Buying basics
How China Buying Agents Work
Learn what buying assistance can cover, what remains a seller or carrier responsibility and which decisions should stay with you.
Start with the role of the service
A buying assistance service helps organize a purchase when language, local payment arrangements or domestic receiving make direct buying difficult. The work can include communicating with sellers, confirming options, arranging an agreed purchase and helping with inspection, packing and international shipping.
The scope should be explicit. A buying assistant is not automatically the product manufacturer, marketplace operator, insurer or independent authenticator. Before proceeding, understand what the service agrees to do and what remains outside that agreement.
The inquiry stage is for clarifying the request
At Merqelio Buy, you can send a product link or the complete Chinese app share text without registering for an account. Several items can be included in one request. Your destination country and a working contact method help make the review useful.
An inquiry does not reserve inventory or place an order. The item, specification, quantity and seller conditions need to be reviewed before a human quote can support a purchasing decision.
A useful quote shows the parts of the cost
Look for a clear distinction between the product price, China domestic shipping, buying service fee, optional work and international shipping. Payment or currency conversion charges and applicable destination costs may also matter.
Some amounts may be known before purchasing, while shipping can require packed measurements later. Ask which charges are confirmed, estimated or still unknown. A known subtotal should not be mistaken for the complete cost of receiving the goods.
Merqelio Buy publishes a specific schedule for single-platform Taobao, Pinduoduo, 1688 and JD.com orders: 5% of the product subtotal, minimum US$5, when the product subtotal is up to CNY 300; 8% of the entire product subtotal above CNY 300 and up to CNY 2,000; and 5% above CNY 2,000. Xianyu has a fixed US$5 buying fee up to CNY 300, and a fee of 10% of the entire product subtotal above CNY 300. The product fee base excludes domestic shipping, international shipping, optional charges and taxes. The selected tier applies to the entire order product subtotal. Mixed-platform requests receive a manually confirmed fee.
The Xianyu US$5 fixed fee is billed separately in USD. Only one Xianyu service fee applies. The fee thresholds use a CNY product subtotal; orders priced in other currencies require an individual quote without an assumed exchange rate. Review the current published schedule before approving a purchase.
You approve the material decisions
Before purchasing, review the exact variant and quantity. State whether substitutions are acceptable. If the seller’s price or available option changes, that should lead to another decision, rather than an automatic replacement.
The same principle applies to packaging. Removing a box may reduce volume but can affect protection, collector value or return options. Your approval is needed before removing original packaging that you have not agreed to discard.
Inspection has a defined scope
A basic visible check can document quantity, apparent condition, included accessories and packaging. Request specific photographs in advance so the check addresses your questions.
Photos do not reveal every defect or establish authenticity. Technical tests, professional authentication and regulatory checks require suitable expertise and a separate scope. This is particularly relevant to used, high-value or safety-sensitive products.
Shipping is a second decision
The available route depends on the goods and destination. Parcel weight and dimensions influence the final quote. Consolidation may be suitable for several purchases, but is not guaranteed to reduce the charge.
Review the shipping service, packing, known charges and any unresolved destination requirements before shipment. No service can promise that every item is acceptable for every country.
Warehouse storage is free for 30 days. The start date and any extended-storage fees are confirmed in your quote before storage is extended.
Keep a useful record
Keep the inquiry reference, approved specification, quote and agreed checks. If a problem arises, a clear reference and supporting photographs are more useful than a broad description. Returns, cancellation and claims need to be assessed against the actual purchase stage and applicable terms.