How to Buy & Ship from Xianyu (Idle Fish) 闲鱼

Learn how to buy from Xianyu, China’s #1 second‑hand app, and ship worldwide. This Xianyu guide for international buyers covers purchasing, payment, shipping & tips.

Xianyu (闲鱼), also known as Idle Fish, is China’s leading second-hand marketplace powered by Alibaba. Whether you’re hunting for rare collectables, limited-edition fashion, anime figurines, or nearly new electronics, this guide will show international buyers how to purchase from Xianyu safely and ship items worldwide.

Why Xianyu is Popular Among International Buyers

• Access to rare collectables, limited-edition products, and discontinued items.
• Nearly new or unused items at bargain prices.
• A huge range of products including fashion, electronics, toys, and hobby gear.

Can International Buyers Use Xianyu Directly?

While anyone can browse Xianyu listings via Goofish.com, international buyers face several limitations:

• Language Barrier: Listings are entirely in Chinese, though Chrome’s built-in translation helps.
• Payment Restriction: Most sellers only accept Alipay (linked to a Chinese ID and bank account).
• Domestic Shipping Only: Xianyu sellers typically ship within China, not internationally.
• Verification Risk: Without an agent, it’s difficult to verify authenticity or condition before purchase.

That’s why international shoppers use trusted purchasing agents like Com&Buy, which bridges the gap by handling payments, verification, and global shipping.

Success Stories: Real International Purchases from Xianyu

1. Ultra-Rare Xperia Z2i Prototype: Assisted a client in locating one of only two known Xperia Z2i prototypes worldwide. We verified the device’s authenticity, coordinated communication with the seller, and arranged careful international shipping to ensure it arrived safely and in perfect condition. This rare tech collectable would have been nearly impossible for the client to secure independently.
2. Valuable Vinyl Records: Helped a client acquire rare vinyl records that were difficult to find outside China. We confirmed the condition of each record, arranged photo verification upon request, and handled international forwarding. The client expanded their music collection with limited-edition albums while avoiding potential shipping or authenticity issues.
3. Antiques & Vintage Items: Supported collectors in purchasing unique antiques and vintage treasures, including decorative pieces and rare memorabilia. We verified authenticity, documented item conditions, and managed secure packaging and shipping. Clients received their items in excellent condition, preserving the value of these hard-to-find collectables.
4. Anime Figurine Sets: Assisted a collector in completing rare anime figurine sets, some of which were out-of-print or extremely limited edition. We coordinated with multiple sellers, confirmed authenticity, and ensured careful packaging and international delivery. The client successfully completed their collection without worrying about scams or damage during transit.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy on Xianyu as an International Buyer

Step 1 : Download or Access Xianyu (Goofish)

You can shop on Xianyu (闲鱼) by downloading the mobile app from Chinese app stores or trusted APK sites. If you prefer using a computer, visit Goofish.com — the official desktop version of Xianyu, designed for easier browsing and translation through Chrome.

Step 2 : Buy Through a Trusted Agent – Com&Buy

Since most Xianyu sellers only ship within China, Com&Buy helps international buyers purchase safely and ship worldwide. Our team handles everything from seller communication to inspection and delivery:

• Secure payment via Alipay and escrow.
• Optional photo inspection service for item verification.
• Professional consolidation and international shipping.
• Chinese-language communication and order tracking.
• Optional 验货宝 (In-App Item Inspection): For listings that support it, Xianyu’s 验货宝 feature allows buyers to verify item condition and authenticity directly within the app before purchase. Availability depends on the seller.

Step 3. Search Smartly

• Use Chinese keywords for better results: 全新 (brand new), 限量 (limited edition), 绝版 (out-of-print), 手办 (figurines), 原箱 (original box).
• Filter by price, condition (“近新品”), and shipping options (“包邮”).
• Explore hidden categories via hashtags or groups.

Step 4. Communicate with Sellers

• Ask about item history, condition, and defects.
• Request extra photos or proof of authenticity.
• Use Chinese phrases or agent services like Ask the Seller.

