How do you import from one of China’s biggest e-commerce companies, Taobao, to the US? Taobao is a leading online Chinese shopping platform that has various product categories. Its fame expands beyond China as it attends to buyers outside the country.
However, the platform is massive, which can be a hassle to navigate. Here, we explore how to get started with Taobao and import bought goods. Stick around to learn more.
Overview of Taobao
Official Site | https://world.taobao.com/ |
Parent Company | Grupo Alibaba |
Year Created | 2003 |
E-commerce Platform Type | Retail |
Categorías de productos | Several, including electronics, clothing, kids & toys, sports & outdoor, and more |
Number of Monthly Users | 930 million |
Taobao is an online retail shopping platform for buyers. The platform has millions of visitors each year. Since its launch in 2003, it has grown a catalog of over a billion products. It specializes in offering goods for individual buyers and small businesses.
Taobao invests in prime features that streamline navigation and product sourcing. Moreover, the platform has earned accolades on the domestic and international fronts.
The e-commerce site only just recently opened its platform to international shopping. And it has made massive leaps as more international buyers confide in its services.
How to Start Using Taobao?
Taobao features affordable prices and quality products, which makes it sought-after. But how do you get started on Taobao as a foreigner from the US? Here are the necessary steps to follow to begin shopping on Taobao. This way, you know how to register and possibly order from the platform.
Nota: The Taobao website is primarily in Chinese. If you don’t understand the language, go for Google Translate or similar tools.
Step 1: Create a Taobao account. You can do it through the online platform or app.
Step 2: Go to the My Taobao option at the bottom. Tap on the “free register” icon. Fill in your phone number in the provided space to continue the registration.
Step 3: Enter the verification code that appears in your message and press the “confirm” icon. After you tap the “confirm” icon, you are successfully registered.
Alternatively, you can hire a Taobao agent service. The service will help with the registration process and other tasks.
Getting started on Taobao is a simple process. Of course, the language barrier can be a hassle. However, you can overcome it by using the translator option. Also, the agent service can take over the whole process, giving you a straightforward approach.
How to Find Products on Taobao?
Well, you want to source products from Taobao. Then, you first need to find them. Taobao has an excellent selection of products, from clothes to kitchen utensils. Browsing through each category can be exhausting. Use the search bar or image search function to find what you’re looking for.
Also, you can leverage keyword searches in Chinese or English. You can then further narrow your research by using filters based on price, brand, and others. But if you are doing market research, you can go through the different categories.
How Can You Buy Products From Taobao?
Undoubtedly, you are familiar with Taobao’s unbeatable prices and quality. The platform also has tons of product categories. Hence, there is a high chance you get what you want on Taobao. If used well, Taobao can redefine your shopping experience.
So, how do you leverage the opportunity to get cheap yet top-quality products? Let’s get into the steps.
Step 1: Visit the Platform
As we have highlighted above, you can access Taobao through the app or website. Unfortunately, neither option comes in English. Unless you understand Mandarin, we recommend taking the website route. It is easy to translate.
There are two versions of the site, including;
The latter is of interest as it is built mainly for foreign buyers from the US and other countries. However, you don’t have to worry about the distinction. If you enter the former as a foreigner, it will redirect you to the international platform.
Use Chrome to access the site and leverage the translation feature. If the option to translate the site doesn’t pop up, navigate to the settings and find the “translate” option. This step should translate the website and make it easier to navigate. Also, Google often mistranslates “product” in Taobao to “baby.” Hence, don’t be surprised when you see multiple “baby descriptions.”
Step 2: Register
It wasn’t until a few years ago that Taobao opened to the US and other countries. Before then, only Chinese could register on the platform. Fortunately, registration is open to all, and it is simpler than ever. Follow the step underneath “Getting Started at Taobao” to create an account.
Step 3: Product Hunt
Now that you have a Taobao account, it is time to surf the internet and buy some products. Taobao targets customers instead of re-sellers as it is a B2C platform. The platform has several categories and a handy search tool. This way, it is easy to navigate the product categories.
An example is simply entering “wireless earpiece” in the search bar. The platform will provide results in the earpiece section. When the product list pops up, you can browse through it till you find a description that fits what you want.
However, if you are aiming for a more specific search, you can use the image search. This feature is one of the many perks of Taobao. You can take a clear photo of the product you want, and the site tries to find a suitable match.
What’s more, you can filter the options you get based on price, free shipping, and more. This way, the product hunt is more streamlined.
Step 4: Quality Control
Taobao is a prominent shopping platform, and quality control is essential. While scams and frauds are scarce on Taobao, it is best to be safe regardless. The rule of thumb is to steer clear of extremely low prices that have minimal reviews and ratings.
While Taobao prices are low, they are not ridiculously cheap. For example, an iPhone 16 going for $100 on the platform is likely to be a disaster waiting to happen. Read through the product reviews and image descriptions.
