Buy from Multiple Chinese Websites and Ship Together to Your Doorstep
From China to Ghana, Nigeria, UK, USA & more
Author: Juliet Ampah
Buying from Chinese websites from different cities give you access to a massive range of products at prices that are often far lower than your local markets, not to spoil market for the locals but rather to inform local retailers and personal shoppers how to get more options, better margins, and direct access to factories and wholesalers. Buying has been made easier than ever. Nevertheless there is one challenge and the real challenge is shipping. Other challenges include language, and handling multiple sellers at once. I am here to explain this guide in the simplest way possible so that anyone, even someone who just finished middle school, can understand how it works and keep this info until they reach adulthood should they want to buy from China.
This guide shows you how to buy from several Chinese websites, send everything to one address inside China, and then ship it together as one package to your doorstep in Ghana, Nigeria, Cote D’ivoire, Cameroon, the UK, and the USA. When done correctly, this method could save you money, reduce stress, and avoid many common mistakes first-time buyers make.
Quick Reading Plan
Learn how each platform works
Understand how to search using Chinese keywords
See how Chinese addresses are structured
Learn how consolidation shipping works
Understand how Julav Enterprise helps
Learn how to check authenticity
See how to add to cart and use buy now correctly
Final tips before you order
Platforms, What to Buy, and How to Order
In China, many platforms exist aside Alibaba and JD. Also, there are really good quality Chinese brands that are at par with some known brands. But this article will focus on available platforms you can buy from at the comfort of your home or wherever you are. All you need is your phone or computer and the internet for browsing these platforms. Each platform below actually serves a slightly different purpose. Some are better for factories, while others for small orders or branded goods. To buy from each platform, follow the steps carefully for each site.
Alibaba
Yes Alibaba is undoubtedly widely known as one of the biggest global platforms. But there are equally big platforms that are either comparable in scale or dominate in different niches. Let’s just start with Alibaba.
What You Can Buy
Alibaba is best for factory-made goods and usually bulk orders. There are items you can buy in smaller quantities but for best pricing, buying the same product in bulk on Alibaba may be ideal. It is commonly used for electronics, phone parts, solar panels, home appliances, clothing lines, and custom OEM products. The platform is also known for having more middlemen than other platforms thus can get a bit more costly and also delay in responding to enquiries sometimes. Overall it’s still a good choice if you want to buy in large quantities.
How to order
Start by creating an account and searching for your product. They have both English and Chinese Mandarin but English works for international suppliers. Nevertheless, I suggest you use Chinese keywords when searching for products because they often reveal more local factories for you to choose from. In addition, use filters to check minimum order quantity, supplier type, and pricing. Always message suppliers to confirm specifications, samples, lead times, and shipping options. If possible, order samples first before committing to bulk production. Once satisfied, place the order and ship either directly to your door if only you are buying from just one source. Otherwise, you can buy different products from different shops or factories on Alibaba and from other websites to a single consolidation address in China who will ship everything to you in one package.
If the supplier does not ship internationally, don’t worry. Upon checking out your cart, ask the system to deliver to the address that Julav Enterprise will assign to you. Correctly input the address the Chinese way and once all your orders arrive, the phone number only will indicate which item belongs to who.
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1688
1688 is China’s largest domestic B2B marketplace, also owned by Alibaba. It mainly serves local retailers and small business owners. Most of the platforms use Chinese Mandarin, so using Chinese keywords or working with a local agent is often necessary. It is ideal for sourcing factory-direct products at very low prices.
What You Can Buy
Electronics, accessories, garments, small components, and other bulk goods at factory prices. There are more OEM and Odm factories on this platform than the rest. majority of the shops present on 1688 are the factories themselves. It’s likely why products on this site are significantly cheaper. Retailers specialising in clothing, footwear, jewellery, or lifestyle products may be surprised at how affordable yet high-quality items are on 1688. The platform also features lab representatives who can assist with product research or collaborate with your ODM manufacturers to create your own goods. You can even discover manufacturers of branded products.
