Welcome to our guide on how to shop on Pinduoduo, one of China’s most popular e-commerce platforms. Pinduoduo offers a wide range of products at competitive prices, with features like group buying and flash sales. This app offers FREE deliveries on any quantity, no minimum spend, to multiple Hong Kong pick-up locations. While a Hong Kong mobile number is preferred for new registrations. Some international numbers have been accepted in the past, but this remains random and may cause problems at any time. For cross-border deliveries, we recommend using SF Express pick up locations, so a Hong Kong mobile number will also be required for account registration and tracking packages.
Pinduoduo is one of China’s fastest-growing online marketplaces, known for its ultra-low prices, group-buy deals, and access to a vast range of products — from fashion and gadgets to trending home goods and wholesale-style deals. While the platform is primarily designed for Chinese users, international buyers can still access these great prices by using a local delivery address in China or Hong Kong. On our Personal Shopper subscription package, we will provide you with a Hong Kong registered mobile number to use for your Pinduoduo account registration.
That’s where we come in.
We make it easy for you to shop on Pinduoduo and have your orders shipped to Hong Kong, where we’ll collect your package and forward it securely to your international address — whether that’s in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or anywhere else in the world.
Follow these simple steps to place your order smoothly.
Step 1: Download and Register on the Pinduoduo App
To start shopping on Pinduoduo, you’ll need to create an account using the mobile app. Here’s how:
1. Download the Pinduoduo app (known locally as 拼多多) from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and tap “Register” or “Sign Up.”
3. Enter your mobile phone number, including country code (e.g., +852 for Hong Kong, +1 for the US).
4. You will receive an SMS verification code to confirm your number.
5. Once verified, set a password and complete the registration process.
Please note:
– Only phone number registration is supported — email addresses or third-party logins like Facebook or Google are not currently accepted.
– Some international numbers may work, but success depends on your carrier and country code.
– If you’re unable to register, please consider signing up for our Personal Shopper subscription, which includes a Hong Kong registered mobile number to use for app registration.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In
- Open the app and register using your mobile number (China-based numbers may be required for some features). A Hong Kong based mobile number is preferred.
Step 3: Browse and Place Your Order
- Use the search bar to find items by name or keyword.
- Browse categories like Electronics, Clothing, Home Goods, Groceries, etc.
- The more you shop, the more the app will likely recommend products you’ll like
- Hit the ‘Home’ icon button on the bottom left to refresh for more products
- Look for clear photos, seller ratings and recent activity.
- Read customer reviews (you can use translation tools if needed) or take a screenshot on your mobile and upload this image to ChatGPT and ask it to translate to English.
- Please note that high review numbers under some merchants may be misleading, as they can include product reviews and submissions of other products sold by the merchant, and not showing specific reviews only for the product you might be looking at. So please scroll through the review details and make a judgement before purchasing from that merchant.
- Choose the size, color or quantity you want.
- Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. There are a number of payment methods to choose from, we recommend to select payment apps like Alipay, which will later make it easier to track refunds if you choose not to get the item after making payment.
- One of the advantages of shopping on this app is to participate in group buying deals. Once the deal is completed, your product enters the “packing stage”, you can still change your mind and request for a refund, which in most cases will be almost immediately approved on the app, and your refund will start being processed immediately on your credit card. Please note it will still take time for the refund to be processed, but if you paid through Alipay, this transaction record will be shown in the app immediately when Pinduoduo approves the refund.
- Alternatively, for smooth refunds, you can also choose to top up your Pinduoduo Balance and use this to make purchases
- Another huge advantage on Pinduoduo is the ability to buy any item, with no minimum spend and enjoy free shipping. The app manages logistics with the merchants and consolidates your purchases together, so try to shop in the same period, so that logistics will ship faster to Hong Kong at one go. However, even if you only have one item for that week, it will still be shipped out to Hong Kong with free delivery often within the same week.
When entering your shipping address, enter the specific free Hong Kong address we provide you for your subscription, so we can receive your order on your behalf. This will be one of the many SF Express pick up locations available in Hong Kong.
Step 4: Participating in Group Buys
- Check product images, descriptions, prices, and customer reviews.
- Some items offer “Group Buy” (拼单) discounts—join an existing group or start one for lower prices.
- To get translations, the easiest way is to make screenshots of the store products, then use an AI powered app like ChatGPT or similar to translate the image.
- Please note that when you shop on these apps, you are browsing individual storefronts from a variety of merchants, so this means you are buying from multiple merchants. If there are any order issues, you will need to attend to each matter separately, dealing with the direct merchant you purchased from. If you have any issues with the merchant, you can report this to Pinduoduo’s customer service team.
