your free guide to hauling from china with agents

• Completely free• learn about the rep market• how to avoid being scammed• Avoid reseller markups• Set up & buying within minutes• Learn how agents work• Buy smarter from the start• save money on retail prices• access our community• no dodgy spreadsheets!

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navigation

• welcome

• Why I Built this guide

• The 60-Second Version

• HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

• Choosing an Agent

• platform accounts

• FINDing PRODUCTS

• USing YOUR AGENT

• shipping your haul

• UNDERSTANDing the products

• Customs and Import Rules

• final checklist

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• Discord
• Email

get buying direct from china in minutes - save a fortune!

Remember - practically everything we consume begins life in China.imagine if you could get access the factories and warehouses that manufacture all our everyday items and buy directly from them?Well now you can.Written by a team with a wealth of experience buying direct from China and using agents to bundle together shoes, clothing, jewellery and many other items, you'll quickly learn how to buy those items from Taobao, 1688 and other platforms.The goal is simple: help you understand the system, avoid inflated reseller prices, and stop getting ripped off.China Buy Direct is not about chasing fake brands and using dodgy spreadsheet links or sketchy TikTok sellers. It is about understanding how the direct-from-China buying system works, how to spot misleading listings, how to judge quality more realistically, and how to find legitimate alternatives without getting ripped off.Inside, you’ll learn how the process works from start to finish:

1. Set up with an agent2. Access the Chinese platforms3. Source products4. Use the quality control system5. Put together your haul6. Ship to your home country7. Avoid beginner mistakes

We'll show you how the system works, explain the key steps in plain English, and give you the confidence to make your own decisions.You’ll also find links to recommended agents, useful platforms, community channels and further resources as you work through the guide.

Why I Built China Buy Direct

I got fed up seeing people being ripped off.That’s the honest answer.I kept seeing the same products being sold at huge markups, while most people had no idea where they really came from or how the system worked.So I started digging into it properly.Chinese supplier platforms, agents, shipping lines, quality control, sizing, links, Reddit threads, all of it. At first it felt confusing, but once I understood the process, it became obvious that most people are not paying for some magical product. They are paying because they do not know how to access the source.I became really active across social media platforms and kept being asked the same questions:• Which agent should I use?
• How do I actually order?
• How do I know what I’m buying?
• What does shipping cost?
• How do I avoid scammers?

That's why I built China Buy Direct.I want to inform people about it, I don't resell, and I don't like people getting ripped off.i just explain the system clearly, share what I have learned, and help people buy smarter.I’ve already helped loads of people online through Reddit. You can check out my comment history if you want verification, looking up my username:u/Apprehensive_Ask1157

The 60-Second Version

Don't want to read the full guide?If you are confident, use this as your quick-start checklist, and refer to the main guide if you get stuck.

• skip to full guide

1. sign up with an agent

For the quickest start, use the agent we are currently recommending: MyCNBox. However, you can also compare agents using the guide. It's completely free, and completely professional.

• start with MYCNBOX

• compare agents

2. Set up the platforms

Use Taobao, Weidian and 1688 to search, browse and copy product links. Skip to the platform details in the main guide for more information.Your agent handles the actual buying.

3. Find a product

Search in English first.Then try Chinese search terms.Then use reverse image search if you want better results.Use AI to help you write search prompts.

4. Paste the link into your agent

Copy the product link and paste it into your agent’s website.Choose the right size, colour, version and quantity.

5. Check the real price

Once you've paid it in, re-check the item price, minimum order quantity, currency conversion, domestic shipping costs and payment fees; these are usually minimal (I estimate 5% of the main cost on average) but this is how the agents make their money.

6. Check sizing properly

Chinese sizing can run smaller.Use the measurements in centimetres, not just S, M, L or XL.

7. Pay for the item

This pays for the product and gets it from the seller to your agent’s warehouse in China.This is not international shipping yet.

8. Wait for QC photos

Your agent photographs the actual item before you ship it internationally.Check size, colour, shape, details and obvious flaws.

9. Build your haul

You do not have to ship items one by one - this will be expensive!Let a few items arrive, then combine them into one parcel.This is called parcel consolidation.

