New to hipobuy? This hipobuy beginner guide is designed for first-time international buyers who have never used a spreadsheet-based shopping agent before. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to make your first purchase confidently.
What You Need Before Starting
Payment Method
PayPal (recommended for buyer protection), Wise, or cryptocurrency. Most sellers accept at least one of these.
Agent Account
Register on the hipobuy platform. You will need an email address and a shipping address.
Sizing Knowledge
Know your measurements in centimeters. Do not rely on size labels — Asian sizing differs significantly.
Patience
The process takes 2-4 weeks total. Rush orders lead to mistakes and extra fees.
Step 1: Understanding the Spreadsheet
The hipobuy spreadsheet is your product catalog. It is typically a shared Google Sheet or Excel file with rows of products and columns of details. Here is what each column means:
- Product Name: The item description, often with batch codes like "PK Batch" or "LJR Batch".
- Price: Wholesale price in USD. This does not include agent fees or shipping.
- Sizes: Available sizes. May be in US, UK, EU, or CM formats.
- Seller Contact: WhatsApp number, WeChat ID, or direct store link.
- QC Photos: Links to quality control albums from previous buyers.
Step 2: Finding Your First Product
For your first purchase, choose a low-risk item in the $30-60 range. Shoes from budget batches or simple t-shirts are ideal starting points. Browse the best hipobuy finds page for beginner-friendly recommendations.
Once you find an item, copy the seller's contact information from the spreadsheet. Message them with the product name, size, and color you want. They will confirm stock availability and provide payment instructions.
Step 3: Payment & Order Placement
Payment Safety Tips
- • Always use PayPal Goods & Services for your first few orders.
- • Never send "Friends & Family" payments to unverified sellers.
- • Keep screenshots of all conversations and payment confirmations.
- • Confirm the seller's WhatsApp/WeChat matches the spreadsheet exactly.
Step 4: Warehouse & QC
After payment, the seller ships your item to the hipobuy warehouse. This domestic shipping takes 2-5 days. Once arrived, the warehouse staff photographs your item from multiple angles.
You will receive a notification when QC photos are ready. This is your most important decision point. Review every photo carefully. If anything looks wrong, request an exchange immediately. Our QC guide explains exactly what to check.
Step 5: International Shipping
Once you approve your QC photos, choose a shipping line. For beginners, we recommend EMS or DHL Express depending on your budget. See our shipping comparison for details.
Enter your address, declare the package value (keep it under $130 for safety), and pay the shipping fee. Your package is now on its way.
Step 6: Tracking & Delivery
Use the tracking number on 17track.net to monitor your package. Most deliveries take 10-20 days depending on the line and your country. When it arrives, inspect the package before the delivery driver leaves (if possible).
Timeline: First Purchase Overview
Conclusion
Your first hipobuy purchase may feel overwhelming, but follow this guide step-by-step and you will join thousands of successful international buyers. For ongoing tips, return to the hipobuy spreadsheet home.