You’ve probably heard that Taobao and 1688.com offer amazing prices. The photos look great, the prices are unbeatable, and the selection feels endless.
It’s no wonder so many small businesses, boutique owners, and creators are tempted to source from there.
Maybe you’ve even tried it yourself.
But then… reality hits.
These Platforms Aren’t Built for International Buyers.
In fact, they’re designed for domestic Chinese users. Which means:
❌ Everything is in Chinese
❌ Sellers don’t speak English, even basic communication is tough
❌ They only accept RMB (CNY)
❌ They don’t ship internationally
❌ Ordering from multiple shops = different timelines & separate parcels
❌ International shipping per order is too expensive if shipped separately
❌ And worst of all — you might only realize something’s wrong after the package arrives:
- Wrong colors or styles
- Broken items
- Missing pieces
- No return or refund options
That’s when many people think:
"I just need a shipping agent, right?"
Yes — and no.
Shipping Agents Are Everywhere - But That’s the Problem
You’ll find tons of agents online.
On Alibaba. On Facebook. On TikTok. On Instagram.
Everyone says they can help you buy and ship from China.
But then new problems appear:
Who should you trust?
Some common concerns:
- They ghost you after payment
- You only get robotic replies — never a real conversation
- They speak a little English… but not enough to answer your real questions and understand your requirements
- They simply re-pack and ship without checking your goods, no photos, no checking, no updates, no communication
- One mistake could cost you hundreds if you’re buying in bulk or for wholesale
For personal shopping, that might be tolerable.
But for wholesale, resale, or business use, there’s no room for careless mistakes.
You need someone you can trust, someone who actually pays attention.
So How Do You Choose the Right Agent?
It’s not about finding the biggest company. In fact, larger agencies may be expensive, rigid, and treat you like just another number.
Instead, look for someone who fits the way you work.
Start with a small test order.
Observe how they communicate. Are they responsive, clear, and honest?
Do they listen? Do they ask the right questions? Do they care about your concerns?
If the trial order goes well, try a slightly more complex order next to see whether they could handle.
Train your agent.
Yes, really. As you continue working together, they’ll get better at understanding your style, preferences, and workflow — just like a remote teammate you can count on.
Here’s How We Usually Work with My Clients
When a client wants to buy from 1688 or Taobao:
- The client finds the product links themselves and sends them to us.
- Or the client sends me reference photos, and we search for matching products, share links, and confirm details.
Once the products are confirmed, we create an Excel file that includes:
- Product names
- Variations/SKUs
- Prices
- Quantities
- Subtotals
- Our service fee (usually a percentage of the product value, discussed and agreed in advance)
If all looks good, they make payment.
Then we:
- Place the orders with each seller
- Receive and check the goods
- Check that everything matches the order (quantity, size, color, etc.)
- Take photos and videos for the client
- Consolidate all products into one shipment
- Calculate shipping cost based on volume and weight
- Inform the client of the number of boxes, final weight, and freight options, and then clients pay for the shipping cost
- Ship the parcel and provide tracking
- Follow up to ensure delivery goes smoothly
Want Help with Sourcing or Shipping from China?
We are not a big company. we’re a hands-on sourcing assistants based in Guangzhou. We work directly with clients around the world to help them purchase from China.
✅ You make the decisions
✅ We handle the rest
✅ You just wait on your side for the goods to arrive
No stress. No language barrier. No surprises.
So if you’re ready to give it a try, maybe just a small order first, we’d love to help.
Let’s make things easier!
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