Ah. Taobao, the Chinese equivalent of Amazon or eBay.

If you’ve never heard of Taobao, it’s a mega marketplace that allows you to buy everything from tissue paper to wedding dresses at dirt-cheap prices.

But to be completely honest, the only two times I have EVER bought something off Taobao is when I had friends sitting next to me (as my translators) while I checked out my items.

That’s because… I HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO TAOBAO.

Since everything is in Chinese.

And sadly, there isn’t a Taobao English version for us jiak kantang (Hokkien: English-speaking) people.

However, I decided to set things straight and learn how to buy from Taobao myself.

And surprisingly, I found out that it’s really not that difficult.

So if you’re a noob like me, this is the comprehensive how-to Taobao guide you need.

TL;DR: A Step-By-Step Taobao Shopping & Shipping Guide

Always wanted to buy from Taobao but don’t know how?

Here are a couple of how-to guides we created to help beginners and those of you who can’t read Chinese:

How To Buy From Taobao Guide

How To Search For Taobao Product Keywords Guide

How To Ship From Taobao Guide

You’re welcome.

How To Buy From Taobao Guide



First and foremost, you’ll want to use Google’s Chrome browser before navigating to Taobao as it allows you to perform a page translation.

It’ll look a little off since the translation is ad verbatim.

But at the very least you can kind of figure out what is on the page.

1. Register Your Account

If you prefer not to use Google Translate, simply click on “登录/免费注册” (Login/Register For Free) and you’ll be redirected to a registration page.

Next, click on “English” to create your account in English.

The next part’s pretty straightforward.

Just follow the instructions.

You’ll need to key-in a verification code sent to your local mobile number, provide your email address, as well as set-up your username and password.

Once you’ve set-up your account. You can start shopping!

2. Choose Your Product

Here’s the part where you’ll catch yourself endlessly scrolling through the millions of products on Taobao.

If you already know what you’re searching for, enter your product keywords into the white search bar located at the top of the Taobao home page.

You can filter your search results based on the various categories like brand, size, type, price range, and etc.

Once you’ve selected your desired product on Taobao, you’ll be brought to the product page.

Here you have a couple of options:

“宝贝详情” (Product details) for more information about the product

“累计评论” (Read reviews) where buyers leave ratings, comments, and upload images of their purchases

“立即购买” (Buy now) to buy immediately after making your selection

“加入购物车” (Add to cart) to add to cart and continue shopping

3. Checkout

Once you’re ready to checkout, you can either click “立即购买” (Buy now) to pay for your purchase immediately.

Or you can click on “购物车” (Shopping cart) on the Taobao home page instead.

Select the items you want to checkout and click on “结算” (Payment).

You’ll be prompted to add your shipping address, postal code, name, and mobile number.

Once done, click on “设置为默认收货地址” (Make Default) if you want to make it your default shipping address.

And click on “保存“(Save) to complete the form.

Once you’ve selected your “跨境配送方式” (Shipping Method), click on “提交订单” (Confirm order).

I’ll talk more about international shipping options in a bit.

4. Payment

After confirming your order, you will be redirected to an Alipay account page.

If it’s your first purchase using Alipay, you will need to create an Alipay payment password (6 numerical digits).

Once done, click “确定” (Confirm).

Key in your credit card details and click “下一步“(Continue).

Pro tip: if you want to avoid the currency conversion fees, you can use a multicurrency card like Revolut or YouTrip.

All that’s left is to verify your payment details and await the delivery of your “宝贝” (Precious item) or purchase!

How To Search For Taobao Product Keywords Guide

Looking for a specific product on Taobao but don’t know what to search for in Mandarin?

Fret not.

Here’re a couple of commonly searched terms and product keywords which you can use to find the item you want.

