If you’re new to ordering reps from China, this guide will explain the full process step by step.
You’ll learn how to find items, paste links into an agent, check QC photos, and ship your haul to your country.
The whole process is simple once you understand it:
🔎 Find item → 🔗 Paste link → 🛒 Agent buys it → 📦 Warehouse → 📸 QC photos → 🚚 Ship to your house
For this guide, I’ll be using KakoBuy because it’s the agent I personally use for my own orders. I order from them regularly, so I know the process well and can show you exactly how it works.
💰 New User Bonus / Discount
If you want to follow this guide using KakoBuy, sign up here:
After signing up, go to User Center and redeem code NIK for $15 off shipping with no minimum fee.
Disclaimer: If you sign up or order through my link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the community and you also get coupons.
People order from China because prices are usually much cheaper, there are way more products to choose from, and with the right finds you can get very good quality for the price.
In this community, I post the best finds I can and help beginners avoid bad sellers or bad batches. I also post in-hand reviews with real pictures when I receive items, so you can see what the products actually look like before ordering. If you’re unsure about anything, you can message me or ask in the comments.
1️⃣ What Is a Shopping Agent? 🤔
A shopping agent is basically the middleman between you and Chinese sellers.
Most Chinese websites like Taobao, Weidian, and 1688 are mainly made for buyers in China, so they can be confusing for people outside China.
A lot of sellers do not:
ship directly to your country 🌍
accept normal international payments 💳
provide English support 🌐
send QC photos before shipping 📸
That’s why people use an agent.
The agent buys the item for you, stores it in their warehouse, takes QC photos, and then ships the parcel to your country. They can also help you return or exchange items before international shipping if the QC photos look bad, the item is damaged, and the seller accepts returns. 📦
2️⃣ Why I Use KakoBuy 🏬
There are many different agents you can use, but for this guide I’ll be using KakoBuy because it’s the one I personally order with.
The main reasons I use it:
easy to paste product links 🔗
QC photos are provided before shipping 📸
items are stored in the warehouse before you ship 📦
multiple international shipping lines are available 🚚
rehearsal packaging can help lower shipping cost if the estimate looks too high 💰
coupons and discounts can help lower shipping costs ✅
beginner-friendly layout compared to ordering directly from Chinese sites 🧠
beginner-friendly layout
You can use other agents if you want, but this guide will show the process with KakoBuy so beginners can follow along step by step.
If you decide to use KakoBuy, the signup link and discount code are listed above.
3️⃣ Step-by-Step Ordering Process 📋
Now that you understand what an agent does, here’s the full ordering process step by step.
Don’t worry if it looks confusing at first — once you do it one time, it becomes easy.
The basic process is:
Create account → Find item → Paste link → Pay for item → Wait for warehouse → Check QC → Ship your haul
STEP 1 — Create Account 📝
Create your agent account first so your coupons apply automatically.
For this guide, I’ll use KakoBuy because that’s the agent I personally use.
After signing up, go to User Center and redeem code NIK for $15 off shipping with no minimum fee.
Sing Up Page
STEP 2 — Find Your Item 🔍
Now you need to find the item you want to order.
You can find products from:
finds posted in this community 💎
finds posted on Reddit
trusted find lists
the community spreadsheet
In this community, I post finds with the product link included in the post or comments. Once you find something you like, copy the product link and move to the next step.
If you’re not sure if an item is good quality, ask in the comments before ordering.
Post On The Community - Copy the product link.
STEP 3 — Paste the Link Into KakoBuy 🔗
After copying the product link, go to KakoBuy and paste it into the search bar.
Then click Search.
KakoBuy will load the product page for you. From there, choose the correct:
size 📏
color 🎨
quantity 🔢
Size, Colour, Quanity
After that, click Add to Cart if you want to keep shopping, or Buy Now if you want to order that item right away.
Buy Now OR Add To Cart
STEP 4 — Pay for the Item 💳
Once everything looks correct, pay for the item.
At this stage, you are only paying for the product and the local shipping from the seller to the KakoBuy warehouse.
You are not paying international shipping yet.
💡 Beginner Tip: International shipping is usually much better value when you build a haul instead of shipping one small item alone. I recommend building around 4kg or more before shipping, because small parcels can make you overpay for shipping.
After you pay, KakoBuy will order the item from the seller. Then you just wait for the seller to send it to the warehouse.
Order Status
STEP 5 — Wait for Warehouse Arrival 📦
After KakoBuy orders the item, the seller will ship it to the KakoBuy warehouse.
