Mulebuy Finds
For savvy shoppers looking to purchase popular brands like Allbirds directly from Chinese manufacturers, the combination of 1688.com (Alibaba's domestic B2B platform) and a reliable forwarding service like Hoobuy can be a game-changer. This guide will walk you through the entire process, helping you secure your favorite sustainable footwear at potentially significant savings.
1688.com is a treasure trove of wholesale and factory-direct goods, often featuring the same manufacturers that supply major brands. However, it primarily serves the Chinese market, posing challenges like language barriers, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and lack of international shipping. This is where Hoobuy
Before diving in, you'll need to set up accounts on both platforms. Register on Hoobuy's official website. Upon registration, navigate to your user dashboard where you will find your unique Chinese warehouse address. This is crucial—it's your delivery destination within China. Next, you'll need a 1688.com account. While the site is in Chinese, modern browsers like Chrome offer instant translation features that make navigation manageable.
The key to a successful purchase is finding reputable sellers. Use specific Chinese keywords for your search, such as "Allbirds 同款" (same style as Allbirds), "羊毛鞋" (wool shoes), or "环保运动鞋" (eco-friendly sneakers). Carefully examine seller ratings, transaction volumes, and customer reviews with photos. Product listings often reveal if they are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or produce high-quality inspired versions. For a curated list of verified suppliers and specific product links, refer to the comprehensive resource available at this external spreadsheet. This document can save you hours of research and help you avoid unreliable vendors.
Once you've selected your desired Allbirds style(s) on 1688, proceed to checkout. Important:submit a "Warehouse Inbound" notification. Here, you input the 1688 order details, including tracking number, product description, and declared value. This allows Hoobuy to expect and identify your package.
After your package arrives at Hoobuy's warehouse, they will inspect it, take photos for your confirmation (a valuable service to verify the product), and store it in your virtual locker. If you ordered from multiple 1688 suppliers, you can request package consolidation
Using Hoobuy as your agent to purchase Allbirds from 1688 unlocks access to a broader, often more cost-effective supply chain. While it requires more steps than buying retail, the potential savings and access to a wider range of products make it a compelling option for international shoppers. By following this guide and leveraging resources like the supplier spreadsheet, you can navigate the process with confidence and step into your new Allbirds with satisfaction.