Activewear & Exercise Equipment

Activewear & Exercise Equipment Ankle Guard 运动护踝 Knee Guard 运动护膝 Dry Fit Long Sleeved Tops 速干长袖衣

Dry Fit Sleeveless Tops 速干背心 Dry Fit Socks 袜子 Dry Fit T-Shirt 速干运动T恤 Sports Bra 运动胸罩 Sports Shoes 运动鞋 Sports Jacket 运动外套 Sports Hooded Jacket 运动连帽衫 Sweatpants 运动裤 Tights 运动紧身裤 Yoga Mat 瑜伽垫 Yoga Pants 瑜伽裤

Men’s Fashion

Men's Clothing For Men (add this to the back of your search term) 男 Short Sleeved 短袖 Long Sleeved 长袖 T-Shirt T恤 Casual Shirt 休闲衣 Polo Shirt POLO衫 Dress Shirt 衬衫 Suit 西装 Suit or Formal Pants 西裤 Suit or Formal Jacket 西装外套 Belt 腰带 Shorts 短裤 Long Pants 长裤 Jeans 牛仔裤 Leather Shoes 皮鞋 Sneakers 休闲鞋

Women’s Fashion

Women's Fashion Women's Outfit 女装 European/American Style 欧美风 Korean Style 韩版 Japanese Style 日式风格 High Waisted 高腰 V-Neck V领 Round Neck 圆领 Off Shoulder 一字领露肩 Oversized 大码 Vintage 复古 Top 上衣 Dress 连衣裙 Skirt 半身裙 Overcoat 大衣外套 (Low/ Medium/ High) Heeled Shoes (低/ 中/ 高)跟鞋 White Sneakers 小白鞋 Flats 平底鞋

Party Supplies

Party Supplies Alphabet LED Lights LED 英文字母灯装饰 Balloons 气球 Banner 拉旗 Triangle Banners 三角旗 Happy Birthday Decorations 生日快乐装饰 Party Decorations 派对装饰 Party Table Cloth 派对桌布 Paper Fans 纸扇花 Paper Pom Poms 牡丹纸花球 Paper Tassels 纸流苏 Dessert Display 甜品展示架 Disposable Cutleries 一次性餐具

Home & Decor

Home & Decor Furniture 家具 Home Deco 家居用品 Nordic Minimalist 北欧简约 Modern Minimalist 现代简约 Modern Classic 现代经典 Solid Wood 实木 Dining Table 餐桌 Dining Chair 餐椅 Sofa 沙发 Sofa Chair 沙发椅 Double Bed 双人床 Bedside Table 床头柜 Bedroom Dresser 卧室梳妆台 Coffee Table 茶几

How To Ship From Taobao Guide

Since we’re in Singapore, the only way we can get our Taobao purchase is via international shipping.

For international shipping, Taobao’s preferred delivery partner is Cainiao.

The following options are presented at checkout, just before you confirm your order.

These 4 delivery options are:

“官方直送” (Direct shipping) “官方集运-空运” (Consolidated shipping via air freight) “官方集运-海运” (Consolidated shipping via sea freight) “自行联系卖家发货” (Contact seller personally to arrange for shipping)

So… which one should you choose?

Well, it depends on what you are shipping.

Option 1: Direct Shipping

Method of shipping: the shop or seller will ship your items to you via international courier service.

Time it takes for delivery: 8 to 12 business days

Cost: $$$

Recommended for: single purchases which are small or light, or if you need something immediately

Delivery Method "宅配" (Home Delivery) "自提" (Self Collect)

Initial Price

(first 0.5kg) RMB22

RMB19.50 Price (per subsequent 0.5kg) RMB10.50 RMB10.50 Maximum Weight Limit (kg) ≤ 25kg ≤ 30kg Maximum Measurements (cm) Width: <80

Length & Height: <150 42x37x61

Option 2: Consolidated Shipping Via Air Freight

Method of shipping: the shop or seller will consolidate your purchases and ship it to you via air freight, unfortunately, Taobao’s delivery provider doesn’t provide direct shipping to Singapore for this option. Which means you’ll need to use a freight forwarder to take delivery of your items in Malaysia and forward it to Singapore on your behalf.

