Pandabuy has become one of the most talked-about shopping platforms among global buyers, especially those interested in Chinese marketplaces and streetwear culture. This post takes a closer look at how the site operates, from its massive spreadsheets containing over 10,000 listed items to its real shipping costs and regional tax challenges. We’ll also unpack the ongoing legal controversies surrounding the service and weigh whether the convenience and low prices truly make Pandabuy worth the risk for international shoppers.
Updated October 2025 • Platform Review • 15 Min Read
Quick Stats — Platform at a Glance
- 7M+ registered users
- 100K daily orders
- $5.5B 2023 transaction volume
What is Pandabuy?
Pandabuy.com is a Chinese shopping agent platform established in 2019 that serves as a middleman between international buyers and Chinese sellers. The platform allows users to access products from major Chinese e-commerce marketplaces like Taobao, Tmall, Weidian, and 1688 that typically restrict sales to non-Chinese buyers.
With 7 million+ registered users worldwide, nearly 100,000 orders daily, and 39.6 billion yuan (approximately $5.5 billion USD) in total transaction volume in 2023, Pandabuy operates at massive scale across 200+ countries.
What Are Pandabuy Spreadsheets?
Pandabuy spreadsheets represent a community-driven phenomenon where enthusiasts compile thousands of curated product links from Chinese platforms, complete with prices, quality control (QC) photos, descriptions, and ratings. These spreadsheets function as comprehensive product catalogs that dramatically simplify navigation on Pandabuy. Rather than browsing individual Chinese e-commerce sites directly, users access pre-vetted collections organized by product category.
Popular Pandabuy Spreadsheets
KakoBuy Ultimate Spreadsheet (10,000+ links)
- Over 10,000 product links (continuously updated)
- Organized by major categories including shoes, clothing, accessories
- Community-driven with user requests incorporated
- Bookmarkable for quick access with Ctrl+D
- Reddit community with substantial engagement
Spreadsheet Features and Functionality
- Hierarchical categorization and alphabetical sorting
- Fast-access navigation and search functionality
- QC photos and certification for selected products
- Monthly cleanup removing broken links
- USD pricing conversion for simplicity
How to Use Pandabuy Spreadsheets
- Find spreadsheet via Reddit, YouTube, or dedicated sites
- Select product using category or search
- Review QC photos and ratings
- Copy link and paste into Pandabuy.com
- Complete the order for international shipping
Shipping Costs and Methods
| Method | Delivery | Cost/kg | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 3–8 days | $18–35 | Premium |
| EMS | 7–15 days | $8–15 | 95% success |
| SAL | 15–60 days | $2–8 | Budget |
Platform Legitimacy and Controversies
Pandabuy operates in a legally gray area—balancing legitimate logistics and counterfeit risks.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- ✓ Access to 1,700–10,000+ curated links
- ✓ Major cost savings vs retail
- ✓ QC photos and verified items
- ✓ Mobile-friendly spreadsheet formats
- ✓ Multiple shipping methods
- ✓ Free and community-maintained
Disadvantages
- ✗ Predominantly replica products
- ✗ Legal risks for counterfeit imports
- ✗ Hidden shipping fees
- ✗ Quality inconsistency between sellers
- ✗ Customs seizure possibility
- ✗ Data breach and security issues
Final Verdict
Pandabuy spreadsheets offer a powerful community-driven system for discovering items from Chinese marketplaces. For price-conscious buyers, it’s an incredibly efficient tool. However, users should carefully weigh legal, ethical, and data-related risks before using it.
Sources Note
Analysis based on community spreadsheets, legal filings, and user reports. Data current as of October 2025. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Written by María Chen María Chen is a global e-commerce researcher and culture writer based in Hong Kong. With a background in international trade and digital consumer trends, she explores how cross-border platforms like Pandabuy are reshaping the way people shop, compare, and question authenticity online. Her work has appeared in publications covering Asian markets, tech innovation, and youth culture.
