1688 procurement avoidance guide: how to deal with fake delivery photos from suppliers

Why does "photo fraud" appear on 1688?

[1688](www.1688.comAs a b2b e-commerce platform under alibaba, it brings together over ten million manufacturers and distributors, covering all categories including electronics, apparel, and industrial products. data source: [1688 cross-border [connecting the world with goods]]https://peixun.1688.com/space/cross-border/detail/amweZ92PV6vZazqqcaa5PZw4VxEKBD6p)。But the bigger the platform, the higher the possibility of having a mix of good and badSome merchants have absolutely no sense of compliance, while others are "too clever by half." in a bid to boost conversion rates, they resort to using non-original photos, stolen images, or even photoshop to create a whole "shipping scene" that makes it look like the goods have been dispatched, the packaging is neat, and the quantity is sufficient.

Platform data shows that in the random inspections of q4 2025, approximately 12.3% of dispute cases involved discrepancies between product images and the actual items received. of these, 68% were due to photo fraud during the shipping process (e.g., taking photos of empty boxes, swapping items, or falsely declaring quantities). [data source: flash sale direct supply inbound inspection rules]https://peixun.1688.com/space/l2AmoEo9rYgw8zdb/detail/20eMKjyp81RNX4nnS7r9O4GEWxAZB1Gv)】。

This is not just a small problem of "making the picture look better"It directly stepped on the red line - "instructions for submitting materials for 1688 hosted products" clearly states: "pictures must be taken in real life, cannot be psed, and cannot display irrelevant information" [data source instructions for submitting materials for hosted products】。More realistically, the goods received by the buyer may not be up to standard, which may result in delays in production scheduling or even scrapping of the entire batch of orders.Once trust collapses, it will be difficult to talk about cooperation again.

Complete effective evidence in three steps.

Step 1: secure the original evidence chain

Don't wait until you find a problem to panic.From the moment you place an order, you must have a sense of "leaving a trace".

First, save a snapshot of your order: go to "my alibaba" → "purchased items," click on the order number, and take a screenshot of the entire page, including the product's main image, specifications, price, and delivery commitment.This picture is the "time anchor" for all subsequent disputes.

When the courier arrives, don't rush to sign for it.record an unboxing video – start with a clear shot of the shipping label, and film the entire process without interruption, capturing the unboxing, inventory check, and comparison of contents.The key isn't just about taking a "good-looking" photo, but a "clear" one: does the outer packaging show any signs of being resealed? does the quantity, model, and color of the contents match the order? are they padding the box with foam or paper to make it look like it contains more items than it actually does?

By the way, check the logistics track.Export the full record through the 1688 official logistics channel to confirm whether the goods are really sent from the warehouse promised by the supplier.Some merchants play the trick of "no trace on the national dedicated line". they can't tell where the goods are shipped, so you have to be vigilant about this.Data source: [1688 shipping adds official dedicated line section - online tracking of dedicated line logistics]https://peixun.1688.com/space/l2AmoBMPlnDoYXdb/detail/vy20BglGWOeOo0YYIEp1nD66JA7depqY/)。

Data source: [flash sale direct supply inbound inspection rules] clearly stipulates that "online electronic inspection requires uploading actual photos; photoshop manipulation and sku mismatches are prohibited." [data source: flash sale direct supply inbound inspection ruleshttps://peixun.1688.com/space/l2AmoEo9rYgw8zdb/detail/20eMKjyp81RNX4nnS7r9O4GEWxAZB1Gv)】。

Step 2: initiate a dispute and upload evidence

Don't expect the merchant to take the initiative to admit mistakes.Once you've identified an issue, immediately go to the order details page and click on "request after-sales service" → "i want to complain." select either "item not as described" or "false advertising," and then upload your supporting evidence.

The platform isn't being unreasonable, but it depends on what "reason" you're using.Based on internal feedback, the following materials are most effective:

Just typing complaints about "wrong goods"? or sending a few blurry mobile phone photos? the success rate is less than 15%.The platform handles thousands of disputes every day, and there is no time to guess what you are saying.

Step 3: promote platform intervention in arbitration

If the merchant pretends to be dead within 48 hours, or simply refuses to refund, the system will automatically upgrade to platform arbitration.At this time, it depends on the nature of the violation.

class a violations (e.g., adulteration, selling inferior goods as superior): the product will be immediately removed from the platform, the merchant will be required to return the goods, and they will also be flagged by industry regulators.

• category b violations (function mismatch, grids error): usually support exchange or partial refund; category c violations (appearance defects, missing labels): can be resold after rectification. [data source: flash sale direct supply inbound goods random inspection rules]https://peixun.1688.com/space/l2AmoEo9rYgw8zdb/detail/20eMKjyp81RNX4nnS7r9O4GEWxAZB1Gv)】。

To put it bluntly, the platform is willing to help you, but the prerequisite is - you have to solidify the chain of evidence.

Prevention is better than cure: key actions when choosing a business

Instead of wrangling afterwards, it is better to screen out the risks from the beginning.

Give priority to suppliers with the "verified supplier" badge.Platform data shows that the dispute rate of this type of merchants is 67% lower than the average.It's not that unverified sellers are necessarily shady, but verified sellers at least have passed a basic vetting process.

Then click into the merchant's homepage and see if the fields such as "production capacity" and "proofing cycle" are filled in.Don't underestimate these details. the more complete the information, the more it indicates that this is a genuine manufacturer, not just a middleman reselling goods.Data also confirms that the completeness of information and the authenticity of performance are highly positively correlated [data source factory supply chain information filling instructions】。

The easiest way to go? just pick products with the "1688 managed" label.In this model, the platform conducts a dual verification process: "online digital inspection + offline physical sampling." think of it as us helping you avoid potential pitfalls before you even get started.While the selection might be a bit limited, you can count on it being reliable. [data source: flash sale direct supply inbound goods random inspection rules]https://peixun.1688.com/space/l2AmoEo9rYgw8zdb/detail/20eMKjyp81RNX4nnS7r9O4GEWxAZB1Gv)】。

Ultimately, procurement boils down to trust management.In1688in this massive supply pool, don’t expect to win steadily by relying on “feelings” or “verbal commitments”.Establish your own inspection process and develop the habit of keeping evidence - these seemingly tedious actions are the real bottom line at your negotiating table.