A lot of positive reviews is a good omen. Aim for 4.5+ ratings with about 20 or more reviews. It is a safe place to start the research. Also, ensure that the product is not one of the restricted products, as it might be confiscated at the ports.
Step 5: Buy the Product
After enough research, you probably know if a product is worth the shot. Now, it is time to buy the product, but how does that happen on Taobao? You can pick between the add the product to the cart and the buy now option. If you tap buy now, a window pops up where you have to enter your shipping address.
After entering your shipping address, it is time to make payment. Taobao doesn’t offer PayPal. However, you can deposit using popular card methods such as Mastercard and Visa.
There is also the option to pay with Alipay. This option can be challenging for foreigners. Hence, the best bet is to pay with cards or get a representative to pay for you. It is crucial to note that the pay covers the product’s worth and domestic shipping. You will still have to pay for international shipping to get your goods delivered.
Step 6: Finding a Freight Forwarder
Now, it is time to connect with a suitable freight forwarder. Your choice influences how much the shipping to the US will cost. You can also opt for Taobao shipping. The platform often gets the price for shipping based on the weight or volume of the products.
To have an idea of the price of Taobao shipping, you can opt for an online calculator. The calculations can be off at times. However, it offers an insight into what to expect.
Step 7: Track Your Orders
As a US buyer, there are two ways you can get product from Taobao. One, you can use Taobao logistics. Alternatively, you can hire freight forwarders. Taobao Logistics transports the product to their warehouse once you pay.
Then, the company requested a second payment. The second payment is for international shipping. You can track your order from “cross-border logistics management.” All that’s left is to wait.
If you hire a third-party freight forwarder, Taobao delivers the product to their warehouse. From there, you can pay and expect your package in a couple of days. Both options have similar prices. However, we recommend Taobao Logistics since it is safer.
What Are the Shipping Options on Taobao?
Envío is a crucial part of buying goods from Taobao. So, how do the bought goods get from the suppliers to you? There are a series of steps your goods take in the process. Here, we highlight the steps. It shows the process by which the products move from the suppliers to buyers anywhere in the world.
Once a product is bought from a Taobao merchant, it is sent to a collector. The product is transported to the warehouse. Once the buyer pays for the shipping, the parcel is transported. The timing to receive your goods depends on your location and the shipping method you choose.
Taobao offers various shipping methods, including:
- Taobao Official Logistics
- China Freight Forwarder to the USA
- International Express Service
Nota: There are several other shipping methods. You can discuss this with the supplier to learn more about how the products get shipped. And regarding the shipping costs, it depend on the weight, volume, and shipping method. Your location also plays a crucial role. The logic is the farther the destination address, the more expensive the shipping. You can further estimate shipping costs using the shipping cost calculator. Better still, consult with a Taobao agent.
Shipping is a hassle. We once had a client who was taken by Taobao’s affordable prices. He decided to shop for a large batch of products to start a small business in the US. However, shipping was a major concern. He contacted us, and we discussed possible routes to take. Our agency offers the help we know you need. With over a decade in the industry, we have a catalog of reliable freight forwarders. You can contact us, and we will link you to the best names right away.
What Are the Payment Options on Taobao?
Like every e-commerce platform, payment is crucial. One of the main payment methods supported on Taobao is Alipay. Both are subsidiaries of Alibaba.
The payment methods are reliable and well-known. Hence, you can be confident that your account information remains confidential. A Taobao agent can help you with payment and security issues. They use a secure payment method. Moreover, they are also vast in resolving payment disputes.
Which Items Are Restricted on Taobao?
There is a clause stating the type of goods you can import from Taobao. Knowing these products prevents confiscations and returns to the sender at customs. Here is a list of the products according to Taobao:
- Explosives
- Flammable
- Dangerous goods
- Corrosive substances
- Radioactive substances
- Acids
- Narcotic drugs, such as opium and cocaine
- Weapons
- Perishable food items such as fresh fish and meat
- Products with health concerns, such as bodies, cremains，un-tanned skins, and animal bones.
- Items or printed matter with insulting or indecent inscriptions or images
- Live animals other than bees, leeches, silkworms, pests, and vermin
However, you still need to know the products that the US prohibits. We recommend you check with the seller or a Taobao agent. This way, you can confirm which products are prohibited from entering the US. Moreover, be more aware of the legal restrictions to ensure that you can ship the product to the US.
What Is the Average Delivery Timeframe on Taobao?
Regarding product sourcing from Taobao, delivery and tracking orders remain crucial concerns. So, what dictates the delivery timeframe?
The delivery time frame depends on the destination address and shipping methods. Shipping by air is the quickest shipping method. In contrast, shipping by sea takes a lot longer for the product to get to your destination.
