In today's globalized shopping landscape, buying products directly from Chinese wholesale platforms like 1688 has become increasingly popular, especially for bulk purchases. When it comes to running shoes, Brooks Adrenaline GTS is a highly sought-after model known for its exceptional support and comfort. This guide will walk you through using Orientdig, a reliable Chinese proxy shopping service, to purchase these shoes from 1688.
Why Use a Proxy Shopping Service Like Orientdig?
While 1688 offers fantastic wholesale prices, international buyers face several challenges:
- Most sellers don't ship internationally
- The platform is entirely in Chinese
- Payment methods are often limited to local options
- Quality verification is difficult
Orientdig solves these problems by acting as your professional shopping agent in China. They handle communication with sellers, quality checks, consolidation of orders, and international shipping logistics.
Step-by-Step Process to Buy Brooks Adrenaline GTS
Before starting your purchase, you might want to check this useful spreadsheet
1. Account Setup
First, register an account on Orientdig's platform. The process typically requires:
- Basic personal information
- Shipping address details
- Payment method setup (they accept international credit cards and PayPal)
2. Finding the Right Seller
Use the search function on Orientdig to look for Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes. Alternatively, you can:
- Browse directly on 1688 and copy product links to paste into Orientdig
- Consult Amazon reviews to understand sizing differences
- Check the previously mentioned spreadsheet for verified sellers
3. Evaluating Product Options
There are typically three product categories:
- Gray market goods (not factory direct)
- Direct factory inventory (often better pricing)
- Clearance items (significantly discounted)
4. Placing Your Order
Once you've selected your items on Orientdig:
- Specify color preferences clearly
- Confirm size conversion (measure your feet in cm rather than relying on US/EU sizes)
- Select your preferred shipping method
Important Considerations
Weight Calculation
Shoe purchases are typically charged by:
- Volumetric weight or actual weight (whichever is higher)
- Expect approximately 1.3kg per pair with box
- Consider sampling different sizes from different sellers first
Quality Assurance
Orientdig's value-added services include:
- Detailed product inspection (seam checking, fabric analysis)
- Logo and trademark verification to prevent counterfeit items
- Manufacturing defect screening
After-Sales Service
Orientdig provides mediation services if issues arise:
- Submit any complaints within 72 hours of warehouse receipt
- The platform will facilitate communications with sellers
- If quality issues are verified, they'll manage the return process
The entire process from order placement to delivery typically takes 10-21 days depending on:
For serious buyers, consider batch purchasing multiple units to spread shipping costs. Also note that weather conditions during shipping may affect adhesive curing in shoe soles - factor in warmer products if shipping during cold months.
By following these steps and preferences, you can successfully navigate the 1688 platform while minimizing risks. The key advantage remains price - expect to save potential 40-70% compared to retail prices in North America for products approaching retail equivalency.