Introduction to Mulebuy and 1688
Purchasing from Chinese wholesale platforms like 1688.comMulebuy, a China-based freight forwarder and purchasing agent, simplifies this process. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Mulebuy to order the popular New Balance 2002R
For reference, check this spreadsheet guide, which compares prices, sellers, and shipping options for 2002R sneakers across multiple platforms.
Step 1: Finding a Reliable Seller on 1688
1688 is Alibaba’s B2B platform, offering products at factory prices. To find a New Balance 2002R
Many sellers don't ship internationally, which is where Mulebuy comes in.
Step 2: Setting Up a Mulebuy Account
Sign up on Mulebuy’s website. Their platform supports English and provides a virtual Chinese address
Mulebuy’s fee structure is transparent—see their pricing page
Step 3: Purchasing & Shipping Workflow
After selecting a 1688 seller:
- Contact the seller to confirm authenticity (many listings are replica—research mandatory)
- Place the order using Mulebuy’s warehouse address in China
- Once Mulebuy receives the package, they’ll provide photos for approval
- Pay for international shipping and wait for delivery (typically 7-15 days)
New Balance 2002R-specific Buying Tips
The 2002R is popular and often replicated—caution is key:
- Compare multiple sellers based on this spreadsheet
- Ask the seller for original box/receipt to verify authenticity
- Request Mulebuy’s "Detailed QC" service for close-up stitching checks
Total costs include: product price (¥300-¥800), domestic shipping (¥10-¥30), and Mulebuy’s international fee (~¥120/kg + service charge).
Alternatives If Mulebuy Fails
If your seller refuses third-party forwarders like Mulebuy:
- Use superbuy.com or cssbuy.com as alternative agents
- Purchase via Weidian
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection service like "InspectKing"