Planning to shop from AllChinaBuy but unsure about the total cost? This comprehensive guide breaks down every possible expense—from service fees to hidden charges—helping you budget accurately for your cross-border purchase.
1. Initial Purchase Costs
Product Price + Domestic China Taxes
All listed prices on Chinese platforms include 13% VAT. For exports, this tax is refundable, but your upfront payment still covers it. Example: A ¥1000 item initially costs ¥1130 (including VAT).
Platform Service Fees
Marketplaces like Taobao/Tmall charge 2-5% transaction fees, often hidden in the product price. Some sellers may add "platform commission" separately for bulk orders.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Base Product Price | Varies |
| China VAT (13%) | Already included |
| Platform Fee | 2-5% of product price |
2. AllChinaBuy Service Fees
Purchasing Commission (代购费)
Most agencies charge 5-15% of the product value: ¥10-50/order for: 3-5% currency conversion charge when paying via PayPal/alipay. Bank transfers may have fixed fees (¥20-50).
Standard:
Premium:
Processing & Packaging Fees
• Inspection & repackaging
• Bundling multiple orders
• Fragile item protectionPayment Handling Fees
3. Hidden Costs To Watch For
Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
Banks often add 2-3% extra for currency conversion with poorer rates than market value.
Unanticipated "Red Packet" Discounts
Some platforms apply coupons automatically, but agencies might not deduct them from service fee calculations.
Emergency Surcharges
¥50-200 rush service fees during holidays or for time-sensitive purchases.
Real-World Cost Example
Scenario:
Note: This excludes potential customs duties in your country.
Cost Component Amount Item subtotal ¥3,000 Service fee (8%) ¥240 Payment processing (PayPal 4%) ¥120 Repackaging fee ¥30 DHL shipping (2kg) ¥290 TOTAL EXPRESS SHIPPING ¥3,680 (≈$520)
Key Takeaways
- Expect 8-12%
- Larger items dramatically increase costs through volumetric weight penalties
- Weekend/holiday purchases often incur 'urgent handling' fees
- Request All-Inclusive Escrow
Tip: Many agents offer cost calculators—use them before committing. For frequent shoppers, monthly membership plans (¥99-299) can reduce per-order fees by 3-5%.