10. Choose shipping

Pick a sensible shipping line for your country.Do not automatically choose the cheapest or fastest option.

11. Pay for international shipping

Now you are paying to ship the parcel from the warehouse to your home country.Check the full cost before submitting.

12. Track and wait

Tracking can go quiet for a while.That is normal.Keep checking, but give it time.Start small. Learn the system. Then scale up.

Section 1

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

At first, buying directly from Chinese suppliers can look complicated, but the process is actually quite straightforward once you understand the steps.You are not usually buying directly from the supplier yourself. Instead, you use an agent based in China. The agent buys the product for you, receives it at their warehouse, takes quality control photos, and then ships your parcel to your home country.The whole process looks like this:1. Choose an agent
2. Set up access to the Chinese supplier platforms
3. Find a product you want to buy
4. Copy the product link
5. Paste the link into your agent’s website
6. The agent buys the item for you
7. The item arrives at the agent’s warehouse
8. You check the quality control photos
9. You combine items into a parcel
10. You choose a shipping line
11. Your parcel is shipped to your home countryThat is the whole system in simple terms.The first time you do it, it may feel unfamiliar. After one order, it starts to make sense very quickly. The key is not to rush. Understand each stage, check the costs properly, and make sure you are happy with the item before you ship it internationally.So let’s start with the first step: choosing an agent.

Section 2

Getting yourself an agent

How to Choose an AgentAn agent is the company in China that handles the buying, checking, storage and shipping for you.You find the product you want, copy the link, and paste it into your agent’s website. The agent then buys the item, receives it at their warehouse, takes quality control photos, and lets you decide whether you want to ship it to your home country.Choosing the right agent matters because they are the middle layer between you and the supplier.A good agent should make the process easier, clearer and less risky.

The Agents Worth Knowing

There are lots of agents around, and the market changes quickly. Some become popular, some lose trust, and some are better suited to beginners than others.I do not think there is one perfect agent for everyone.The best choice depends on what matters most to you:• Ease of use
• Shipping prices
• Customer support
• Quality control photos
• Available shipping lines
• How beginner-friendly the website feels
• How established the agent is
• Whether the agent is currently reliableThe important thing is not to blindly follow hype. Use an agent that suits your needs and always check the current situation before committing serious money.

Use JadeShip to Compare Agents

A useful tool for comparing agents is JadeShip.com.JadeShip lets you compare different shopping agents, shipping prices and available options in one place. It is particularly useful because agent costs can change depending on your country, parcel weight, dimensions, shipping line and the type of items you are buying.No single agent is automatically the best choice for everyone.Before committing serious money, it is worth checking the current comparison tools and shipping estimates so you understand what you are likely to pay. JadeShip is a good place to do that because it is built around comparing agents rather than pushing only one option.

• explore jadeship

Join the Community Before You Choose

• Telegram
• Reddit
• Discord
• Email

Agent recommendations change fast.Shipping prices move, support quality changes, and some agents are better for certain products or shipping lines than others.That’s why the community matters.People share updates, compare experiences, flag problems early, and help spot which agents are actually performing well right now.Use the guide to learn the system, use tools like JadeShip to compare options, and use the community to stay ahead.

• Telegram
• Reddit
• Discord
• Email

so which agents does china buy direct recommend?

our Current recommendation: MyCNBox

We continuously review the agent market to evaluate the best combination of shipping costs, speed, reliability and service level.
This is a smaller agent than many, but this means that there is a better customer experience. They have a good customer service set up
That said, I am not saying you must use MyCNBox.The whole point of this guide is to help you understand the system properly so you can make your own decision.You can use the link below if you want to sign up with MyCNBox, but do not treat any one agent as the only option. There are others, and you'll find details of some of the most popular ones below. You can also search for agents yourself and join up independently.

• sign up to MYCNBOX

It’s simple, reliable, and beginner-friendly — which is why I recommend it.However, you can research and choose your own.

