Online shopping platforms like 1688 offer competitive pricing for high-quality products, including premium eyewear such as IC! Berlin. However, international buyers often face challenges like language barriers and shipping restrictions. This guide will explain how to use AllChinaBuy, a China-based purchasing agent, to buy IC! Berlin glasses smoothly from 1688.
Why Use AllChinaBuy as Your 1688 Proxy Service?
AllChinaBuy simplifies cross-border shopping by acting as your intermediary for purchases on Chinese platforms like 1688 and Taobao. Key benefits include:
- English-language customer support
- Consolidated international shipping
- Quality verification services
- Local payment methods (Alipay/WeChat Pay proxy)
For product references, check this cost comparison spreadsheet
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
1. Register an AllChinaBuy Account
Visit their official website and create an account. This will give you a unique warehouse address in China where your purchases are received before being forwarded internationally.
2. Source Your IC! Berlin Eyewear
Use 1688's search function or paste the product URL into AllChinaBuy's search bar. Premium frames like IC! Berlin typically range between ¥800-2000 (approximately $110-275). Refer to the product spreadsheet
3. Submit Procurement Request
Fill out the order form with:
- Product URL
- Specifications (frame size/color)
- Quality inspection requirements
4. Payment and Verification
AllChinaBuy offers multiple payment gateways including PayPal and international credit cards. Their team will negotiate with sellers, confirm stock availability, and arrange factory quality checks if requested (usually costs ¥20-50 per item).
5. International Shipping
Once received at their warehouse, items can be repackaged to reduce volumetric weight. Shipping options include:
- Express (5-10 days):
- Economy (15-30 days):
Important Considerations
- Compare multiple 1688 suppliers with the same IC! Berlin SKU
- Factor FAQ about size charts and request detailed measurements
- Opt for insurance (+2-3% of item value) for high-value frames
"Using purchasing agents requires patience but ensures access to Asian market exclusives at wholesale rates. IC! Berlin manufacturing variances are minimal between regions, making parallel imports via 1688 a viable alternative." – Eyewear Industry Insider
Addressing Common Concerns
Authenticity Verification
While 1688 hosts both authorized and unauthorized sellers, AllChinaBuy can request:
- Original purchase invoices
- Factory authentication certificates
- HD product images before shipment
Customs Clearance
Declared values are adjustable (-30% usually advised for EU/US duty thresholds). Lens prescriptions can be filled by certain 1688 optical shops – specify parameters during ordering.
For bulk orders (5+ units), AllChinaBuy negotiates additional discounts from sellers. Seasonal promotions around November (Single's Day) offer sourcing advantages - coordinate with their agents in advance.