OrientDig fees explained
"Free agent" is an appealing headline, but every shopping agent has a real total cost made up of several parts. The good news with OrientDig is that the biggest line item other agents charge - a purchasing commission - is waived on mainstream platforms. Here is a clear breakdown of what you actually pay.
1. The item price
This is what the Chinese seller charges on Taobao, Weidian or 1688, and it is usually the largest part of your bill. It often already includes cheap domestic shipping to OrientDig's warehouse.
2. Agent service - free on mainstream platforms
OrientDig offers free proxy buying with no handling fee on mainstream platforms. That means no percentage commission on top of the item price for standard Taobao, Weidian and 1688 orders - the main reason buyers pick a free agent over a fee-based one.
3. Customs declaration charge
OrientDig applies a customs declaration charge of roughly $1.18 per order. It is small, but include it in your mental maths - especially if you split purchases into several parcels rather than consolidating.
4. International shipping
This is the variable that moves the most. The final figure depends on the parcel's weight and volume, your destination country, and the shipping line you pick at checkout. Faster couriers cost more; slower economy lines cost less. Because rates change, always check the live quote in your account rather than assuming a fixed price.
5. Storage - free, then a small renewal
Storage is free for 90 days, then renewable at 10 RMB per 30 days. Submitted packages that have not yet paid shipping get 30 days free. This low renewal cost is part of what makes OrientDig comfortable for consolidating orders over time.
6. Import duties and taxes
Whatever your own country charges on imported goods is separate from OrientDig and paid to your local customs or courier, not the agent. Rules differ widely by country and parcel value, so look up your local thresholds.
Putting it together
A realistic budget looks like: item price + international shipping + ~$1.18 customs declaration + any local duties, with storage free unless you keep items past 90 days. To source products and compare options, start on W2Cspreadsheet, explore categories, or run a search. Fees and extra services can change, so confirm the current details on the official site before paying.