Searching for '代购怎么买'? This no-nonsense guide walks you through using a daigou or shopping agent to buy from Taobao, 1688, JD.com, and other Chinese platforms. Learn the step-by-step process, real cost factors, customs essentials, and smart tips to save on shipping—with Welisen’s consolidation and personal shopping service.
If you're looking up “代购怎么买” (how to use a daigou), you probably want Chinese products without the headache of navigating platforms in a different language or dealing with international shipping yourself. A daigou—or shopping agent—buys on your behalf, receives the items, and forwards them to your door. It’s honestly simpler than it sounds, and with a reliable partner like Welisen, you can shop hundreds of stores and get everything consolidated into one package to save money.
This guide lays out the entire process in plain English, from picking an agent to watching your tracking number. We’ll cover what it costs, what customs may ask for, and how to avoid the most common frustrations.
What Is a Daigou (Shopping Agent)?
A daigou is an individual or company that purchases goods from Chinese retailers for overseas customers. In the past, it was often a friend or family member. Today, professional services like Welisen offer a structured experience: you send product links, they buy, inspect, store, repack, and ship internationally.
You are not limited to one store. A daigou can source from Taobao, Tmall, 1688, Pinduoduo, JD.com, Xiaohongshu, and even niche suppliers. The agent then puts everything together on your request and ships via air freight, sea freight, or express—whichever fits your budget and timeline.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Daigou in 2026
Here is the practical walkthrough, based on how Welisen handles orders.
1. Find a Trustworthy Agent
Look for a company with clear contact channels, transparent fees, and experience with your destination country. Welisen operates via WhatsApp and its website, providing a dedicated account manager. Check reviews, ask about sensitive goods handling, and confirm they offer consolidation.
2. Browse and Select Products
You can shop on your own directly on Taobao, 1688, or other platforms. Many agents also provide a shopping interface or a browser extension to make adding items easier. When you find something you want, copy the product link, note any options (size, color), and save it.
3. Place Your Order with the Agent
Send the links to your agent along with the specifics. Welisen lets you submit orders through an online form or directly via WhatsApp. The agent calculates the domestic cost including shipping within China and their purchasing fee. You pay for the goods first.
4. Agent Purchases and Receives Items
Once payment is confirmed, the agent places the order. Within a few days, the seller ships the item to the agent’s warehouse in China. The agent checks the package upon arrival, verifies quantity and condition, and may send you photos. If something is wrong, they can return or exchange before international shipping.
5. Warehouse Storage and Inspection
Welisen offers 180 days of free storage. Items sit in the warehouse until you decide to ship them. This is perfect for collecting purchases over time. You can log into your account to see inventory, item photos, and weight.
6. Package Consolidation and Repacking
When you’re ready to ship, the agent can combine multiple orders into one package. They remove excess packaging, repack items safely, and reduce the overall volume. Since shipping cost often depends on chargeable weight (the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight), consolidation can cut your bill significantly. Welisen provides this repacking service at no extra charge.
7. Choose Shipping Method
Based on your budget and timeline, select from:
- Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS, SF Express): 3–7 business days, higher cost, good for urgent or high-value items.
- Air freight consolidation: 7–15 days, moderate cost, suitable for medium parcels.
- Sea freight: 25–45 days, very cost-effective for bulky, non-urgent shipments.
- Sensitive goods lines: For electronics, cosmetics, food, or branded items that carriers normally restrict. Welisen has dedicated channels for these—always check current availability.
8. Pay for International Shipping and Customs
The agent provides a shipping quote based on weight, dimensions, and route. You pay that plus any insurance you choose. Customs duties and taxes depend on your country’s rules. Welisen can advise on typical charges but cannot guarantee exemption. Read the customs section below for details.
9. Tracking and Delivery
After dispatch, you receive a tracking number. Use it on the carrier’s website or Welisen’s tracking page. Monitor updates, and be ready to provide any identification or payment if customs requests it.
What Can You Buy with a Daigou?
Practically anything that can be legally exported. Popular categories include:
- Fashion and sneakers
- Electronics and phone accessories
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Home decor and furniture
- Car parts and tools
- Food and snacks (non-perishable)
- Stationery and art supplies
- Traditional Chinese goods
Sensitive items such as batteries, liquids, powders, or branded goods need special handling. Welisen’s sensitive lines cover many of these, but you should share exact product details before ordering. If a product is prohibited—like flammable materials, weapons, or narcotics—the agent will refuse it.
