For international fashion lovers seeking premium brands like Sandro, China's TaobaoMulebuy, a forward/reverse proxy shopping service that bridges the gap. In this guide, we’ll walk you through purchasing Sandro via Mulebuy while leveraging tools like this comparison spreadsheet
Why Use Mulebuy for Sandro on Taobao?
Sandro’s elegant Parisian designs often appear on Taobao at discounts of 30–50% compared to Western retailers. However:
- Taobao’s interface is primarily in Mandarin
- Many sellers don’t ship internationally
- Payment methods like Alipay require Chinese bank accounts
Mulebuy solves these issues by acting as your proxy shopper, handling translation, payment, and onward shipping. Their transparent fee structure (visible in this cost calculator) makes budgeting predictable.
Step 1: Create a Mulebuy Account
Start by registering at Mulebuy’s website. The process includes:
- Selecting your preferred language (English available)
- Setting up a virtual warehouse address
- Linking your international payment method (PayPal or credit cards accepted)
Pro Tip:
Step 2: Find Authentic Sandro Products
Taobao hosts both Sandro’s flagship store and authorized resellers. To avoid counterfeits:
- Search using keywords like “Sandro 官方” (official) or “Sandro 正品” (genuine)
- Compare product codes with those on Sandro’s global website
- Use this spreadsheet
Mulebuy’s concierge service can also pre-vet sellers for authenticity upon request.
Step 3: Place Your Order via Mulebuy
Once you’ve identified the Sandro item (e.g., a wool blazer or floral dress), submit the Taobao URL to Mulebuy’s dashboard. Their system will:
- Confirm stock availability and sizing
- Calculate item cost + domestic shipping to Mulebuy’s warehouse (~¥0–20 within China)
- Provide international shipping quotes via DHL, FedEx, or EMS
Step 4: Shipping & Custom Considerations
Mulebuy repackages items to minimize volumetric weight fees (crucial for bulky Sandro coats). They also handle:
- Export paperwork:
- Import taxes:
For cost benchmarks, refer to line 14–22 of the public shipping prepaid vs. DDP spreadsheet.
Saving Strategies
To maximize value:
- Wait for Taobao’s 61811.11
- Opt for slower shipping (e.g., China Post Small Packet) if time isn’t critical
With Mulebuy’s assistance (average service fee: 3%), a $400 Sandro dress may cost just $220—including all logistics. Happy shopping!