Guide: Shopping At Taobao: 8 Things You Need To Know
Taobao is China’s biggest C2C e-commerce platform, offering a wide range of items from clothes to computer hardware at bargain prices. But for those who don’t speak Chinese, navigating the website can be a challenge.
Shopping on Taobao can be daunting, but with these 8 tips you’ll be able to navigate the Chinese site like a pro. Learn about the feedback system, how to use a Taobao agent, and other factors to consider when making a purchase. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be ready to shop confidently on Taobao.
1. Communication and translation
Taobao’s user interface is entirely in Chinese, making it difficult for non-Chinese speakers to navigate. Google Translate can help, but the results may be strange and incomprehensible.
Sellers are recognizing the potential of international markets, and are now including English keywords in their listings. This means that searching for popular brands such as Nexus 7 or iPhones will yield results from outside of China.
2. Get better search results
Taobao, a search engine, allows users to filter results based on criteria such as popularity, sale, seller reputation, newest additions and price.
Other than price, shoppers should consider a variety of seller-related services when making an online purchase. These include consumer protection, a seven-day return policy, real products, WangWang Live Chat support, Sea product delivery options, cash on delivery and credit card acceptance.
The seller’s stock of an item can be chosen by selecting a color or other specification from the list, marked with 1, or by selecting the quantity of stock left, marked with 2.
3. Choosing a Reliable Taobao Seller
Shoppers looking for reliable sellers on eBay should check the profile of potential vendors to see how many items they have processed and successfully delivered. For instance, a seller with 129 units of an item and 99 successful deliveries (highlighted 1 below) is likely to be experienced and dependable.
Buyers can rank sellers from hearts to yellow crowns, with five of each rank needed to progress. The seller in question has achieved two blue crowns, a good rating.
The store opened in 2006 and has since earned a 97.69% positive feedback rating.
4. Understand the feedback system
Taobao shoppers can get an idea of what to expect from a product by checking customer reviews at the bottom of each product page.
Previous buyers have given the product a rating of 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest quality. Use this system to judge the quality of the item you’re considering.
If you’re looking to buy an item, check the seller’s rating (heart, diamond or crown) for an indication of their trustworthiness. Scroll down to view feedback from customers who have previously purchased from them. This will help you make an informed decision before buying.
5. Payment
Taobao, China’s leading online marketplace, offers a variety of payment options for customers. Transactions can be made using Chinese Yuan (RMB), Alipay (similar to PayPal), internet banking, or top-up vouchers purchased at post offices.
Shoppers should be aware of more than just item and shipping costs when making online purchases, as insurance, special shipping for sensitive items, payment fees and commissions can all add to the total cost. Exchange rates also need to be taken into account.
6. Shipment
Before paying for an item on Taobao, confirm with the seller that international shipping or forwarding by mail is possible. This is due to many sellers’ lack of experience and language barriers when it comes to shipping abroad.
When shopping internationally, buyers should be aware of potential additional costs and shipping restrictions. It may be possible to find a seller who speaks English and can accept international or online payments, but these benefits come at a cost. It’s important to consider any restrictions that may apply in the buyer’s country before making a purchase.
7. Delivery time
Buying from Taobao can be a waiting game, with items taking up to five weeks to arrive. After payment is made, the item must first enter the country and then clear customs before being delivered by the local postal service.
Delivery times vary depending on the option you choose. DHL offers 5-10 day delivery, EMS (China Post) 10-28 days, and China Air Mail 14-40 days. Faster delivery comes at an additional cost.
8. Taobao agent
Taobao agents are a must-have for international buyers. They bridge the gap between you and the Taobao seller, helping with communication, payment and shipping. Agents can also help you find what you’re looking for and provide details about the item.
As Taobao’s popularity grows beyond China, you may be able to find a local agent to help you purchase items from the marketplace. This could save on shipping costs, as the agent would receive the goods before forwarding them to you.
Payment
Taobao agents offer varying services and fees, from a higher exchange rate to a percentage of the total purchase or a flat fee. Payment can be made via PayPal or direct bank transfer.
To send
Shipping agents with internal contacts can help you get your packages faster. They consolidate purchases from multiple buyers to reduce shipping costs, and if you’re outside of China, it’s worth paying an agent to handle the process for a hassle-free shopping experience.
Shopping At Taobao: 8 Things You Need To Know: benefits
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Final note
Share your love of shopping on Taobao with your friends! Our guide, Shopping At Taobao: 8 Things You Need To Know, has all the information you need to get started. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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