What is a Shipping Agent?
And why do you need one?
Most Chinese sellers and marketplaces (like Taobao, Weidian, 1688) don't ship internationally. They only deliver within China. That's where a shipping agent comes in.
A shipping agent is a middleman service that:
- Buys products on your behalf from Chinese sellers using their local address
- Receives your items at their warehouse in China
- Takes QC photos so you can inspect before shipping
- Ships internationally to your country with tracking
Language Barrier
Agents communicate with Chinese sellers for you
Payment Methods
Pay with PayPal or card instead of Alipay/WeChat
Consolidation
Combine multiple orders into one shipment to save on shipping
Quality Check
Get photos of your items before they ship to you
How It Works
The complete ordering flow
Your Order Journey
Find Your Product
Browse our vendor list and copy the product link from Taobao, Weidian, or 1688
Submit to Your Agent
Paste the link into your agent's dashboard and select size, color, and quantity
Agent Purchases
Your agent buys the item and it gets shipped to their warehouse in China
Review QC Photos
Check the quality photos they send you — approve, return, or exchange if needed
Ship Internationally
Choose your shipping method, pay for shipping, and get your tracking number
Receive Your Package
Your items arrive at your door — typically within 1-3 weeks depending on shipping method
Recommended Agents
Trusted platforms we recommend
Superbuy
Most trusted agent
AllChinaBuy
Fast & reliableDirect WhatsApp Vendors
Some sellers ship directly — no agent needed
Some vendors in our list sell directly via WhatsApp and can ship internationally without needing an agent. The process is simpler:
- Message the vendor with the product you want (photos or links)
- Confirm price & shipping to your address
- Request QC photos/videos before they ship
- Pay the vendor directly via their preferred method
- Receive tracking and wait for delivery
Pro Tip: When contacting vendors from our list, mention you came from the academy to unlock partner pricing. Say: "Hi! I came from Alex" (or the name noted next to that vendor).
Quality Check (QC)
What to look for before approving
When you receive QC photos from your agent or vendor, take your time to inspect them. Post in the Quality Check channel if you need opinions.
Stitching & Seams
- Clean and even stitching throughout
- No loose or hanging threads
- Seams properly aligned
Logos & Prints
- Correct placement and spacing
- Accurate colors and alignment
- No smudging or fading
Labels & Tags
- Tag text is accurate
- Proper fonts and styling
- Correct country of origin
Sizing
- Measurements match size chart
- Request tape measure photos
- Asian sizing often runs small
Important: If something looks off, ask before approving. Once shipped, returns become much harder and more expensive.
Costs & Timelines
What to expect
Costs to Plan For
- Item cost — the product price (usually in ¥ RMB)
- Domestic shipping — seller to agent warehouse
- Agent service fee — usually 3-5% of item cost
- International shipping — based on weight/volume
- Import duties/taxes — depends on your country
Expected Timelines
- Seller to warehouse: 2-7 days
- QC photos: 1-2 days after arrival
- International shipping: 7-21 days
- Total end-to-end: ~2-4 weeks typically
- Note: Slower during Chinese holidays
Save on shipping: Consolidate multiple orders into one parcel. Let items collect in the warehouse, then ship together. You'll pay less overall shipping but add a few extra days.
Safety Tips
Protect yourself
- Keep records — Save order IDs, chat screenshots, tracking numbers
- Use in-app chat — Keep conversations in the agent dashboard for disputes
- Don't rush QC — Take your time to inspect, ask questions if unsure
- Know the rules — Ensure purchases comply with your country's import laws
- Ask the community — Use our QC channel if you need a second opinion