1 · Shopping playbook
- Early October: build a wishlist. Add items to carts and favourites so you get price-drop notifications.
- Record normal prices. Screenshot today's price so you can spot fake "was" prices later.
- Pre-sale: lock in deposits only on items you're sure about, because deposits are often non-refundable.
- Collect coupons daily. Platform, store and threshold coupons are released in waves.
- Set alarms for 00:00 Beijing time (UTC+8) for flash stock. Use our countdown.
- Check out in the first hour for limited items, and wait for later waves on everyday goods.
- Track price guarantees and claim refunds if the price drops within the protection window.
2 · Coupon stacking (满减)
Typical order: store discount → threshold coupon ("every ¥300 save ¥50") → platform coupon → payment-method cashback. Our coupon stacker shows the final price and how much more you'd need to add to reach the next threshold.
3 · Customs & import duties (quick reference)
Rules change often, and several countries tightened low-value import rules in 2025–2026. Treat this as orientation, not legal advice, and confirm with the official source.
| Country | What to expect | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| United States | The low-value "de minimis" duty exemption was suspended for most countries in 2025, so duties and fees can apply even to small parcels. | CBP |
| Canada | Low thresholds for non-CUSMA countries; GST/HST and duty may be collected by the courier or Canada Post. | CBSA |
| United Kingdom | VAT is usually charged at checkout on consignments up to £135; above that, import VAT and duty apply. | GOV.UK |
| European Union | VAT applies from the first euro (IOSS at checkout). The low-value duty exemption is being phased out. | EU Taxation & Customs |
| Australia | GST is generally collected at checkout on low-value goods up to A$1,000. | ABF |
| India | Customs duty and IGST apply to most imported goods, including courier parcels. | CBIC |
Importing in bulk? Estimate everything with the landed-cost calculator, or ask for DDP quotes with duties included.
4 · Shipping times
Sale volumes slow down logistics. As a rough guide for cross-border parcels: standard economy 10–30 days, tracked standard 7–20 days, express 3–8 days, and local warehouse items 2–7 days. Order holiday gifts during 11.11, not in December.
5 · Scam & counterfeit checklist
- Buy from official brand stores or top-rated sellers with long histories.
- Be suspicious of prices far below every other seller.
- Never pay off-platform (wire, crypto, gift cards) for marketplace items.
- Check real buyer photos, not only studio images.
- Verify serial numbers and authenticity codes for electronics and cosmetics.
- Ignore "you won a prize" texts and links. Type platform URLs yourself.
- Screenshot the listing, price and seller before paying.
- Use buyer-protected payment methods (credit card, platform escrow).
- For B2B orders: order samples, check business licences and book a pre-shipment inspection.
- Check return windows and who pays return shipping across borders.
- Watch for knock-off listings that use brand names in the title.
- Report fakes to the platform and keep evidence for disputes.
FAQ
When does Singles' Day start?
The main day is 11 November from 00:00 Beijing time (UTC+8), but most platforms run pre-sales and sale waves from late October.
Is Singles' Day only in China?
No. Cross-border marketplaces and many retailers in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America run 11.11 sales.
Will I pay import duty on 11.11 orders?
Possibly. It depends on your country and order value, and many countries now collect VAT/GST at checkout. See the table above.
How do I avoid counterfeit products?
Buy from official brand stores, check seller ratings, be wary of prices far below market, and pay with buyer-protected methods.