How to order
Translate product names into Chinese and paste them into the search bar. This act is essential if you want more options. Payment usually requires Alipay, a digital wallet or bank transfer. You need to download the Alipay application from your app store. If you are overseas, it will likely download the English version. After installing, verify your details and link it to your debit or credit card, preferably a debit card or your bank account. It is safe. Using a virtual debit card is even safer. Just make sure the card is in your name only. The system won’t accept any other person’s card. The verification process involves facial recognition to avoid theft probably. As already said, cards in someone else’s name will not work due to anti-money laundering regulations, so make sure it is your own card. Alipay is considered safe because China enforces strict monetary policies, and it also acts as an escrow service, ensuring that your goods are delivered before payment is released to the seller. For refund and warrantee, ensure you translate that page and understand well or ask the seller for more details before you order. Chinese sellers are almost instantly available for any question regarding your purchase. Don’t forget to chat with them in Chinese Mandarin also called the simplified Chinese using your translator.
More about Alipay, if you plan to visit China, you can wait until you arrive, register, obtain a temporary number, and download the local Alipay version. The local version includes translation services and additional features designed for residents. For business travelers, it is still very convenient because you can pay for any products and services using Alipay or WeChat. These are the two most widely used payment platforms in China since the country became largely cashless about a decade ago. Otherwise, only a handful of businesses in China accept cash or US dollars…very few. If you prefer to use cash, it is best to exchange your money at an international airport upon arrival before entering the country. Unlike in Ghana where forex bureaus are common in strategic business areas, it is almost impossible to easily change money in China. It may also be difficult to use foreign currency in China. There are designated banks where you can exchange major currencies such as USD, British Pounds, or Japanese Yen. However, it is generally easier and more convenient to use Chinese yuan (CNY, also called RMB) for payments, and most transactions are smoothly handled through Alipay or WeChat.
With that said, even while in China, you can order products online to your hotel or residence. Visiting every factory is often impractical, as trips between cities can take 2.5 hours by plane in some cases and up to 12 hours in others. Simply put, Alipay and WeChat are essential apps for anyone in China, and they are equally important if you want to order from most local websites in this case.
Should payment to local factories or vendors still be an issue after all the methods above, there are other ways to consider. You can use a Taobao or 1688 agent. Such agents handle order payment, and shipping to your consolidation address in china before shipping all to you. Some of these agents have warehouses to contain almost any order. If then all solutions above are a bother, you can consult Julav Enterprise who will coordinate with your agent and the seller on your behalf to arrange all your orders. 1688 is big and in fact a lot of sellers from elsewhere source their goods from 1688 as well. It is almost local a platform. Without Mandarin, you will likely need an agent to manage communication and transactions.
DHgate
DHgate is a B2B and B2C platform suitable for small bulk orders and testing market demand. Many sellers have English-language pages.
What You Can Buy
Small electronics, phone accessories, gadgets, solar chargers, and consumer appliances.
How to order
Search in English or Chinese, select your product variants, and add to cart or buy now. Choose delivery to your consolidation address or direct shipping. Payment can often be made by card or PayPal. Keep screenshots and tracking numbers for protection.
JD
JD is a leading e-commerce platform in China with strong domestic logistics. It specializes in consumer electronics, branded goods, even automobiles and home appliances. It is known for reliability and fast delivery within China. It is a highly reputable platform for genuine electronics. They also have a global platform for international purchases.
What You Can Buy
Consumer electronics, phones, home appliances, and branded items sold domestically.
How to order
Use the international page if available, or translate the Chinese site. Add items to the cart or buy now, and choose delivery to your consolidation address in China. JD’s strong logistics ensures timely delivery.
