An old hand and a newcomer
CSSBuy was one of the agents spreadsheet buyers used long before the current generation of agents appeared, and it still turns up in older sheets and forum threads. Its reputation rests on simple ordering and quick warehouse photos. Usfans arrived in the 2020s and grew through TikTok and spreadsheets, especially in Spain, France and the US. Comparing them is less about who has better terms on paper and more about which experience suits you: a familiar veteran or a newer agent built around your language and country.
CSSBuy offers familiarity; Usfans offers language and market focus.
Side by side
| CSSBuy | Usfans | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Working (1 Oct 2026) | Operating |
| Track record | Veteran agent | Newer, grew in the 2020s |
| Photos | Known for quick turnaround | 3–5 free per item |
| Free storage | Check current terms | 90 days |
| Interface | English | English and Spanish |
| Fees | Check current fee page | "No markup" vs 0–5% in reviews |
The record favours CSSBuy; language and stated storage favour Usfans.
CSSBuy's link format
CSSBuy is easy to spot in a spreadsheet because of its links. Instead of wrapping the marketplace address, it puts the item number in the path: item- followed by the number for Taobao, item-micro- for Weidian and item-1688- for 1688. That makes CSSBuy rows simple to convert. Our link helper recognises all three patterns and gives you the original marketplace link to paste into Usfans.
CSSBuy's path-based links are among the easiest to convert.
Why speed of photos matters
Fast photos aren't just a convenience. Most agents give you a short window after an item arrives to request a return or exchange, and sellers often allow only a few days. The sooner photos arrive, the more time you have to spot a problem and act. CSSBuy's reputation here is one reason long-time buyers stay with it. Usfans' reviewers also describe fast, detailed photos, so the gap may be smaller than CSSBuy's reputation suggests; it's worth noting on your first order with each.
Quick photos buy you time to fix problems; both agents are praised for them.
Where Usfans fits better
Spanish speakers get a translated interface at Usfans, and Spanish buyers report a fast line to Spain. US buyers can choose lines with duties included, which matters since small US parcels have paid duty since the 2025 change. Usfans' 90 days of free storage and 3 to 5 photos are stated on its own site. Reviewers also highlight packing with corner protectors and support that replies at any hour.
For Spain, France and the US, Usfans' focus is the main draw.
Older CSSBuy spreadsheets
Because CSSBuy has been around for years, some sheets built for it are old. Expect more dead rows: sellers close shops, re-list items under new numbers or change prices. Convert the rows you care about, open each in Usfans, and compare photos, price and sizes with the sheet before buying. If an item has gone, search the seller's shop; Weidian sellers in particular often re-list.
Old CSSBuy sheets need more checking; the rows that still open convert easily.
Moving a CSSBuy sheet to Usfans
- Copy a CSSBuy link from the sheet.
- Paste it into the link helper to get the marketplace link.
- Paste the result into usfans.com and confirm the item.
- For many rows, extract numbers in bulk with
=REGEXEXTRACT(A2,"\d{8,}")and build links in a new column.
Single rows through the helper, whole sheets through a formula.
Comparing costs on a real parcel
Put the same items in a cart at each agent and compare totals and any service lines. Then compare shipping for the same parcel to your address, with taxes. In the EU, VAT applies from the first euro and a €3 duty for each item category applies to IOSS parcels up to €150. Lines that collect taxes upfront avoid handling fees at the door. The shipping estimator helps line up the totals.
Same parcel, same address, totals with taxes.
Trust in a year of closures
2026 has seen CNFans and ACBuy close and AllChinaBuy go offline. A long-running agent like CSSBuy offers some reassurance simply by having lasted. Usfans is operating and buyers report receiving parcels, but its Trustpilot rating was suppressed after a fake-review sanction, so read detailed recent reviews rather than the score. For either agent, keep balances small and pay per order.
Longevity helps CSSBuy; careful reading helps judge Usfans.
Spanish and French buyers
CSSBuy sheets circulate widely in Spain and France, Usfans' two largest markets. Spanish readers can follow the conversion steps in our links guide, and French readers will find the Usfans basics in Usfans, c'est quoi ?
The same conversion works in any language.
Coupons
Both agents use coupons mainly to reduce shipping. Compare coupons in your account against a real parcel, and check minimum spends and expiry dates before relying on one.
Judge coupons on a real parcel.
Which to choose
Choose CSSBuy if you value a long record and quick photos and you're comfortable in English. Choose Usfans if you prefer Spanish, ship to Spain, France or the US, and want clearly stated storage. Start with a small order at whichever is new to you. For Usfans' full picture, see the Usfans review and is Usfans legit.
Veteran comfort or Spanish-language focus: decide which matters more.
FAQ
Is CSSBuy still working?
Yes, it was working when we checked on 1 October 2026.
Is CSSBuy better than Usfans?
CSSBuy has a longer record and a reputation for fast photos; Usfans offers Spanish support and lines aimed at Spain, France and the US. Choose by language and destination.
What do CSSBuy links look like?
They usually contain the item number in the path, such as item-123… for Taobao, item-micro-… for Weidian and item-1688-… for 1688.
Can I use a CSSBuy spreadsheet with Usfans?
Yes. The link helper reads CSSBuy's path format and rebuilds the original marketplace link for Usfans.
Which has clearer fees?
Check CSSBuy's current fee page. Usfans advertises no markup, while independent reviews quote between 0 and 5%; compare a real cart.