International soccer merchandise collectors have discovered an ingenious method to acquire authentic Chelsea Football Club jerseys at remarkably affordable prices. By leveraging Chinese purchasing platforms, fans can bypass traditional retail markups while ensuring product authenticity. This guide explores the strategic approach of using Orientdig, a specialized Chinese reverse purchasing platform, to order Chelsea jerseys directly from 1688.com - Alibaba's domestic wholesale marketplace.
Orientdig operates on a unique "reverse purchasing" principle that distinguishes it from conventional international shipping services. Unlike standard forwarders, reverse purchasing platforms like Orientdig actually handle the entire purchase process on your behalf. They provide you with a Chinese shipping address, place orders using local payment methods, consolidate multiple purchases, and handle international logistics. This model proves particularly advantageous for international shoppers seeking products exclusively available on Chinese domestic platforms like 1688.
1688.com hosts numerous authorized distributors and manufacturers who produce officially licensed Chelsea FC merchandise. The platform offers recent season kits, training wear, and occasional limited-edition items at wholesale pricing. Current popular selections include the 2023/24 home kit featuring the distinctive blue design with chrome accent details, the striking white away shirt, and the vibrant third kit in bold graphic patterns.
International buyers should note that product descriptions and size charts on 1688 typically use Chinese measurements, making careful review essential. Jersey sizes often run slightly smaller than Western equivalents, so consulting the detailed sizing guides provided by sellers is crucial for optimal fit.
Begin by browsing 1688.com for the desired Chelsea jersey. Use Chinese characters "切尔西球衣" (qiě ěr xī qiú yī) for most effective search results. For comprehensive product research, reference the curated spreadsheet available at https://finds.cheap/
Register for an Orientdig account, which will provide you with a unique Chinese shipping address and contact information. This address serves as the destination for your 1688 purchases before international forwarding.
Navigate 1688.com noticing that the interface is predominantly in Chinese. Modern browsers with translation extensions can mitigate language barriers effectively. Identify sellers with high transaction volumes and positive customer feedback to ensure authenticity.
Copy the product URL from 1688 and paste it into Orientdig's order form. Specify size, quantity, and any special instructions. Orientdig will calculate domestic shipping, service fees, and international forwarding costs before payment.
Complete payment through Orientdig's international payment system. The platform handles the transaction with the 1688 seller using local Chinese payment methods. You'll receive tracking information for both the domestic Chinese shipment and subsequent international delivery.
The financial advantage of this purchasing method becomes apparent when comparing prices. An authentic Chelsea home jersey that retails for approximately $90-110 in Western markets typically costs between ¥180-250 ($25-35) on 1688. Even after accounting for Orientdig's service fee (usually 5-8% of product value) and international shipping (typically $15-25 depending on destination and speed), the total cost generally remains 50-60% below retail pricing.
While 1688 hosts legitimate sellers, counterfeit products do exist on the platform. To ensure authenticity:
The complete process from order to delivery typically spans 10-21 days, divided into three phases:
Seasonal factors like Chinese holidays or international soccer tournaments may extend these timelines slightly.
The Orientdig-1688 purchasing combination represents a sophisticated approach to international soccer merchandise acquisition. While requiring more steps than conventional retail shopping, the substantial cost savings and access to authentic products make this method increasingly popular among knowledgeable Chelsea FC supporters. For current product availability and pricing, regularly consult the updated spreadsheet at https://finds.cheap/
This purchasing strategy not only delivers significant financial benefits but also provides access to Chelsea FC merchandise that may not be readily available in your local market, all while ensuring the authenticity that serious collectors demand.