- Please note that it is your responsibility to manage your orders. Dashshipper will not get involved in any disputes.
Step 5: Choose Specifications & Add to Cart
- Select color, size, quantity, and other options.
- Click “Add to Cart” (加入购物车) or “Buy Now” (立即购买).
Step 6: Proceed to Checkout
- Review your order in the cart and tap “Checkout” (去结算).
- Enter your shipping address (ensure it’s correct for delivery). Once you sign up for a plan, your personal Dashshipper assistant will provide you with the mailing addresses to use, based on your specific needs. We can also provide you with a Hong Kong phone number to use for any shopping apps under the Personal Shopper subscription.
Step 7: Select Payment Method
Pinduoduo supports:
– WeChat Pay
– Alipay (we recommend you download and use the HK version for payments)
– Bank cards (UnionPay, Visa, etc.)
– Pinduoduo Balance (if you’ve topped up)
– Confirm payment to complete your order.
Step 8: Track Your Order
- Go to “My Orders” (我的订单) to check the status.
- You’ll receive updates on shipping and delivery.
- After you place your order(s), China logistics will consolidate as many of your orders into one package each round. It is recommended to place your orders at the same time to maximize consolidation efforts.
Step 9: Receive and Confirm Delivery
- Delivery from China to Hong Kong is mostly free on pinduoduo, if not it will be indicated in the total cost of that specific product, shown on the app and the final price. There is a section that indicates clearly if there are any delivery fees. Most products do not charge delivery fees to Hong Kong.
- Once delivered to Hong Kong, we will NOT open any of your packages. We will only inspect your packages for any obvious damage on the exterior.
- We prepare your items for international shipping using reliable couriers. We will re-pack your individual packages into a larger volume of no more than 5KG per package.
- After the package is ready, we will ship out from Hong Kong to Singapore, or from Hong Kong to anywhere in the world.
- You’ll receive tracking updates so you always know the status of your delivery.
- Confirm receipt in the shopping app and leave a review if satisfied. But please wait to do this until you physically receive your package(s).
Whether you’re ordering for personal use or restocking your small business, we simplify the process of importing goods from China.
Tips for a Better Shopping Experience:
Tips for a Better Shopping Experience:
✅ Join group buys for bigger discounts.
✅ Check seller ratings and reviews before purchasing.
✅ Take advantage of flash sales and daily deals.
✅ Use customer service (客服) for order issues.
✅ Find very competitively priced products
✅ App consolidates all your purchases so it is more economical to shop at the same time
✅ FREE shipping from China to Hong Kong, no minimum spend amount
Happy shopping on Pinduoduo! 🛍️
Tips for First-Time Users:
- Start with a small order to test the process. Give it time to find reliable merchants on the app.
- Always check seller ratings and read reviews before purchasing. It is not uncommon for some merchants to mislead with false advertising and fake product photos.
- Use the message feature in the Taobao app to ask sellers any questions about the product. Ensure to take screenshots of the products you expect and any conversations and keep them in-case of any future issues. These screenshots will serve as evidence to submit to the app when filing complaint(s) or requesting for refund(s) to Taobao customer service.
- Keep track of your order numbers and expected delivery dates.
- If you need to file any claims to Taobao for help with your purchases, and require any documentation of the freight forwarding service to provide them, we will be here to support you, please email support@dashshipper.com
Who Can Benefit From This Service?
Our forwarding solution is ideal for:
- Individuals who want to buy unique or affordable items not available locally
- Small business owners sourcing products directly from China, especially for samples or very small quantities at no rish to your business model(s)
- Resellers and online retailers looking to expand their product range
- Anyone who wants to shop on Taobao but doesn’t have a reliable delivery address in China or Hong Kong
Frequented Asked Questions
Account Related
Can I shop on Pinduoduo if I live outside of China?
Yes, you can. While Pinduoduo is primarily designed for Chinese users, international buyers can still place orders by using a local delivery address in China or Hong Kong. You can then use our freight forwarding service to have your items shipped to your home country.
Is there an English version of the Pinduoduo app?
The Pinduoduo app is mostly in Chinese, but many product listings include clear photos and descriptions that can be understood visually. You can also use translation apps like Google Translate to help interpret text within the app or browser. On the app, it is possible to use simple English text in the search bar to filter for products. The more you shop, the more the app will more accurately recommend products to you.
How do I download and install the Pinduoduo app?
You can find the Pinduoduo app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “Pinduoduo” or “拼多多,” then download and install it on your mobile device.
