Your first order is the one that teaches you everything. This usfans Spreadsheet Guide turns the whole process into twenty clear steps, so you can work through your first usfans Spreadsheet 2026 order from Taobao, 1688, Weidian or Pinduoduo without missing anything important.
For the principles behind these steps, read the ten rules in the usfans Spreadsheet playbook on our home page.
Part 1 — Preparation (steps 1–5)
1. Create your usfans account
Register with the agent and add your delivery address and phone number exactly as your local courier needs them. Small address errors are the most common reason parcels are delayed at the final stage.
2. Write down your measurements
Lay a tee, a hoodie and a pair of jeans you like flat and measure chest width, body length, waist and inseam in centimetres. Measure the insole of a pair of shoes that fits well. Keep these numbers on your phone.
3. Set a budget for both payments
You pay twice: once for items and domestic shipping, and later for international shipping. Decide a rough limit for each before you start shortlisting.
4. Choose one anchor item
Pick the single product you want most. It might be a jacket, a hoodie or a pair of sneakers. The rest of the order will be built around it.
5. Browse the right category
Open the matching category in the sheet and compare similar products side by side. The categories guide explains the columns and which marketplace suits each category.
Part 2 — Choosing and ordering (steps 6–11)
6. Check the platform label
Taobao, 1688, Weidian and Pinduoduo each need slightly different checks. A Taobao shop has long feedback; a 1688 listing may have a minimum quantity; a Weidian shop may produce in batches; a Pinduoduo listing may vary in quality.
7. Compare the size chart with your numbers
Ignore the size letter. If your measurements fall between two sizes on a cotton garment, choose the larger one to allow for shrinkage.
8. Look at real photos
Scroll past model shots to buyer photos and detail images. They show true colour and fabric texture.
9. Add basics and extras
Add two or three lighter items — tees, jeans, a cap, sunglasses — to make the parcel worthwhile. Light items add little to shipping.
10. Paste each link and confirm the variant
In usfans, check colour name, size and thumbnail against the row before paying. Add a remark if you want something measured or checked.
11. Pay for items and domestic shipping
Pay through the agent only. Never send money directly to a seller, whatever discount they offer. The links safety guide explains why.
Part 3 — Warehouse (steps 12–15)
12. Track warehouse arrival
Taobao and Pinduoduo items usually arrive within a few days. Weidian made-to-order pieces and 1688 factory orders can take longer.
13. Study the QC photos
Check that each item is correct, the colour matches the listing, the stitching is clean and the size label is right. Ask for extra photos if anything is unclear.
14. Request exchanges immediately
If something is wrong, ask for a return or exchange before shipping. This is the cheapest moment to fix a problem.
15. Wait for the whole order
Do not ship the first item alone. Let everything arrive and pass QC.
Part 4 — Shipping and delivery (steps 16–20)
16. Remove unnecessary packaging
Ask the warehouse to remove shoe boxes, hangers and bulky retail packaging you do not need. This lowers volumetric weight.
17. Compare shipping lines on total price
Look at the full quote for your parcel, delivery time, tax handling and any item restrictions. The cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest total.
18. Pay international shipping and note tracking
Save the tracking number and check it occasionally. Pauses between export and arrival scans are normal.
19. Inspect everything on arrival
Compare each item with its QC photos and keep your order records until you are satisfied.
20. Record what you learned
Note which sellers matched their photos and sizing. Your next order will be faster and more confident. For washing and care, see the unboxing and care guide.
How long the whole process takes
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Choosing and ordering | An evening or two |
| Seller to warehouse | 2–7 days (longer for made-to-order) |
| QC and consolidation | 1–3 days after the last arrival |
| International transit | 1–4 weeks depending on line |
Allow around a month from first click to delivery for an economy line. If you need items for a specific date, choose a faster line or start earlier.
Mistakes this checklist prevents
Almost every disappointing first order can be traced to a skipped step. Skipping step 2 leads to clothes that do not fit. Skipping step 10 leads to the wrong colour arriving. Skipping step 13 means defects are only discovered at home, when they are expensive to fix. Skipping step 15 means paying for two parcels instead of one. Working through the list in order is slower the first time, but it removes almost all of the risk.
After your first order
Once you have completed these twenty steps once, most of them become automatic. Your measurements are saved, you know how QC photos look, and you have a short list of sellers you trust. From there, explore the finds by price guide to stretch your budget further.