How to Use Taobao?

Taobao is a big online marketplace in China. You can find anything on Taobao that are very cheap. They have a lot of things like clothes and stuff to decorate your home. They also have electronics and kitchen things that can make your life easier. Taobao has many things that you might not even be able to find them in your local stores. It's like a mall where you can find everything you need.

How to Set up Taobao?

Before you begin shopping, you must create your Taobao account. The steps are easy to follow even if you do not know Chinese.

Download the App & Create an Account

You can buy things on Taobao by using the website or mobile app. It has features like looking for things using pictures and special deals that you can only get on the app. If you want to get the app, you can find it on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Just look for "淘宝" or "Taobao" to download it.

Registering is free and only takes a few minutes:

1. Open the app and click "注册" (Register).
2. Enter your Singapore mobile number.
3. Enter the verification code sent to your phone.
4. Set a password and complete your profile.

Set up the Language

Taobao has English feature. You can find this feature in the settings, under "语言设置" (Language Settings).

How to Use Taobao?

Once you're set up, it's time to start exploring.

Searching Effectively

• When you are looking for something, it is an idea to use Chinese keywords. The results are usually much better with terms. You can use Google Translate to convert your search words into Chinese.
• Image search is really useful. It is like a game-changer. You can screenshot something you like from Instagram. Then use the camera icon in the search bar to find similar products.
• You can also filter the results to make it easier to find what you want. Try to narrow down the options by price range sales volume and customer ratings of the products. This way you can find the products you like.

Reading Product Listings

When you click on a product, focus on these key elements:

Taobao vs. Tmall Stores

You'll notice two types of stores:

• Taobao stores (C2C): Individual sellers like eBay. Lower prices but variable quality.
• Tmall stores (B2C): Official brand stores. Slightly higher prices but better quality and service.

For expensive items or products where quality is critical, we recommend Tmall stores.

Pricing & Currency Conversion on Taobao

One of the biggest attractions of Taobao is the prices. But when everything is listed in Chinese Yuan, it can be hard to tell if you're getting a good deal.

Quick Conversion

Here are some common price comparisons:

Additional Costs to Consider

While base prices are low, don't forget these extras:

• Domestic shipping in China: Usually S$1-3, sometimes free
• International shipping: Typically S$5-20 for standard delivery to Singapore
• Credit card fees: 1-3.5% foreign transaction fee with Singaporean cards
• GST: Orders under S$400 are exempt; above S$400 you'll pay 9% GST

Payment Methods for Singapore Shoppers

Paying for Taobao orders from Singapore used to be complicated, but these days there are several convenient options.

Alipay: The Best Option

Alipay is Taobao's official payment platform. Think of it as China's PayPal but better. Setting up from Singapore is easy:

1. Download the Alipay app.
2. Sign up with your Singapore mobile number.
3. Complete verification with your passport.
4. Link your credit or debit card.

Alipay offers the best exchange rates and is accepted by virtually all sellers.

Other Payment Options

Security note: Never send money directly to sellers outside Taobao's official system. Always use platform payment methods to ensure buyer protection.

Shipping to Singapore

Shipping is often the most confusing part of shopping on Taobao from Singapore. There are two main approaches.

Direct Shipping vs. Forwarding Agents

Direct shipping is when some sellers send things to Singapore. This way is easy to understand. It costs more money and not every seller does this.

Forwarding agents are like helpers who put things together for you. They give you an address where you can send all the things you buy. Then they put all these things into one box and send it to Singapore. This way is good if you are buying a lot of things, because it can be cheaper. It is also more complicated to do.

Shipping Options Compared

Popular Forwarding Agents

• 4PX is a company that you can really count on and it works well with Taobao.
• SF Express is really fast when it comes to getting your stuff.
• EZbuy is based in Singapore and they have customer service people who speak English.
• Taobao Official Forwarding is really easy to use because it is right in the app.

Pro Tips for Smart Shopping

Finding the Best Deals

• Use the price filter to avoid overspending.
• Sort by sales to find popular, well-reviewed items.
• Look for store coupons. Click "领券" (claim coupons) to claim them.
• Shop during sales: Double 11 (Nov 11), 618 (Jun 18), Double 12 (Dec 12).

Assessing Quality

1. Read reviews carefully: Look for customer photos and detailed feedback.
2. Check store ratings: Aim for 4.5 stars or higher.
3. Start small: Test new sellers with inexpensive items first.
4. Ask questions: Use the chat feature to ask sellers about product details.

Sizing Guide for Fashion

Chinese sizes often fit smaller compared to sizes. Make sure to look at the size chart for every product if you're unsure.

You should always check the measurements that each seller provides.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid on Taobao

Counterfeit Products

You have to be careful when you see a cheap price for a famous brand. It is probably fake. To get a genuine product, you should buy from official "旗舰店" (flagship stores).

Return Challenges

When you want to send something from Singapore to China, it can be very expensive. Sometimes it costs more. So you should always look at the return policy before you buy something. This is especially important if you are buying high-value items.

Shipping Delays

There are times when your packages will be late. This happens during holidays, like Chinese New Year and big sales events. If you need something by a date, you should order it early to make sure you get it on time.