🛍️ Complete guide: How to shop on Xianyu/Goofish (Phone and Computer)

Xianyu/Goofish is a Chinese platform for second-hand items. Since the app is in Chinese and doesn’t ship directly overseas, purchases need to be made through a purchasing agent. Below you’ll find a complete, simple step-by-step guide – suitable for both smartphone and computer users! 🚀

🔐 Step 1: Accessing the platform and logging in
To browse listings on Xianyu, you need to create an account. Always start with your phone, even if you plan to use a computer later.

📱 On phone (Basic steps):

Change your phone’s region settings (iOS/Android) to Mainland China. Note: This may require temporarily canceling your subscriptions and removing payment methods.

Download the Xianyu app from the official store (the yellow-and-black logo). After installation, you can revert your phone’s region settings to normal.

Open the app, enter your phone number, and log in using an SMS code.

💻 On computer:

Visit the Xianyu website (often at an address linked to the Alibaba group, such as 2.taobao.com). It’s best to use Google Chrome with built-in page translation.

When trying to log in, a QR code will appear on your monitor.

Open the Xianyu (or Taobao) app that’s already installed on your phone, scan the QR code from your computer screen, and confirm the login.

🔍 Step 2: Searching for products
📱 On your phone:
You can use a super convenient image search 📸 (you can upload a photo of the item you’re looking for). There are also detailed filters available (size, color, condition: new/used). You can search in either English or Chinese.

💻 On your computer:
The search function works best with Chinese. Translate the phrase you’re interested in using a translator like DeepL and paste it into the search bar. Alternatively, many agents allow you to search for products (including using images) directly through their own website integrated with Xianyu.

⭐ Step 3: How to find a trustworthy seller (Applicable to both versions)
No matter what device you’re using, go to the seller’s profile before purchasing and translate the information displayed there (in Chrome, click “Translate to Polish,” and on your phone, use an on-screen translator).

Choose sellers who meet these criteria: 🛡️

📈 Account level: Only buy from sellers with an L3 level or higher (the scale ranges from L2 to L7).

🗓️ Experience: Minimum 2 years of active use on the platform.

👍 Reviews: At least 90% positive reviews.

🏆 Activity: A high number of completed transactions and a credible profile.

🛒 Step 4: Place an order with the agent
Once you’ve found the perfect item and verified the seller, it’s time to pass on the link to your purchasing agent.

🔗 1. Copying the link:

📱 On mobile: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the product page and select “Copy link”.

💻 On computer: Click the address bar at the top of the browser and copy the entire link (URL).

📝 2. Placing the order (same for both versions):

Open your purchasing agent’s website.

Paste the copied link into their main search bar.

You’ll be redirected to the product page on the agent’s site (sometimes this requires filling out a manual order form, known as an expert buy/custom order).

Important: If the Xianyu listing has multiple options (e.g., different colors), be sure to specify exactly which one you want in the order notes. ✍️

Pay for the order. The agent will contact the seller, purchase the item, and have it shipped to their warehouse in China! 📦

💡 Top Tips (Golden Advice)
💰 Always keep some cash on hand: Leave a sufficient balance in the agent’s account (at least 20 RMB/juan). Shipping costs within China can change after purchase, and having extra funds helps avoid delays.

📸 Demand “Real Photos”: Only buy items where the seller has uploaded their own photos (avoid listings that use only catalog photos).

🚫 No returns: Keep in mind that most purchasing agents don’t accept returns for items bought on Xianyu due to the nature of the second-hand market.

💬 Contact: Check if the seller has provided their WeChat ID on their profile. This makes it easier to get in touch and ask for details before placing an order with the agent.