product discovery spreadsheet
Step 2: Creating Your AcBuy Account and Submission Process
Registration with AcBuy follows a straightforward process through their official website. Once your account is verified, the product submission system becomes your primary interface for orders. When you find desired products on 1688, simply copy the product URL and paste it into your AcBuy member area. The platform's advanced parsing technology automatically extracts product details including specifications, available variations, and pricing.
Step 3: Strategic Consolidation and Quality Control
One of AcBuy's most valuable features is their warehouse consolidation service. International buyers can order from multiple 1688 suppliers and have all items shipped to AcBuy's designated warehouses in key Chinese commercial hubs like Guangzhou or Yiwu. Upon arrival, their inspection team can verify product quality, check quantities, and document items through photos or videos upon request (usually for an additional service fee). This consolidation process dramatically reduces international shipping costs by combining multiple packages into single shipments.
Step 4: International Shipping and Customs Considerations
AcBuy partners with major international logistics providers including DHL, FedEx, and specialized freight forwarders. During the shipping request stage, you'll select from various transportation methods based on your budget and timeline priorities. Experienced buyers often recommend calculating shipping costs per unit rather than focusing solely on product prices, as this provides a more accurate understanding of total landed costs. Additionally, AcBuy's documentation team assists with commercial invoices and customs declarations, though buyers remain responsible for understanding their country's import regulations and potential duties.
Advanced Strategy: Maximizing Your 1688 Purchasing Efficiency
Seasoned international buyers develop specific approaches to optimize their AcBuy experience. These include establishing direct communication with AcBuy's customer service team for complex orders, requesting sample purchases before committing to large quantities, and strategically timing orders to align with Chinese manufacturing cycles to avoid holiday-related delays. Many successful importers also utilize AcBuy's procurement management features to track multiple orders simultaneously and maintain organized purchase records for accounting purposes.
The combination of 1688's extensive wholesale marketplace and AcBuy's specialized agency services creates a powerful sourcing channel for global businesses. By mastering this procurement pipeline, international buyers gain access to competitively priced Chinese manufacturing while avoiding the traditional hurdles of cross-border commerce. As with any international trade activity, starting with smaller test orders allows you to refine your process before scaling your operations through this efficient purchasing ecosystem.
