurance (platform escrow), Letter of Credit (bank guarantee), wire transfer in installments (30% deposit, 70% before shipment), and PayPal for smaller amounts. Avoid Western Union or full payment upfront to new suppliers. BSA GROUP manages payments through secure methods with milestone releases based on inspection results.

Yes, MOQs are often negotiable, especially for repeat orders or long-term relationships. Start with supplier’s stated MOQ, explain your situation, offer to increase future orders, consider mixed product orders, or accept slightly higher prices for lower quantities. BSA GROUP leverages relationships and volume across clients to negotiate favorable MOQs.