For sneaker enthusiasts outside China, getting authentic Converse shoes at great prices from Taobao can feel like discovering a hidden treasure. However, language barriers, payment issues, and international shipping often stand in the way. This is where a reliable proxy shopping service like CSSBuy comes in. This guide will walk you through the entire process of purchasing your favorite Converse sneakers from Taobao using CSSBuy, ensuring a smooth and successful buy.
CSSBuy is a comprehensive Chinese forwarder and purchasing agent platform. It acts as your personal shopping assistant in China. You provide the links to products on Taobao (and other Chinese sites), they purchase the items for you, receive them at their warehouse, and then ship them internationally to your doorstep. Their services include quality check photos, consolidation of multiple packages, and a variety of shipping lines to suit your budget and timeline. For buying Converse, this is invaluable as it gives you access to the vast selection, exclusive colorways, and often lower prices found on Taobao.
Start by browsing Taobao.com. Use keywords like "Converse Chuck 70," "Converse 1970s," or "Converse联名" (collaboration). Pay close attention to seller ratings, product reviews with images, and monthly sales volume. A highly-rated "天猫" (Tmall) store is often a safe bet for authenticity. Once you've found the exact shoe you want, copy the product page URL. This link is crucial for the next step.
To make your search even more efficient, you can utilize community-sourced resources. For instance, this external product spreadsheet
Go to the CSSBuy website and create an account. On your dashboard, locate the "Order" or "Buy for Me" section. Paste the Taobao product URL you copied. The system will automatically fetch the product details. Here, you must carefully specify the options: Converse size (Chinese sizing can differ, use their chart), color, and quantity. You can also leave important notes for the agent, such as "Please ask the seller for the latest production batch." Next, submit the order and fund your CSSBuy wallet using PayPal, credit card, or other available methods to cover the product cost and domestic shipping fee within China.
Once the seller ships the item, it will arrive at your personal CSSBuy warehouse address. This is a key advantage. When the shoes arrive, CSSBuy will offer you Quality Check (QC) photos. Always request these! The photos will show the actual pair you received, allowing you to check for stitching flaws, color accuracy, and overall condition. If you're not satisfied, you can communicate with the agent to initiate an exchange with the seller before any international shipment.
After approving the QC photos, you can then apply for international shipping. CSSBuy will weigh your package. Go to the "Ship" section, choose your parcel, and select a shipping line (e.g., DHL, EMS, SAL, or a tax-friendly line like Europe Tariffless). They will repack your Converse, often removing the original shoe box to save volume (you can request to keep it for an extra fee). Pay the international shipping fee, and your parcel will be on its way. You can track it directly on the CSSBuy platform.
Using CSSBuy to purchase Converse from Taobao opens up a world of options that would otherwise be difficult to access. While the process involves a few more steps than buying locally, the potential savings, access to exclusive models, and the security provided by a professional agent make it worthwhile. By following this guide—from finding the right product link, potentially using resources like the product information sheet, to carefully reviewing QC photos—you'll be well on your way to rocking a fresh pair of Chucks sourced directly from China. Happy shopping!