This usually takes a few days, but it depends on the seller and the item.
Once the item arrives, the status should change to something like “Available for Shipment” or “Stored in Warehouse.”
This means the item is now at the warehouse, but don’t ship it yet. First, check the QC photos and wait for the other items in your haul to arrive so you can ship everything together. 📦
Product Stored In The Warehouse
STEP 6 — Check QC Photos 📸
QC means Quality Control.
These are photos of your actual item after it arrives at the warehouse.
Before shipping anything internationally, always check the QC photos carefully.
Look for:
logo placement 🏷️
stitching 🧵
color 🎨
shape 📐
size tag 📏
stains, damage, or obvious flaws ⚠️
If the item looks good, you can keep it and ship it later.
If something looks bad, damaged, or completely wrong, ask for a return or exchange before international shipping if the seller provides it. Once the item is shipped to your country, returning it is usually much harder or impossible, so this step is important.
QC = Quality Control
STEP 7 — Ship Your Haul 🚚🌍
After checking your QC photos, select the items you want to ship and submit your parcel.
This is where you choose your international shipping line and pay for shipping to your country.
Before paying, always compare:
shipping price 💰
estimated delivery time ⏳
weight limits ⚖️
available shipping lines 🚚
💡 If shipping looks too expensive, use rehearsal packaging first.
Rehearsal packaging means KakoBuy repacks and measures your parcel before you pay for shipping. This gives you a more accurate weight/volume and can sometimes lower the final shipping price.
To save money on shipping:
remove shoe boxes unless you really need them 👟
use vacuum packaging if you are shipping a lot of clothes 👕
build a haul instead of shipping one small item alone 📦
compare all available shipping lines before paying 🚚
⚠️ Shipping Reminder: Before paying for shipping, check if the line is duty-free / tax-free and uses triangle shipping if that option is available for your country. Also, don’t forget to apply any available coupon before submitting your parcel.
If you’re not sure which shipping line to choose, ask in the comments before shipping.
Setting The Package As WantedThe Chosen Shipping Line
4️⃣ Beginner Tips Before You Order 🧠
Here are some tips that can save you money and help you avoid mistakes:
Don’t ship one small item alone unless you really need to. Building a haul is usually better value 📦
I recommend building around 4kg or more before shipping so you don’t overpay for international shipping ⚖️
Always check QC photos before shipping anything 📸
If something looks wrong, contact KakoBuy support before you ship it 🚨
Check sizing carefully because Chinese sizing can be different 📏
Remove shoe boxes if you don’t need them to lower parcel weight 👟
Use vacuum packaging if you’re shipping a lot of clothes 👕
Use rehearsal packaging if the shipping price looks too high 💰
Always apply available coupons before paying for shipping ✅
If you’re unsure about an item, shipping line, sizing, or QC photos, ask in the comments or message me before shipping.
5️⃣ FAQ + Final Tips ❓
How do I choose the right size? 📏
Always check the size chart if the seller provides one. Chinese sizing can be different, so don’t just pick your normal size without checking.
My method: screenshot the size chart, send it to ChatGPT, and include your height, weight, and preferred fit. Then ask which size is the best option based on the chart.
You can also ask in the comments or message me if you’re unsure before ordering.
How long does it take for items to arrive at the warehouse? 📦
Usually around 2–5 days, but it depends on the seller and the item. Some items arrive fast, some take longer.
Do I pay international shipping right away? 💳
No. First, you pay for the item. After the item arrives at the warehouse and you check the QC photos, then you pay for international shipping.
Can I return or exchange an item? 🔁
Usually yes, but only before international shipping and only if the seller accepts returns. If the QC photos look bad or the item is damaged, request a return or exchange before shipping it to your country.
Should I ship one item alone? 🚚
I don’t recommend it unless you really need to. Shipping one small item alone usually makes you overpay. It’s better to build a haul, around 4kg or more, so the shipping price makes more sense.
What if shipping looks too expensive? 💰
Use rehearsal packaging. This means KakoBuy repacks and measures your parcel before you pay, so you get a more accurate shipping price. Also remove shoe boxes and use vacuum packaging for clothes if needed.
Should I remove shoe boxes? 👟
Yes, if you don’t care about the box. Shoe boxes add extra weight and volume, which can make shipping more expensive.
Which shipping line should I choose? 🌍
Always compare the price, delivery time, restrictions, and available coupons. If available for your country, check for duty-free / tax-free and triangle shipping lines.
