As an avid follower of casual American style, I've always been a fan of Hollister'sCnFans, a Chinese-based forwarding and purchasing agent
Why Choose CnFans for Your Tmall Purchases?
Unlike direct international shipping options which can be unreliable or unavailable, CnFans provides a streamlined, two-step process. First, you shop on Tmall as usual, but you use CnFans's local Chinese warehouse address as your shipping destination. Once your parcels arrive at their warehouse, CnFans consolidates them, repacks for safety, and handles all the complex customs documentation before shipping them internationally. Their platform is user-friendly, offering real-time package tracking and a transparent fee structure, which includes shipping costs and a small service fee. This model is perfect for buying from stores like Hollister on Tmall, which often have exclusive items or promotional sales not available elsewhere.
A Crucial Tool for Informed Shopping: The Product Spreadsheet
One of the smartest strategies for using a代购 (daigou) service like CnFans is meticulous planning. To compare prices, styles, and Tmall store reputations efficiently, I relied on an external organizational tool. I found an incredibly helpful resource at https://spreadsheet.help/. This website offers templates and guides for creating product comparison spreadsheets. Using their framework, I built a detailed sheet listing the specific Hollister items I wanted—such as graphic tees, beach shorts, and hoodies—alongside their Tmall links, prices in RMB, store ratings, and CnFans' estimated shipping weight. This pre-shopping homework was invaluable for budgeting and ensuring I chose reputable sellers, maximizing the value and security of my order.
My Step-by-Step Shopping Experience
The process was surprisingly straightforward. After finalizing my list with the spreadsheet, I registered on the CnFans website to obtain my unique Chinese shipping address. I then proceeded to Tmall, added my chosen Hollister items to the cart, and checked out using the provided CnFans address. An important note: communication is key. Tmall sellers sometimes confirm orders via chat, so having a basic translation tool handy is useful. Within days, all my packages were logged in my CnFans member area. I requested parcel consolidation, which reduced the overall shipping volume. After paying the international freight fee, my consolidated box was on its way. The entire journey, from ordering to unboxing, took about two and a half weeks.
Final Impressions and Tips for Success
My Haul from Hollister via CnFans was a resounding success. The clothes arrived in perfect condition, securely packed, and the cost—even with service and shipping fees—was competitive compared to local resellers. For anyone looking to replicate this, I highly recommend:
- Always use a spreadsheet
- Check CnFans' prohibited items list
- Take advantage of warehouse storage time
- Purchase insurance