How to Choose a Shopping Agent: CNFans, Kakobuy, Mulebuy, Superbuy and More

CNFans, Kakobuy, Mulebuy, Superbuy, Sugargoo, USFans... there are dozens of shopping agents, and each has fans who swear it's the best. The truth is that the best agent depends on where you live and what you buy. They all do the same basic job, and the differences are in shipping, fees and service.

Here's how to compare them.

1. Shipping lines to your country

This matters most. Shipping is usually the biggest part of a haul's cost, and agents run different lines with different prices and speeds.

• Open each agent's shipping calculator, enter your country and a realistic weight (2 kg is a good test), and compare prices and delivery times.
• Check whether the agent has a line that suits what you buy. Some lines are cheaper for heavy items like shoes and jackets, and some don't accept certain goods.
• Look for lines with tax included if your country charges import duty and you'd rather pay it upfront.

An agent that's cheap for one country can be expensive for another, so always check your own.

2. Fees

Look at the total cost of an order, not just one fee:

• Service fee. Some agents charge a percentage on each item, and some charge nothing.
• Payment fees. Card and PayPal top-ups sometimes carry a small fee.
• Extra services. Extra photos, vacuum packing, rehearsal packing and removing boxes may be free or paid.
• Storage. Most agents store items free for a set period. Check how long it is if you like to build big hauls slowly.

Agents often run coupons for new users, especially for your first shipment. Signing up through the links on ChinaFinds spreadsheet pages shows any current offer.

3. QC photos

Every agent takes QC photos, but how many you get for free varies. Some include several photos per item, some offer HD photos or video, and some charge for extras. If you buy a lot of shoes or anything where details matter, this is worth comparing.

4. Site, app and support

• Ease of use. A clear site or app makes ordering and building parcels much less painful.
• Language and support. Check that support replies in your language, and how quickly.
• Returns. Read how the agent handles returns and exchanges. You'll need them sooner or later.

5. What other buyers say

Recent reviews from people in your country are worth more than general hype. Agents change their lines and prices often, so look at experiences from the last few months.

A quick way to decide

1. Shortlist three agents that ship to your country.
2. Compare a 2 kg parcel on each one's calculator.
3. Check service fees and free QC photos.
4. Pick the one that comes out ahead, and use its new-user coupon on your first haul.

You can always switch later. Your account is free, and many people use more than one agent.

Switching agents on ChinaFinds

ChinaFinds works with 21 agents. Choose yours from the agent menu at the top of the site, and every search result and product page will link straight to that agent. Each one also has its own spreadsheet page:

• CNFans spreadsheet
• Kakobuy spreadsheet
• Mulebuy spreadsheet
• USFans spreadsheet
• Superbuy spreadsheet
• Sugargoo spreadsheet

See all agents on the blog page, or learn how buying through an agent works from start to finish.