Step 5. Payment & Shipping

• Use Alipay for secure transactions (agents can help if you don’t have a Chinese account).
• Forward packages internationally via trusted warehouses or agents.

Step 6. Shipping & Consolidation Tips

• Consolidate multiple Xianyu orders into one shipment to reduce overall international shipping costs.
• Com&Buy provides a secure warehouse for temporary storage, allowing you to gather all your purchases before shipping.
• Fragile or high-value items can be repackaged with protective materials to prevent damage during transit.
• Optional photo inspection is available before shipment, giving assurance that your items are packed correctly.

Shipping from Xianyu to Your Country

After purchasing, your item first ships domestically within China to the agent’s warehouse. There, Com&Buy assists with:

• Inspection: Optional service to confirm the item’s condition and authenticity.
• Repackaging: Items are consolidated and packed securely to reduce volumetric weight and save on shipping costs.
• Shipping Options: Choose between air freight (faster) or sea freight (cheaper for bulk or heavy items).
• Tracking: Receive tracking updates once your parcel departs China.

Extra Tip: How to Spot a Reliable Seller on Xianyu

With millions of listings, knowing how to identify a trustworthy seller can save you from trouble later. Check the seller’s credit score (信用分) — higher scores indicate consistent, honest transactions. Verified seller badges (实名认证) or business accounts are also a good sign. Review item descriptions carefully for original photos instead of stock images, and avoid sellers who refuse to answer questions or provide additional pictures. If you’re unsure, let Com&Buy’s team verify the seller’s reliability before purchase.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Xianyu

1. Assuming sold items are still available. Always confirm with the seller: 还在吗？
2. Paying deposits without understanding total cost. Check for 定金 and 尾款.
3. Ignoring size or measurements. Ask for dimensions: 请问尺寸是多少?
4. Expecting sellers to speak English. Use Chinese or an agent.
5. Trusting all photos. Request recent images: 可以拍今天的照片吗?
6. Overlooking domestic shipping delays. Check seller’s handling times.
7. Not understanding listing tags. E.g., 仅展览 = display only, 面交 = local pickup only.
8. Buying modified or upcycled items without clarification.

Xianyu Glossary : Tips on what to look out for from the listing

• 9.5成新 ➜ Product condition is 95% New

• 预售 or 定制品 ➜ Preorder

• 仅定金 ➜ Deposits

• 卖掉了 or 已售出 ➜ Sold out

• 套出 ➜ Selling out as whole set/bundle only

• 仅展览 ➜ Display only; listing not for sale

• 勿拍 or 需要联系 ➜ Contact first before order

• 直拍 ➜ No need pre-inquiry

• 暂不出 ➜ Temporarily not for sale

• 暂挂欣赏 ➜ Temporarily listed for appreciation/admiration

• 已预订 or 已预留 ➜ Reserved not for sale

• 需提确 ➜ Prepayment

• 仅自提, 面交 ➜ Self Collect in person (Note: Com&Buy does not support this option)

• 外地不出 ➜ Selling limits within his province

• 暑假不发货 ➜ Not available during summer vacation

• 不接急单 ➜ No urgent orders

• 拼邮, 收到货后再发, 后期补尾款 ➜ Orders that require to wait a long time to ship

If you have questions about the condition of an item or its stock level, explore our Ask the Seller service.

How to Order Through Com&Buy

1. Paste the product URL into the search bar and click the search icon or press Enter.
2. Login to your account or register if you are a new user.
• Manually fill in the Buy For Me form.
3. Click "Add to Cart" after completing the form.
4. Go to the top menu and click "Cart," then scroll down to "Checkout" when you are ready to order.

Why Choose Com&Buy for Xianyu Purchases

As a trusted China sourcing and shipping agent, Com&Buy has extensive experience helping global buyers navigate Xianyu with confidence. We handle payment, verification, communication, and international delivery — ensuring your purchase arrives safely and as described. With optional inspection services and transparent pricing, Com&Buy makes buying from Xianyu easier, safer, and more reliable for international customers.