For international sneaker enthusiasts, accessing China's vast market of authentic and competitively priced footwear has become significantly easier with the rise of specialized proxy shopping platforms. One such service is Orientdig, a Chinese-oriented proxy and purchasing platform that bridges the gap between global buyers and popular Chinese e-commerce sites like Weidian. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use Orientdig to purchase the sought-after New Balance FuelCell
What is Orientdig?
Orientdig operates as a full-service procurement and shipping intermediary. Unlike some global forwarders, it is tailored specifically for the Chinese market, offering deep integration with platforms like Taobao, Tmall, and crucially, Weidian. Weidian is a popular marketplace known for many small and medium sellers offering authentic sportswear, often at lower prices than international retailers. Orientdig handles the entire process: placing the order, receiving the goods at its local warehouse, consolidating packages, and shipping them internationally. Their user-friendly interface, English-language customer support, and secure payment options make them an excellent choice for overseas buyers.
Step 1: Research and Product Identification on Weidian
Your journey begins not on Orientdig, but on Weidian itself. Use the Weidian website or app (often requiring translation tools) to search for the specific New Balance FuelCell model you desire. Sellers on Weidian frequently list products with detailed photos, size charts, and customer reviews. For a valuable resource in your search, you can refer to this external spreadsheet that compiles listings and details for various products: https://sheet.cheap/. This sheet can serve as a starting point to find reputable sellers and specific item links for the FuelCell line. Once you have found the perfect item, copy the complete product URL from your Weidian browser address bar.
Pro Tip: Thoroughly examine seller ratings and buyer feedback on Weidian to ensure authenticity and service quality before proceeding.
Step 2: Submitting Your Order on Orientdig
Navigate to the Orientdig website and create an account. Locate the order submission page, often labeled as "Submit Order" or "Buy for Me." Here, you will paste the Weidian product URL you copied. The platform's system will typically fetch the product title, images, and available options (like color and size). You must then manually specify your chosen variant, the quantity, and the maximum price you're willing to pay (usually the listed price). It is critical to enter all details accurately, especially the Chinese sizing, to avoid any mistakes. You will also see an estimated domestic shipping fee from the Weidian seller to Orientdig's warehouse, which is usually minimal.
Step 3: Payment and International Shipping
After submitting the order details, Orientdig will calculate a preliminary cost including the product price and domestic freight. You will be prompted to fund your Orientdig account via methods like PayPal, credit card, or wire transfer. Once funded, their purchasing agents will proceed to buy the item from the Weidian seller on your behalf. After the New Balance FuelCell shoes arrive at Orientdig's warehouse, they will inspect the item, store it, and update your account with photos for verification. You then apply for international shipping. On the shipping page, you will declare the package contents and value, choose a carrier (such as EMS, DHL, or a specialized line), and pay for the international freight based on the package's volumetric or actual weight.
Step 4: Customs and Receiving Your Shoes
Orientdig will handle the export paperwork and dispatch your package. They will provide you with a tracking number. As the buyer, you are responsible for understanding your country's customs regulations and potential import duties on footwear. While some shipping lines include tax handling, others may not, so it's essential to be prepared for possible additional fees upon delivery. Once cleared, your New Balance FuelCell shoes will be delivered to your doorstep, completing the international proxy shopping process.
Why This Method is Advantageous
Purchasing through Orientdig from Weidian opens up access to a wider range of New Balance models, including exclusive colorways or earlier releases that may be sold out elsewhere. Prices, even with proxy and shipping fees, can be remarkably competitive. The key to a smooth experience lies in careful research—utilizing resources like the product spreadsheet—and precise communication during the ordering process. By leveraging Orientdig's specialized services, you can confidently and securely expand your sneaker collection directly from one of the world's most dynamic markets.