The Complete Guide to Overseas Shopping Forwarding: From Taobao to Your Doorstep, Welisen Makes International Logistics Simpler

Living abroad, are you captivated by the dazzling array of products on Taobao, Tmall, and JD.com, but frustrated because sellers don't offer international direct shipping, or the direct shipping costs are exorbitant? Don't worry, international forwarding services are the tailor-made solution for you. They act as your "logistics butler" in China, receiving your packages, consolidating and repacking them, and then delivering them to you via professional international logistics channels. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step forwarding tutorial from scratch and tells you how to choose a reliable service provider like Welisen International Logistics (WELISEN), making "overseas shopping" as simple and worry-free as local shopping.

1. What is International Forwarding? Why Do You Need It?

International forwarding, simply put, is a logistics model where when you shop on Chinese e-commerce platforms, you first ship the goods to a warehouse address in mainland China provided by a forwarding company. The forwarding company then provides you with a series of services including storage, inspection, consolidation and packing, international transportation, customs clearance, and delivery.

Choosing a forwarding service is primarily based on the following three major advantages:

Break Through Logistics Limitations: The vast majority of domestic e-commerce sellers only support domestic express delivery. Forwarding services break down this geographical barrier.
Significantly Save on Shipping Costs: For multiple items, the "consolidation" service offered by forwarding companies can combine several packages into one, charging based on the total combined weight, which is usually much more economical than shipping each package internationally separately.
Shop More Flexibly: You can place orders from different stores at different times. All packages are temporarily stored in the forwarding warehouse and shipped out together once all items arrive, saving you time and hassle.

2. Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Forwarding Process

Step 1: Choose and Register with a Reliable Forwarding Company

This is the most critical step. A professional and reliable forwarding platform is the guarantee of your shopping experience. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on company qualifications, fee structure, customer service responsiveness, and user reputation. For example, Welisen International Logistics (WELISEN), as a professional comprehensive service provider with the mission of "making international logistics simpler," offers a transparent pricing system and attentive customer service, making it a trusted choice for many overseas users.

The registration process is usually simple: visit the forwarding company's official website, register an account using your email or phone number, and complete real-name verification (required for subsequent customs clearance).

Step 2: Obtain Your Exclusive China Warehouse Shipping Address

After successful registration, in your member center, you will see an exclusive mainland China shipping address assigned to you by the forwarding company (including recipient name, phone number, detailed address, and postal code). This address is the "destination" for all your future online purchases.

Important Note: Be sure to add the exclusive customer identification code assigned to you by the system (usually a combination of numbers or letters) after the recipient's name, for example, "Zhang San WLS123". This is the only basis for the warehouse to identify that the package belongs to you. It must not be omitted or written incorrectly.

Step 3: Shop Happily, Fill in the Forwarding Warehouse Address

Now, you can place orders on platforms like Taobao, Tmall, 1688, Pinduoduo, JD.com, etc., just like domestic consumers. When checking out and filling in the shipping address, completely and accurately enter the exclusive warehouse address obtained in Step 2. Also, use the phone number provided by the warehouse.

Shopping Tips:

Before placing an order, you can communicate with the seller, asking them not to include the invoice (to avoid leaking your overseas information).
Remind the seller to pack properly, especially for fragile items.
Pay attention to promotions from stores and platforms to plan your purchase timing reasonably.

Step 4: Parcel Pre-Alert, Submit Shipping Order

After you place an order on the e-commerce platform, the seller's shipment will generate a domestic tracking number. At this point, you need to log into the forwarding company's system to perform a "parcel pre-alert" or "add new parcel" operation.

You need to fill in:

Domestic tracking number
Product name, quantity, brand, specifications, etc. (Must be declared truthfully, crucial for subsequent customs clearance)
Product purchase value

After the pre-alert is completed, the forwarding warehouse will receive your package based on the tracking number and enter it into the system. You can check the real-time inbound status of your package in the backend (e.g., "Signed for," "Awaiting Inbound," "Inbound").

Step 5: Warehouse Operations: Consolidation, Inspection, Packing

Once all your packages have arrived at the warehouse, you can apply for outbound shipping. This is the core link that reflects the professional value of a forwarding company.

