Shopping agents 101: the complete glossary every new buyer needs

If you keep seeing terms like sensitive line, RMB exchange, parcel rehearsal, or "send to warehouse" and feel lost — you're not. This is a glossary that fills in the gaps. We've also included a full list of agent platforms operating in 2026 at the end.

The terms you'll see most

Shopping agent (代购). A company that buys items in China for overseas buyers, holds them, then ships internationally. Examples: KakoBuy, CSSBuy, Sugargoo.

Warehouse. The agent's physical location where items from Chinese sellers land before being shipped overseas. Most are in Guangdong (Foshan, Guangzhou) or Fujian.

QC photos. Quality-check photographs taken when a seller's package arrives at the agent warehouse. You review them before paying for international shipping. The photos cover tags, stitching, color, soles, and obvious defects.

Consolidation. Combining multiple separate items into one outgoing parcel. Saves dramatically on per-item shipping but increases parcel weight and potentially customs attention.

Sensitive line. A shipping route that accepts items normally restricted on standard lines — like branded-looking goods, batteries, or fragrances. Costs more per kilogram, but goes through with less inspection risk.

Parcel rehearsal / repacking. When the agent packs your items, weighs and measures the parcel, and shows you the final shipping cost before billing. Some agents charge a small fee for this service.

Service fee. What the agent charges you on top of the seller's price. Usually 5-10% of item value, sometimes flat per parcel.

Storage fee. What you pay if items sit in the warehouse beyond a free window (typically 60-180 days). Often skippable if you consolidate quickly.

Sub-agent / re-shipper. A buyer in China who buys for you informally, without a public storefront. Cheaper but no warehouse, no QC photos, no platform protections.

The agent landscape in 2026

We support these agents on pluck. — pick by region, payment method, and shipping route. We don't rank them publicly because the best one for you depends on what you buy and where you live. See individual reviews like KakoBuy review or CSSBuy vs Sugargoo for direct comparisons.

Major agents (large user bases, full English UX): KakoBuy, CSSBuy, Sugargoo, CNFans, ACBUY, OOPBuy, Hubbuy, Superbuy, Mulebuy, Hoobuy.

Mid-size agents (growing, often regional strengths): Joyagoo, Loongbuy, Allchinabuy, Basetao, Itaobuy, Lovegobuy, ootdbuy, Orientdig, Pikobuy, Ponybuy, Kameymall, Niuniubox, Mycnbox.

Smaller / specialty agents: 24gobuy, BBDBuy, CNShopper, EastmallBuy, Fishgoo, GTBuy, Hipobuy, Litbuy, Lolobuy, Okeyhaul, Ossbuy, Shipzobuy, Usfans, Vigorbuy.

Each has its own pricing, app quality, payment options, and shipping lines. Many are run by the same parent companies under different brands targeting different regions or buyer segments. The fee structures cluster within a small range — service fee 5-10%, payment 4-5% if you use PayPal, plus a 1-3% currency spread.

How to pick yours

Three questions decide it: (1) does your preferred payment method work? (2) does the agent ship to your country on routes you trust? (3) does the UI confuse you or feel friendly? Anything beyond that is fine-tuning.

If you're brand-new, start with one of the top 5 by size — they have the largest community knowledge base, the most YouTube tutorials, and the most lenient policies. Migrate later if you find a reason to. See how to switch agents without losing your wishlist when that day comes.