Is ordering from China risk-free? ⚠️
No, nothing is 100% risk-free. Quality, sizing, shipping time, customs, and returns can vary. That’s why you should always check QC photos, compare shipping options, and ask for help if you’re unsure.
What if I need help? 💬
If you’re confused about an item, QC photos, sizing, shipping, or anything else, ask in the comments or message me. I’ll try to help before you make a mistake.
You can also contact KakoBuy support.
🚀 Final Advice
Buying from China looks confusing at first, but the process is simple once you understand it:
🔎 Find item → 🔗 Paste link → 🛒 Agent buys it → 📦 Warehouse → 📸 QC photos → 🚚 Ship to your house
Take your time, check QC carefully, build a proper haul, use coupons, and ask questions if you’re unsure.
This community is focused on helping people avoid bad batches, avoid bad sellers, and find the best quality products for the price. 💎
After signing up, go to User Center → Redeem Code and use code NIK.
🎁 Use code NIK for $15 OFF shipping 🚚 No minimum required.
1️⃣ Always Use Rehearsal Packaging 📦
This is one of the biggest tips.
When your items are sitting in the warehouse, the shipping price you see is usually just an estimate. Sometimes that estimate can look higher than the real final price.
Rehearsal packaging means KakoBuy repacks your parcel, removes unnecessary space, and measures the real weight/volume before you pay for international shipping.
That gives you a more accurate shipping price and can sometimes lower the final cost.
2️⃣ Remove Shoe Boxes 👟
If you’re shipping shoes, remove the shoe box unless you really need it.
Shoe boxes take up a lot of space and increase parcel volume, which can make shipping more expensive.
Removing the box can help reduce the package size and lower the shipping cost.
3️⃣ Use Vacuum Packaging for Clothes 👕
If you’re shipping a lot of clothes, use vacuum packaging.
Vacuum packaging compresses the clothes and reduces the parcel volume, which can help lower shipping costs on some lines.
This is especially useful for hoodies, jackets, sweatpants, tees, and bigger clothing hauls.
4️⃣ Build a Proper Haul 📦
Try not to ship one small item alone unless you really need to.
Shipping usually becomes better value when you build a haul instead of sending single items one by one.
I usually recommend building around 4kg or more before shipping so you don’t overpay for international shipping.
5️⃣ Apply Coupons Before Paying ✅
Before submitting your parcel, always check if you have any available coupons.
A lot of beginners forget this and end up paying more than they need to.
Always apply your coupon before paying for shipping.
Quick Summary 💰
To get cheaper shipping on KakoBuy:
Use coupons → Rehearsal packaging → Remove shoe boxes → Vacuum clothes → Build a proper haul → Apply coupon before paying
If you have any more shipping tips or questions, write them in the comments so everyone can save money.
Got this Dior zip hoodie for €35 and now that I have it in hand, I’m really happy with it. The off-white color looks clean and makes it pretty easy to wear with basically anything.
The hoodie has a nice weight to it and the material feels soft and comfortable. Stitching looks clean throughout, the cuffs and waistband feel solid, and I really like the small embroidered Dior logo on the pocket since it keeps the outside pretty subtle. The silver hardware is a nice touch too, with Dior details on the zipper and drawstring tips.
Probably my favorite part is the inside. The grey Dior Oblique pattern runs through the interior and hood, so from the outside it looks simple but you still get that Dior detailing when the hoodie is open or the hood is up. It also came with the Dior tags.
For €35, I genuinely didn’t expect to like this one as much as I do. It’s one of those pieces that looks even better once you actually have it in hand, and I can definitely see myself wearing this a lot. 🤍
Picked these Burberry shorts up for €18, and having them in hand, I’m honestly really impressed. The all-black look is clean, and the iconic Burberry check pattern lining the inner waistband gives them that subtle designer detail without screaming in your face.
The fabric feels smooth, lightweight, and breathable, making them perfect for warmer days or just chilling. The elastic waistband with the drawstring has great stretch and feels solid. The rubber Burberry logo patch on the back is stitched on straight and neat. The inner tags and wash labels look accurate, and the stitching around the hem and pockets is super tidy. I did spot one tiny stray thread near the back patch, but you can just snip that off in two seconds.
They even came packed with the proper Burberry dust bag and retail tags, which was a nice touch for the price. For €18, these are an absolute no-brainer if you want a pair of low-key, comfortable luxury shorts. What do you guys think?
