Using a purchasing agent can help you find coveted overseas items, but it also carries potential risks. As a consumer, it's important to be cautious and keep the following points in mind when choosing an agent:

1.Reputation is Key: Prioritize agents recommended by friends or those with a good long-standing reputation. Check their social media (e.g., Xiaohongshu, WeChat Moments) to see if their updates are consistent, content is authentic, and if they have continuous buyer feedback and transaction records.

2.Be Rational About Price: You get what you pay for. Be highly suspicious if a product's price is significantly lower than the market average. Legitimate agents have procurement costs, international shipping fees, and potential tariffs; prices that are too good to be true are often a trap.

3.Communicate and Ask for Details: Professional agents usually proactively provide purchase receipts, live photos from the store, live-streamed shopping, and logistics tracking. Before buying, you can proactively ask for product details, manufacturing dates, shipping methods, and estimated delivery times.

4.Prioritize Secure Payment: Whenever possible, use platforms with secured transaction services like Taobao links or Xianyu for payment. Avoid direct transfers to strangers via WeChat or Alipay to protect your funds.

5.Understand Policy Risks: Be aware of potential customs duties for purchased goods and import restrictions on certain items (e.g., medicine, food) to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Remember, choosing a reliable agent is far more important than simply chasing the lowest price.