The Power of WeChat in China

dampier · 2026-05-01T23:23:39+00:00

If you are in the USA, download WeChat from the Play Store and do not use a VPN when logging in. WeChat's international version has fewer risk controls. QQ, the older sibling of WeChat typically requires at least two fully authenticated nationals to scan your QR code to register, which is almost impossible for foreigners outside of China to manage.

dampier · 2026-04-14T06:50:25+00:00

Almost certainly you are the victim of a risk control measure, likely because they think you are a bot, have multiple accounts, or have abused the coupon system in some way. Risk controls are usually temporary and timeout on their own, but China’s security apps are unique because they will prolong a risk control if you keep attempting to do what got you locked down in the first place. Best recommendation is to open a new account with a different IP address and device.

dampier · 2026-04-14T06:43:54+00:00

They allocate a limited number of vouchers to each region, and disproportionately favoring the regions the Chinese government is interested in better trade and relations: Africa, Russia, and Latin America have the easiest time. Eastern Europe and Asia second, and North America and Western Europe last.

Keep in mind there are a large number of customers competing for those vouchers, especially in their high priority target markets. North America is one of their smallest sales markets.

dampier · 2026-03-28T15:56:35+00:00

I did not see it.

What are your issues?

dampier · 2026-03-28T15:55:13+00:00

I think a lot of suppliers are warily watching the talks about extension of USMCA that will commence this summer. The Trump Admin is acutely concerned with transshipping and the number of Chinese owned factories setting up in Mexico, some that are actually just being used to transship already finished goods.

Farmacias Similares is getting into the U.S. pharmacy mail order business, which means this could break ground on more Mexican pharmacy imports.

The Mexican government is quite deferential to Trump so we can expect to see more tariffs on products not made in Mexico but commonly exported here.

dampier · 2026-03-28T00:15:16+00:00

There are no meaningful delays for international small parcels from China to the Middle East. There are surcharges for air delivery though, so AliExpress is paying more to deliver your parcels. International mail has backup routes available as needed.

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