Yoybuy Finds
As an avid baseball enthusiast and dedicated Mike Trout fan, I've always struggled to find authentic-looking jerseys that don't break the bank. After extensive research across various platforms, I discovered the perfect solution—using Orientdig, a Chinese reverse purchasing service, to buy directly from 1688.com at wholesale prices. This comprehensive guide documents my entire purchasing journey, highlighting both the advantages and considerations when using this method.
Orientdig operates as a specialized reverse purchasing agent, essentially functioning as a bridge between international buyers and Chinese wholesale markets. Unlike traditional agents, they focus specifically on 1688.com—Alibaba's domestic marketplace that typically caters to Chinese businesses and bulk buyers. What makes Orientdig unique is their personalized service approach; they don't just process orders but actively help source products, negotiate with suppliers, and manage quality control before international shipping.
Their service model particularly benefits buyers seeking sports merchandise, as 1688 hosts numerous manufacturers producing high-quality baseball jerseys at remarkably low prices. During my research phase, I discovered their team includes English-speaking staff who assist with product verification and communication with sellers—a crucial advantage when navigating a predominantly Chinese-language platform.
The initial product discovery phase proved challenging due to 1688's vast inventory and language barriers. Fortunately, I stumbled upon an incredibly helpful resource—this comprehensive spreadsheet
After cross-referencing several suppliers, I selected a vendor praised for their attention to detail in replicating official MLB design elements. The particular Mike Trout jersey I chose featured the authentic Angels color scheme, properly embroidered logos, and the recognizable font for name and number printing. Through Orientdig, I confirmed the vendor's reputation and current stock availability before proceeding with the order.
My purchasing process began with registering on Orientdig's platform and submitting the product link from 1688. Their system automatically calculated the total cost including domestic Chinese shipping, international forwarding fees, and their service charge. The transparency in pricing was impressive—no hidden costs emerged throughout the transaction.
Communication occurred primarily through their messaging system, where I specified size requirements (I went with size L based on their sizing chart recommendations) and requested additional QC photos before international shipment. The Orientdig team proved responsive, providing updates when they received the jersey at their warehouse and sending detailed images of the actual product for my approval.
Payment options included PayPal, credit cards, and wire transfers—I opted for PayPal due to their buyer protection policies. The entire process from order placement to warehouse receipt took approximately four days, with an additional two days for quality verification before international shipping.
Orientdig offered multiple shipping carriers including DHL, EMS, and FedEx. I selected DHL for their reliability and tracking capabilities. The package departed from China and arrived at my doorstep in the United States within six business days—remarkably fast considering the international journey.
Importantly, the declared value reflected the actual 1688 purchase price rather than the retail value, which potentially minimized customs duties. The jersey arrived securely packaged in a waterproof envelope containing individual plastic wrapping around the folded garment. Unlike some direct purchases from China, there was no damage or compression-related creasing during transit.
Upon unboxing, the jersey exceeded my expectations. The fabric quality matched descriptions—a breathable polyester blend with excellent stitch work throughout. All logos appeared properly aligned and securely attached, with no loose threads or manufacturing defects. The sizing corresponded accurately to their chart recommendations, fitting perfectly without the disproportionate sizing issues I've encountered with other international purchases.
Comparing this jersey to an officially licensed version I own revealed minor differences in tag placement and material thickness, but these were negligible considering the price difference—I paid approximately $23 including all fees and shipping, compared to the $120+ for authentic MLB jerseys.
Using Orientdig to purchase from 1688 proved overwhelmingly positive. The cost savings were substantial without significant quality compromise. The entire process required patience and attention to detail, particularly during the supplier selection phase, but the product research spreadsheet
For anyone considering this route, I recommend: thoroughly vetting suppliers using available resources, communicating clearly with the Orientdig team about expectations, always requesting pre-shipment photos, and factoring in potential customs fees when calculating total costs. While the process differs dramatically from standard e-commerce, the financial benefits and access to wholesale pricing make this approach worthwhile for savvy shoppers seeking affordable sports merchandise. This experience has converted me to reverse purchasing for future sports apparel needs. The combination of Orientdig's professional service and 1688's wholesale prices creates a powerful procurement channel that bypasses traditional retail markups while maintaining acceptable quality standards.