You've got a spreadsheet full of links. You've shortlisted your haul. Now what?
This is the part where most beginners freeze - and honestly, I get it. The gap between "I found a cool item" and "it's in my hands" feels like a black box. This guide walks you through every single step, including the stuff most tutorials skip.
Step 1: Copy the Link Into Kakobuy
Open your spreadsheet, copy the W2C URL (usually a Weidian or Taobao link), and paste it into Kakobuy's search bar. If the link is dead - and about 30% of spreadsheet links die within a month - don't panic. Copy the seller name or product name from the spreadsheet notes and search that instead. Sellers frequently relist the same item under a new URL.
Once Kakobuy fetches the listing, you'll see the product page with price, size options, and estimated domestic shipping to the warehouse. Important: the price shown is the item price only. Domestic shipping within China (usually 8-15 yuan) gets added at checkout.
Step 2: Check the Size Chart (Seriously)
Don't guess your size. Don't assume "I'm a Large." Chinese sizing is all over the place. Most spreadsheet links include a size chart - look for chest width, length, shoulder, and sleeve measurements in centimeters. Grab a measuring tape. Measure a tee or hoodie you already own that fits you well. Compare.
If the size chart isn't on the listing, add a note when submitting your order: "Please confirm measurements before shipping to warehouse." Kakobuy agents will usually do this for free.
Step 3: Submit and Wait for Warehouse Arrival
After submitting your order, the status will show "Pending" then "Purchased" then "Shipped (to warehouse)" then "Stored." This usually takes 3-5 days, sometimes longer if the seller is slow. Don't refresh every 5 minutes. The app will notify you.
If the status hasn't changed after 7 days, message Kakobuy support. They'll contact the seller or cancel and refund if the item is OOS.
Step 4: Review QC Photos Like Your Money Depends on It
This is the most important step. When your item arrives at the warehouse, Kakobuy takes 3-5 QC photos. Check for:
- Logo placement, size, and spelling
- Stitching quality (zoom in on collar, cuffs, seams)
- Color accuracy (compare against retail photos, not the seller's listing)
- Overall shape and proportions
- Any stains, rips, or obvious defects
If something looks off, you have options: request an exchange (seller sends a different unit), request a return (you get refunded), or request additional QC photos (close-ups, measurements, UV light test). Most sellers accept returns within 5-7 days of warehouse arrival.
Step 5: Build Your Haul
Once all items are stored, go to your warehouse tab. Select the items you want to ship together. This is where the spreadsheet weight estimates come in clutch - you can roughly predict your total weight and shipping cost before committing. Aim for 3-7kg hauls for the best price-per-kg ratio.
Step 6: Choose Your Shipping Line
Kakobuy will show available lines with estimated delivery times and prices. Quick breakdown for US buyers:
- EMS: 12-18 days, decent price, moderate customs scrutiny
- US Tax-Free (Actual Weight): 15-20 days, cheapest for heavy hauls, size restrictions apply
- UPS/FedEx: 5-8 days, expensive, highest customs risk
- DHL Tariffless: 12-15 days, good for EU, triangular shipping avoids customs
Pro move: check Kakobuy's shipping calculator with your estimated weight BEFORE ordering items. A cheap heavy hoodie can cost more in shipping than a pricier lightweight one. The spreadsheet weight column is your friend.
Step 7: Declare and Ship
You'll be asked to declare a customs value. For the US, the de minimis threshold is $800 - meaning anything under $800 enters duty-free. Declare $12-15 per kg as a general rule. For EU countries, check your local threshold (usually much lower - Germany is 150 euros, for instance).
Add insurance if available (usually 3-5% of declared value). It's cheap peace of mind. Submit. Now the waiting game begins.
Step 8: Track and Receive
Use 17TRACK or AfterShip to follow your package. Once it clears customs (usually the longest bottleneck), it'll be at your door within days. Inspect everything against the QC photos. If something arrived damaged or wrong, contact Kakobuy support immediately - they handle disputes, though outcomes vary.
And that's it. The first haul is always the most stressful. By the third one, you'll be running through these steps on autopilot while eating breakfast.