Yoybuy Finds
As a dedicated ASICS sneakerhead, I'm always on the hunt for the best deals on classic models like the GEL-Lyte III. While platforms like 1688, Alibaba's sister site targeting wholesale and B2B sales, are known for their incredibly low prices, they are notoriously difficult for international shoppers to navigate. This is where a good purchasing agent, or daigouHoobuy, a Chinese proxy shopping platform, to act as my intermediary. My goal was simple: purchase a pair of ASICS GEL-Lyte shoes from a 1688 supplier and have them shipped to my door.
1688 is primarily designed for domestic Chinese commerce. Most vendors do not ship internationally, they require payment through local Chinese methods like Alipay, and the entire website is in Mandarin. Hoobuy solves these problems by providing you with a personal shipping address in China, handling communication and payment with the seller, and then consolidating your packages for overseas shipment. Their service fee is transparent and built into their shipping quotes, which I found to be competitive.
My first step was to find a reputable seller on 1688. This is the most crucial part of the process. I relied heavily on external resources to find legitimate products. A fantastic resource I used was this comprehensive spreadsheet
The entire process, from ordering on 1688 to receiving the package at my home, took about two and a half weeks. The shoes were perfect – authentic and exactly as described. The cost breakdown showed I saved nearly 40% compared to the retail price in my country, even after including all of Hoobuy's fees and international shipping. In conclusion, using Hoobuy as a proxy to buy from 1688 was a seamless and successful experience. While it requires a bit more patience than standard online shopping, the financial savings are significant for those willing to navigate the process. For anyone looking to buy ASICS or other products from Chinese marketplaces, I highly recommend using a service like Hoobuy and always cross-referencing suppliers with trusted lists like the one found here
The Step-by-Step Purchasing Process
The Final Outcome and Verdict