Your first LitBuy haul: item prices and what comes on top

A first order through a shopping agent costs more than the item prices, and less than many people fear. Here is what things actually cost in the LitBuy Spreadsheet right now, and what a sensible first haul adds up to.

Typical LitBuy Spreadsheet prices per category

Computed from every find in the LitBuy Spreadsheet at the last update. A quarter of the items cost less than the lower quartile, half of them less than the median.

A sample LitBuy starter order

For a first haul, light items are the smart choice: they are cheap to ship, rarely have fit problems and teach you the process. Built from the typical prices above:

• 2 × T-shirt at about ¥120 each
• 1 × Shorts at about ¥138
• 1 × Cap at about ¥81

That is about ¥459 ($64.26) for the items and roughly 1.0 kg before packaging.

What LitBuy charges on top

• Seller shipping inside China: usually a few yuan per seller, sometimes free. Paid at checkout.
• Service fee: LitBuy advertises 0 % markup, while its registration agreement reserves 8 % on goods and shipping. Check the order summary.
• International shipping: by weight or volume, paid when the parcel is packed. See how to calculate it.
• Coupon: at the time of writing, new accounts get 40% off shipping on your first international parcel; current offers are on the coupon page.
• Import charges: depending on your country, duties, VAT and a handling fee from the courier.

Three rules for your first LitBuy haul

1. Keep it small. Two or three items show you how long each step takes for your country.
2. Skip shoes and puffers for now. They are the heaviest and bulkiest items, and sizing mistakes cost the most.
3. Budget for two payments: items first, shipping a week or two later.

Good places to start: T-shirts, accessories and pants & shorts.