Before you order something for the first time from China, you might have a couple of questions and want to consider a few things. We collected the most frequently asked questions and answered them for you.

By the way: Details on searching and using PandaCheck, on ordering and paying in Chinese shops, as well as on taxes and customs regulations can be found in the other parts of our FAQ!

Delivery: How long does it take? Is express shipping worth its price?

The delivery time depends on two factors: the shipping point and the mode of dispatch. If shipped from China, deliveries sent via express shipping usually arrive within a week. But usually you choose the inexpensive and most often even free of charge standard shipping. Pricewise a real deal but it takes some patience. Generally, packages arrive within three weeks if standard shipping is used. Some online shops score with their European warehouses (most of the time they’re located in the UK). If you use warehouses located on your own continent, your package will naturally arrive faster. Depending on the mode of dispatch the package arrives within 3 to 5 days or within two weeks.

Our tip: delivery times are never guaranteed. If you have the time, take the slower but inexpensive standard shipping.

Packaging: How are the items packed?

Merchants are very careful with their packages and the safety of their products. Gadgets are usually protected twice - wrapped in bubble-wrap and packaged in a bubble-wrap envelope. If something could possibly break, it is our experience that it is very well protected in its package. Clothing isn’t wrapped twice but it is carefully packed and usually survives the long journey without a scratch. Sometimes the original package will not be included in the parcel so that room can be saved. Keep that in mind if you want to use something of your order as a present.

Our tip: Keep calm and carry on shopping. Our experience is that 99% of all packages arrive safely.

Packstation: Yes or no?

Theoretically you can have your package delivered to a Packstation but we don’t recommend that. Gadgets are usually packaged in bubble wrap and parcels with bubble wrap sometimes will be rejected at Packstations. Furthermore, customs might have questions about the declaration of your package and keep the parcel at the customs office. If the Packstation is the only address, deliverer and customs might not be able to contact you.

Our tip: don’t use a Packstation and stick to your private address.

Return policy: How does the return shipping to China work?

If you receive a broken or wrong item, you have to send some information to the merchant before he give you the go-ahead to send something back to him. Most of the time they need pictures of the package and the item. If something was delivered mistakenly or faulty, they usually refund you for the item as well as the return shipping fee as soon as they receive the package in China. But if you simply don’t like an item, you will only receive a refund for the item but not for the return shipping. You usually have a few weeks to return an electronic item but the return period for garments is usually much shorter. Check out the individual shop description on our website to find more detailed information on the return policy of each shop.

In any case: Pay with PayPal because you can open a case and demand a refund on PayPal within 180 days of payment. This is especially helpful in the rare case of a stubborn merchant.

Our tip: The returning of items is a bit more difficult than with orders in your own country. But PayPal can always help you retrieve your money.

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Do you have any questions? We'll gladly add to our FAQ - just write us a message: kristian@pandacheck.com.