Can I create a Pinduoduo account with an email address or social media login?
No, Pinduoduo no longer supports account creation using email addresses or third-party logins like Facebook or Google. The only available method is to register using a **mobile phone number**, including some international numbers.
Does Pinduoduo accept international phone numbers during registration?
Some international phone numbers are accepted, but success depends on the country code and carrier. Users in Hong Kong, the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have reported varying levels of success. VoIP phone numbers will definitely not work. If verification fails, consider using a local Hong Kong mobile number.
About Shipping and Real-time Tracking
What should I use as the shipping address when ordering from Pinduoduo?
During checkout, you should use the free Hong Kong address we provide for your subscription plan. This allows us to receive your package securely before forwarding it to your international address.
Do sellers on Pinduoduo offer international shipping?
Most sellers on Pinduoduo only offer domestic shipping within China. Very few list international shipping options, and those that do may charge high fees. A better solution is to use our forwarding service to ship your order from Hong Kong to your home country.
How do I pay for items on Pinduoduo as an international buyer?
Pinduoduo primarily uses WeChat Pay and Alipay, which may not be accessible to international users. However, some sellers support alternative payment methods such as gift cards or third-party services that accept credit cards. Always check the available payment options before placing your order.
How long does shipping take from China to Hong Kong?
Once your item is dispatched, it usually takes 2–4 business days to arrive in Hong Kong. After we receive and process your package, we prepare it for international delivery, which typically takes 3–20 business days, depending on your country and the speed of the package you prefer.
Issues with Packages or Orders
Can I combine multiple Pinduoduo orders into one shipment?
Yes. We offer package consolidation services so you can save on shipping costs by combining multiple orders into one shipment before we forward it to your final destination.
Are there any restrictions on what I can order from Pinduoduo?
There are no restrictions on any products crossing the border over to Hong Kong, if they are eligible for Hong Kong orders once you have entered your local shipping address into your account.
If the item is not available to be shipped to Hong Kong, Pinduoduo will clearly mark this on the app.
We recommend checking your local customs regulations before placing an order. Some products — such as liquids, powders, electronics, or branded goods — may be restricted or require additional documentation in certain countries.
How do I track my Pinduoduo order after it leaves China?
For the first part of the delivery from China to Hong Kong, you will receive notifications on the app once the item(s) have been shipped. Orders will be consolidated whenever possible, and then picked up by SF Express, a cross-border courier. This first leg has to be managed by you, so you have to provide us with the tracking number by entering this information into your DashShipper acccount.
Once your order arrives in Hong Kong, we will get a notification from SF Express for pick up, and then we consolidate your shipment in our office, assign a tracking number and keep you informed throughout the international shipping process. You can monitor your package using this tracking number until it reaches your doorstep or assigned for pick up at your local post office.
Is shopping on Pinduoduo safe for international buyers?
Yes, as long as you follow best practices: check seller ratings, read reviews, check product photos very carefully, and use secure payment methods. If issues arise, unfortunately, we cannot help with any disputes, you will need to follow up with the merchant via the app’s messaging platform, or contact Pinduoduo customer service team to help withe disputes. This is often time consuming, but the app does resolve issues to the favor of the customer in mot cases.
What should I do if something goes wrong with my Pinduoduo order?
Contact the seller directly through the Pinduoduo app to resolve issues. If you’re unable to reach a solution, let us know — we will try our best to guide you through the dispute resolution process. However, this can be really time consuming and the process changes as a result of the item(s) you’ve bought and/or delays caused by a bad merchant in attending to your request(s). After a few attempts negotiating directly with the merchant, if they do not refund you, contact Pinduoduo customer service and file complaints directly with them on the app interface.
In many cases, the merchant will delay refund by asking you to return the goods and pay for return shipping. Some may agree to reimburse shipping after they receive the goods back.
Please do not choose this option or agree to it.
Sometimes, the merchant might even ask you to ship back a broken item, just message back and ask for an explanation, they will rethink their actions and offer a full refund right away. There is an interface on the app, managed by the merchant that allows them to process the full refund to you via the messaging interface, you have to check the refund amount, then click the right button to approve the refund.
There will be surcharges placed on goods shipped from Hong Kong to China on local courier services. They also require senders to provide China identification of the receiver (in this case, it is the Pinduoduo merchant) you are returning the goods to. Many merchants will not provide you with any ID documentation, and the return shipping fee will make this a even larger loss to you, especially if the merchant will not reimburse return shipping.
In most cases, the best option is to report any product issues to Pinduoduo customer service team and ask for a resolution.