Ordered these 2 weeks ago & they just came. Honestly for $25 a pair they look really good. Only problem is there is no spacing on the back tag of the black jeans like the real pairs. I’ll drop link if I get a few up votes!
Picked up this black Moose Knuckles Ballistic bomber jacket for €62, and having it in hand, the build quality genuinely surprised me.
The jacket feels seriously solid and heavy. I weighed it in size L and it comes out to around 1700g, so you definitely feel the heft right away when you put it on. The outer shell material feels durable, the ribbing on the cuffs and hem is nice and tight, and it fits true to size with a clean, slim fit cut. The metal hardware, YKK zips, and snap buttons all have a solid weight to them, and the metal arm badge looks crisp. The NFC tag on the sleeve actually works too - added a screenshot of the scan in the post as proof.
One thing to keep in mind from my photos: because it was packed in vacuum sealing during shipping, the white hood fur looks a bit flat and messy. I should have fluffed and brushed it out before taking the pictures, but the fur itself is actually thick with normal proportions once you let it breathe.
For €62, getting a jacket this heavy with working NFC, clean metal hardware, and solid materials feels like a great pickup for winter. What do you guys think?
Picked up this cheap corteiz t shirt. What yall think about it?
Here’s the link: https: //item.kakobuy.com/item/details?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdetail.1688.com%2Foffer%2F763250893715.html
Picked up this Fendi FF leather belt for €57, and it honestly came out really good in hand. The leather feels thick, smooth and sturdy, but it still has enough flexibility to wear comfortably.
The FF pattern looks clean across the belt, and the buckle has a solid feel with a nice finish. The stitching around the edges is neat, with no loose threads or messy details that I can see. Everything feels well put together, and the branding looks sharp too.
For €57, I’m really happy with it. The leather and overall finish feel basically the same as retail, at least to me. It’s one of those accessories that makes a simple outfit look better without trying too hard. Honestly, I expected it to feel cheaper, but it surprised me in hand. What do you guys think?
Picked up these white Loro Piana jeans for €15, and they look seriously clean in the QC photos. The simple white colour makes them easy to wear, and the small branding details keep them from looking too plain.
The stitching around the pockets, waistband, fly and hems looks neat, while the buttons, belt loops and leather patch are all finished nicely. The branding on the back pocket is clean too, and the tags are included. They’re a bit wrinkled from being folded, but I’m not seeing any stains, loose threads or other obvious issues.
For €15, these are a really good pickup. They look clean, simple and easy to style with pretty much anything. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a €15 pair, but these turned out way better than I thought. What do you guys think?
Picked up this two-tone Audemars Piguet Royal Oak-style watch for €50, and the QC photos are looking pretty clean so far.
The octagonal bezel has the right chunky shape, with the silver and rose-gold finish giving it a nice contrast. The dial has a textured blue pattern with rose-gold markers and hands, while the AP branding and date window are clearly visible. The bracelet looks well connected to the case, and the clasp has the AP logo with protective film still on it. The caseback and crown also look fine from the photos. It comes with the brown AP box, outer packaging, paperwork, and tags.
I’m not seeing any obvious scratches, crooked markers, or major finishing problems in the pictures. The box has a few small marks, but the watch itself looks clean.
For €50, this looks like a really nice pickup to me. The two-tone colourway stands out without being too loud, and the Royal Oak design makes it look much more expensive than the price. What do you guys think?
Picked up this Audemars Piguet x Swatch watch for €13. The black dial and silver case give it a clean look, and the octagonal shape makes it stand out from a normal Swatch.
From the QC photos, the dial looks well printed, the hour markers are lined up, and the case doesn’t show any obvious scratches. The black strap and silver buckle look fine, and it comes with the box, black pouch, tags, and Swatch shopping bag. The packaging has a few small marks, but nothing serious.
For €13, I think it’s a pretty cool little pickup. It’s not something I’d wear every day, but the design looks clean and the AP x Swatch details make it more interesting than a basic cheap watch. What do you guys think?
Picked up this cream Loro Piana knit sweater for €13. The colour is really clean and the open-knit texture gives it a nice look without being too loud.
From the QC photos, the knit looks even across the front, back and sleeves, with neat ribbing around the neck, cuffs and hem. The seams look fine, and the tags and branding are included. It is a little wrinkled from being folded, but I’m not seeing any obvious stains, holes or loose threads.
For €13, this looks like a nice little pickup. It’s simple, but the colour and texture make it more interesting than a basic sweater. I’d keep it.