Other Agents to Compare

I also recommend looking at a few other established or currently active agents, especially if you want to compare prices, shipping lines and user experience.SuperbuySuperbuy is one of the more established names in the agent space. It has a more traditional, stable feel and may suit people who value reputation and a longer track record. Superbuy also has a public affiliate programme with tiered bonus levels, with its official page showing bonus percentages that increase by affiliate level.Best for:
• Stability
• More experienced buyers
• People who want an established platform

• sign up to Superbuy

SugargooSugargoo is another well-known agent and is often seen as a beginner-friendly option. Its own affiliate information explains that users can invite others through referral links and earn commission when invited users place international shipping orders.Best for:
• Beginners
• Simple setup
• People who want a familiar agent platform

• sign up to Sugargoo

CSSBuyCSSBuy is a long-running agent option and is often used by people who already understand the process a bit more. CSSBuy presents itself as a China shopping agent with access to platforms such as Taobao, Tmall and 1688, and also highlights mobile app notifications for orders and packages.Best for:
• More experienced users
• People who want access to wider Chinese marketplaces
• Buyers who are comfortable comparing options

• sign up to CSSBuy

GTBuyGTBuy appears to be one of the newer agents getting attention in the community. I would treat it as a trending option rather than the safest established choice. Newer agents can sometimes be competitive on pricing and promotions, but they also need more caution because reputation takes time to prove.Best for:• Getting sign up vouchers
• People who want to compare newer options
• Users comfortable checking recent feedback
• Buyers who do not want to rely on one agent only

• sign up to GTBuy

My AdviceIf you are new, keep it simple.Pick one agent. Place a small first order. I recommend you learn the process before building a big haul. I used about seven different agents in the first few months of hauling from China. I had three key ones I continued to use, and now I have one main one, but I am constantly evaluating different agents and watching shipping costs and service levels. There also plenty of Reddit groups dedicated to different agents, which is a good way of seeing how they are doing.The basic process:1. Find a product
2. Copy the link
3. Paste it into your agent
4. The agent buys it
5. It arrives at the warehouse
6. You check the QC photos
7. You build your parcel
8. You choose shipping
9. It ships to the UKBefore ordering, check for coupons, sign-up offers and shipping discounts. Most agents run deals, and beginners often miss them.Just remember the extra costs too:• China domestic shipping
• Agent service fees
• Payment fees
• International shippingThe domestic shipping and payment/service fees don't usually amount to very much, a few percent, but international shipping needs careful consideration; there's more on that in the shipping section.However, you can still save serious money, but you have to understand the full costs before you buy. If you want to know more, get in touch through the social channels, we're happy to help.

• sign up to MYCNBOX

Section 3

Setting up your platform accounts

This is the part that looks more complicated than it actually is.Most of the products you will be looking for sit on Chinese shopping and supplier platforms. The main ones you need to understand are:
• Taobao
• Weidian
• 1688You do not need to master all three on day one.Start with the basics, learn how the platforms work, and remember that your agent does most of the heavy lifting once you paste a product link into their site.The platforms are mainly where you search, browse, compare products and copy links. Your agent is what turns those links into an order you can actually buy, check and ship.

The Simple Breakdown

• Taobao — best all-round starting point
• Weidian — popular for fashion, streetwear and spreadsheet-style finds
• 1688 — best for lower prices, suppliers and bulk-style listingsIf you are completely new, start with Taobao first. It is usually the easiest platform to understand, especially if you use Google Chrome with automatic translation switched on.Once you are comfortable, move on to Weidian and 1688.

Before You Start

Use a desktop browser first if you can.It is much easier to:• Translate pages
• Search properly
• Copy product links
• Compare sellers
• Understand sizes and options
• Avoid clicking the wrong thingApps are useful later, but browser first is the easier route for beginners.ImportantYou are not setting these accounts up because you need to buy directly from every platform yourself.You are setting them up so you can search properly, understand listings, find better products, and copy links into your agent.That is the key difference.