Time it takes for delivery: 7 business days (to Malaysia)

Cost: $$ (might run up a bit more as you’ll need to use a freight forwarder)

Recommended for: multiple purchases which you need as soon as possible

East Malaysia West Malaysia Delivery Method "宅配" (Home Delivery) "自提点" (Self Collection Point)

"宅配" (Home Delivery) Initial Price

(first 0.5kg) RMB26 RMB22 RMB29.50 Price (per subsequent 0.5kg) RMB11 RMB10.50 RMB14 Maximum Weight Limit (kg) 25kg 20kg 25kg Maximum Measurements (cm) Width: <80

Length & Height: <150 Width: <40

Length & Height: <120 Width: <80

Length & Height: <150

Option 3: Consolidated Shipping Via Sea Freight

Method of shipping: the shop or seller will consolidate your purchases and ship it to you via sea freight

Time it takes for delivery: 18 business days

Cost: $

Recommended for: heavy-duty purchases (furniture, lights, tables etc.); multiple purchases which you can afford to wait for

Delivery Method "集运小件包裹" (Consolidated Delivery - Small Package) "集运大件包裹" (Consolidated Delivery - Large Package)

Weight/ Volume 0 - 30 kg 0 - 0.5CBM 0.5 - 1CBM 1CBM and above Price RMB22 (first 1kg)

RMB7.40 (per subsequent kg; full price charged even if subsequent kg is not fully met) RMB230 RMB460 per CBM RMB460 per CBM Criteria Consolidated Packages

Total weight: ≤30kg

Total volume: ≤0.5CBM

Total dimensions: ≤500cm



Single Packages

Total weight: ≤25kg

Total dimensions: ≤180cm Total weight: more than 30kg but less than 500kg

Total volume: more than 0.5CBM

Total dimensions: ≤500cm



Others

Total weight: >25kg

Total dimensions: >180cm

Option 4: Contact Seller Personally To Arrange For Shipping

Method of shipping: depends on your arrangement with the seller or shop

Time it takes for delivery: varies depending on your chosen method of shipping

Cost: varies

Recommended for: sensitive or personalised items which require constant communication with the shop representative or seller

Commonly Asked Questions Regarding How To Buy From Taobao

Besides the how-to guides, here are some commonly asked questions about Taobao.

Can I Buy From Taobao?

With this guide in hand… Yes, you can!

You just need to sign up for a free Taobao and Alipay account, link your credit card or bank account, provide verification, and you can start shopping immediately.

However, there are a few issues which you should be aware of:

Can Singaporeans Buy From Taobao?

Yes, you can!

You can either buy from Taobao direct, which gives you the complete range of products and sellers to choose from.

Or go through a third party like Ezbuy.

Or search on Lazada’s Taobao collection, but your choices will be limited to whatever is curated.

Is There A Taobao English Version?

Unfortunately… no.

We get it.

Language is a big issue for most international customers. That’s why we created this guide so you can get in on the cheap shopping goodness.

If you can communicate in Mandarin with the Taobao seller, that should give you more assurance with regard to your purchase.

If not, ask a friend who can speak and read Mandarin to help you just in case anything goes south (eg. shipping problems, stock unavailability) and the seller reaches out to you.

Then just buy them a drink for the favour lah…

Taobao Refund Policy

Returning an item is pretty much out of the question because of the delivery time, distance, and expensive shipping fees.

However, if you received a defective product or aren’t satisfied for whatever reason.

You can choose to submit a refund request to Taobao directly, along with your reason and photographs for evidence.

Once you submit your Taobao refund request, the seller will have 48 hours to respond to you.

If they reject the request, you may re-submit your refund request or communicate with the seller directly via AliWangWang.

If the seller does not respond after 48 hours, Taobao will refund the amount to you on a case-by-case basis.

Taobao Shipping

Shipping is still a problem for some Taobao customers depending on what you choose to purchase.

Even though Cainiao delivers almost everywhere internationally, you might still need to use freight forwarders if you’re taking delivery for certain items.

This adds a layer of complexity as it includes GST charges, shipping and handling fees.

As a result, delivery times aren’t the most accurate either.

Taobao also has an extensive list of prohibited items, which they cannot ship internationally.

Some examples include:

Batteries and items with in-built batteries

Electronic devices

Food (eg. bamboo products, instant noodles)

Items exceeding size or weight restrictions

Liquid, paste, and powdered items (like cosmetics)

So take note before buying!

Is It Safe To Buy From Taobao?

Considering that most things we use in our daily life are ‘Made in China’.

Yes. It is safe to buy from Taobao.

However, the marketplace is so huge that there could be unscrupulous sellers hawking counterfeit products and fake goods.

This is despite Taobao’s best efforts to weed out counterfeiters.

Here are a couple of tips which you can follow to protect yourself: