For sneaker enthusiasts outside of China, acquiring limited-edition drops like the Adidas D.O.N. Issue can be challenging. However, platforms like Taobao often carry these exclusive items at competitive prices. Since Taobao primarily serves the Chinese market, international buyers frequently rely on third-party forwarders like Mulebuy—a reputable China-based package forwarding service—to simplify cross-border purchases. This guide will walk you through the process of purchasing the Adidas D.O.N. Issue basketball shoesthis crowdsourced deals spreadsheet
Taobao sellers rarely ship directly overseas, and navigating the platform in Mandarin can be daunting. Mulebuy bridges this gap by providing:
Forwarding fees typically range from $2-$5 per package, with additional charges based on weight and destination. For cost-sensitive shoppers, the Finds.Cheap spreadsheet
Search “Adidas D.O.N. Issue” (adidas DON米切尔) using Taobao’s search bar. Filter by sales volume or seller ratings (look for “皇冠” crowned stores).
Review product descriptions for terms like “正品” (genuine) or “官方授权” (official授权). Cross-reference prices via the Finds.Cheap database
Enter Mulebuy’s assigned warehouse address during checkout. Their Guangzhou facility is fastest for exports. Note: Pay via Alipay or link an international credit card.
Once the shoes arrive at Mulebuy’s hub, select a carrier (DHL, EMS, etc.). Declare a lower customs value if applicable. Expect 7-15 days for delivery.
Assume the Adidas D.O.N. Issue costs ¥500 (≈$70) on Taobao:
Fee Type | Cost (USD) |
---|---|
Shoe Price | $70 |
Domestic Shipping (Taobao → Mulebuy) | Free (often waived) |
Mulebuy Handling Fee | $3 |
Int’l Shipping (2kg; US-bound) | $25 |
Total | ~$98 |
Compared to resellers charging $150+, potential savings exceed 35%. Urban colorways like the “Purple Grape” or Phantom Black are frequently listed in the Finds.Cheat sheet
With growing interest in Donovan Mitchell’s signature line, leveraging Mulebuy’s infrastructure grants access to better inventory while minimizing language barriers or shipping restrictions. Pair this method with deal trackers like the linked spreadsheet
Competing forwarders including Superbuy or Wegobuy exist but comparably lack Mulebuy’s integrated inspection photos