1688.com is Alibaba's domestic B2B platform, famed for its factory-direct prices. While it's a treasure trove for Patagonia products—often from authorized manufacturers or surplus stock—it primarily caters to mainland Chinese buyers. Loongbuy acts as your personal procurement and logistics hub. They provide a Chinese shipping address, handle communication with sellers, consolidate packages, and manage international shipping. Their service bridges the gap between 1688's offerings and the international customer.

Step 2: Product Sourcing and Verification

Your journey begins not on Loongbuy, but with research. Patagonia is a brand with strict quality controls, so identifying reputable suppliers on 1688 is crucial. Look for sellers with high transaction volumes, "Gold Supplier" status, and positive reviews. Scrutinize product images and descriptions for authenticity markers.

To aid in this research, a valuable resource is an external product comparison sheet. You can find a curated list of Patagonia styles, supplier information, and estimated costs at this helpful link: Patagonia Product Sourcing Spreadsheet. This spreadsheet is an excellent starting point for identifying product codes and market prices before you proceed with your order.

Step 3: Placing Your Order via Loongbuy

Once you've copied the product link from 1688, navigate to the Loongbuy website. Their interface typically features a "Product Purchase" or "Submit Link" section. Here, you paste the 1688 URL. A crucial form will appear, requiring you to specify:

• Product Price (in Chinese Yuan, CNY).
• Quantity, Color, and Size variations.
• Any special instructions for the seller.

After submitting, Loongbuy's team will review the order and may contact you for confirmation. You then pay the product cost plus Loongbuy's service fee to their secure system. They subsequently purchase the item from the 1688 seller on your behalf.

Step 4: Warehousing and Quality Check

One of Loongbuy's standout services is their Quality Check (QC). When your Patagonia item arrives at their domestic warehouse, you can request detailed photos for a small fee. This allows you to verify the logo, stitching, materials, and overall condition before it ships internationally. You can also instruct them to measure dimensions

Step 5: International Shipping and Final Delivery