Taobao

TaobaoGood for:• Beginners
• General products
• Clothing, shoes and accessories
• Browsing and learning the systemTaobao is usually the best place to start. It has a huge range of products and is easier to understand than the other platforms once you use browser translation.Setup tips:1. Open Taobao in Google Chrome
2. Turn on automatic translation
3. Create an account using your mobile number
4. Browse on desktop first
5. Download the app later once you are comfortableUse Taobao when:
You want the easiest entry point and the widest product range.

• visit taobao website

• download taobao for ios

• download taobao for android

Weidian

WeidianGood for:• Fashion
• Streetwear-style finds
• Products shared in social communities
• Items commonly seen in spreadsheetsWeidian can feel more confusing at first, but it is heavily used in the sourcing community. A lot of fashion finds, supplier pages and social media links lead back to Weidian.Setup tips:1. Try using the website first
2. Use browser translation where possible
3. Sign up with your mobile number
4. Bookmark useful seller pages
5. Use your agent to handle the actual purchaseNote:
The Android app may not always be available through the normal Google Play route, so if you are on Android, using the website or bookmarking pages may be the simpler option.Use Weidian when:
You are following fashion links, checking seller stores, or comparing items shared in communities.

• visit weidian website

• download weidian for ios

• download weidian for android

1688

1688Good for:• Lowest prices
• Supplier-style listings
• Factory-level buying
• Finding products closer to the source1688 is less beginner-friendly, but it can be one of the most useful platforms once you understand the system. It is often where you find lower prices and supplier-level listings.Setup tips:1. Use 1688 in Google Chrome
2. Turn on translation
3. Create an account with your mobile number
4. Use image search where possible
5. Check minimum order quantities before getting excitedUse 1688 when:
You want to go closer to the supplier level and compare lower-cost listings.Personally I use 1688 for most of my searches. However, there are issues, sometime with product quality, and sometimes with minimum orders. It's useful to get to know the ratings systems for all three platforms, we'll blog about that later.

• visit 1688 website

• download 1688 for ios

• download 1688 for android

in summary

Start with desktop first.1. Use Chrome translation
2. Browse slowly
3. Move to apps later once you understand the process

Section 4

FINDING PRODUCTS

Finding ProductsMost people start with TikTok spreadsheets.That is fine, but it also means you are usually seeing what someone else has already found, shared, and marked up.This is where you go one level deeper.The aim is not just to find products.The aim is to learn how to source properly, compare options, and find better prices closer to the original seller.The Goal• Find the same or similar products for less
• Compare sellers before buying
• Check quality before shipping
• Avoid relying blindly on spreadsheet links
• Learn how to search for yourselfOnce you understand this part, the whole system starts to open up.

how to search

Search Method 1: Start Simple

Best for beginners.Use a basic English search first.1. Open Taobao, Weidian or 1688
2. Search for the product in English
3. Try simple words first
4. Scroll through the results
5. Compare prices and sellersExamples:• Hoodie
• Trainers
• Cargo pants
• Leather bag
• Linen shirt
• Running shoesThis will not always give you the best results, but it helps you get used to how the platforms work.

Search Method 2: Search in Chinese

Most sellers list products in Chinese, not English. Searching in Chinese usually gives you more options and better prices.1. Open Google Translate
2. Type the product name in English
3. Copy the Chinese translation
4. Paste it into Taobao, Weidian or 1688
5. Compare the resultsExamples:• Hoodie = 连帽衫
• Trainers = 运动鞋
• Cargo pants = 工装裤
• Leather bag = 皮包
• Linen shirt = 亚麻衬衫You do not need to speak Chinese. You just need to know how to search properly.

Search Method 3: Reverse Image Search

Best for finding exact or similar items.This is usually the most powerful method.If you see something on TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, a reseller site or a spreadsheet, save the image and search with that instead of typing words.1. Save a clear image of the product
2. Open Taobao or 1688
3. Tap the camera icon in the search bar
4. Upload the image
5. Compare the resultsYou will often find:• The same item
• Similar items
• Multiple sellers
• Different price points
• Cheaper listings than the one you started withThis is where you start to see why sourcing properly matters.

some more advice...

