Meta Description: First time buying from China? Follow this checklist covering platform selection, payment, shipping methods, customs, and delivery to avoid costly mistakes.
dateModified: 2026-09-14
Quick Answer: Your first shipment from China involves six stages: choosing the right platform (Taobao for consumer goods, 1688 for wholesale, Tmall for branded items), placing orders using a buying agent or direct shipping, accumulating goods at a China warehouse, selecting a shipping method (express for speed, sea for cost), clearing customs, and receiving your delivery. For first-time buyers, using a China-based agent like Alicarrier eliminates language barriers, payment obstacles, and customs complexity. This checklist walks you through each step with specific actions and red flags to avoid.
Phase 1: Before You Buy
Define What You Need
- Product category: Be specific. “Bluetooth speaker” is better than “electronics.”
- Quantity: Are you buying samples (1–5 units) or stock (50+ units)?
- Budget: Include product cost + service fee (8%) + international shipping + potential duties.
- Timeline: When do you need the goods? Samples in 5 days require express; stock in 45 days allows sea freight.
Choose Your Platform
| Platform | Best For | Language | International Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taobao | Consumer goods, fashion, accessories, home decor | Chinese | No (agent required) |
| Tmall | Branded, authentic products with higher quality assurance | Chinese | Limited (agent required) |
| 1688 | Wholesale, small-batch manufacturing, lowest prices | Chinese | No (agent required) |
| Alibaba.com | Bulk orders, factory-direct, export-ready documentation | English | Yes (supplier-arranged) |
First-time buyer recommendation: Start with Taobao or Tmall for familiar consumer products, or 1688 if you are reselling. Use Alicarrier as your agent for all three.
Verify Seller Credibility
- Check seller rating (Taobao: hearts → diamonds → crowns → gold crowns).
- Read recent reviews with photos.
- Confirm the return policy (7-day no-reason return is standard on Taobao).
- For 1688, look for “实力商家” (verified merchant) or “源头工厂” (source factory).
Phase 2: Placing the Order
If Using Alicarrier
- Copy the product URL.
- Paste it into our order form with quantity, color, size, and max price.
- We confirm stock and price within 12–24 hours.
- You approve; we purchase and pay in RMB.
- Goods ship to our warehouse using the seller’s domestic courier.
If Buying Direct (Alibaba.com Only)
- Negotiate MOQ and price with the supplier.
- Confirm the Incoterm (FOB, EXW, or DDP).
- Request a proforma invoice with HS code, weight, and dimensions.
- Pay via Alibaba Trade Assurance or wire transfer.
- Arrange freight separately unless the supplier offers DDP.
Phase 3: Warehouse and Inspection
What Happens at the Alicarrier Warehouse
- Day 1–2: Parcel arrives, scanned, logged to your account.
- Day 2–3: Basic inspection (exterior check, quantity verification).
- Day 3–30: Free storage while you accumulate more orders.
Inspection Checklist
- Correct quantity received
- Correct color/size/variant
- No visible exterior damage
- No missing accessories
- Product roughly matches listing photos
Red flag: If the item looks significantly different from the listing, request a detailed inspection with photos before approving international shipping.
Phase 4: Shipping Selection
Match Your Order to the Right Method
| Your Situation | Recommended Method | Timeline | Cost Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samples under 5 kg | Express courier DDP | 3–7 days | $$$ |
| First stock order 20–100 kg | Air freight DDP | 5–12 days | $$ |
| Regular restock 100–500 kg | Air or sea LCL DDP | 5–45 days | $–– |
| Bulk order 500+ kg or 2+ CBM | Sea LCL or FCL DDP | 20–55 days | $ |
Get a Quote
Provide your agent or forwarder:
- Product description and HS code (if known)
- Total weight and dimensions (after consolidation)
- Delivery address (including ZIP/postal code)
- Preferred delivery type (residential, business, FBA, 3PL)
Phase 5: Customs and Compliance
What You Need to Know
Under DDP, you do not handle customs. However, you must ensure:
- The product is not prohibited in your country.
- The declared value is accurate (undervaluation is illegal and risky).
- You have provided a valid delivery address and phone number.
- You understand that duties are prepaid—there will be no bill at delivery.
Documents Alicarrier Prepares
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (China)
- Import entry filing (destination country)
- Duty payment confirmation
Phase 6: Receiving Your Shipment
Delivery Day
- Be available to sign or arrange for someone to receive.
- Inspect the exterior packaging before signing.
- If damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt and photograph.
- Open and verify contents within 24 hours.
- Report shortages or damage to Alicarrier within 48 hours with photos.
After Delivery
- Leave warehouse feedback if you used detailed inspection.
- Update your inventory records.
- Note what worked and what didn’t for your next order.
First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Ordering from too many sellers at once | Complex consolidation, higher risk of one bad item | Start with 2–3 sellers |
| Skipping inspection | Defective goods shipped internationally are hard to return | Always use basic inspection |
| Choosing sea freight for urgent needs | 45-day timelines miss sales windows | Match method to deadline |
| Undervaluing for “tax savings” | Customs seizure, penalties, blacklisting | Declare accurate value |
| Ignoring volumetric weight | A large light box costs more than a small heavy box | Request repacking |
Your First Order: Suggested Starter Flow
- Order 1–2 sample items from Taobao via Alicarrier (express DDP).
- Evaluate quality upon receipt.
- Place a small stock order (10–20 units) from the same seller via 1688 (air DDP).
- Scale to bulk (100+ units) using sea LCL DDP once demand is proven.
Ready for your first shipment? [Register here] and get your free China warehouse address.
Quick Tips:
Alicarrier is a China-based buying and shipping agent that helps international customers purchase products from Chinese e-commerce platforms—primarily Taobao, Tmall, and 1688—and delivers them worldwide via DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping.
You pay an 8% service fee on the product cost (minimum US$50 per order), and we handle everything: supplier communication, payment, warehouse receiving, quality inspection, parcel consolidation, repacking, customs clearance, and final delivery to your door.
No Chinese language skills, no Chinese bank account, and no customs paperwork required on your end.
Internal Linking Suggestions:
- Link “Taobao, Tmall, 1688” → Article 8: Taobao vs Tmall vs 1688
- Link “DDP” → Article 2: What Is DDP Shipping?
- Link “prohibited” → Article 10: Restricted & Prohibited Items
- Link “Parcel consolidation” → Article 5: Parcel Consolidation Explained