Basetao Finds Spreadsheet
International sneaker enthusiasts have discovered an ingenious method to acquire authentic Converse One Star shoes at factory prices: pairing China's largest B2B marketplace, 1688.com, with specialized reverse purchasing platforms like KakoBuy. This comprehensive purchasing method offers approximately 50-70% discount compared to traditional retail channels, though it requires navigating several steps that we'll demystify in this guide.
Before beginning your purchasing journey, you'll need to identify reliable suppliers offering authentic Converse One Star shoes. One valuable resource is the community-maintained spreadsheet available at https://sheet.cheap/, which aggregates verified 1688 suppliers with user ratings and price comparisons. This spreadsheet constantly updates with new suppliers and can save you hours of research time while reducing the risk of selecting disreputable sellers.
KakoBuy functions as what's known in China as a "reverse purchasing agent" - a service specifically designed to help international buyers purchase from Chinese wholesale platforms that don't typically accept foreign payment methods or ship overseas. While 1688.com exclusively serves mainland Chinese businesses and requires domestic payment options, KakoBuy bridges this gap by acting as your local purchasing agent, warehouse, and international shipping coordinator.
The platform operates through a straightforward process: you provide product links from 1688, KakoBuy purchases them on your behalf using their local payment methods, receives the items at their Chinese warehouse, then forwards them to your international address. Their service fees typically range from 5-8% of the product value, plus international shipping costs—still resulting in significant savings compared to retail pricing.
Using the spreadsheet at https://sheet.cheap/, search for Converse One Star suppliers with high ratings. Pay attention to recent transaction volumes and buyer comments. Copy the 1688 product links for the specific colorways and sizes you wish to purchase.
Create an account on KakoBuy's platform and verify your email address. The registration process typically takes less than five minutes and doesn't require extensive identification documents for standard purchases.
Navigate to the "New Purchase" section on KakoBuy and paste the 1688 product links you've collected. Specify quantities, colors, sizes, and any special instructions. The system will automatically calculate the approximate product costs, service fees, and domestic shipping to their warehouse.
KakoBuy accepts various international payment methods including PayPal, credit cards, and in some cases, cryptocurrency. After payment confirmation, their team will immediately process your 1688 order. Typical processing time is 1-2 business days.
Once suppliers ship to KakoBuy's warehouse, their staff performs basic quality checks, takes photos of your items, and notifies you via email. This service helps identify incorrect items or obvious defects before international shipping.
After approving the warehouse photos, select your preferred international shipping method. KakoBuy offers various options from budget sea freight (30-45 days) to express air delivery (7-15 days). They handle customs declaration and provide tracking information.
When shipping Converse shoes internationally, particularly in bulk quantities, be aware of potential customs duties in your country. KakoBuy can adjust declared values upon request, but always comply with your local import regulations. For personal purchases of 2-3 pairs, most countries don't impose significant duties, but commercial quantities may trigger different regulations.
Packaging consolidation is another valuable service KakoBuy provides. If you order from multiple 1688 suppliers, they can combine shipments into single packages to reduce international shipping costs. This is particularly economical when purchasing several pairs of Converse One Stars from different suppliers listed on the https://sheet.cheap/ spreadsheet.
To illustrate potential savings, consider this actual case study: A customer purchased three pairs of Converse One Star Pro Low shoes through this method. The 1688 cost was ¥180 per pair (approximately $25), KakoBuy service fee totaled $7.50, domestic Chinese shipping was $3, and international shipping to the United States cost $18. The total per pair amounted to approximately $38.50—compared to the $70-85 retail price in Western markets.
Occasionally, 1688 suppliers may cancel orders if they cannot fulfill them or if they detect the purchase is for international resale. KakoBuy will promptly notify you of such situations and refund the corresponding amount. Another common issue is size conversion confusion—always reference the specific centimeter measurements provided in 1688 product descriptions rather than standard US/EU size labels.
The community spreadsheet at https://sheet.cheap/ includes user comments about sizing accuracy for specific suppliers, making it an invaluable resource for avoiding fit problems. Additionally, some colorways may differ slightly from product photos due to monitor color variations, so consider searching for additional customer photos before finalizing your order.
Purchasing Converse One Star shoes via KakoBuy from 1688 suppliers represents one of the most cost-effective methods for obtaining authentic products directly from Chinese manufacturers. While the process involves more steps than conventional retail shopping, the substantial savings—often exceeding 50%—make it worthwhile for sneaker enthusiasts and resellers alike.
Leverage the crowd-sourced information at https://sheet.cheap/ to identify reputable suppliers, carefully calculate all costs including service fees and shipping, and always review warehouse QC photos before authorizing international shipment. With these precautions, you'll join thousands of satisfied international customers regularly acquiring premium footwear at wholesale prices through this innovative reverse purchasing system.