Understanding the Power of Chinese Reverse Purchasing
In today's global fashion landscape, savvy shoppers and boutique owners are discovering the incredible value of buying designer footwear directly from Chinese manufacturers. Orientdig has emerged as a premier reverse purchasing platform that bridges international buyers with China's wholesale markets, particularly 1688.com - Alibaba's domestic marketplace where prices are significantly lower than Western retail.
Sam Edelman, renowned for its comfortable, stylish footwear adored by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike, can be sourced directly through 1688 at fraction of regular retail costs. This guide will walk you through the entire process of accessing these deals via Orientdig's specialized service.
Step-by-Step Purchasing Process
Step 1: Account Setup and Verification
Begin by creating your Orientdig account through their official website. Unlike traditional forward purchasing agents, Orientdig specializes in reverse purchasing, meaning they help international buyers navigate Chinese domestic platforms typically inaccessible to foreign consumers. Account verification typically takes 1-2 business days, after which you'll gain access to their purchasing dashboard.
Step 2: Product Research and Identification
Before making any purchases, thorough product research is crucial. Utilize comprehensive resources like the product information spreadsheet
Step 3: Navigating 1688 via Orientdig
Once you've identified desired Sam Edelman styles using the product spreadsheet, copy the product links or manufacturer codes from 1688.com. Paste these into Orientdig's search and ordering system. The platform's interface translates product information and provides additional quality verification services not available when browsing 1688 directly.
Step 4: Order Placement and Communication
After adding items to your Orientdig cart, you'll notice their service fee structure (typically 5-8% of product value). Proceed to checkout where you can include special instructions for the purchasing team. Orientdig's agents will then communicate directly with 1688 suppliers in Chinese to confirm availability, check product quality, and negotiate bulk pricing when applicable.
Step 5: Quality Control and International Shipping
One of Orientdig's standout features is their optional quality control service. For an additional fee (usually $2-5 per item), their team will visually inspect products at their warehouse before international shipment. Once quality verified, they consolidate multiple purchases into single shipments, significantly reducing international shipping costs. Choose from various shipping methods (air freight, sea freight, or express) based on your budget and timeline requirements.
Maximizing Your Purchasing Experience
To enhance your reverse purchasing success, consider these strategies beyond the basic process:
Bulk Order Strategy
1688 suppliers typically offer tiered pricing based on quantity. By coordinating group orders with fellow retailers or fashion enthusiasts, you can access manufacturer pricing typically reserved for large retailers. Orientdig's consolidation service makes this strategy particularly cost-effective.
Sourcing Authentic Products
While 1688 hosts numerous legitimate Sam Edelman manufacturers, exercise due diligence. Cross-reference supplier information with the verification spreadsheet
Seasonal Timing Considerations
Chinese manufacturing follows specific production cycles. The optimal times for purchasing Sam Edelman footwear are during offseason months (January-March for summer styles, July-September for winter collections) when wholesale prices are most competitive and inventory availability is highest.
Financial Considerations and Savings
When calculating total costs, factor in Orientdig's service fee, domestic Chinese shipping to their warehouse, international shipping, insurance (recommended for valuable shipments), and potential import duties. Despite these additional costs, the typical savings range from 40-70% compared to retail prices, making the process exceptionally worthwhile for both personal purchases and commercial reselling.
The combination of 1688's manufacturer-direct pricing and Orientdig's specialized reverse purchasing service creates unprecedented access to premium footwear brands like Sam Edelman. With careful planning and utilization of available resources like the product spreadsheet, international shoppers can build impressive designer footwear collections while maintaining reasonable budgets.