Lovegobuy Finds
As an avid sneaker collector living outside China, I've always been fascinated by the exclusive colorways and limited editions available through Chinese retailers. When I discovered the ASICS GEL-Lyte "Sakura Blossom" edition was exclusively sold on Tmall, I knew I needed to find a reliable way to purchase it. That's when I came across Orientdig, a Chinese反向代购 (reverse purchasing) platform that helps international buyers access Chinese e-commerce sites.
Unlike traditional forwarders, Orientdig specializes in helping overseas customers navigate platforms like Tmall, Taobao, and JD.com. Their service is particularly valuable for limited-release sneakers that often sell out within minutes in Western markets but remain available in China for longer periods.
The registration process on Orientdig was surprisingly straightforward. I created an account using my email address and was immediately able to submit purchase requests. The interface is available in both Chinese and English, though the English version occasionally suffers from awkward translations that can make certain instructions unclear.
What impressed me most was their detailed product specification system. Before making my ASICS purchase, I consulted their comprehensive product database available at https://spreadsheet.help/. This resource provided meticulous information about sizing comparisons, material quality, and production details that helped me confidently select the correct size.
The spreadsheet included side-by-side comparisons of Asian and Western sizing, detailed material breakdowns for different GEL-Lyte models, and even information about which Tmall sellers offered the best authenticity guarantees. This level of thorough research assistance is something I haven't encountered with other shopping services.
Once I decided on the specific ASICS GEL-Lyte model I wanted, I simply copied the Tmall product URL into Orientdig's order form. The system automatically populated the product information and pricing. I needed to specify my size preferences and any special instructions, then proceeded to make a deposit payment covering the product cost and domestic shipping within China.
Orientdig's team purchased the sneakers within 24 hours of my order submission. They provided screenshot confirmation of the successful purchase and kept me updated throughout the process. When the shoes arrived at their warehouse, they sent me detailed QC photos from multiple angles, allowing me to verify the product condition before international shipping.
The international shipping options were comprehensive, with choices ranging from budget-friendly sea freight to express air delivery. I opted for DHL Express, which added approximately $25 to my total cost but ensured I would receive the sneakers within a week.
The total cost for my ASICS GEL-Lyte purchase through Orientdig was approximately 35% higher than the listed Tmall price. This premium included their service fee (8% of product cost), domestic Chinese shipping, international shipping, and payment processing fees. While this might seem substantial, it was still cheaper than reseller prices for the same model in my country.
For sneaker enthusiasts seeking specific Asian-exclusive releases, this premium is generally justified by the access to otherwise unavailable products. The peace of mind that comes with authentic purchases direct from Chinese authorized retailers, rather than risking counterfeit products from unauthorized resellers, adds significant value to the service.
My ASICS GEL-Lyte arrived perfectly packaged and exactly as shown in the QC photos. The entire process from order to delivery took just under two weeks, which I consider reasonable for an international purchase involving multiple logistics stages.
I would recommend Orientdig particularly for sneaker purchases where authenticity is paramount. Their verification processes and access to authorized Chinese retailers provide assurance that's hard to find elsewhere. The resource at https://spreadsheet.help/
While the platform isn't perfect—the English interface could be improved and the fee structure isn't the most competitive—the overall service quality justifies the cost for premium or hard-to-find items. I'll definitely use Orientdig again for my next Chinese sneaker purchase.