The sequence
Six steps between a photo and a parcel
Each step has a different owner and a different failure mode. Naming them makes the whole process less mysterious — and makes complaints land in the right place.
| Step | What happens | Who owns it | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Find the piece | Open the catalogue, choose a category and compare two or three listings. Save the product URL — not the album homepage. | You | As long as you need |
| 02 Brief the agent | Send link, size, colour, quantity and your maximum price in one message. Ask for stock confirmation before paying. | You + agent | 1 day |
| 03 Pay and wait for the warehouse | The agent buys domestically. Domestic delivery usually takes a few days; the warehouse then logs the item. | You + agent | 2–7 days |
| 04 Review QC photos | Compare the photos with the listing. Approve in writing, or reject with a specific reason and a requested remedy. | You + agent | 1–2 days |
| 05 Consolidate and ship | Combine items, choose a line that fits your deadline and declare a sensible value. Insurance is worth it on high-value parcels. | Agent + line | 1–3 days |
| 06 Track and document | Keep the tracking number, film the unboxing and report issues inside the claim window. | Agent + line | 1–5 weeks |
Cost anatomy
Four numbers, one landed cost
- Item price — what the seller charges.
- Domestic shipping — seller to warehouse.
- Agent fee — service and handling.
- International shipping — weight or volume, plus insurance.
Ask for a full breakdown before approving. A low item price with expensive shipping is a common pattern.
What can go wrong
Three failure points, and the fix
Stock
The listing is stale
Fix: ask for stock confirmation before payment and always provide a backup link.
QC
The item differs
Fix: compare angle by angle, reject in writing, and request a specific remedy.
Shipping
The parcel stalls
Fix: choose a line with tracking, insure high-value parcels and keep the invoice.
Process questions
Do I need an agent?
Most international buyers use one. The agent handles domestic payment, warehouse receipt, QC photos and forwarding. Without one, you need a seller who ships internationally directly.
How long does each step take?
Domestic delivery is usually a few days, warehouse processing one to three days, and international shipping one to five weeks depending on the line and destination.
What does QC actually cover?
Photos of the item in the warehouse. It is evidence, not authentication. You still decide whether shape, colour, stitching and measurements match the listing.
Can I combine multiple sellers?
Yes. Most agents accept links from several albums and consolidate them. Ask about free storage limits before you rely on it.
What if the item is wrong after shipping?
Report immediately with unboxing photos. Outcomes depend on the line insurance and the seller policy; the earlier you document, the better.
Start at step one
Pick a category, then a piece
The catalogue is the discovery layer. The guide is the rest of the sequence.