Comparing Domestic Chemical Procurement Channels: 1688 vs Baidu Aicaigou vs Direct from Manufacturer

There are three main channels for domestic chemical raw material procurement: the general marketplace 1688, the vertical platform Baidu Aicaigou, and direct sourcing from brand/manufacturer websites. Their positioning differs, and combining them balances efficiency with stability.

1688: The Starting Point for Small Batches and Price Comparison

1688 has many merchants and flexible minimum orders, making it suitable for trials, sample purchases and multi-supplier comparison. Its strengths are low barriers and mature transaction protection; its weaknesses are severe homogenisation and uneven quality, so you must carefully verify business licences, operating qualifications and historical reviews, and beware of "resellers" and quality substitution.

Baidu Aicaigou: Vertical Traffic and Merchant Endorsement

Aicaigou relies on Baidu search traffic, and its merchants have passed enterprise verification, making it suitable for buyers who need to "be found" or who specifically want certified suppliers. Its product information is more readily indexed by Baidu, so buyers can quickly lock onto compliant manufacturers via search. Its weakness is that merchant quality varies, so due diligence is still required.

Direct from Manufacturer: The Ballast for Quality and Service

Dealing directly through a brand website (such as the Haiyu Zhonglong English site) gives you the most accurate COA, batch stability commitments and professional technical support, making it suitable for medium-to-large volumes and long-term cooperation. Its drawback is that minimum orders are usually higher than on C2C platforms, and price flexibility depends on commercial negotiation.

How to Choose: Decide by Scenario

① Trials / samples: prioritise 1688 or the manufacturer's sample channel (Haiyu Zhonglong supports sample orders from 1kg/25kg); ② Routine replenishment: direct sourcing gives stable pricing and payment terms; ③ Sourcing / price comparison: use Aicaigou plus 1688 for horizontal screening. Whichever route you take, always verify supplier qualifications, request a COA and retain samples for testing.

Procurement Support from Haiyu Zhonglong

We provide direct sourcing and sample services for fine chemicals and elastomers such as NPG, TMP, PTA, BPA, TMA and PEG, with technical selection consulting. Submit an Online Inquiry or Contact Us for quotations and specification sheets; see more products in the Product Centre.