Taobao
Taobao offers endless variety, from accessories and clothing to phone parts and novelty items. This platform is as big as Alibaba or perhaps bigger. Taobao is popular for low-cost finds and small-scale sourcing or retail. Beware if inferior goods though. There are more inferior goods on this site which are primarily for personal or local consumption. Alternatively, if you want to learn how to produce a product, you can purchase affordable tools and ingredients from this website to create a prototype. There are also plenty of genuine items on Taobao. For example, if you want to make shampoo and conditioner, you can source high-quality ingredients on Taobao to develop your prototype. If satisfied, you can later find manufacturers on 1688 to produce it according to your specifications, including your country’s compliance requirements. Once production is complete, you can arrange shipping through agents on Taobao either directly to you or to a consolidation address in China for onward delivery.
What You Can Buy
Clothing, electronics, phone accessories, topups, novelty items, and small gadgets. Just almost anything under the sun can be found here. If you have a hobby and would want all the needed accoutrement to facilitate your interests, Taobao is one of the places to look at especially for retail purchases. You can find both classes of goods from dummy items for display purposes, those for film setups to genuine ones. It is among the oldest e-commerce platforms in China.
How to order
Search with translated Chinese keywords for more results as usual. Translate product descriptions and images to check details. Add items to the cart for multiple purchases or use buy now for a single item. International buyers usually work with Taobao agents for payment, returns, and forwarding to consolidation addresses.
Tmall
Tmall hosts verified brand stores and official sellers. It is ideal for branded electronics and home appliances with better quality control. They are also within the Taobao platform. Tmall does have some really high quality Chinese brands that make you wonder why some traders bring inferior goods to you at premium prices
What You Can Buy
Branded electronics, home appliances, and other premium items.
How to order
Search by brand or translated keywords. Check store verification and reviews. If the brand does not ship abroad, send items to your consolidation address or use an agent.
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Yiwugo
Yiwugo connects buyers to the Yiwu wholesale market. Yiwu city is known for doing international business. It is the home to Jeans clothing factories. The Yiwugo website is great for small gadgets, accessories, costume jewelry, clothing trims, and items for resale.
What You Can Buy
Small gadgets, accessories, costume jewelry, and resellable products.
How to order
Search with Chinese keywords, contact suppliers for minimum orders, and ship to the consolidation address. Yiwu sellers often work with forwarding companies.
AliExpress
AliExpress is for retail and sample quantities. Many sellers support English, making it easy for international buyers. One great feature this site has is the ability to automatically show you items that can be shipped to your location.
What You Can Buy
Phone accessories, electronics, small gadgets, and sample items from bulk suppliers.
How to order
Search in English or Chinese, read reviews, study buyer photos, add items to cart or buy now, and select correct variants. Choose shipping to your consolidation address or direct delivery.
Temu
Temu offers low-cost fashion and home gadgets. Prices are low, but quality can vary. Temu has received significant criticism and ridicule for providing products that often fall short of their displayed quality. Because of this, it is crucial to communicate with the seller before making a purchase. Sellers understand that negative feedback can have serious consequences for them in China, and most businesses take such reviews seriously, as they can impact companies’ operations. To avoid disappointment, carefully read each product’s details, check the materials used, and speak directly with the seller before buying.
What You Can Buy
Low-cost fashion items, small gadgets, and trending retail products.
How to order
Order small quantities to test quality, check delivery times, and review return policies carefully.
Banggood
Banggood focuses on electronics, tools, phone accessories, small appliances, and hobby items. Banggood also has the location where it show you items that are possible to ship to you. However if you are buying from different sources, you will need a central location to send all purchases to before getting them shipped to you in one piece.
How to order
Compare sellers, read buyer photos, add items to cart, and choose delivery to your consolidation address or direct shipping.
How to add to cart and use buy now on Chinese sites
Most Chinese sites in China have a lighter-colored add to cart button . Use this as a cue (加入购物车). This lets you continue shopping and collect multiple items.
Example in the photo above, the red circled (1) is usually the add to cart button. It is crucial to note this because some sites use example a love emoji in place of the usual add to cart button.
