Before you start
Type hipobuy.com into your browser rather than following links, and use a strong unique password; one recent Trustpilot complaint describes being locked out after a large order. Decide on a payment method that allows disputes.
The eight steps in detail
- Register. Create an account; set currency and language.
- Paste a link. Use a plain Taobao, Weidian or 1688 product link, or a Hipobuy link from a sheet. See link formats.
- Choose options. Pick size and colour carefully; add a note if you need a specific variant.
- Pay. Orders left unpaid for 72 hours cancel automatically.
- Wait for arrival. The status goes Pending → Ordered → Shipped (Local) → Arrived. Sellers normally take 3 to 5 days to reach the warehouse.
- Check QC. When the item is Stored, review the inspection result. You have 120 hours to request a return.
- Build a parcel. Combine stored items. Use Rehearsal Parcel to see the packed weight.
- Ship. Choose a line, pay shipping, and follow the tracking number.
Statuses you will see
| Status | Meaning | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Pending Payment | Order created | Pay within 72 hours |
| Outstanding Payment | Price or domestic shipping higher than paid | Pay the difference |
| Ordered | Agent bought it | Wait |
| Stored | In warehouse, 90 days free | Check QC |
| Waiting for Confirmation | Parcel heavier than estimated | Pay extra shipping |
Paying
Hipobuy's help centre has pages for Payment Methods and International Credit Card. German searches ask about PayPal specifically. Whatever you use, keep your balance close to what the order needs; refunds return to the Hipobuy balance first.
Common first-order mistakes
- Choosing a Chinese size without checking centimetres.
- Missing the 5-day return window.
- Shipping items one by one instead of together.
- Picking the cheapest line without checking whether taxes are included.
What it costs
Item price, domestic delivery, international shipping and about ¥10 declaration per parcel; no agent service fee according to Hipobuy. Add EU VAT and €3 per tariff category. Estimate it with the calculator and read the shipping guide.
Need a hand?
If any step is unclear, our WhatsApp service can place the order for you or answer questions. For background on trust, read the Hipobuy review.
Writing order notes that work
Notes are read by warehouse and purchasing staff who handle many orders. Keep them short and specific: 'Size L, black, no logo variant' rather than a paragraph. If you need the agent to check something before buying, such as stock of a specific colour, say so in the first line.
Exchanges versus returns
If an item arrives in the wrong size, ask whether the seller will exchange it. An exchange still costs shipping both ways within China, but avoids buying again. Hipobuy can only process returns and exchanges with the seller's agreement, and requests must come within the 5-day window after warehousing.
When a seller cancels
Sometimes a seller is out of stock and the order is cancelled. The refund goes to your Hipobuy balance. Use it on the next order or request a withdrawal; do not let it sit for months. One recent Trustpilot complaint concerned a refund after cancellation that took a long time, so follow up promptly if a refund does not appear.
Building the parcel
Wait until everything you want is stored, then create one parcel. Check the item list carefully, choose whether to keep boxes, and use Rehearsal Parcel to see the packed weight. Select the line after you see the weight, not before. If the parcel is heavier than estimated, it moves to 'Waiting for Confirmation' and you pay the difference.
After delivery
Open the parcel soon after it arrives and check every item. If anything is damaged, photograph the box and contents immediately; Hipobuy's insurance requires claims within 7 days of delivery. Then update your own list with sizes and notes for next time.
A sample first order
A sensible first order is one hoodie and one T-shirt from sellers with plenty of reviews, about €40 in goods. Expect the items to reach the warehouse within a week, inspection photos a day or two later, and a parcel of around 1 kg. On a tax-included line to Germany or France, the whole order often lands between €60 and €75. It is small enough to risk little and complete enough to show you every step.
Using the Hipobuy app
Hipobuy has an app as well as the website; searches like 'hipobuy app' and 'hipobuy download' show interest in it. The steps are the same. Download it only from the official app store or the link on hipobuy.com, and log in with the same account. The website is easier for comparing size charts; the app is handy for checking statuses and QC photos on the go.
Keeping your account secure
Use a unique password and keep your email account secure, since password resets go there. Log out on shared devices. If you cannot log in, use the reset option rather than repeated attempts, and contact online service with your order numbers if the reset fails.
Once the first parcel arrives safely, you will find the second order takes a fraction of the time.
Questions people ask
Can I pay Hipobuy with PayPal?
Hipobuy lists its payment methods in its help centre under Payment Methods and International Credit Card; check there for PayPal availability in your country.
How long until an order is purchased?
Paid orders queue for an agent and are usually bought quickly; the status changes to 'Ordered'.
What happens if the price changes?
The order moves to 'Outstanding Payment' and you pay the difference before purchase continues.
Can I order from Hipobuy without an account?
No. If you prefer not to open one, our WhatsApp service can order for you.
How long does a Hipobuy order take in total?
Usually two to four weeks from paying for the goods to delivery in the EU, depending on seller speed and line.