Do not buy from the first link you find.Compare before you commit.• Check more than one seller
• Look at reviews and sales
• Compare product photos
• Check size charts carefully
• Watch the total cost, not just the item priceYou can also use ChatGPT or other AI platforms to create much better Chinese search terms.This is more powerful than basic translation. Instead of just translating “jacket” or “trainers”, describe exactly what you want and ask ChatGPT to turn it into a refined Chinese search phrase for Taobao, Weidian or 1688.For example, I have used this method to create searches for very specific items like:• heavyweight cotton chinos with an internal waistband
• brown suede derby shoes in larger sizes
• zipped cotton sweatshirts without a hood
• genuine leather white trainers in size 47
• high-quality sportswear suitable for bigger Western sizingThat kind of detail gives you much better results than a basic one-word search.You can drill right down into fabric, fit, colour, size, style, material and quality level. That is how you start finding better products instead of just scrolling through random listings.

finally, Before you copy an item link, check:

• The item price (often displayed in Chinese Yuan)
• The currency conversion
• The minimum order quantity
• Domestic shipping in China
• Size and colour options
• Whether the seller looks reliableThis matters most on 1688, where some prices are based on buying more than one item.Also remember that yuan prices are not exact once converted. Your agent, bank or payment provider may use a slightly different exchange rate.The listing price is not the final price.Real cost = item price + China shipping + agent fees + payment fees + international shipping.Cheap only matters if the full cost still makes sense.

Section 5

USING YOUR AGENT

Once you have found a product, your agent takes over.This is the part that feels strange the first time, but it is actually very simple. You are not messaging the seller yourself. You are giving the agent the product link, choosing your options, and letting them buy it for you.The basic flow looks like this:1. Copy the product link
2. Paste it into your agent
3. Choose your size, colour and options
4. Add it to your cart
5. Submit the order
6. Pay for the item and China-side costs
7. The agent buys it from the seller
8. The item arrives at the warehouse
9. You check the QC photos
10. You decide whether to keep, return or exchange it

Step 1: Copy the Product Link

When you find something on Taobao, Weidian or 1688, copy the product URL.That link is what your agent uses to find the item.

Step 2: Paste It Into Your Agent

Go to your agent’s website and paste the product link into the search bar.The agent should load the product page inside their own system.From there, you can usually see:• Price
• Seller details
• Product photos
• Available stock

Step 3: Choose Your Options and add to your cart

Step 3: Choose Your OptionsCheck the product carefully before adding it to your cart.Make sure you choose the right:• Size
• Colour
• Version
• Quantity
• Style optionBe careful with Chinese sizing.Sizes such as M, L, XL and XXL are often Asian sizes, not UK or European sizes. Do not assume your normal size will fit.Always look for the size chart and check the actual measurements.Most measurements are shown in centimetres. Chest measurements are often shown as a half-chest measurement, measured flat across the front of the item.For example, a “60cm chest” may mean 60cm across the front, giving roughly a 120cm full chest. Some agents are better than others at picking up sizing, and some like MyCNBox offer automatic translations that help understand sizing.Check:• Chest or bust
• Shoulder width
• Sleeve length
• Body length
• Waist
• Hip
• Trouser lengthDo not rush this part.A lot of mistakes happen because people choose the wrong size, wrong colour or wrong version.

Step 4: Submit and Pay

When you submit the order, you are usually paying for the product to be bought and sent to your agent’s warehouse in China.At this stage, you may pay for:• Item cost
• Domestic shipping within China
• Agent service fee
• Payment feeThis is not the international shipping stage yet.You are only getting the item from the seller to your agent’s warehouse.That is an important difference.

Step 5: The Agent Buys the Item

Once you have paid, the agent places the order with the seller.You do not need to deal with the seller directly.Your agent handles the purchase, tracks the order, and waits for the item to arrive at their warehouse.Typical warehouse delivery inside China is often a few days, but it can vary depending on the seller. Most agents will show updates on the status of your purchase.

