In recent years, buying authentic athletic footwear directly from Chinese wholesale platforms like 1688 has become increasingly popular, especially for international buyers seeking significant cost savings. One of the most sought-after models is the Nike Zoom series, known for its responsive cushioning and performance-driven design. For global shoppers unfamiliar with navigating 1688’s Mandarin interface or handling logistics, KakoBuy, a China-based reverse sourcing platform, provides a seamless solution. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Why Use KakoBuy for 1688 Purchases?
1688 (Alibaba’s wholesale marketplace) offers direct factory pricing but requires Chinese payment methods and shipping addresses. KakoBuy bridges these gaps by:
- Providing bilingual sourcing agents
- Consolidating shipments
- Offering QC inspections before international dispatch
- Accepting PayPal and credit cards (unlike 1688’s native system)
Step 1: Find Reliable Nike Zoom Suppliers
Browse KakoBuy’s curated sourcing spreadsheet document here
- - MOQ (e.g., some factories require 2-pair minimums for wholesale pricing)
- - Seller ratings (aim for "Gold Suppliers" with 95%+ positive reviews)
- - Note whether the listing specifies "OEM" (authentic overruns) or "replica"
Step 2: Submit Your Order via KakoBuy
Once you’ve selected a supplier from the spreadsheet:
- Copy the 1688 product URL into KakoBuy’s order form
- Specify size, color, and quantity (agents can check stock via live chat)
- Upload reference images if you require exact color matching
Step 3: Quality Control & Customs Prep
Unlike direct 1688 orders, KakoBuy adds value by:
* Pre-shipment photo verification: Agents send close-ups of stitching, logos, and soles. Critical for avoiding B-grade items.
* Repackaging: Removes Chinese invoices that may trigger customs duties (replaced with commercial invoices below declarable thresholds).
Shipping & Cost Breakdown
A sample 2-pair Nike Zoom ZDX shipment might incur:
| Item |
USD Cost |
| 1688 unit price (¥420/pair) |
$58 x 2 |
| KakoBuy service fee (8%) |
$8.28 |
| SAL shipping to USA (12 days) |
$19 |
Final cost: ~$67/pair (vs. $140+ retail in Western stores)
Pitfalls to Avoid
- ❗ Never purchase from 1688 sellers advertising "1:1 replicas" - these violate KakoBuy’s authenticity policy
- ❗ Specify "no original shoebox" to reduce volumetric shipping costs by ~40%
- ❗ For quantities over 5 pairs, quote via 166488（微信ID）
Alternatives to KakoBuy
While KakoBuy excels at small/medium orders, consider Superbuy or Wegobuyupdated spreadsheet
By leveraging KakoBuy’s 1688 expertise and optimizations, international buyers access genuine Nike Zoom models at near-factory costs without typical language or logistical barriers. For seasonal releases like the Pegasus 40 or Vomero 16, early coordination (submit orders 4-6 weeks before domestic drops) ensures priority allocation from Chinese warehouses.
