Shipping Timeline Explained: From Spreadsheet to Your Door
Understand how agent shopping works from order to delivery, and what timelines to expect at each stage.
Fishgoo Spreadsheet Team
Shopping Agent Experts
The Agent Shopping Flow
Shopping through an agent like Fishgoo involves more steps than a normal online purchase, but the process is straightforward once you understand it. First, you browse our spreadsheet and pick an item. Second, you copy the product link and submit it to the agent. Third, the agent buys the item from the seller and has it shipped to their warehouse. Fourth, the agent inspects the item, takes photos, and waits for your approval. Fifth, once you approve, they pack and ship internationally to your address.
Each step adds time, but it also adds a layer of protection. The inspection step is especially valuable because it lets you catch defects before the item leaves China. Our Fishgoo Finds are designed to reduce issues at the selection stage, but the agent inspection is your final safety net.
Communication speed varies by agent. Some agents respond to questions within hours, while others take a day or two. Our Fishgoo Spreadsheet does not control agent speed, but we recommend choosing agents with fast response times if you are ordering time-sensitive items. We also suggest submitting orders during Chinese business hours for faster processing.
Typical Shipping Timeline
Step 1
Order Submitted
Agent receives your link and places the seller order.
Step 2
Domestic Delivery
Seller ships to agent warehouse, usually 2-5 days.
Step 3
QC Inspection
Agent photographs and checks the item, 1-3 days.
Step 4
International Ship
Agent packs and ships to your address, 5-45 days.
Step 5
Customs & Delivery
Clear customs and local delivery to your door.
Typical Timelines by Stage
Domestic shipping within China usually takes two to five days depending on the seller location and the agent warehouse location. Agent inspection adds one to three days. International shipping varies widely based on the method you choose. Budget lines like postal service can take two to six weeks. Express courier services usually deliver in five to ten days. Sea freight is the slowest at four to eight weeks but costs the least for large orders.
Our Fishgoo Spreadsheet does not control shipping speed, but we do note seller location when relevant. Sellers based closer to major agent warehouses can sometimes deliver faster. We also recommend consolidating orders to reduce per-item shipping costs and choosing express for time-sensitive purchases.
Delays are most common during Chinese holidays. Chinese New Year shuts down logistics for up to two weeks. Golden Week in October causes slower processing. Singles Day in November creates a backlog that lasts through early December. Our seasonal timeline notes alert you to these blackout periods so you can plan your orders accordingly.
Shipping Methods
Express
5-10 days, highest cost, full tracking, reliable
Postal
15-30 days, low cost, limited tracking, variable
Sea Freight
30-60 days, lowest cost, slow tracking, bulk only
Tracking and Customs
Most agents provide tracking numbers once the international shipment is booked. However, tracking accuracy depends on the shipping line. Express couriers offer real-time updates. Postal services update less frequently and sometimes stop updating once the package leaves China. Our Fishgoo Finds include a shipping reliability note for popular lines based on community reports.
Customs clearance is the wildcard in international shipping. Most agent shipments are declared at low values to reduce duty, but customs officials in your country can still inspect and assess charges. We recommend researching your local import threshold so you are not surprised by a duty bill. Our shipping guide includes general thresholds for major countries, but laws change so verify locally.
