Navigate China's wholesale giant effortlessly with this step-by-step tutorial using a specialized proxy service.
For sneaker enthusiasts and resellers worldwide, China's 1688.com is a treasure trove of directly-sourced products, including coveted models like the Adidas Harden Vol. basketball shoes. However, language barriers, complex payment systems, and direct international shipping unavailability make purchasing challenging. This is where a proxy/agent platform like Mulebuy
1688 is designed for bulk B2B transactions within China. Mulebuy bridges the gap for international buyers by providing a shopping interface in English, handling communication with suppliers, consolidating packages, and arranging cost-effective international logistics. They also offer quality inspection services, giving you peace of mind for your purchase.
First, you need the exact product link from 1688. Instead of searching blindly on 1688's Chinese interface, you can use external resources to find reputable listings. For instance, a helpful resource is this external spreadsheet
Create an account on the Mulebuy website. The registration process is straightforward, typically requiring an email address. Once logged in, familiarize yourself with the dashboard. You'll see options to "Submit Product Link," "My Warehouses," and "Ship My Items."
Navigate to the product submission page (often called "Buy for Me" or similar). Paste the 1688 link you copied into the designated field. The system will automatically fetch product details like images, title (in Chinese and roughly translated), and color/size options. You must manually specify your desired size, color, and quantity. Crucially, add detailed notes in the order comments, such as "Please ensure the product is authentic Adidas with original box," to guide the agent's communication with the seller.
Mulebuy will calculate the total cost, which includes the product price (in Chinese Yuan, CNY) and their service fee. You will pay this sum first to Mulebuy via their available international payment methods (like credit card, PayPal, or sometimes cryptocurrency). After payment, their domestic agents in China will proceed to purchase the item from the 1688 seller on your behalf.
Once the seller ships the item, it will arrive at Mulebuy's designated warehouse in China. You will receive a notification with photos of the received items—this is your chance to verify the model, color, and basic condition. For an extra fee, you can request a detailed quality inspection, where agents check for flaws, authenticity cues, and manufacturing defects.
After approving the warehouse photos, proceed to the shipping section. Here, you'll choose your international shipping method (e.g., DHL, EMS, Sea Freight) based on cost, speed, and destination country. Mulebuy will repack the shoes, possibly removing retail boxes to reduce volumetric weight, and provide a new shipping quote. Pay this final freight fee, and they will dispatch your package. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your Adidas Harden Vol.'s journey to your doorstep.
