One of the biggest fears every new mini importer in Nigeria faces is simple:
“How do I know if this supplier is real?”
It’s a valid concern — because while mini importation can make you good money, it can also frustrate you if you deal with the wrong supplier.
Every year, thousands of new importers lose money to fake or dishonest suppliers because they didn’t know how to verify before buying.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to find trusted suppliers on 1688 and Alibaba, how to avoid scams, and how to build long-term supplier relationships that keep your mini importation business safe and profitable.
Why Finding the Right Supplier Matters
Your supplier is the backbone of your mini importation business.
If they’re reliable, you’ll always get quality products, fair prices, and fast shipping.
But if they’re shady, you’ll get poor-quality goods — or worse — no goods at all.
Here’s why the right supplier is everything:
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You get consistent product quality
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You save money with better wholesale prices
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You enjoy faster and safer shipping
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You build trust and long-term partnership
In simple terms: your profit starts with your supplier.
Understanding 1688 vs Alibaba
Before we go into the steps, it’s important to understand what each platform is for.
1688.com
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It’s mainly for the Chinese domestic market
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Products are cheaper than Alibaba
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Most suppliers don’t speak English
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It’s the best platform for Nigerians who use agents
Alibaba.com
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Built for international buyers
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Most sellers speak English and use international payment methods
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Prices are slightly higher than 1688
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You can buy directly without a middleman
If you’re new and working with small capital (₦100k–₦500k), 1688 is your best starting point.
If you’re importing large quantities or want direct contact with manufacturers, Alibaba works better.
Step 1: Use the Right Search Keywords
When searching for products on 1688 or Alibaba, you need to use the right keywords.
On Alibaba, English words are fine.
On 1688, you’ll get better results if you translate your keywords into Chinese using Google Translate.
Example:
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Instead of typing “wristwatch”, translate it to Chinese: “手表”
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Paste that into 1688’s search bar.
Pro Tip: You can also upload a product photo and use the image search feature to find similar or cheaper products.
Step 2: Check Supplier Ratings and Years in Business
Both 1688 and Alibaba allow buyers to check how long a supplier has been active and how customers rate them.
Here’s what to look for:
On 1688:
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⭐ Supplier Level – Look for at least 3 diamonds or above.
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🏆 Years in Operation – Minimum of 2 years is a good sign.
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💬 Customer Feedback – Read comments (use Google Translate).
On Alibaba:
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✅ Verified Supplier Badge – Only verified suppliers have this.
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🕒 Years Active – Look for sellers with 3+ years of operation.
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💯 Response Rate – Anything above 90% is great.
Avoid new or unrated sellers unless you’re buying through a trusted agent who can physically verify them.
Step 3: Study Product Reviews and Buyer Feedback
Never buy from any supplier without reading reviews first.
Both platforms allow customers to leave product reviews with photos.
Here’s what to check:
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Are buyers complaining about poor quality or color differences?
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Do the pictures from buyers match the product images?
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Are there multiple reviews from verified purchases?
If several people complain about the same issue (e.g., wrong color, poor packaging), skip that supplier.
Step 4: Check for Trade Assurance or Escrow (on Alibaba)
If you’re using Alibaba, always buy from suppliers who offer Trade Assurance.
Trade Assurance means Alibaba protects your payment until:
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The supplier ships the goods, and
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You confirm you’ve received them in good condition.
If anything goes wrong, Alibaba refunds your money.
Avoid direct bank transfers or WhatsApp payments to suppliers you just met online.
Step 5: Communicate Before You Buy
Before placing an order, chat with your supplier through the Alibaba chat or 1688 agent.
Ask them questions like:
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Can you send real photos or videos of the product?
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How long will it take to ship to my agent’s warehouse?
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Do you offer discounts for bulk orders?
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Can I customize packaging or branding?
A genuine supplier will reply quickly, sound professional, and provide clear answers.
If they avoid questions or sound evasive, don’t buy.
Step 6: Use a Trusted China Agent (for 1688 Buyers)
Most 1688 sellers don’t speak English and don’t ship directly to Nigeria — that’s why you need a China agent.
A good agent helps you:
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Buy the item from 1688
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Verify product quality
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Combine multiple orders from different sellers
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Ship directly to Nigeria via air or sea
How to Find a Good Agent:
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Ask for recommendations from experienced importers on Facebook groups.
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Test them with a small order first.
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Make sure they send clear updates (photos, receipts, tracking).
Pro Tip: Agents usually charge a small service fee (₦3,000–₦10,000), but they save you from losing hundreds of thousands.
Step 7: Order a Sample First
Before you commit big money, buy a small sample batch.
That’s how you confirm:
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Product quality
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Packaging quality
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Delivery time
If the sample is good and matches the description, you can confidently increase your next order.
This step alone has saved many Nigerian importers from losing money to fake or unreliable suppliers.
Step 8: Use Safe Payment Channels
Here’s how to pay safely:
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On Alibaba, use the official Trade Assurance payment system.
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On 1688, pay your agent in Naira or through trusted escrow.
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Avoid paying directly via Western Union or crypto — those are common scam methods.
Always keep proof of payment and chat history in case you need to make a claim.
Step 9: Keep Communication Records
Store screenshots of:
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Product pages
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Chat conversations
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Receipts and payment proofs
If there’s ever an issue, these records help you get compensation or refunds faster.
Step 10: Build a Long-Term Relationship
Once you find a reliable supplier, keep them!
Building long-term relationships gets you:
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Better discounts
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Priority in shipping
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Faster communication
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Custom packaging options
Many successful importers use the same supplier for years — and it makes business smoother and more profitable.
Bonus Tip: Red Flags to Avoid
🚫 Suppliers who refuse to send product photos or videos.
🚫 Prices that look “too good to be true.”
🚫 Sellers who insist on chatting only on WhatsApp.
🚫 New accounts with no reviews or low ratings.
If something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
Mini importation is an amazing opportunity — but only when you deal with the right people.
Scammers thrive on impatience and greed, so take your time to verify before you pay.
By following these steps:
✅ You’ll protect your money.
✅ You’ll get quality products.
✅ And you’ll build a trustworthy, long-term business.
Because the truth is — in importation, you don’t make money by buying cheap, you make money by buying right.