The Chinese Daigou Phenomenon

In China, the concept of 'daigou' (代购) refers to individuals or businesses that purchase goods on behalf of others, predominantly targeting both local and international markets. This practice involves buying products such as luxury brands, pharmaceuticals, electronics, or cosmetics in the domestic market and shipping them to overseas consumers.

Daigou has gained immense popularity mainly due to economic incentives. Chinese products often offer distinct value propositions—either through lower prices or unique availability compared to foreign markets. For instance, high-end cosmetics from France or high-tech gadgets from Japan may be more affordable and accessible within China. Moreover, domestic brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Li-Ning have become globally coveted due to their combination of quality and affordability.

However, the surge in daigou business also presents notable challenges, including counterfeit and low-quality goods proliferating in the market. To combat these issues and protect consumers, both Chinese authorities and the international community have strengthened regulations regarding product verification and shipping compliance. Additionally, online platforms such as Mulebuy emerge to standardize the process, offering secure transactions and ensuring product quality. These platforms play a critical intermediary role, promoting transparency and reliability in the daigou trade, thus sustaining its exponential growth trajectory.