Taobao, 1688, or AliExpress? Choosing the Right China Sourcing Platform for Dropshippers in 2025
If you're a dropshipper looking to source high-margin products from China, you've probably asked yourself this one big question:
"Should I use Taobao, 1688, or AliExpress?"
With so many Chinese e-commerce platforms out there—Taobao, 1688, Tmall, AliExpress, and even newer ones like Temu and Shein—figuring out the right place to source from can feel overwhelming.
But here's the truth:
Each platform serves a different purpose.
Understanding those differences can make or break your profitability as a dropshipper.
Quick Comparison: China's Top 4 Platforms
Platform | Type | Shipping | Ideal For | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
1688 | B2B | Domestic (China) | Bulk buyers & agents | Wholesale prices, MOQ, supplier negotiations |
Taobao | B2C / C2C | Domestic (China) | Dropshippers / testers | No MOQ, great for product testing |
Tmall | B2C (Brand) | Domestic (China) | Premium retail buyers | Verified sellers, brand stores only |
AliExpress | B2C | Global | Beginner dropshippers | Direct-to-consumer, supports global shipping |
Which Platform Fits Your Dropshipping Stage?
1. Just Getting Started? → Taobao + AliExpress
Taobao is China's Amazon—but cheaper. You'll find millions of low-MOQ products, perfect for testing winning products.
AliExpress is also beginner-friendly, with global shipping and plug-and-play dropshipping features. However, the prices are generally higher than Taobao or 1688.
💡 Use a China-based fulfillment agent or warehouse to consolidate Taobao purchases and ship globally.
Pros:
No inventory needed
Easy product testing
Fast go-to-market
Cons:
Higher per-unit costs
Lower profit margins
Manual order processing unless automated via agent
2. Scaling Up? → 1688
Once you've validated products, it's time to buy in bulk—and 1688 is your best friend. It's the largest B2B platform in China, with factory-direct prices.
However, everything is in Chinese and only ships within China, so you'll need a solid logistics partner.
Pros:
Wholesale pricing = higher margins
Supplier negotiations possible
Private labeling options
Cons:
MOQ required
Inventory risk
You must handle shipping or work with agents
3. Building a Brand? → Tmall Global
Tmall is like the premium version of Taobao—brand-authorized stores only. If you're launching a white-label brand and want to expand into China, this is the way.
Pros:
High customer trust
Sell to China's booming middle class
Long-term brand value
Cons:
Requires brand registration
High setup & marketing cost
Not for beginners
Want to Boost Your Profit Margin?
Whether you're dropshipping from Taobao, Tmall, or AliExpress—Refundy helps you get money back after the purchase.
Here's how:
Platform | Cashback | Price Drop Refund |
---|---|---|
Taobao | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
Tmall | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
AliExpress | ✅ Available | ❌ Coming Soon |
1688 | ❌ Coming Soon | ❌ Coming Soon |
✅ Cashback: Get up to 10% back from your purchases
✅ Price Drop Refund: Claim the difference if the price drops after buying
Start Using Refundy and increase your net profit without changing your sourcing process.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about dropshipping, choosing the right sourcing platform is key.
Start with Taobao or AliExpress to test products
Move to 1688 when you're ready to scale
Consider Tmall Global if you're brand-building for the Chinese market
Use Refundy to squeeze every last margin from your sourcing process
Let your sourcing strategy grow with your business. Refundy will help you maximize profits at every stage.