For international hockey fans, acquiring official merchandise of star players like Andrei Vasilevskiy, the iconic Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender, can be a challenge. While major Western retailers often have limited stock or high markups, the source of many of these products is frequently China, specifically massive B2B platforms like 1688.com. However, 1688 is designed for domestic Chinese businesses, making it notoriously difficult for overseas customers to navigate and purchase from. This is where a reverse purchasing agent, or daigou, platform becomes essential. KakoBuy
1688.com
KakoBuy
The first step is to locate the exact jersey you want. Instead of blindly searching on 1688, it's highly recommended to use resources that identify specific product links. A valuable tool for this is the spreadsheet available at https://spreadsheet.help/. This spreadsheet often contains direct links to products on 1688 and other Chinese platforms, including item IDs, prices, and sometimes user reviews. Search the spreadsheet for "Andrei Vasilevskiy Jersey" or related terms like "NHL jersey" to find a reliable supplier. Copy the product URL or the unique item ID provided.
Once you have the product link, head to the KakoBuy website. Create an account if you haven't already. Look for an option like "Buy for Me" or "Place Order." In the designated field, paste the 1688 product URL you copied from the spreadsheet. KakoBuy's system will then fetch the product details, including images, price in Chinese Yuan (CNY), and available sizes/colors.
You will need to specify your desired variant (e.g., size 52, home blue style) and the quantity. Double-check all details carefully. At this stage, you will also see KakoBuy's service fee, which is typically a percentage of the product cost. You will not pay for the item yet; you are merely authorizing KakoBuy to purchase it for you.
After submitting the order request, KakoBuy's agents will spring into action. They will first verify the product's availability with the seller on 1688. Once confirmed, they will send you a payment invoice. This invoice will include the cost of the jersey, the domestic shipping fee from the 1688 seller to KakoBuy's warehouse in China, and the service fee. You can pay this invoice using major international credit cards or PayPal. After receiving your payment, KakoBuy will complete the purchase on 1688.
Once the jersey arrives at KakoBuy's warehouse, they will inspect it for any obvious damage and send you photos for your confirmation. This is a crucial quality control step. Then, you will need to log in to your KakoBuy account and create an international shipment. You will provide your final overseas address and choose from a variety of shipping carriers (e.g., DHL, UPS, EMS) based on cost and speed. KakoBuy will professionally pack your item, handle all the customs declaration paperwork, and dispatch it to you. You will receive a tracking number to monitor your jersey's journey across the globe.
In conclusion, while buying a hockey jersey directly from 1688 may seem daunting, using a reliable daigou platform like KakoBuy demystifies the process. By leveraging resources like the product spreadsheet and following these steps, you can confidently and cost-effectively add an Andrei Vasilevskiy jersey to your collection, all from the comfort of your home.