Your Guide to International Purchasing Agents: Buy from Taobao, 1688 & More in 2026

An international purchasing agent buys goods from Chinese marketplaces like Taobao, 1688, Pinduoduo, and JD.com on your behalf, then ships them worldwide. This guide explains how agents work, the platforms you can source from, shipping options, consolidation tricks to cut costs, and what to look for in a reliable service in 2026. Whether you’re a first-time cross‑border shopper or a small importer, you’ll find practical advice and a comparison table to help you choose the right approach.