For international shoppers looking to purchase limited-edition sneakers like the Puma Disc Blaze, Chinese e-commerce giant Taobao often offers better prices than western retailers. However, Taobao doesn't ship directly to most foreign countries. This is where Mulebuy
Unlike typical forwarders, Mulebuy specializes in sneaker and streetwear acquisitions with value-added services: Before creating your Mulebuy order:Why Use Mulebuy for Taobao Shopping?
Step 1: Prepare Product Details
Step 2: Submitting Purchase Request
| Field | Example Entry |
|---|---|
| Taobao URL | https://item.taobao.com/item?id=123456789 |
| Size | EU 42 / US 8.5 |
| Proxy Service Level | Express (recommended for time-sensitive releases) |
Payment Process & Timeline
Mulebuy operates on a dual-payment system:
- Stage 1 - Product Cost
- Pay 110% of listed Taobao price as deposit (10% buffer for price fluctuations)
- Stage 2 - Shipping Fee
- Paid after warehouse arrival, calculated from volumetric weight
Expected timeline:
Day 1-2: Taobao order processing
Day 3-5: Domestic shipping to Mulebuy Guangzhou hub
Day 6: QC inspection with photos
Day 7-10: International dispatch via DHL/EMS
Key Considerations Before Ordering
⚠️ Special Notes for Sneaker Purchases:
- The Puma Disc Blaze OG
- Some Taobao sellers list "pre-sale" items with 15-30 day production wait
- Import duties may apply based on your country's sneaker taxation policies
Why Pricing Beats Western Retailers
A comparative analysis shows significant savings:
"The Puma Disc Blaze Rebuild retails for $160 in Foot Locker US, while Taobao official stores sell it for ¥899 ($124) before discounts. Even with $25 proxy fees, you save approximately 22%." - Sneaker Market Insights 2024
Alternatives During Stockouts
If your size is unavailable:
- Request Mulebuy's "restock monitor" service ($10 fee covers 30-day tracking)
- Consider buying through Xianyu (闲鱼) - China's second-hand platform (verify authenticity codes carefully)