With the rise of cross-border e-commerce, platforms like 1688.comIKKS. However, non-Chinese buyers face hurdles like language barriers and shipping restrictions. This is where Mulebuy, a trusted China-to-international proxy shopping service, comes in. Below is a detailed guide to purchasing IKKS items from 1688 via Mulebuy.
1. Understanding Mulebuy’s Role
Mulebuy specializes in "reverse proxy shopping," acting as your local Chinese agent to:
- Place orders on platforms like 1688 (which typically require a Chinese ID/bank account)
- Negotiate bulk discounts
- Handle quality inspections
- Repackage and ship internationally
They support multiple payment methods (PayPal, Wise, etc.) and offer shipping via DHL, FedEx, or EMS.
2. Finding IKKS Products on 1688
While 1688 is in Chinese, use these tricks:
- Keyword search: Type "IKKS 童装" (children's wear) or "IKKS 原单" (original batch) in 1688’s search bar.
- Use product IDs: Brands often reuse item codes. If you have an IKKS product ID (e.g., from the official site), search it directly.
- Leverage external resources: Spreadsheets like this curated product list
⚠️ Watch for MOQ (minimum order quantity)—some 1688 sellers require 2–10 pieces per design.
3. Initiating Your Mulebuy Purchase
Once you’ve chosen your items:
- Step 1: Sign up on Mulebuy’s website
- Step 2: Paste the 1688 product links + specify sizes/colors in the order notes.
- Step 3: Mulebuy will verify stock availability within 1 business day and provide a quote including:
- Product cost (often 30–70% below retail)
- Domestic shipping (Taobao/1688 to Mulebuy’s warehouse)
- International shipping estimate
- Step 4: Confirm and pay. Mulebuy will purchase the items immediately.
4. Shipping and Quality Control
Mulebuy’s value-added services include:
Service |
Fee |
Details |
Photo Inspection |
¥5–10/item |
HQ images of actual received items to verify authenticity |
Size Measurement |
¥5/item |
Manual measurements vs. size chart |
Repacking |
Free |
Remove bulky packaging to save shipping costs |
For IKKS orders, photo inspections are recommended
5. Final Tips
- Combine orders from multiple 1688 sellers to save shipping fees.
- Check the spreadsheet at sheet.cheap—updated monthly with tested IKKS suppliers.
- Start small (1–2 items) to test a seller’s reliability before bulk purchases.
- Mulebuy’s holiday calendar impacts processing times (e.g., avoid Lunar New Year periods).
Why This Method Works
Purchasing IKKS via 1688 and Mulebuy cuts out middlemen, letting you access prices close to factory rates. While the process requires patience (total time: 10–21 days), savings of 50–80% compared to EU retailers
For first-timers, Mulebuy’s 24/7 bilingual support ([email protected]) helps navigate any hurdles.
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