How to Avoid Scams When Shopping Through Agents

Scams in the replica space usually follow predictable patterns. A seller with no transaction history, prices 50% below market rate, and stock photos stolen from Instagram are classic warning signs. On Weidian, check the seller's rating and transaction count. A rating below 4.5 with fewer than 100 transactions is risky. On Taobao, look for the crown or diamond seller badges — these indicate years of history. The KakoBuy Spreadsheet only links to sellers that have passed basic vetting, but sellers can change behavior overnight. Always check recent reviews before ordering.

If an item never arrives at the agent warehouse, open a dispute through the agent's order page. Agents have purchase protection windows — usually 7-15 days after the expected delivery date. The agent will contact the seller in Chinese and push for a refund or reshipment. If the seller refuses, the agent can escalate to the marketplace platform (Weidian or Taobao) for mediation. Document everything: screenshots of the listing, order confirmation, and tracking if available. The more evidence you provide, the faster the resolution.