Cost Factors in Daigou Shopping
No fixed price table here because everything depends on your order. Here’s what goes into the final total:
- Product cost: The price on the platform plus domestic shipping within China.
- Service fee: Usually a flat fee per order or a percentage (often 5–10%). Welisen’s rates are competitive; check the pricing page for current numbers.
- International shipping: Based on the chargeable weight (actual or volumetric, whichever is greater). Volumetric weight = (length × width × height in cm) / 5000. So a large but light package costs more than a small dense one.
- Customs duties and taxes: Your country applies import duty and VAT or GST. The rate varies by product category and value. Use your government’s duty calculator for an estimate.
- Insurance: Optional but wise for expensive shipments. Usually 1–3% of declared value.
Customs and Duties: What to Expect
When a package enters your country, customs reviews the declared value and contents. Fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Some shipping methods offer “DDP” (Delivered Duty Paid) where the agent prepays duties, but this costs more upfront. Standard services are DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid).
To avoid surprises:
- Have the agent describe items clearly on the commercial invoice (e.g., “cotton t-shirt” instead of “clothes”).
- Do not ask the agent to mark down the value or label it as a gift. That’s misdeclaration and can lead to seizures, fines, and a ban from using that carrier.
- Different countries have different de minimis thresholds (the value below which no duty applies). As of 2026, these thresholds change occasionally, so confirm the latest rule for your destination. The agent can help you structure orders if you want to split purchases, but always within legal bounds.
Daigou vs. Direct Purchase vs. Consolidation-Only
| Service Type | Best For | Typical Tradeoff | What to Check Before Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Daigou | Buyers who don’t want to deal with Chinese platforms or payments | Higher overall cost due to service fees | Agent’s markup and purchasing limits |
| Direct from Platform | Savvy shoppers comfortable with Alipay/WeChat and language barriers | Often cheaper, but you handle consolidation and shipping yourself | If the seller ships internationally directly |
| Consolidation only | You buy, ship to a Chinese warehouse, then they forward to you | You keep full control; best for experienced users | Warehouse storage terms and repacking quality |
Welisen offers all three models. If you want the simplest route, the full daigou is where you just send links and wait for delivery. For those who know their way around Taobao, consolidation saves the service fee.
Pro Tips for Daigou Shoppers
- Plan ahead: Sea freight takes a month or more. Express is there when you can’t wait.
- Group orders: Consolidating multiple purchases into one shipment almost always costs less per item.
- Check item descriptions carefully: Chinese sizing charts differ. When in doubt, send your measurements to the agent.
- Use the free storage: Shop during sales (like 11.11 or 618) and hold items until you’re ready to ship.
- Insure high-value packages: Shippers’ liability without insurance is tiny.
- Ask for photos: Welisen can take pictures of every item in the warehouse. A quick visual check can catch defects early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a daigou for any website? Most agents focus on Chinese sites. Some can buy from Korean or Japanese platforms, but always ask. Welisen primarily covers Taobao, Tmall, 1688, JD.com, Pinduoduo, and similar.
How long does the entire process take? Domestic ordering and delivery: 3–7 days. International transit: 3–7 days for express, 7–15 for air freight, 25–45 for sea. Add a few days for consolidation and handling.
What if my package gets lost or damaged? With insurance, you’re covered. Without it, compensation is limited. Always opt for insurance on anything you can’t afford to lose.
Is it safe to pay through an agent? Use a reputable company with secure payment methods. Welisen accepts payment via major platforms and provides receipts. Avoid unofficial transfers.
Can I ship liquids or batteries? Yes, but only through specific sensitive goods lines. Tell the agent upfront so they route the parcel correctly.
Start Your Daigou Order with Welisen
If you’ve read this far, you’re ready to start shopping. The team at Welisen handles hundreds of orders daily, with transparent fees, attentive repacking, and real tracking from pickup to doorstep. Whether you need a few items from Taobao or a pallet of goods from 1688, consolidation and expert forwarding bring your purchases home without the fuss.
Reach out on WhatsApp at +86 132 2639 0888 or visit welisen.com to open an account or ask for a shipping quote. Send your first product link today and let Welisen make international logistics simple.