When using a China import proxy, choosing the wrong agent can drag you into unexpected trouble. Keep the following 7 cautions in mind to pick a reputable agent.
Caution 1: Unclear fee breakdown
Common trouble: They advertised a "5% fee," but inspection, packing and payment fees were added separately, and in the end you were charged 15% or more…
What to check: Always confirm "the total including every cost" when getting a quote. It's important to have them provide a line-item breakdown.
Caution 2: No inspection, or sloppy inspection
Common trouble: Goods were shipped straight to Japan with no inspection, and a defective or wrong item arrived. They then told me returns and exchanges weren't possible…
What to check: In advance, confirm whether they'll send inspection photos before shipment, and how they handle defective items.
Caution 3: Insufficient Japanese support
Common trouble: Replies to my emails came in Chinese, or things moved forward without me really understanding…
What to check: Confirm whether they have Japanese staff or staff fluent in Japanese, and whether inquiries are answered properly in Japanese.
Caution 4: A markup on the exchange rate
Common trouble: The service fee was cheap, but 3–5% was added on top of the exchange rate, so in the end it cost more…
What to check: Confirm which exchange rate they use and whether there is any markup.
Caution 5: No shipment tracking
Common trouble: It should have been shipped, but there was no tracking number and I had no idea where the package was…
What to check: Confirm whether a tracking number is issued and whether delivery status can be checked online.
Caution 6: No support when trouble happens
Common trouble: The package never arrived, or it was damaged, but then I couldn't get in touch with them…
What to check: Confirm years in business, track record, and the means of contact (phone, LINE, email). An agent that has lasted a long time is more reassuring.
Caution 7: Sloppy handling of personal information
Common trouble: My personal information leaked and I started getting more spam…
What to check: Confirm whether a privacy policy is stated and whether the site is SSL-secured.
Checklist for a reputable agent
- Clear fee breakdown (total shown)
- Sends inspection photos in advance
- Responds carefully in Japanese
- Clear exchange rate (no markup)
- Delivery status can be tracked by tracking number
- 5+ years in business, rich track record
- Privacy policy clearly stated
allallbuy clears every one of these
✓ 14 years of industry experience, 3,000+ companies served
✓ Inspection photos sent in advance
✓ Full Japanese support
✓ Shipping charged at actual cost, with itemized detail
✓ Tracking number issued, real-time checking available
✓ ¥0 monthly fee, ¥0 joining fee
Choose an agent you can hand things to with peace of mind
If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us even just for a quote first.