Many international shoppers struggle to buy directly from Chinese wholesale markets like 1688 due to language barriers and payment restrictions. MuleBuy, a Chinese reverse proxy purchasing platform, solves this problem by acting as your personal shopping concierge. In this guide, we'll walk through the complete process of using MuleBuy to purchase Skechers shoes from 1688 - a marketplace offering significant cost savings over retail prices.
Understanding the 1688 Wholesale Advantage
1688.com (Alibaba's domestic marketplace) often sells Skechers at 30-65% below international retail prices. However, several challenges prevent direct purchases:
- Mandatory Chinese business registration
- Chinese-language only interface
- Limited international payment options
This is where MuleBuy bridges the gap. As documented in the product comparison spreadsheet, MuleBuy provides actual price comparisons showing potential savings versus other proxy services.
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
1. Create Your MuleBuy Account
Registration takes less than 2 minutes. Simply visit MuleBuy.com, provide your email address, and verify your account. Unlike some competitors, MuleBuy doesn't require identity verification for standard purchases.
2. Locate Your Skechers Products on 1688
Use Chrome's translate function to navigate 1688.com. Search for "斯凯奇" (Chinese for Skechers) followed by your model number. For bulk purchases, look for listings marked "批发" (wholesale).
3. Submit Your Purchase Request
Copy the 1688 product URL and paste it into MuleBuy's order form. You'll need to specify:
- Precise color/size requirements
- Quantity needed
A unique feature detailed in the shipping cost estimator
Payment and Shipping Considerations
MuleBuy accepts:
- Credit cards (with 1.5% convenience fee)
- Wise (saving ~30% on wire fees)
Consolidation Services
For multiple Skechers orders from different 1688 vendors, MuleBuy's warehouse will combine shipments:
| Parcels | Consolidation Fee |
|---|---|
| 2-5 items | $2.99 flat rate |
For up-to-date rates, always check the service fee breakdown
Quality Assurance Steps
- Pre-Purchase Verification: Agents confirm stock availability with the 1688 seller
- QC Photos: Receive images before international shipping
International shoe buyers report 97% satisfaction rates when using MuleBuy's enhanced inspection service (extra $1.50/item), compared to 82% satisfaction without inspection.
My Personal Experience Buying Skechers Go Walk
After finding Skechers Go Walk 5 priced at $23/pair (vs. $69 retail), I ordered:
- 3 pairs (size US 9)
- Optional vacuum packaging ($0.75)
- Shipping via Cainiao Super Economy