1. What a Taobao & 1688 proxy actually does
Chinese EC sites offer incredible prices, but getting your hands on them in Japan comes with 4 walls:
- ① Language barrier — Chinese sites only, Chinese customer service. A proxy reads specs, contacts sellers and checks stock in Japanese.
- ② Payment in CNY — Chinese sites won't take Japanese credit cards. A proxy pays in CNY on your behalf; you pay in JPY.
- ③ Shipping from China — Complex: EMS, international courier, sea freight, import declaration. A proxy picks the best route for your item.
- ④ Quality control — No stock check, defective items, hidden damage. A proxy inspects on arrival, takes photos, and repacks safely.
A good proxy removes all 4 walls so you can shop Taobao and 1688 like a normal Japanese online store.
2. The 7 points to compare a proxy service
Not all proxies are equal. Here are the 7 points that separate a good one from a risky one.
Clear fee breakdown
No hidden "handling" or "insurance" fees. All charges itemized.
Inspection & QC process
"Incoming inspection" should mean opened, checked and photographed.
Shipping options & transit time
Air, sea, express, consolidated.
Japanese support & response speed
You should get replies in Japanese, within 24h on weekdays.
No minimum order & low monthly fee
From a single item, no monthly fee, no long-term contract.
Experience & track record
How many years in business, how many clients.
Repacking & consolidation
Multiple sellers → one package. Tag removal, custom packaging, needle detection.
3. Fee comparison (what you pay)
When comparing services, you will typically see these fees. Know what each one is and what to watch.
| Fee type | What it is | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Service / commission fee | Paid for the buying service | A % of item price; confirm minimum charge |
| Shipping fee | From China warehouse to you | Air vs sea; by actual weight vs volume weight |
| Inspection fee | Optional QC check | What's included: photo? measurement? needle check? |
| Payment / handling fee | Currency exchange & admin | Any "platform fee" or "insurance fee"? |
| Optional extras | Tag removal, repack, consolidation | Billed separately? Ask for the full estimate |
4. 4 failure patterns to avoid
Here is where people go wrong when they pick a service based on price alone.
"Fake low price" trap
Low commission, but shipping & inspection priced high.
No real inspection
"We check on arrival" but just glance at the outer box.
No Japanese support
AI or slow replies; hard to communicate.
Minimum order / lock-in
"From ¥50,000" or monthly fee required.
5. allallbuy's strengths
Putting it all together — here is how allallbuy compares.
allallbuy
- ¥0 monthly fee, from 1 item
- Japanese support, fast replies
- Full inspection with photos
- Consolidation & safe repacking
- 14 years, 3,000+ clients
Typical "cheap" proxy
- Low headline commission
- Hidden shipping / inspection fees
- Little or no inspection
- Slow or machine replies
- Small or unknown track record
Do it yourself
- No service fee
- Chinese required
- CNY payment needed
- You handle shipping & customs
- Risk of defects, damage
allallbuy handles Taobao, 1688, JD.com, Tmall and more. From sample sourcing to OEM private label. Simple flow: send us a link → we quote → buy → inspect → ship.
Related guides: China import proxy comparison (4 types) ／ No monthly fee — is it really free? ／ China import & proxy buying guide
6. FAQ
7. Summary
To choose a proxy that won't fail you, start small, ask for a clear quote, and check the inspection process. allallbuy: no monthly fee, from 1 item, Japanese support. Send us a product link and we'll give you a free quote in Japanese.
Not sure which proxy to choose? Send us a product link.
Free quote in Japanese. No monthly fee, no commitment. From one item to bulk OEM.