Step 6: The Item Arrives at the Warehouse

When the item arrives, your agent checks it in and updates your account.This is when the item becomes visible in your warehouse.Don't rush to ship it to your home - check the QC photos first.

important: building a haul

Once your items arrive at the warehouse, they do not have to be shipped one by one.Your agent stores them in your account, so you can build up several items and ship them together as one parcel. This is called a haul.This is the REAL power of the agent system.For example, you might order:• A hoodie
• A pair of trainers
• A bag
• A jacket
• A few accessoriesEach item arrives at the warehouse separately. Once they are all there, you check the QC photos, select the items you want to ship, and combine them into one parcel.This is called parcel consolidation.The next section explains this properly, but for now the key point is simple:Your warehouse is where your haul comes together before international shipping.

Step 7: Check the QC Photos

QC means quality control.This is one of the biggest advantages of using an agent.You get photos of the actual item before you pay for international shipping.Check:• Overall quality
• Colour
• Size label
• Stitching
• Shape
• Details
• Obvious flaws
• Packaging if relevantIf something looks wrong, you may be able to request a return or exchange before the item leaves China.That is the whole point.It is much easier to fix a problem while the item is still in the warehouse than after it has arrived at your house.

What Happens Next?

Once you’re happy with your items you move to international shipping (covered in the next section)

Section 6

Shipping Your Haul

Once your items are in the warehouse and you have checked the QC photos, the next step is shipping.This is where beginners often lose money.The item price might look cheap, but the final value depends on how well you build and ship your parcel.

Step 1: Select Your Items

Go into your agent warehouse and choose the items you want to ship, but:Do not automatically ship everything.Remember your final QC checks and the previous information on building a haul, and follow the steps below.

Step 2: Build a Sensible Haul

For your first order, keep it sensible.Do not ship one tiny item on its own unless you have to.But also do not build a massive parcel before you understand the process.A small-to-medium haul is the best starting point.

Step 3: Reduce Wasted Packaging

Before shipping, check the packaging options.Depending on the item, you may be able to:• Remove shoe boxes
• Remove unnecessary packaging
• Vacuum seal clothing
• Use simple packaging
• Add protection for fragile itemsShipping is usually based on weight, size, or both.Less wasted packaging can mean a lower shipping cost.But do not remove useful protection just to save a small amount of money.

Step 4: Choose a Shipping Line

Your agent will show different shipping lines.They usually vary by:• Price
• Speed
• Tracking
• Parcel limits
• Country availability
• Customs handlingDo not automatically choose the cheapest line.Cheap can mean slow, poor tracking, or more hassle.Do not automatically choose the fastest line either.Fast can be expensive and may not always be necessary.For beginners, the best option is usually the balanced line recommended by your agent for your country.For the UK, you may see lines described as:• UK Line
• Tax-Free Line
• Duty-Free LineFor other countries, look for shipping lines designed specifically for your location.If you want to know more about shipping lines, reach out to me via the community links.

Step 5: Check the Final Shipping Cost

Before you pay, check the full cost properly.You may be paying for:• International shipping
• Packaging services
• Reinforcement
• Insurance
• Vacuum sealing
• Photo checks
• Other optional extrasOnly pay for extras that actually make sense for your parcel.This is the point where you need to slow down and look carefully.The final shipping cost can change whether the order is still a good deal.

Step 6: Submit and Track

Once you are happy, submit the parcel and pay for shipping.Your agent will give you tracking details once the parcel is dispatched.Do not panic if tracking does not update every day.International parcels often go quiet while they move between warehouses, airports, customs and local delivery networks.Keep checking, but give it time.

Common Shipping Mistakes

• Shipping every item separately
• Building a parcel that is too big too soon
• Ignoring packaging weight
• Choosing the cheapest line without checking it properly
• Paying for extras you do not need
• Forgetting that shipping changes the true cost
• Not checking QC photos before submitting the parcel

