For savvy shoppers and resellers worldwide, Chinese wholesale platforms like 1688.comMulebuy, a Chinese purchasing and forwarding agent, becomes an indispensable tool. This guide will walk you through the entire process of using Mulebuy to secure your pair of Adidas Solarboost from 1688.
Understanding Mulebuy's Role
Mulebuy acts as your personal buying agent in China. They provide you with a local Chinese address, purchase items on your behalf from platforms that often don't accept foreign cards (like 1688), consolidate multiple purchases, and then ship them internationally to your door. Their service bridges the gap between international customers and China's vast domestic wholesale market.
Step 1: Research and Product Verification
Your journey begins not on Mulebuy, but with thorough research. Go to 1688.com (you may need auto-translation in your browser) and search for "Adidas Solarboost" (阿迪达斯 Solarboost). You'll encounter numerous listings at varying prices. Extreme caution is advised
For a detailed, curated list of verified sellers and product variations, a valuable resource is available. You can consult this comprehensive spreadsheet guide at https://spreadsheet.help/. It often contains links to specific product pages, price comparisons, and quality assessments, saving you hours of independent research and reducing risk.
Step 2: Registering and Setting Up Mulebuy
Next, create an account on the Mulebuy website. The process is straightforward and available in English. Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard where you will find your unique Mulebuy Chinese mailing address
Step 3: Placing the Order on 1688
Return to your chosen Adidas Solarboost product page on 1688. Here, you will "purchase" the item, but the shipping address will be your Mulebuy warehouse details. Add the item to your cart and proceed to checkout on 1688. At this stage, you typically will not pay Mulebuy. You will need to pay the Chinese seller directly, often using methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay, which can be tricky for foreigners. Mulebuy often offers assistance or topping-up services to facilitate this payment if needed.
Step 4: Informing Mulebuy and Warehouse Processing
After completing the payment on 1688, it's crucial to immediately notify Mulebuy. In your Mulebuy account, find the "Submit Order" or "Order Notification" section. Input the 1688 order details, including tracking number, product description, and declared value. This alerts their team to expect your package.
Once the shoes arrive at the Mulebuy warehouse, their staff will inspect the package for obvious damage (external inspection). You will receive a notification, often with photos. This is a critical quality check point.
Step 5: Consolidation and International Shipping
If you’ve bought other items, you can request Mulebuy to combine them into one parcel to save on shipping costs. Then, proceed to their shipping section. You will select your preferred international carrier (e.g., DHL, FedEx, EMS), declare the parcel's contents and value for customs, and pay the shipping fee to Mulebuy. Their fees are transparent and include service, warehousing, and freight costs.
Step 6: Customs and Final Delivery
Mulebuy will handle the export logistics. They provide you with an international tracking number. Be aware of your country's customs regulations and import taxes
Conclusion
Using Mulebuy to purchase Adidas Solarboost from 1688 is a multi-step process that, when followed carefully, opens up significant cost savings. The keys to success are diligent seller verification (tools like https://spreadsheet.help/