While the Lunar New Year represents a time of family reunions for domestic consumers in China, it has become a golden period for cross-border e-commerce as overseas demand surges. During the 2026 Lunar New Year season (February and March), international buyers maintained strong order volumes. The 1688 platform has implemented strategic initiatives to help merchants capitalize on this seasonal opportunity and achieve business growth.
Enhanced Cross-Border Merchandise: Four Key Benefits for Sellers
The platform introduced a "Cross-Border Product" certification program, offering four core advantages to sellers who complete comprehensive product information for international markets:
Dedicated Product Detail Pages
- PC version displays cross-border service information prominently, with hover functionality showing detailed service terms
- Secondary sections showcase certification documents and packaging details to build buyer confidence
Priority Marketing Exposure
- Preferred placement in cross-border promotional sections and featured channels
Platform Support Programs
- Priority selection for platform-sponsored development initiatives
Global Buyer Connections
- Direct access to buyers from North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia
- Recommendations for major international trade fairs including the Canton Fair
- Complimentary participation in cross-border livestream events and virtual matchmaking sessions
Upgraded Selection System: Tiered Product Classification for Targeted Marketing
The platform's revamped cross-border selection program introduces a comprehensive product classification system designed to identify and support high-quality suppliers with strong international capabilities and reliable fulfillment. The upgrade focuses on two critical buyer requirements: regulatory compliance and service stability.
Product Classification Framework
The new system categorizes merchandise into four distinct tiers with corresponding benefits:
- Non-Cross-Border Products: Items not enrolled in global trade programs or lacking complete international documentation
- Cross-Border Products: Fully documented items meeting basic export requirements
- Emerging Selection Products: Items identified by AI algorithms as having strong international potential
- Premium Selection Products: Top-tier merchandise guaranteeing ≤48 hour shipping with exceptional service ratings
Cross-Border Selection Index: Quantifying Product Competitiveness
The platform developed a proprietary evaluation metric analyzing five key dimensions plus additional service factors, scored 0-5. Products scoring ≥4 receive special designation and enhanced visibility.
Evaluation Criteria
- International Compatibility: Documentation completeness including multilingual packaging
- Fulfillment Reliability: 30-day shipping performance metrics
- Seller Credentials: Verified business qualifications and operational history
- Product Quality: Refund rates and content accuracy
- Buyer Satisfaction: Repeat purchase rates and search conversion data
- Value-Added Services: Expedited shipping options and complete product specifications
This comprehensive evaluation system enables sellers to demonstrate competitive advantages while helping international buyers identify reliable suppliers during peak shopping seasons.