Websites where you can buy products from China directly
The best websites for buying products directly from China depend on your purchase volume. If you are buying in bulk for business purposes, use Alibaba, Global Sources or Made-in-China. If you are buying single items or small quantities, use direct-to-consumer sites such as AliExpress, DHgate or Temu.
The top platforms are outlined below and categorised according to your intended purchase method:
1. Wholesale and bulk sourcing (best for businesses):
Alibaba:
the global standard for B2B sourcing. It connects you directly with manufacturers and trading companies. Most items require a minimum order quantity (MOQ) and allow for custom branding (OEM).
Made-in-China:
https://www.made-in-china.com/
A premier B2B portal that connects international buyers with pre-verified Chinese manufacturers. It is excellent for industrial goods, electronics and bulk apparel.
Global Sources:
https://www.globalsources.com/
Well known for its highly vetted electronics manufacturers and suppliers. They also host major trade shows that connect buyers with Asian factories.
2. Retail and small quantities (best for consumers):
AliExpress:
Owned by the Alibaba Group, it acts as a retail outlet for Chinese wholesalers. There are no minimum order quantities (MOQs), so you can buy a single item at factory-direct prices. This makes it perfect for small test orders or personal shopping.
DHgate:
Bridges the gap between retail and wholesale. It offers low MOQs (often just one piece) and specialises in consumer goods, electronics and apparel.
Temu:
A direct-from-factory marketplace offering ultra-cheap consumer goods, homeware and fashion items, shipped straight to your door without intermediaries.
3. Domestic Chinese marketplaces (best for the lowest prices)
Chinese domestic marketplaces offer cheaper prices but often require you to navigate language barriers or use international proxy shipping agents (such as Superbuy or PandaBuy).
1688.com:
Owned by the Alibaba Group, this is the domestic version of Alibaba intended for Chinese merchants. Prices are typically 30–50% cheaper, but you will often need a sourcing agent to purchase and ship items internationally.
Taobao & Tmall:
China's largest e-commerce platforms offering everything from clothing to home goods. Tmall focuses on official retail brands, while Taobao features independent sellers.