A plain-language explanation of every step in the spreadsheet shopping process — from finding a litbuy spreadsheet to tracking your parcel across the world.
Spreadsheet shopping sounds intimidating until you understand how each piece fits together. In reality, the process involves five clear participants: you (the buyer), a curated spreadsheet, a Chinese marketplace seller, a shopping agent, and an international shipping carrier. Once you understand how these five elements interact, placing an order becomes second nature.
The 5 Participants in Every Spreadsheet Order
- 1You (the buyer): Browses the spreadsheet, selects items, reviews QC photos, and approves shipment.
- 2The spreadsheet: A curated document linking you directly to vetted, in-stock items with verified prices and sizing notes.
- 3The Chinese seller: A Taobao or Weidian seller who manufactures or stocks the item and ships to the agent warehouse.
- 4The shopping agent: Your licensed intermediary. They buy on your behalf, warehouse the item, photograph it for QC, and ship it internationally.
- 5The shipping carrier: Companies like DHL, GD-EMS, or FedEx who transport your parcel from the agent warehouse to your home address.
Step-by-Step: A Litbuy Spreadsheet Order in Detail
| Step | Who Acts | Typical Timeline | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Discover item on spreadsheet | You | 5–15 minutes | Is link fresh? Is seller rated above 4.7? |
| 2. Submit link to agent | You + Agent system | Instant | Correct size and color selected? |
| 3. Agent purchases from seller | Agent | 1–3 days | Agent confirms price match |
| 4. Item arrives at warehouse | Agent | 2–5 days | Agent photographs item |
| 5. QC photo review | You | 1–2 days | Approve or return? |
| 6. Agent packs parcel | Agent | 1–2 days | Remove packaging? Insurance? |
| 7. International shipment | Carrier | 7–25 days | Tracking confirmed? |
| 8. Customs clearance | Carrier + Customs | 1–5 days | Smooth pass or duty charge? |
| 9. Final delivery | Last-mile carrier | 1–3 days | Receive, inspect, leave feedback |
What Happens Inside an Agent Warehouse
Most buyers never think about what actually happens after they submit a product link. The agent's purchasing team places an order with the Chinese seller using their verified marketplace accounts. The item ships to the agent's bonded warehouse — typically in Guangzhou or Yiwu — in 1–4 days. Upon arrival, warehouse staff photograph the item against a neutral background using standardised lighting. These photos are uploaded to your account dashboard, where you have 7–30 days to review before a storage fee kicks in.
How International Shipping Actually Works
Once you approve QC and select a shipping line, the agent repacks your items for international transit. The parcel is handed to the chosen carrier, which scans a departure scan at the origin airport. You will see 'In Transit' on tracking for several days as the parcel moves through air freight hubs. After clearing destination customs, a local last-mile carrier (USPS, Royal Mail, DHL Express, etc.) delivers to your door. Most buyers track via 17track.net, which aggregates all carrier data into one interface.
Customs: What You Need to Know
| Country | Duty-Free Threshold | Most Common Outcome | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Under $800 | Clears without duty (95%) | Low |
| UK | Under £135 | VAT may apply (20%) | Medium |
| EU (Germany) | Under €150 | VAT + duties possible | Medium |
| Australia | Under AUD $1,000 | Clears without duty (90%) | Low |
| Canada | Under CAD $20 | Duty applies above threshold | High |
Ready to Start Shopping?
Jump to the main spreadsheet hub and browse live collections with verified QC photos.