In this guide
What should you confirm before repeating a 1688 order?
Compare the new request with the last approved specification and record every change. Reconfirm current stock or production arrangements, quantities, prices, minimums, packing and payment terms. Bring previous faults into the checking brief and obtain fresh purchasing and dispatch approvals.
Start with the last approved version
A repeat purchase needs a clear reference to the order you want repeated. Find the previous purchase record, approved specification and sample references before contacting the supplier. Check which version was actually supplied after any changes. Keep the original request separate from the final approved configuration. If the earlier order contained a substitution, decide whether you want that version again. Identify the earlier goods by your SKU and the supplier’s model so both sides can discuss the same product.
Record what the new request changes
Put the previous approved details beside the proposed order. Review variants, material, dimensions, included parts and packaging as individual fields. A new colour or label may need fresh sample evidence even when the main product appears familiar. WorldFirst’s UK sourcing guidance recommends consistent specifications across supplier discussions. Keep the same discipline when returning to one supplier. Give each change a decision owner and approval status so a request for a quotation cannot be mistaken for approval to purchase.
Reconfirm the offer available now
Ask the supplier to confirm current availability for the exact quantities and variants. Establish whether the goods will come from stock or need production. Obtain a current quotation showing the applicable price tier, minimum quantity and customisation conditions. Confirm the proposed readiness and domestic dispatch arrangements. Keep the currency, payment stages and named payee with the new order. Earlier commercial terms remain a useful comparison; obtain written confirmation of the terms that apply to this purchase before approving payment.
Compare one repeat SKU field by field
In this illustrative example, the earlier SKU-TR01 order contained 200 black trays under specification R2, packed 20 per outer carton. The new request is for 300 black trays and 100 grey trays. The supplier proposes 25 per outer carton. Treat the grey colour and packing change as open decisions. Confirm any minimum for grey and review its colour reference. If you accept both changes, record them in R3 and obtain a quotation for the approved mix. The quantities are invented for this worksheet.
| Field | Last approved order | New request or proposal | Required approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantity | 200 black | 300 black and 100 grey | Confirm variant minimums and quote |
| Colour | Black reference approved | Grey added | Approve a grey reference |
| Outer packing | 20 units per outer carton | Supplier proposes 25 units | Accept packing and update shipment details |
| Specification | R2 | R3 pending changes | Buyer approval and supplier acknowledgement |
Carry earlier faults into the checking brief
Read the previous receipt and issue records before deciding what to check this time. If an earlier order contained mixed variants or damaged corners, identify the affected feature and the supplier’s proposed corrective action. Ask for evidence relevant to that action and agree how the new goods will be checked. Keep the inspection scope and sampling method explicit. Prior experience can help you choose the checks, while each new report needs to describe the current goods and observations actually recorded.
Refresh packing and shipment assumptions
Request current packing counts, carton measurements and weights for the approved order. A change in quantity or packaging can alter the shipment being quoted. If other suppliers’ goods will travel with it, update the consolidation record and expected arrivals. Confirm the UK delivery postcode and any warehouse receiving requirements. Identify which packing details are provisional and when they will be checked. Use the final approved shipment details for the dispatch decision and compare the new cost estimate on that basis.
Give the receiving team the new order reference
When the supplier dispatches within China, connect its delivery record to this purchase. Send the receiving team the current order reference, expected cartons and variant quantities, plus domestic tracking when available. Agree which checks follow receipt and who reviews a discrepancy. Use the previous order as background while keeping this delivery’s count and findings under its own reference. Confirm the receiving address for the current shipment before dispatch, especially if you have changed the consolidation or freight arrangement.
Give the repeat purchase its own approvals
Bring the updated specification, quotation and checking brief together under a new order reference. Record approval to purchase and any conditions that must be met before the next payment or dispatch. Give the supplier and coordinating team the same current files. If the supplier proposes a later change, identify the affected goods and obtain a fresh decision. Save the receiving findings after delivery alongside this order. That record will show which version arrived and which questions need attention at the following purchase.
Quote the next order against the approved version
Share the last approved specification, proposed changes, quantities and UK postcode. We can quote the supplier coordination, purchasing and checks required for your repeat order.
Questions before you order
Can I tell a 1688 supplier to repeat the previous order?
Identify the previous order and final specification, then ask the supplier to confirm the new quantities, product details and current terms. Give the repeat purchase its own quotation and approval record.
Do I need another sample for a repeat order?
Review what has changed and which features need evidence. A new material, colour, construction or packaging choice may justify another sample. Record the purpose and approval criteria before requesting it.
Should I keep the same checks after a successful first order?
Review the checking scope against the new order, any changes and earlier receipt findings. Agree the features and quantity to assess for this purchase, then use the findings for its dispatch decision.
Sources & further guidance
- WorldFirst UK: Building a resilient global sourcing strategy
- WorldFirst Malaysia: Paying 1688 suppliers (order-confirmation context)
- WorldFirst Africa: 1688 dropshipping guide (repeat terms and China handoff only)
These references provide platform, payment or import background. The purchasing checklists are our practical guidance. Check the current terms and official requirements for your product and destination.
Product acceptance, inspection scope, charges and delivery arrangements need to be agreed for your order.