Lovegobuy Finds
In the world of running, finding the perfect shoe that combines lightweight performance with reliable cushioning is a constant quest. For many, the Saucony Kinvara stands out as a top contender. However, for shoppers outside mainland China, accessing popular Chinese marketplaces like 1688 to find great deals can be a significant challenge due to language barriers and international shipping restrictions. This is where Hoobuy, a Chinese purchasing agent and forwarder, comes into play. I recently used their service to buy a pair of Saucony Kinvara, and here's a detailed account of my experience.
1688.com is a massive Alibaba-owned B2B and B2C platform, often offering lower wholesale and retail prices than international sites. However, it primarily caters to a domestic Chinese audience, making direct purchasing difficult for overseas buyers. Hoobuy acts as a bridge, providing a shopping agent service that allows international customers to browse, purchase, and ship products from 1688 and other Chinese sites.
My process began by finding the exact model of Saucony Kinvara I wanted on 1688. I then copied the product URL into Hoobuy's search bar on their website. Their system quickly fetched the product details, including price and available sizes. After confirming, I proceeded to pay Hoobuy for the item cost and a small service fee.
Communication was smooth throughout. Hoobuy purchased the shoes on my behalf from the 1688 seller. Once the item arrived at their warehouse in China, their team inspected it and sent me quality check photos for confirmation. This step is crucial for verifying authenticity and condition, especially for popular brands like Saucony. After I approved the photos, I paid for the international shipping fee to my country.
Hoobuy offers various shipping lines, and I opted for a cost-effective one. The entire process, from ordering on 1688 to the package leaving their warehouse, took about five days. The international shipping time was as expected, and I received my package well within the estimated timeframe.
When buying from any platform, especially through an agent, thorough research is key. I found an incredibly useful resource for this: a detailed product comparison spreadsheet. This spreadsheet
The Saucony Kinvara I received were perfect—genuine and exactly as described. The total cost breakdown was transparent: product price + Hoobuy's service fee + domestic Chinese shipping (to their warehouse) + international shipping. Even with all these costs added, the total was still significantly cheaper than buying locally or from international Western retailers. Using Hoobuyspreadsheet
Final Review and Cost Breakdown
Conclusion