BEGINNER GUIDE
A complete first-order workflow: shortlist carefully, rebuild the order from the live listing, inspect the warehouse evidence, decide on returns and packaging, then compare the parcel routes shown for your real destination.
Start with one category and compare a small group of genuinely similar items. Save the source URL, displayed price, selected colour or size and the date you checked it. A directory row is a discovery record, not proof of current stock, seller performance, product quality or authenticity. If the listing changes later, your dated notes show what you originally intended to buy.
Before paying, open the current product page and confirm the seller, title, marked size, colour, quantity, optional add-ons, China-side delivery charge and any seller-specific measurement chart. Do not fill an unclear field with an assumption. Record the uncertainty or choose another listing. The live page and the exact selected variant control the order, not an old thumbnail or spreadsheet description.
The product checkout is not the complete international cost. Plan separate lines for the item, delivery from the seller to the China warehouse, payment or service charges shown in the account, warehouse services, packaging, international freight and possible destination tax or duty. Rates and payment options can change by account, country and date, so use the current checkout and later parcel quote instead of copying another buyer’s total.
Keep the direct source URL, exact variant and a short remark together with the order record. Save a screenshot of the final selection and any seller measurement chart that influenced the choice. This creates a dated reference if the seller edits the page. Manual order entry makes precision more important: a familiar image alone does not identify the correct size, colour, bundle or optional component.
When the item arrives, compare the warehouse entry and available photos with the order record. Check identity and quantity first, then use category-specific evidence: measurements, print alignment, stitching and stains for clothing; both shoes, size tags, heel and sole for footwear; closures and included pieces for accessories. Photos can reveal visible differences, but they cannot prove hidden construction, exact materials, durability, electronics performance, authenticity or customs clearance.
Use the available evidence to choose whether the item is acceptable, needs another photo or should be returned under the current seller terms. Make that decision before requesting an irreversible packing service. Removing a shoe box or original packaging may reduce weight or volume, but it can also affect return or exchange eligibility and may remove useful protection from a fragile or structured item.
Select only the accepted items and review the latest stored weight and dimensions. Compare actual and volumetric weight, truthful product categories, route limits, battery or liquid restrictions, tracking, protection and the destination shown in the live quote. Consolidation can reduce repeated opening charges, but a larger carton can cross a weight block, increase volumetric billing or combine products that cannot use the same route.
Before parcel payment, confirm the recipient name, address, telephone, declaration, packaging choices, route, chargeable weight and the process for delay, loss or damage. Save the quote, parcel number, payment and tracking until delivery is complete. A reusable record linking source, order, warehouse evidence, QC decision, parcel and outcome makes the next purchase easier and explains why an early estimate differed from the final total.
PRIMARY SOURCES