How to buy from Xianyu, step by step
To buy from Xianyu outside China you need a purchasing agent: a company in China that buys from the seller for you, receives the item at its warehouse and ships it to you. On H3X Search you find the listing, and the Buy on Hubbuy button opens it on the agent's site. Seven steps.
Updated
Step 1: Search for the item on H3X Search
On the home page, type what you want. Leave translation off for model names and codes; turn on “Translate search to Chinese” for everyday words.
Step 2: Check the listing
Look at the photos, the translated title, the yuan price and the estimate in reais, the seller's region and how many people “want” it. Most listings are used items sold by individuals.
Step 3: Create a Hubbuy account
If you don't have one, create a Hubbuy account. The link carries H3xCN's invite code.
Step 4: Open the listing on Hubbuy and pay for the item
On H3X Search, click Buy on Hubbuy. The same item opens on Hubbuy: check the price, the variant (size, colour) and notes, then follow Hubbuy's payment steps. Here you pay for the item and, if any, shipping inside China.
Step 5: Wait for the item to reach Hubbuy's warehouse in China
Hubbuy buys from the seller, who ships to Hubbuy's warehouse. Check your account for the services currently offered (for example item photos) and follow the order status.
Step 6: Choose international shipping
Once the item is in the warehouse, pick a shipping line and pay international shipping, which depends on weight, volume and the line. You can combine several items in one parcel.
Step 7: Track the parcel and pay import taxes if charged
Follow the tracking code. Imports can be charged import duty and local taxes on arrival; rules change, so check your country's customs authority (in Brazil, the Receita Federal) before buying.
What it costs in total
- the item price in yuan;
- shipping inside China to the agent's warehouse (many listings say 包邮, free domestic shipping);
- agent fees, if any; check Hubbuy's current pricing;
- international shipping, by weight and volume on the line you choose;
- import taxes in your country, when charged.
How long it takes
It depends on the seller, domestic shipping, how long the item waits in the warehouse and the international line. Plan for weeks, not days.
What can go wrong
- Shipping restrictions: batteries, liquids, powders and aerosols may not be accepted on every line. Ask the agent first.
- Counterfeits can be seized by customs.
- Condition: it's used and sold by an individual. Use item photos at the warehouse if the agent offers them.
- Sold out: if the item is already gone the purchase won't go through; check on Hubbuy how the payment is handled.
Why Hubbuy
Hubbuy is the agent the H3xCN community uses and recommends, and every listing's button goes there. The links carry H3xCN's invite code, a referral link. To get started, create a Hubbuy account. More on the About page.