Consolidation/Splitting: You can choose to combine multiple small packages into one (consolidation) to save on volumetric weight and first-weight charges; or split one large package containing various sensitive items (splitting) to optimize the customs clearance route. For example, Welisen offers free consolidation services and intelligently removes excess packaging to maximize freight savings for customers.
Product Inspection (Optional Value-Added Service): Some companies offer paid inspection services. Warehouse staff can check the product quantity, color, size, inspect for obvious defects, and provide photo feedback.
Professional Packing: The warehouse will use sturdy cartons and padding materials to repack and reinforce your items, ensuring safe transportation. Professional companies like Welisen offer free packing services that effectively protect goods while reasonably optimizing package volume.

Step 6: Choose a Channel, Pay International Freight

After packing is complete, the system will calculate the actual weight and volumetric weight of the package, using the greater of the two as the chargeable weight. You need to select the final international shipping channel and pay the freight.

Channel selection is key:

General Goods Channel: Suitable for ordinary clothing, daily necessities, books, and other goods without special restrictions. Most economical freight.
Sensitive Goods Channel: Suitable for food, cosmetics, electronic products with batteries/magnets, branded goods, etc. These items have special customs clearance requirements and need to go through dedicated channels. Welisen has stable sensitive goods transportation channels and can safely ship many items that other companies cannot handle.
Express Type: Such as DHL, FedEx, UPS (fast speed, high price) or dedicated postal channels (good cost-performance, stable transit time).

After paying the freight, your package officially embarks on its international journey.

Step 7: Customs Clearance & Delivery, Sit Back and Wait for Delivery

Upon arrival in the destination country, the package will enter the customs clearance process. The forwarding company will assist in handling customs clearance documents (e.g., commercial invoice). As the recipient, you may need to provide identity information or pay import duties (if applicable) according to local customs requirements.

After customs clearance is completed, the package will be delivered by the local courier company (e.g., USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, etc.) directly to the overseas shipping address you provided.

3. Core Factors to Consider When Choosing a Forwarding Company

Faced with numerous forwarding companies, how to make a wise choice? Please pay attention to the following points:

Transparent and Reasonable Pricing: Besides basic freight, be aware of any hidden fees such as storage fees, consolidation fees, packing material fees, etc. Welisen offers a free storage period of up to 180 days, giving you ample time to combine orders with zero storage pressure.
Professionalism and Stability of Channels: Especially sensitive goods channels are the litmus test of a company's strength. Stable and diverse channel options mean higher shipping success rates and a wider range of goods that can be carried.
Ease of Use of the Operating System: A clear, smooth user backend allows you to easily manage packages and track them.
Responsiveness of Customer Service: There are many links in the logistics chain, and various issues may arise. Timely, professional customer support is crucial. Welisen provides multi-channel customer service (e.g., WhatsApp: +86 132 2639 0888), ready to answer your questions anytime.
Reputation and Brand Credibility: Check independent user reviews and industry reputation, and choose a company with a long operating history and good credibility.

4. Common Questions and Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Customs Duty Issues: Tariff thresholds vary by country. Reasonably declaring the value of goods is key to legally avoiding taxes. Forwarding companies will provide declaration advice.
Shipping Time: International logistics is affected by multiple factors such as flights, customs clearance, and holidays. Please allow sufficient time and understand normal time fluctuations.
Cargo Insurance: For high-value goods, it is recommended to purchase shipping insurance, just in case.
Prohibited Items: Every country has a clear list of prohibited items (e.g., weapons, liquids, live animals, etc.). Be sure to comply.

Summary: Let Professionals Handle Professional Tasks

Mastering the forwarding process opens the door to the rich world of Chinese goods. From registration, shopping, pre-alert to paying freight, each step is clear and easy to follow. By entrusting the cumbersome international logistics links to a professional service provider like Welisen International Logistics (WELISEN), you can truly enjoy the convenience and pleasure of "shopping in China, receiving goods globally." With our free storage, professional packing, stable channels, and attentive service, we are committed to fulfilling the promise of "worry-free overseas shopping."

Take Action Now, Start Your Worry-Free Overseas Shopping Journey!

No need to worry about international logistics anymore. Welisen is your trustworthy partner.

Visit our official website https://www.welisen.com to register now and get your exclusive warehouse address.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our professional customer service team via WhatsApp/Phone: +86 132 2639 0888. We are dedicated to providing you with one-on-one consultation and solutions.

Let Welisen simplify your every cross-border shopping experience.