The darker buy now button as circled (2) (立即购买) takes you directly to checkout. Always check product variants before paying, as similar-looking items may have different accessories or capacities.
Example:
Some sites add to cart may be in English, others in Chinese Mandarin the rest in different emojis. If say you want this students camera, whether you’re ready to buy now or you want to add to cart, it takes you to various product options like;
Be sure to carefully review the specific options you intend to purchase and confirm the exact selection with the seller. This step is also crucial because consumer preferences vary, and Chinese sellers usually account for this by offering multiple variations to meet almost all consumer needs. Some products come in different capacities or include additional accessories. One buyer may only need the basic skeletal unit, another may need extra customization, while another may require the complete set. This aspect of the buying process cannot be overstated.
The Chinese Address System Explained
Now to the most critical part for ensuring successful delivery and avoiding wasted time. Let me explain the Chinese address system if you want smoother and faster delivery using their language. Their description of things works slightly different from what many are used to in the West. In most Chinese context, the West means almost any country outside of China. Their addresses in this case follow from the largest location to the smallest order of details. When entering your address, start with the province, then the city, followed by the district, street, and community or estate. Most people in China live in gated protected communities, and many business addresses are structured the same way.
After the community name, include the phase of the estate if applicable, such as Phase 1, 2, or 3. Next, add the building number, the unit or entrance number, the floor, and finally the room number including phone number. Floor and room number are always together. When you see example 42021, it means floor 42 room number 021. Always provide complete and accurate details in that order when buying from local platforms, as delivery services rely heavily on precise addresses and valid contact information thus leading to faster operations. It actually makes the courier or logistic personnel handling your package happier and makes their job easier. Time is key. Here is an example of a typical address format you may need.
To:
Mr/Mrs/Miss ABC
Guangdong Province, Guagzhou city, ABC district, Tontong street, Xiandai estate phase 3, building 88, unit 2 entrance 1, floor and room number 42021. The your phone number. Sometimes your phone number comes first, second or last.
Consolidation Shipping and Why it Saves Money
Shipping items separately increases costs due to multiple packages and repeated fees. Consolidation combines all parcels into one shipment, reducing weight, customs entries, and total shipping fees. You get one tracking number and save time and money.
How Julav Enterprise helps
Julav Enterprise provides many options such as proving buyers with Chinese delivery address. You use it at checkout, then Julav consolidates your parcels, repacks them, and ships by air or sea to your door at your request. They also offer sourcing, communication in Chinese, and quality checks by coordinating with you and your suppliers, bridging the language barrier. Julav helps ship to Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Germany, the UK, Bulgaria, Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Brazil.
Final tips
Translate product names into Chinese to find better deals. Start with small orders to test quality. Keep screenshots, invoices, and tracking numbers. Check customs rules and duties in your country before importing or consult Julav for more.
Sources and links
Alibaba https://www.alibaba.com
1688 https://www.1688.com
DHgate https://www.dhgate.com
JD https://www.jd.com
Taobao https://www.taobao.com
Tmall https://www.tmall.com
Yiwugo https://www.yiwugo.com
AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com
Temu https://www.temu.com
Banggood https://www.banggood.com
LightInTheBox https://www.lightinthebox.com
Chinabrands https://www.chinabrands.com
Zaful https://www.zaful.com
Chinavasion https://www.chinavasion.com
TomTop https://www.tomtop.com
Related Post—> How to Source Products from China
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects general observations and personal opinions. Product quality, seller practices, and delivery experiences may vary. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and communicate directly with sellers before making any purchase decisions. One advert contains an amazon affilliate link that earns commission from qualified purchases
Brilliant breakdown of consolidaton shipping. The section on Chinese addresses working from largest to smallest location was eye-opening, I actualy lost packages twice before realizing this reverse order matters way more than I thought it did. The part about floor and room numbers being combined (like 42021 = floor 42, room 021) is somthing nobody mentions and can save alot of headaches.
After reading, comment one question or insight.