Locations closer to China gave short delivery times. The average delivery time to Hong Kong and Taiwan takes about 3 to 5 business days. For farther locations like Singapore and Malaysia, it can take 5-7 business days. Other overseas locations come for around 10 to 15 days.
Hence, as a buyer in the US, you can expect your package in two weeks after paying shipping fees. You can track your orders using the tracking number provided by the seller or Taobao agent. Contact the seller or Taobao agent if you have any issues with delivery or tracking.
Taobao Vs. AliExpress Vs. Tmall Vs. Pinduoduo
Taobao and AliExpress are both popular online shopping websites. However, they have different features and advantages. When we look at both platforms introspectively, we see each option clearer. This section doesn’t limit its comparison to Aliexpress. Here, we compare Taobao with AliExpress and other notable alternatives in a table:
Platform Comparison | Taobao | AliExpress | Tmall | Pinduoduo |
Origin | China | China | China | China |
Parent Company | Grupo Alibaba | Grupo Alibaba | Grupo Alibaba | PDD Holdings |
Retail | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Wholesale | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
3rd Party Sellers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Available in English | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Domestic (Chinese) Market focus | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Global Focus | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Taobao provides a variety of products at affordable prices. But, this platform can be difficult to use for non-Chinese speakers. You might need the help of a Taobao agent when shopping. They are vast in Chinese and know how to communicate with sellers. So you have a more stress-free experience.
Why Choose a Taobao Agent
Using Taobao requires expertise. Undoubtedly, as a first-timer, it might be a hassle to have the necessary experience. However, it is not the end. You can get a Taobao agent to get around the process. A Taobao agent can help you with all the necessary tasks. The tasks include product sourcing, price negotiation, and shipping arrangement.
A reliable Taobao agent also helps with payment and security issues. What you should look out for is one with competitive fees and customer service. Fulfillbot is the best on the market. Our team has worked with thousands of clients with a 100% success rating. We specialize in helping in product sourcing and shipping. Regardless of the destination and interest, we know how to deliver.
Preguntas frecuentes:
1) Can I Buy Products from Taobao as a Foreigner?
Yes! Taobao is a Chinese e-commerce platform open to Chinese and foreign buyers. It also supports global delivery services. However, it only provides this option to a shortlist of countries. Also, not all Taobao sellers offer international delivery. We recommend you go through the sellers’ offerings and policies. This way, you know which sellers offer international shipping when sourcing for products.
2) What Products Can’t You Buy from Taobao?
Taobao offers a vast range of products. However, it had its limit. As an importer, it is crucial to know these exceptions. Customs or local policies prohibit the products. Prohibited products often vary with the country. Consult your country’s customs websites to learn about the prohibited products. And when you have ordered the products, you can process a return and refund.
3) Is Buying from Taobao Safe?
For the most part, yes. However, it is crucial to factor in the potential of fraudulent merchants. Taobao is home to thousands of merchants. Each merchant has varying quality standards, reviews, and ratings. The rule of thumb is to do your research regarding the platform’s seller. Check the registration time and reputation status. Also, user reviews point to whether the seller is trustworthy or not.
4) How Long Does Shipping from Taobao Take?
It varies. The shipping time from Taobao depends on the shipping method, location, and carrier. If you opt for Air freight or express shipping, you can get your shipping much faster. The sea freight option is much slower. Also, location plays a huge role. For instance, deliveries to Malaysia will take less time than deliveries to Europe. Contact a reliable carrier for accurate timing.
5) Is Taobao the Same as AliExpress?
Taobao is an entirely different platform from AliExpress. While both platforms are under the Alibaba Group, that’s where the similarities end. AliExpress was designed to connect the Chinese market to international buyers. On the contrary, Taobao was meant to serve the Chinese market. Hence, you can find AliExpress in English while Taobao is in Chinese. They were created to cater to different demographics.
6) Are There Fake Merchants at Taobao?
Taobao has several merchants delivering several quality and specifications. With so many merchants, it is impossible to eradicate all sellers that offer low or fake quality. Hence, Taobao is like most e-commerce platforms in that it has bogus merchants. If you want to buy a product, do your research on the seller’s validity.
7) Is There a Taobao English Version?
Unfortunately, Taobao comes as a Chinese website. However, English-speaking buyers can still navigate this platform to buy products. You can visit the menu icon on Google and choose the “Translate” option to change the language to English. Alternatively, you can copy the texts and paste them on a translator.
Reflexiones finales
Taobao is a sought-after Chinese platform with affordable prices and top-tier products. Undoubtedly, the platform appeals to foreigners. However, the platform can be overwhelming to use. It would be a tragedy to lose out on unbeatable prices because you can’t source for products.
Well, we are here to help. Our team has helped thousands of clients connect with their favorite Taobao products. We can help you, too. Contact us now to kick off a successful Taobao sourcing experience.
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