How to Buy from Kakobuy in the US – Complete Guide

In short: The process has 5 main steps: (1) Free account registration, (2) Wallet top-up, (3) Place an order using Taobao links, (4) Check QC photos, (5) Select shipping to the US. Total delivery time: 15–25 days via EMS, 5–10 days via DHL Express.

Step 1: Create Your Kakobuy Account

Go to our registration link and fill in the details:

1.Email – use a valid personal email, you will receive all QC notifications here 2.Password – minimum 8 characters; we recommend using a password manager 3.Referral code – auto-filled automatically → get a $105 welcome bonus

Create a free account + $105 bonus

Register via our link to get $105 coupons + shipping credit.

Step 2: Top Up Your Kakobuy Wallet

Kakobuy operates with a wallet system: you add funds to your account, then pay for all orders directly from the wallet balance. Beginner tip: Only top up $30–$50 for a small test order. Avoid depositing $500 on your first use.

Step 3: Find Products (3 Methods)

Method 1: Spreadsheet (Recommended)

This is the safest option for new users. All sellers have already been vetted by the community. Check out our spreadsheet.

Method 2: Search Directly on Kakobuy

Method 3: Reverse Image Search

Type English or Chinese keywords into Kakobuy’s search bar. You will see products sourced from Taobao, Weidian and 1688.

Click the camera icon inside the search bar → upload a picture → view all matching similar products.

Step 4: Place Your Order

1.Click on the product → choose size, color and variant 2.Add to cart 3.Check the total cost (item price + domestic shipping within China) 4.Leave notes for the agent if you have special requests ("remove shoebox", etc.) 5.Submit Order → pay using your wallet balance

Step 5: QC Inspection (The Most Important Step!)

After 3–7 days, the item arrives at the Kakobuy warehouse. You will receive an email containing the QC photos.

What to check on the QC photos:

Everything is fine if you see: ✔️Correct size printed on the tag ✔️Matching color ✔️Straight, even stitching ✔️Error-free logos and lettering ✔️The expected material

Request a RETURN if you spot any of these: ❌Stains, loose threads, holes ❌Faded or blurry print ❌Crooked stitching ❌Color different from your order ❌Wrong size on the tag

Step 6: Select Shipping to the United States

Recommendation for US customers: EMS Standard offers the best balance of price and speed.

Start Your First Order

Check out our spreadsheet featuring popular starter products.

Step 7: Track and Receive Your Package

Use 17track.net to track EMS shipments to the US.

At Customs (VAT):

Goods valued under$800: Duty & tax free Goods valued over $800: Subject to import duties + applicable sales/use tax

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1.Loading $500 for your first top-up — unnecessary risk 2.Approving QC photos without careful inspection 3.Ordering only a single item (miss out on consolidation savings) 4.Shipping packages valued over €150 (subject to extra customs duties) 5.Placing orders during Chinese New Year (delays of 30+ days) 6.Not saving QC photos as evidence for disputes 7.Choosing SAL shipping without accounting for its 45-day transit time 8.Buying from Taobao sellers with fewer than 100 reviews 9.Failing to confirm your bank has enabled international payments 10.Ordering prohibited items (liquids, lithium-ion batteries)

FAQ: How to Buy on Kakobuy

How long does the full process take for your first order? From registration to delivery in the US: roughly 3–4 weeks with EMS, around 2 weeks with DHL. Timelines vary based on QC processing speed and shipping transit times.

Do I need to know Chinese? No. Kakobuy provides automatic translation. All spreadsheets are in English. The only minor limitation is direct communication with Taobao sellers, which is rarely required.

Would Ihat sh do if my package gets lost? If you purchased insurance (recommended for orders over $200), Kakobuy will provide compensation. Without insurance, only the shipping carrier is liable, which results in a lengthy claim process.

Can I pay upon delivery? No. Full payment must be made upfront. Only customs duties are payable upon arrival (if applicable).

How many orders can I place per month? There is no fixed limit, but please note: US Customs may classify high-volume shipments as commercial imports if you send more than 10 packages monthly or your total monthly value exceeds $2,000.