As a local Aussie consumer, I often find myself browsing overseas sites—not just out of habit, but because they tend to offer better value, more variety, and sometimes even more convenience. Here are a few reasons why international shopping still appeals:

1. Price vs. Value: Many consumers see international products as offering better value, even after adding shipping costs. In categories like fashion or tech accessories, prices abroad often feel more aligned with the product’s quality and style.
2. Product Variety: International platforms usually have a far larger selection, especially when it comes to niche styles or trending items. Local shops often feel limited or generic in comparison.
3. Perceived Brand Power: Products from big overseas markets sometimes carry a stronger brand image. Whether it's fashion from Europe or gadgets from Asia, international origin adds a perceived “cool factor.”
4. Shopping Experience & Discovery: Overseas platforms make it easier to browse, discover, and get inspired by curated content, personalized suggestions, and trend-driven categories. Local platforms often lack this level of polish and personalization.
5. Transparency in Logistics & Returns: Some international sellers are surprisingly upfront and efficient when it comes to shipping, tracking, and returns—even more so than some local options.

A Suggestion to Local Sellers & Brands:

To win over Aussie shoppers, local e-commerce platforms need to rethink their consumer experience. This goes beyond just lowering prices—it’s about creating an inspiring and intuitive shopping environment that combines value, variety, and convenience. Features like style-based recommendations, trend-aware product design, and transparent, smooth logistics will go a long way. In short, treat your digital store like a global brand would—because your competition already does.

Categories of High-Margin Cross-Border Products in Australia

1. Everyday Essentials

Examples: Shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, kitchen gadgets, cleaning tools (e.g., toilet brushes, cloths).

These everyday items are incredibly affordable when sourced from China via 1688.com. For instance, a toilet brush might cost as little as US$0.60–2 on 1688.com, yet you'd find it in Aussie shops for AU$10 or more. Similarly, shampoo that wholesales at just US$0.60–2 in China often retails for AU$8–15+ locally — more than double or triple the original cost.

Shipping & Duties: These items are light and compact, perfect for international shipping by air or express. Thanks to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, most goods are duty-free (though a 10% GST still applies). No quality certificates are needed for most non-electrical goods, but compliance with local standards is essential.

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: Aussies want affordable, high-quality personal care and cleaning products — especially eco-friendly and effective ones. As inflation bites, price-sensitive shoppers are turning to low-cost platforms like Temu, which saw 7.68 million monthly visits in Q4 2023 and now ranks third in Australia’s e-commerce market. Everyday items also sell fast on Amazon AU, eBay AU, and platforms like Kogan and Catch.

2. Fashion

Examples: Women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing, swimwear, sportswear, accessories (hats, socks, underwear).

China’s clothing prices on 1688.com are a fraction of Aussie retail. A basic tee or sweatshirt may cost just US$5–10, while similar pieces in local shops go for AU$30–60, creating 2–5x markups. Around 60% of clothing sold in Australia is already made in China, underscoring its dominance.

Shipping & Duties: Apparel is lightweight and compressible — air shipping or postal parcels are affordable. Under the free trade deal, import duties are effectively zero, but labeling laws must be followed. Seasonality matters: Australia’s reversed seasons make it easy to pick up off-season Chinese stock at great prices.

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: Aussies want both style and comfort. Bestsellers include basics, minimalist swimwear, activewear, and winter jackets. Seasonal demand is strong — think bikinis in summer, boots in winter. Fast-fashion giants like Temu and Shein have grown rapidly with their low-price appeal. Fashion items move well on Amazon AU, eBay, and even through Instagram or Facebook promotions.

3. Furniture

Examples: Compact furniture like bookshelves, dining chairs, storage cabinets, flat-pack bed frames.

Simple furniture sourced via 1688.com is shockingly affordable — a basic metal bookshelf might cost US$9.50–23, while similar shelves retail for over AU$200 here. Particle board desks and foldable chairs are also hugely marked up in Aussie stores. Larger furniture like sofas or wardrobes offer high margins too, but bulky shipping makes them harder to handle for cross-border sellers.

Shipping & Duties: Furniture is heavy and bulky, so sea freight is often necessary. To cut costs, some sellers pre-assemble goods in Southern China and ship full containers to Australia. Tariffs remain zero, but freight is the main hurdle, so smart sellers focus on lightweight or flat-pack options like DIY tables and foldable sets.

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: Aussie shoppers love Scandi, modern minimalist, and rustic styles. Outdoor furniture like patio sets is popular too. Kogan, Amazon, eBay AU, and Temple & Webster are strong furniture marketplaces. Hot categories include bamboo or wood furniture and modular items with a DIY edge.

4. Home & Kitchen Products

Examples: Home décor (wall stickers, rugs, cushions), kitchen & bath accessories (taps, utensils), smart appliances (mini air purifiers, handheld vacuums), home security (smart cameras).

Many of these products cost just a few dollars on 1688.com — for example, innovative items like touchless taps or wireless camera kits may wholesale under US$10, while Aussie retailers often charge 2–3 times more.

Shipping & Duties: Most items are medium in size and weight, suitable for air parcel or sea freight. Thanks to the trade agreement, most are duty-free, but safety and energy regulations must be followed (e.g., RCM certification for electronics).

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: Aussies care about design and quality. Top-selling items include sofas, bedding, stylish kitchen tools, and security cameras. Platforms like Temu and Kogan report high sales for décor, lighting, and storage goods. Sellers should explore smart home kits, eco-friendly furniture, or home décor bundles.

5. Garden Products

Examples: Outdoor furniture (folding chairs, patio sets), gardening tools (shovels, sprayers), garden décor (pots, lights, statues), outdoor leisure (BBQs, inflatable pools).

Many garden items are available for US$3–5 on 1688.com — yet similar items retail for AU$30 or more in Australia. Other hot categories include folding tables, garden tents, and camp bedding.

Shipping & Duties: Foldable or inflatable designs reduce volume for transport. Air freight suits smaller tools and decorations, while sea freight is ideal for larger items. Most are duty-free, but wooden products may need plant quarantine clearance, and outdoor electronics must meet safety standards.

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: With our love for outdoor living, Aussies spend big on BBQ gear, outdoor lounges, and garden lights. Amazon AU, eBay AU, and Kogan dominate this category. High-end items like massage tubs and landscape lighting see big markups. Launch combo sets ahead of summer to catch peak demand.

6. Fitness Gear

Examples: Yoga mats, resistance bands, dumbbells, exercise bikes, treadmills.

Fitness gear from 1688.com offers great margins. A quality yoga mat might cost just a few dollars, and resistance bands even less — yet local prices for these are often AU$30–50+. Lightweight items like these see 3x markups or more. Larger gear like treadmills is pricier to ship but has excellent profit potential.

Shipping & Duties: Compact items ship easily via air or express, while heavy equipment is better sent by sea freight. All fitness gear is duty-free, but electric units need RCM certification. With the post-COVID boom in home workouts, demand for yoga gear and resistance tools remains strong.

Consumer Trends & Hot Platforms: Aussies love both outdoor sports and indoor fitness. Yoga mats, bands, and dumbbells are top picks. Amazon AU, eBay, and Kogan all offer popular fitness gear. Consider launching eco-friendly gear or multi-use training kits for a bigger edge.

Any other interesting categories? Welcome to discuss.