Resources

Sourcing Platform Navigation Directory

Compare external platforms by category, best use case, buyer warning and related internal tool. External links are for reference only and do not imply official partnership.

Sourcing Platforms

Alibaba

External resource

Category: Sourcing Platforms
Best for: Export-oriented supplier discovery and RFQ outreach
When to use it: When you need English communication, samples or export suppliers
Buyer warning: Platform profiles are not enough. Verify legal name, bank account and inspection acceptance.
Related internal tool: china supplier risk checker

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Made-in-China

External resource

Category: Sourcing Platforms
Best for: Industrial products, machinery and supplier comparison
When to use it: When comparing factories for machinery, equipment or B2B categories
Buyer warning: Check technical specs, export history, certificates and after-sales support.
Related internal tool: machinery purchase checklist

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Global Sources

External resource

Category: Sourcing Platforms
Best for: Electronics, gifts and trade-show supplier discovery
When to use it: When researching export-oriented suppliers and show exhibitors
Buyer warning: Still verify samples, MOQ, company identity and payment terms.
Related internal tool: rfq email generator

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Wholesale Platforms

1688

External resource

Category: Wholesale Platforms
Best for: Domestic China wholesale prices and small factories
When to use it: When you can use a purchasing agent for payment, communication and consolidation
Buyer warning: Most sellers are domestic-facing. Export, quality and after-sales handling may need an agent.
Related internal tool: 1688 purchasing agents

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YiwuGo

External resource

Category: Wholesale Platforms
Best for: Yiwu market booth and small commodity discovery
When to use it: When planning Yiwu sourcing, mixed orders or market visit preparation
Buyer warning: Confirm booth status, export support, consolidation and product quality separately.
Related internal tool: yiwu trip checklist

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DHgate

External resource

Category: Wholesale Platforms
Best for: Small MOQ trial orders and sample-like purchasing
When to use it: When testing small quantities before serious wholesale sourcing
Buyer warning: Not every seller is suitable for private label, compliance or repeat wholesale.
Related internal tool: supplier comparison tool

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AliExpress

External resource

Category: Wholesale Platforms
Best for: Very small sample orders and retail-level product checks
When to use it: When you need one or two samples to understand a product type
Buyer warning: Retail listings should not be treated as reliable factory or wholesale supply.
Related internal tool: china sourcing route finder

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External resource disclaimer

We are not officially affiliated with these platforms unless stated.

External resources are listed for buyer reference only. Use them as navigation starting points, then verify supplier identity, payment details and order terms independently.

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