Yoybuy Finds
As a sneaker enthusiast living outside China, accessing limited-edition releases like the Nike Air Jordan 11 has always been challenging. After researching various purchasing options, I discovered an effective method using Hoobuy, a Chinese reverse purchasing platform, to buy directly from 1688.com - Alibaba's domestic marketplace. This guide documents my successful experience and reveals how you can do the same.
Hoobuy operates as a specialized reverse purchasing service specifically designed for international customers wanting to access Chinese e-commerce platforms that typically don't ship overseas. Unlike traditional forwarders, Hoobuy provides a comprehensive service that includes product sourcing, quality verification, consolidation, and international shipping. Their platform is particularly valuable for sneaker collectors because 1688.com often features suppliers with direct access to authentic Nike factories.
The journey begins with thorough product research. I started by visiting https://finds.cheap/, which provided an extensive spreadsheet of verified Air Jordan 11 suppliers on 1688.com. This resource was invaluable for identifying reputable sellers with consistent quality and competitive pricing.
After selecting my preferred supplier, I copied the product link from 1688.com and submitted it through Hoobuy's user-friendly interface. Their system automatically calculated all associated costs, including domestic shipping within China, service fees, and international shipping to my location. The transparency in pricing eliminated any surprise costs that sometimes occur with other purchasing agents.
One major concern when purchasing premium sneakers from Chinese marketplaces is authenticity. Hoobuy addresses this through their comprehensive quality check service. For an additional $3-5, their staff will physically inspect the shoes upon arrival at their warehouse, verifying authenticity markers, checking for manufacturing defects, and ensuring correct sizing.
In my case, the quality check photos revealed pristine Air Jordan 11s with all the proper authentication details: correct stitching patterns, authentic box labeling, proper carbon fiber plates, and genuine leather quality. This step provided peace of mind that's rarely available when purchasing through individual resellers.
Hoobuy offers multiple shipping options, with EMS and DHL being the most reliable for sneaker shipments. I opted for their recommended "remove original boxes" option to reduce volumetric weight and minimize shipping costs. The Entire process from order placement to delivery took approximately 18 days, which is quite reasonable for international shipping from China.
An important advantage of using Hoobuy is their experience with customs declaration. They strategically declare items to avoid unnecessary duties while complying with international shipping regulations. My package was accurately declared as "athletic shoes" with an appropriate declared value that didn't raise red flags with customs authorities.
The financial benefits of this purchasing method are substantial. The Air Jordan 11s I purchased would have retailed for approximately $220 in my local market. Through the 1688.com supplier found via the spreadsheet, I paid:
The total cost of approximately $116 represented nearly 50% savings compared to local retail prices, even after accounting for all service fees and shipping charges.
Compared to other purchasing methods, Hoobuy offers distinct advantages for buying sneakers from 1688.com. Unlike Taobao direct shipping, which isn't available for most international locations, Hoobuy bridges the accessibility gap. Compared to other purchasing agents, Hoobuy's specialization in fashion and sneaker items means they have better understanding of product-specific quality requirements.
Traditional reseller platforms like StockX or Goat offer authentication guarantees but at significantly higher prices. The Hoobuy method provides similar authentication assurance through their quality check service while maintaining access to Chinese wholesale pricing.
Based on my experience, I recommend these strategies for optimal results:
Purchasing Nike Air Jordan 11 sneakers through Hoobuy from 1688.com proved to be a rewarding experience that combined significant cost savings with reliable service. The process requires more steps than conventional retail purchasing but delivers exceptional value for savvy sneaker enthusiasts. The key to success lies in thorough supplier research using resources like the finds.cheap spreadsheet and taking full advantage of Hoobuy's specialized services for international buyers. This method has honestly revolutionized how I build my sneaker collection, providing access to authentic products at prices I previously thought impossible.