Understanding the complete hipobuy order process helps you set realistic expectations and take the right actions at each stage. From submitting your first purchase link to unboxing your delivered parcel, this walkthrough covers every checkpoint, typical timeline, decision point, and potential delay in the journey.
Stage 1: Purchase Submission (Day 0)
You paste a product link from Taobao or Weidian into hipobuy's purchase form, specify size and color, and submit. The agent reviews the link for validity and stock availability. Within 24 hours during business days, the agent places the order with the seller. You receive an Order Placed notification with a unique order ID. At this stage, no money leaves your wallet for the international shipping portion; only the item price plus service fee is charged.
Complete Order Timeline
Agent reviews link
Agent buys from seller
Seller prepares item
Seller ships to warehouse
Item scanned into system
Photos taken and uploaded
You approve or reject
You choose carrier and pay
Items consolidated and packed
Parcel leaves China
Local customs processing
Final mile delivery
Stage 2: Seller Processing and Domestic Transit (Days 1-8)
After the agent places your order, the seller processes it. Popular items ship within 1-2 days; made-to-order or restocked items may take 3-7 days. Domestic shipping from seller to hipobuy warehouse typically takes 2-5 days via Chinese courier networks. During peak seasons (November sales, Chinese New Year), expect 2-3 day delays at both processing and domestic shipping stages.
Stage 3: Warehouse Processing (Days 8-10)
When your item arrives at the warehouse, staff unpack it, verify against order details, photograph it from 8 angles, and upload photos to your dashboard. This stage takes 1-3 days depending on warehouse volume. You receive an email and dashboard notification when QC photos are ready. Review photos carefully within 72 hours before the auto-approval timer expires.
QC Review Decision Tree
Item moves to storage, ready for international shipping
Ask for specific angles or measurement photos
Item returned to seller for exchange or refund
Stage 4: Shipping Submission and Consolidation (Days 12-15)
With approved items in storage, visit the Shipping section of your dashboard. Select items to include in the parcel, choose a shipping line, and review the cost estimate. Opt to remove shoeboxes, tags, and excess packaging to reduce weight. Confirm your delivery address and customs declaration values. Pay the international shipping fee, and your parcel enters the warehouse packing queue.
Stage 5: International Transit and Delivery (Days 15-28)
The packed parcel ships from warehouse to your country via your selected carrier. Track progress using 17track.net and the carrier's website. Expect 1-3 days for export customs in China, 5-10 days for international flight/sea transit, 1-3 days for import customs in your country, and 1-3 days for local delivery. Total timeline varies from 18 days (DHL Express) to 45 days (SAL/Sea Mail).
What to Do After Delivery
For first-time shoppers, start with our Quick Start Guide and for warehouse-specific details, read our Warehouse Guide.