Cross-border shopping is exciting, but sometimes it doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. You might copy a Taobao or 1688 link, paste it into Sugargoo, and… nothing happens. The link doesn’t load, or the system can’t recognize the product.
That’s where DIY Order comes in. It’s Sugargoo’s manual order feature—your safety net when automatic search doesn’t work. Instead of giving up on the item, you can simply fill out a form and let Sugargoo’s buying team handle the rest.
If you’re new to this kind of shopping, start with What Is a Taobao Agent? or explore What is Sugargoo?. Both explain how agents help global buyers access Chinese marketplaces.
What Is DIY Order?
DIY Order is short for “Do-It-Yourself Order.” It allows you to manually submit product details when a link isn’t recognized or when the item comes from a less common platform such as Xiaohongshu or Xianyu.
Think of it as a backup solution: even if a product can’t be fetched automatically, you still have a way to place the order through Sugargoo.
When Should You Use DIY Order?
There are several scenarios where DIY Order is the best choice:
- Invalid or short links – For example, some Taobao or 1688 short URLs.
- Unsupported platforms – Items from third-party platforms that Sugargoo doesn’t parse automatically.
- Special verification needs – When you want Sugargoo’s buying team to double-check product authenticity or stock.
- Detailed instructions – If you want to provide extra notes, pictures, or specifications upfront.
Not sure which platform is best for your item? Check Taobao vs JD vs 1688: Which One Should You Use? for a comparison.
How to Fill in a DIY Order
Step 1: Enter Product Information
Fill in the basics:
- Goods link (if you have one)
- Product name
- Store name
- Remarks (style, size, color, or any other details)
- Upload product images if available.
Step 2: Add Pricing and Local Shipping Fee
Next, you’ll need to provide:
- Unit price (as listed by the seller or the agreed price)
- Purchase quantity
- Local shipping fee (the cost from the seller to Sugargoo’s warehouse)
If you’re unsure of the domestic fee, just mention it in the remarks. Sugargoo’s team will confirm it for you.
Step 3: Review Restrictions and Submit
Before you finalize, keep in mind Sugargoo’s shipping restrictions:
- Ordinary goods are usually fine.
- Sensitive items (like batteries or liquids) carry some risk.
- Overweight or oversized cargo may require special routes.
- Prohibited items (such as weapons or chemicals) cannot be shipped.
Once everything is ready, click Agent Buy to submit.
👉 For a full breakdown of the ordering process, see How Does Ordering from Sugargoo Work.
FAQ: Common Issues with DIY Orders
- Do I have to know the exact domestic shipping fee? Not always—leave a note, and Sugargoo will confirm.
- What if I don’t know the product’s official name? Upload a clear image, and the team can identify it.
- Can DIY Order handle sensitive products? Some yes, some no—it depends on logistics rules.
- How long will Sugargoo store the item? Up to 100 days in the warehouse. Learn more in How long does Sugargoo keep items in the warehouse?.
Why Use DIY Order Instead of Giving Up?
DIY Order keeps your shopping flexible. Instead of being limited to what the system can fetch automatically, you can:
- Source items from any platform
- Provide extra details for accuracy
- Rely on Sugargoo’s quality check service before shipping
- Enjoy the same protections as regular orders (refunds, compensation, Insurance)
It’s not just a backup—it’s a powerful tool for serious shoppers and small businesses.
What Happens After You Submit a DIY Order?
Your item will still follow the same process as any regular order:
- Seller ships to Sugargoo’s warehouse.
- Sugargoo inspects the product (see Add-on Services Guide to Safer, Smarter Shipping).
- You decide how to consolidate packages.
- You choose your international shipping route.
- Pay the second installment for delivery.
If you want to plan ahead, use Sugargoo’s shipping calculator to estimate costs.
DIY Order as Your Safety Net
DIY Order ensures that even when a product link fails, your shopping journey doesn’t have to stop. By giving you a manual way to submit product details, Sugargoo guarantees flexibility and reliability for global buyers.
With features like real-time exchange rates, clear refund policies, and international routes from China to Spain, Australia, UK, Canada and Netherlands, DIY Order is just one part of a bigger system designed to make buying from China stress-free.
So next time a product link doesn’t work—don’t panic. Just switch to DIY Order and let Sugargoo handle the rest.