Quick answer: Prepare a precise product requirement, compare suppliers using the same specification, approve a written quotation, receive the goods at a China warehouse, check visible details and packing, then select air or sea freight using the actual weight, CBM, urgency and Nigeria destination.
Contents
What to Prepare Before Searching on 1688
Do not send only a general product name. The supplier must be able to identify the exact item and quotation unit.
- Clear product photo, catalogue page or 1688 link
- Product name and intended application
- Model, part number, dimensions, capacity, voltage or material
- Required quantity and purchasing unit
- Target quality, approved sample or brand requirement
- Logo, label and packaging requirement
- Nigeria delivery city and preferred timing
A displayed 1688 price is not the final quotation
The price may refer to another size, lower material grade, sample quantity or high-volume order. Confirm the exact variant, MOQ and China delivery cost in writing.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
1. Send a precise product request
For spare parts, include the vehicle or machine model, part number and a clear photo of the old product label.
2. Search and compare several suppliers
Compare identical specifications—not only similar photos. Check supplier identity, stock, MOQ, production time, packaging and domestic delivery.
3. Approve a written quotation
The quotation should show description, specification, quantity, unit, unit price, total, China delivery address, lead time and service charges.
4. Confirm the RMB payment arrangement
Match the approved supplier, quotation and payment beneficiary. Keep payment receipts and written records of any later change.
5. Receive goods at the China warehouse
Goods from different suppliers can arrive separately and be recorded before consolidation.
6. Inspect, record and pack
Confirm the visible quantity, model, label, colour, size, damage and carton condition. Technical performance or certification requires a separate test arrangement.
7. Select air or sea freight
Use the final cargo type, actual weight, CBM, urgency and destination—not only the product value—to select the route.
Real Warehouse Checks Before Shipping
- Count pieces, sets and cartons.
- Check model numbers and labels against the approved list.
- Photograph products and packing before dispatch.
- Record actual weight and CBM.
- Repack or consolidate when it safely reduces wasted space.
- Keep sensitive customer, supplier and cargo references private.
See the detailed product inspection scope and limitations.
Nigeria Cities and Shipping Routes
China collection may be arranged from Foshan, Yiwu or Shenzhen. Current freight rates, cargo restrictions, clearance and delivery arrangements must be confirmed before dispatch. Read the China-to-Nigeria shipping guide.
Real Toppingdom Sourcing Case
Small Spare-Parts Trial Order: Foshan to Kano
A Kano buyer requested sample quantities of several vehicle-related nozzles and elements. The product list used exact model references instead of only general product names.
- 5 sets — Nozzle for DAF XF 810
- 5 sets — Nozzle for Iveco 1169
- 5 sets — T Element 192
- 3 sets — T Element 333
- 5 sets — Element 069
The products and visible labels were checked before dispatch. The shipping record showed loading on 14 May 2026. On 27 May 2026, the buyer confirmed that the goods were received correctly.
Short Real Inspection Video
Actual Products Before Dispatch
This short clip was recorded during the China-side product and packing check. It gives the buyer visible evidence before the cargo leaves the warehouse.
How to Calculate Landed Cost
A slightly higher product price can produce a lower total cost when the supplier offers better packing, lower weight, fewer defects and a more reliable lead time.
Common 1688 Purchasing Mistakes
- Paying from the product photo alone. Similar photos may represent different models or quality grades.
- Comparing only the displayed price. Confirm the exact variant, MOQ and unit.
- Not writing the specification. Use part numbers, dimensions, materials and model names.
- Shipping every supplier separately. Separate shipments may multiply freight and clearance costs.
- Choosing air freight for bulky low-value goods. Compare weight and CBM first.
- Skipping inspection because the order is small. One wrong model can make the order unusable.
- Ignoring regulated cargo. Batteries, liquids, branded goods, medical products and chemicals may require special checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy from 1688 while living in Nigeria?
Yes. A China sourcing partner can communicate with suppliers, coordinate the approved order, receive goods, inspect visible details and arrange international shipment.
Does 1688 ship directly to Nigeria?
Most suppliers deliver within China. Goods are normally sent to a China warehouse before shipment to Nigeria.
Can I place a small trial order?
Sometimes. Small orders reduce the initial exposure, although the unit and freight cost per item may be higher.
Can goods from several suppliers be combined?
Yes, when the cargo and packing requirements allow consolidation at one China warehouse.
What should I send for a quotation?
Send the product photo or link, quantity, exact model or size, material or quality requirement, packaging need and Nigeria delivery city.
Start with one clear product request
Send the product photo or 1688 link, quantity, specification and Nigeria delivery city. Toppingdom can review supplier options, quotation details, inspection, consolidation and shipping.