How to Sign Up for 1688 App Without a Phone Number?

Posted on 07/11/24 04:24 am

Did you know that AliExpress and Taobao are not direct suppliers but resellers? Although these marketplaces offer low prices, they still have markups. In fact, these goods were originally purchased on another Chinese platform—the 1688 shopping app, which is designed for wholesale.

What are the pros and cons of this app? How can an individual buy goods directly from this wholesale marketplace, and how do you register an account? Read on for answers.

What is 1688?
1688 is a Chinese wholesale shopping platform where you can find almost any category of consumer goods, including:

  • Clothing, shoes, and accessories
  • Children’s products
  • Furniture
  • Home decor and construction supplies
  • Cosmetics
  • Electronics
  • Food and beverages, and more

In the Chinese internet market, 1688.com serves as the internal version of Alibaba, similar to Alibaba.cn.

A key feature of 1688 shopping is that many sellers on AliExpress, Alibaba, and Taobao source their products from here, marking up prices significantly before selling them on these platforms.

Who Uses 1688?
In addition to wholesalers, 1688 attracts:

  • Independent buyers purchasing for foreign companies
  • Procurement specialists for companies
  • Purchasing managers for physical stores
  • Private sellers for stores on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc.

The marketplace primarily caters to wholesale buyers, but you may also find manufacturers or suppliers who sell individual items. If you're considering creating a 1688 account as a wholesaler or private buyer, here are the platform’s pros and cons.

Why Buying via the 1688 App is Profitable
Purchasing directly from suppliers on 1688 allows you to:

  • Save money by bypassing dealers
  • Maximize your margins

However, there are also some challenges.

Challenges of Using 1688 Shopping

  • Not all products are shipped internationally, and shipping costs can sometimes exceed the product cost, especially for bulky items like office chairs or wooden furniture.
  • Many sellers on the 1688 app do not handle international shipments.
  • Payments must be made through Chinese systems, such as Alipay.

This article will explain how to create an Alipay account with a Chinese virtual number.

While these obstacles may seem daunting, many intermediaries can assist with everything from communication in Chinese to international shipping, although this service includes a commission fee. Alternatively, you can take a bit more time to create a 1688 account, use translation tools, and pay directly through a Chinese payment system. Many users, including online and offline store owners, have successfully adopted this approach.

Why a Phone Number is Required for 1688 Registration
The Chinese internet market is strict about user identification, especially with foreign users. To create a 1688 account, you’ll need to verify your identity using a phone number.

The platform only accepts numbers from mainland China, so a foreign SIM card is needed. An alternative is to use a disposable virtual phone number for 1688 registration through SMSOTPVERIFY for less than $1. You’ll receive a verification code in your personal SMSOTPVERIFY account.

Advantages of Virtual Numbers Over SIM Cards

  • Fast: Receive the code in under 10 minutes.
  • Accessible: No need for a SIM card or physical device.
  • Secure: When you buy a private number, only you have access to the SMS messages, and the number will be fresh for the platform. All transactions happen in your personal account.
  • Affordable: Low cost compared to purchasing a SIM card.

How to Sign Up for the 1688 App Without a Phone Number
Follow these steps to register on 1688 using a virtual number:

  1. Create an account at SMSOTPVERIFY.com using your email or social media.
  2. Top up your balance using a bank card or a preferred payment system.
  3. Select a mobile operator, then type "1688" in the service search bar and click "Buy SMS."
  4. Copy the purchased number from the “History” section and use it to register your 1688 account.
  5. To receive the code, go back to SMSOTPVERIFY and click “Receive SMS” next to the number.
  6. Wait for the code to arrive and complete your registration.

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