What a shopping agent actually does
Chinese marketplaces like Taobao, Weidian and 1688 do not ship to Europe and do not take foreign cards. An agent solves both problems. You paste a product link, the agent buys the item in China with their own account, receives it at their warehouse, photographs the exact item you bought, and holds it until you decide to ship.
That middle step is the one that matters. Those QC photos are your only look at the product before you pay for international shipping, and every agent worth using provides them. If an agent will not show you the item before it leaves China, do not use that agent.
The three we use
Kakobuy — the easiest place to start
The cleanest interface of the three and the one we recommend for a first order. It works with Weidian, Taobao, Tmall and 1688, includes free QC photos on every item, and support answers within hours rather than days. Shipping runs roughly 7 to 15 days.
Things to know: fewer advanced features than the others, payments go through a wallet system you top up, and fees sit slightly above Litbuy.
Welcome bonus: $450. Signup code: FINDSES.
USFans — the sneaker pick
The community favourite for sneakers and streetwear, with the largest signup bonus of the three. Free QC photos on every item, a strong reputation across Reddit and Discord, and frequent shipping promotions.
Things to know: a steeper learning curve, noticeably busy in high season, and combined shipping that costs a little more than the alternatives.
Welcome bonus: $800. Signup code: RCGD5Y.
Litbuy — the lowest fees
The cheapest of the three on service fees, which is what decides things once you are ordering regularly or hauling several items at once. QC photos are included, you get 90 days of free warehouse storage (120 maximum), and combined shipping is very cheap.
Things to know: the app is less polished than Kakobuy's, the welcome bonus is lower than USFans', and QC is paid on some items.
Welcome bonus: $500. Signup code: YBMHFG55L.
How to choose in one minute
- First order ever? Kakobuy. The interface will not fight you, and support actually replies while you are still confused.
- Buying sneakers, and want the biggest bonus? USFans.
- Ordering several items, or every month? Litbuy. Fees compound, bonuses do not.
- Want to hold items and ship them together? Litbuy's 90 days of free storage is the most generous of the three.
There is nothing stopping you from holding accounts with all three. Most regular buyers do, and route each order to whichever one is cheapest that week.
What the welcome bonuses actually are
All three bonuses arrive as shipping and purchase coupons, not cash. They are genuinely useful, because international shipping is usually the biggest single line on your invoice, but you cannot withdraw them. Read the coupon conditions when you register: minimum spend and expiry dates vary by agent and by promotion.
Fees, and why they matter more than the bonus
Every agent charges a service fee on the item price, then international shipping by weight and volume. The bonus is a one-off. The fee applies to every order you ever place, which is why a lower fee beats a bigger bonus for anyone buying more than a handful of times.
Our tools page has a shipping calculator and a link converter for all three agents, and the full three-way comparison goes through the numbers side by side.
Before your first order
- Register with the code, so the welcome bonus lands on the account.
- Read how QC photos work. It is the step that decides whether you are happy with what arrives.
- Check Chinese to EU sizing before you order anything you wear.
- Expect two to four weeks door to door, most of it international transit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an agent at all?
Yes, if you are buying from Taobao, Weidian or 1688 from Europe. Those platforms do not ship internationally and will not take a European card.
Which agent is cheapest?
Litbuy has the lowest service fees of the three. Whether it is cheapest for your specific parcel also depends on the shipping line you choose and the weight.
Are QC photos free?
On Kakobuy and USFans, yes, on every item. On Litbuy they are included for most items but paid on some.
Can I use more than one agent?
Yes. Accounts are free and there is no exclusivity. Most regular buyers keep all three and pick per order.
How long do they store my items?
Litbuy gives 90 days free, up to a 120-day maximum. The others vary by promotion, so check the warehouse terms on your dashboard.