Cssbuy Finds
Published on: December 5, 2023
For international hockey enthusiasts seeking authentic Los Angeles Kings merchandise, Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao offer tremendous variety and competitive pricing. However, language barriers, international shipping restrictions, and payment limitations often make direct purchasing challenging. This comprehensive guide will demonstrate how to successfully navigate these obstacles using Orientdig, a specialized Chinese purchasing agent service that facilitates international Taobao transactions with remarkable efficiency.
Unlike conventional international forwarding services, Orientdig operates as a full-service purchasing platform specifically designed for overseas customers. Their bilingual interface, consolidated shipping options, and quality verification processes distinguish them from competitors. The platform maintains transparent pricing with service fees typically ranging between 5-10% of purchase price, considerably lower than many Western-based forwarding services that often charge premium rates for similar assistance.
Their customer support team demonstrates particularly responsive service, addressing inquiries typically within 12-24 hours even across time zone differences. This attentiveness proves invaluable when navigating time-sensitive purchasing decisions or resolving potential merchandise discrepancies before international shipment.
Begin by creating your Orientdig account through their official website. The registration process requires basic personal information and email verification. Once registered, you'll gain access to their member dashboard where you can manage purchases, track shipments, and communicate with customer service representatives.
The initial challenge for international buyers involves identifying reliable Taobao sellers carrying authentic Los Angeles Kings merchandise. We've compiled a verified product list accessible through this product spreadsheet
When examining potential jerseys, pay particular attention to seller ratings (preferably diamond level or higher), customer reviews with images, and return policies. Authentic jerseys typically feature precise logo embroidery, official NHL holograms, and quality fabric construction distinguishable from counterfeit alternatives.
Once you've identified your desired Los Angeles Kings jersey, copy the product URL from Taobao and paste it into Orientdig's order form. Carefully specify size, color variants, quantity, and any special instructions. The platform will calculate the total cost including domestic Chinese shipping, service fee, and estimated international shipping to your destination.
Payment options typically include major credit cards, PayPal, and occasionally bank transfers depending on your region. The convenience fee for card payments generally ranges between 2.9-3.5%, competitive with international transaction standards.
Following payment processing, Orientdig purchases the item on your behalf and has it shipped to their consolidation warehouse. Many international buyers overlook the value of this intermediate step. Upon receipt, Orientdig can provide package condition photos upon request, allowing verification before international shipment. For an additional fee (typically $1-2 per item), they offer detailed quality inspection services including fabric checks, measurement verification, and authenticity confirmation.
Once your jersey arrives at their warehouse, you'll receive notification to choose your preferred international shipping method. Options typically include China Post Air Mail (economical but slower), EMS (reliable mid-range), or private carriers like DHL/FedEx (premium speed with tracking). Shipping costs vary significantly by destination, weight, and delivery timeframe.
Consolidating multiple purchases can dramatically reduce per-item shipping costs. If you plan additional Taobao purchases, consider waiting until all items reach Orientdig's warehouse before initiating international shipment. Their standard storage period extends to 45 days without additional charges, providing ample time for multiple purchases to accumulate.
Strategic shopping can substantially reduce your overall expenditure. Consider coordinating group purchases with fellow hockey fans to distribute shipping costs. Monitor Chinese e-commerce sale periods, particularly around mid-year (June 18-20) and Singles' Day (November 11), when Taobao vendors offer significant discounts that often outweigh increased shipping delays.
When selecting jerseys, note that current-season designs typically command premium pricing, while previous seasons' authentic jerseys frequently offer comparable quality at 30-50% discounts. Customized or player-specific jerseys generally incur additional costs and extended processing times.
Despite streamlined processes, international purchasing inevitably involves occasional complications. Size discrepancies represent the most frequent issue, as Chinese sizing sometimes differs from Western equivalents. Carefully consult measurement charts provided by sellers rather than relying solely on labeled sizes.
Should merchandise arrive with defects or prove inauthentic, Orientdig facilitates returns to Taobao sellers within standard return periods (typically 7 days after warehouse receipt). While return shipping within China carries minimal cost, the process may extend resolution timelines by 2-3 weeks.
Customs declarations require careful attention to avoid import duties exceeding anticipated amounts. Orientdig typically assists with accurate customs documentation, but researching your country's specific regulations for sports merchandise imports remains advisable.
Purchasing Los Angeles Kings hockey jerseys through Orientdig's Taobao buying service provides international fans access to extensive merchandise selections at competitive prices. While the multi-step process requires patience and attention to detail, the potential savings and product accessibility justify the additional effort. By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the provided product resource spreadsheet, you can confidently navigate the complexities of international e-commerce while securing authentic team merchandise for your collection.
The platform's specialized service effectively bridges the gap between Chinese e-commerce and international consumers, transforming previously inaccessible shopping opportunities into straightforward transactions. Whether you're seeking current player jerseys, classic designs, or special editions, this method often provides the most cost-effective approach to building your hockey apparel collection.