As an avid runner, I have always been particular about my running shoes. After hearing numerous positive reviews about the Brooks Ghost series, I decided to purchase a pair. However, since I am based outside of China and Brooks Ghost is prominently sold on Tmall in China, I needed a reliable platform to facilitate my purchase. That’s when I discovered Hoobuy, a Chinese reverse purchasing and forwarding service that helps international buyers shop from Chinese e-commerce sites like Tmall and Taobao. In this article, I’ll share my detailed experience of using Hoobuy to buy Brooks Ghost running shoes from Tmall, along with insights from an informative product comparison spreadsheet available here.
Why Brooks Ghost?
The Brooks Ghost series has a solid reputation among runners for its cushioning, comfort, and durability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced marathoner, the Ghost offers a balanced ride and excellent support. I specifically wanted to purchase from Tmall because it often offers exclusive colorways and promotions that are not available elsewhere. Since I couldn’t access Tmall directly from my location, Hoobuy came in as an essential intermediary.
What is Hoobuy and How Does It Work?
Hoobuy is a popular reverse purchasing (or “daigou”) service targeted at international customers who want to buy products from Chinese online stores. The process is straightforward: you browse Tmall or Taobao, copy the product link, and paste it into Hoobuy’s order form. They will then purchase the item on your behalf, receive it at their warehouse in China, and forward it to your international address. Additional services include quality inspection, package consolidation, and even photo verification before shipment.
During my research, I compared various daigou agents, and Hoobuy stood out because of its competitive shipping rates and responsive customer support. Signing up was easy, and their website offered a clear fee structure.
The Step-by-Step Buying Process
In my case, I found the exact Brooks Ghost model on Tmall and checked its seller ratings and customer reviews—standard procedure to avoid counterfeits. Once confident, I submitted the product URL along with my specifications (size, color) via Hoobuy's order page. The process was smooth, and within a few hours, I received an order confirmation. Hoobuy even sent me a message to clarify some details regarding sizing, which I appreciated.
A key tool that helped me was this comprehensive spreadsheet I stumbled upon at https://spreadsheet.help/. It provided side-by-side comparisons of various running shoes, including Brooks Ghost, with metrics like cushioning level, weight, and user ratings. I highly recommend anyone considering a purchase to check this resource for detailed product data and real user feedback.
Disclaimer: Availability of product comparisons may vary, and it’s always wise to cross-reference information from multiple sources.
Payment, Shipping, and Delivery
Submitting payment on Hoobuy was secure; they accept major international credit cards and PayPal. The total cost included the product price, a small service fee, and international shipping. Hoobuy consolidated my order with another small item I had purchased, which helped save on shipping costs—they offer this option if you shop multiple items. After a few days, they sent photos of the inspected Brooks Ghost shoes, confirming their condition before shipping. The package arrived via DHL in about 10 days, well within the estimated timeframe. The shoes were authentic and exactly as described on Tmall.
Final Thoughts
Using Hoobuy to buy Brooks Ghost from Tmall was a successful and pleasant experience. From placing the order to receiving the package, everything went smoothly, and I felt confident throughout the process. Price-wise, including all fees and shipping, it was still cheaper than buying locally from a specialized retailer. Platforms like Hoobuy open up Chinese e-commerce to a global audience, offering opportunities to access products not available elsewhere.
If you are considering buying from Tmall, I strongly advise using Hoobuy or a similar trusted agent. And, don’t forget to check out the helpful spreadsheet linked here
Happy shopping and running!