In recent years, Chinese e-commerce platforms like 1688 (Alibaba's wholesale site) have become popular destinations for international shoppers seeking high-quality products at competitive prices. For fashion enthusiasts looking to buy luxury brands like ETRO at wholesale rates, 1688 can be a goldmine. However, navigating the platform without Chinese language skills or a local payment method can be challenging. This is where Mulebuy, a reliable Chinese proxy shopping service, comes into play.
Step 1: Understanding Mulebuy's Proxy Shopping Service
Mulebuy specializes in helping international customers purchase items from Chinese websites that typically don't support overseas transactions. Their services include:
- Product sourcing and verification
- Price negotiation with suppliers
- International payment processing
- Quality inspection before shipment
- Consolidation and global shipping
Step 2: Researching ETRO Products on 1688
Before engaging Mulebuy's services, you should:
- Visit 1688.com and use "ETRO" in the search bar (try both English and Chinese characters: 艾绰)
- Filter results by price, minimum order quantity, and seller reputation
- Pay attention to product details including materials and sizing information
For comprehensive product comparisons, check this spreadsheet resource
Step 3: Submitting Your Purchase Request to Mulebuy
Once you've identified your desired ETRO items (clothing, bags, accessories etc.), provide Mulebuy with:
- Exact product URLs from 1688
- Detailed specifications (color, size, quantity)
- Your shipping destination country
Mulebuy's agents will then verify product authenticity with the seller and confirm final costs including all fees.
Step 4: Using Mulebuy's Value-Added Services
To ensure satisfaction with your ETRO purchase, consider:
- "Quality Inspection" service:
- Shoe trees/packing:
- Brand removal:
Step 5: Shipping and Customs Considerations
Mulebuy offers multiple shipping methods (EMS, DHL, FedEx etc.) with reasonable bulk discounts. For luxury brand items like ETRO:
- Check your country's customs regulations regarding branded goods import
- Consider shipping without retail packaging if ordering multiple items
- Ask Mulebuy about marked-down invoice options
You'll receive tracking information the moment your shipment is dispatched.
Why Choose 1688 Via Mulebuy Instead of Official ETRO Channels?
Purchasing through this channel offers distinct advantages:
- Price savings between 30-50% off retail prices
- Access to discontinued or prior season items
- No need to wait for official brand sales
- Opportunity to buy samples or slightly imperfect items at significant discounts
Final Tips for Best Shopping Experience
- Start with small initial orders to test product quality
- Take advantage of combined shipments if buying multiple items
- Factor in delivery time when purchasing seasonal pieces
- Join online fashion communities to find reviews of 1688 sellers