Section 7

Understand What You’re Looking At

When you start browsing Chinese platforms, you will see a real mix of products.Some are completely unbranded.
Some are similar in style to popular brands.
Some may show familiar logos, branding or designs.This is where you need to use your judgement.The aim of this guide is not to tell you what to buy. It is to show you how the system works so you can make better decisions yourself.The Main Types of Product1. Unbranded ProductsThese are usually the easiest place to start.Think plain clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, gymwear, homeware and everyday products.No obvious logos. No big claims. Just products.2. Similar Style ProductsThese follow a certain look, trend or design style without necessarily being sold as a branded item.You will see this a lot with fashion, trainers, jackets, bags, watches and accessories.Check the listing properly. Look at the photos. Read the details. Use common sense.3. Branded-Looking ProductsSome listings may show well-known logos, branding or designs.Be careful here.Different agents have different rules. Different shipping lines have different restrictions. Different countries have different import laws.Do not assume that because something is listed, it is automatically suitable to buy or ship.Before You BuyAsk yourself:• Do I understand what this item is?
• Does the listing show branding or logos?
• Is the seller making unrealistic claims?
• Will my agent accept it?
• Can it be shipped to my country?
• Am I comfortable with the risk?If you are new, keep it simple.Start with unbranded items, quality basics, general clothing, gymwear, homeware and accessories. Learn the process first before making things more complicated.Key PointThe real advantage is not just finding cheap products.The real advantage is understanding what you are looking at, checking properly, and making your own decisions instead of blindly following random links.If you're unsure just reach out to us or the community

Section 8

CUSTOMS — EXPLAINED SIMPLY

When you ship goods internationally, your parcel may pass through customs.This is normal.Every country has its own rules, fees and restrictions, so check what applies where you live before shipping anything.You may need to think about:• Import tax
• Customs duty
• Parcel value
• Restricted items
• Whether your shipping line includes tax handlingSome agent shipping lines may be described as tax-free, duty-free or triangle shipping. These can be useful, but do not assume every line works the same way.Before submitting a parcel, check:• What shipping line you are using
• Whether tax is included
• Whether the item is suitable to import
• Whether the declared value makes sense
• Whether your agent gives any warningsKey PointDon't over-worry about customs, just be aware of your local rules, choose a sensible shipping line, and do not take unnecessary risks.

Section 9

Final Checklist: Start Smart

You now understand the basic system.The biggest mistake beginners make is rushing.Do not try to build a huge haul, chase every link, or copy what someone else is doing without checking it properly.Start small. Learn the process. Then scale up.

Before You Buy

Check:• Have I compared sellers?
• Have I checked reviews and photos?
• Have I looked at the size chart?
• Have I checked the real cost?
• Have I checked for coupons or offers?
• Does the seller look reliable?
• Am I happy with the risk?

Before You Ship

Check:• Have I checked the QC photos?
• Is the size correct?
• Is the colour correct?
• Are there any obvious flaws?
• Have I chosen a sensible shipping line?
• Have I checked the final shipping cost?
• Is this parcel a sensible size?

Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying from unreliable TikTok links
• Trusting unknown spreadsheet links
• Ignoring size charts
• Forgetting extra shipping & agent fees
• Shipping items individually
• Choosing the cheapest shipping line
• Skipping QC photos
• Building a huge first haul
• Buying anything you do not understand

Simple Rules

• Be wary of TikTok adverts
• Use reverse image searches
• Compare at least two or three sellers
• Think in total cost, not item price
• Use your agent’s QC system properly
• Keep your first order simple
• Be patient

Your first order can be a little nerve wracking. My first order was a cable knit jumper. I paid more for the shipping than I did for the item, because I didn't fully understand the system.Once you have gone through the process the first time though, it becomes a lot easier.

Stay Involved

Agent prices change. Shipping lines change. Good sellers come and go.That is why I've set up the China Buy Direct community. This is my real vision. This is not going to be about selling items, it's going to be about everyone sharing ideas, finds, experiences and learning from each other. I'm still learning things all the time, and by creating a safe community space where we can learn from each other we can ensure that we don't lose out.Join the socials to compare notes, share finds, ask questions and keep up with what is working now.

• Telegram
• Reddit
• Discord
• Email

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• HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

• Get yourself an agent

• Set up your platforms

• FIND PRODUCTS

• USe YOUR AGENT

• global shipping

• UNDERSTAND THE MARKET

• customs

• MISTAKES TO AVOID

• PRO TIPS

• ready to go

• Telegram
• Reddit
• Discord
• Email