Why Use Taobao via CNShopper?
If you’re sourcing or shopping internationally, Taobao is a massive marketplace — but it’s built primarily for domestic Chinese users. That means language, payment, and shipping barriers for someone in the USA (or elsewhere).
CNShopper acts as a “Taobao agent” or middleman, bridging those gaps. It lets you:
- Use familiar payment methods (credit cards, PayPal, etc.)
- Have buyers’ items shipped domestically within China to a CNShopper warehouse
- Consolidate multiple orders into one package (to save on international freight)
- Choose from various international shipping methods to your country
- Handle translation, communication with sellers, and order oversight
In short, it simplifies the complexities of dealing with Taobao from abroad. EcommerceMart+2CNshopper+2
Step-by-Step: Using Taobao via CNShopper
Here’s a flow you (or your readers) can follow:
| Step | Action | Details / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sign up / create an account | Create an account on CNShopper | 7. Storage/consolidation |
| 2. Find a product on Taobao | Browse Taobao (or through CNShopper’s interface) | You can search via keywords or use image search. CNshopper+2CNshopper+2 |
| 3. Copy the product link | From the Taobao listing | This is your reference for the agent to place the order. |
| 4. Submit a purchase request via CNShopper | Paste the Taobao link into CNShopper’s “order request” | CNShopper will auto-detect the product details. CNshopper+1 |
| 5. Confirm order & pay CNShopper | Confirm quantity, variants, options, shipping to their warehouse, etc. | CNShopper accepts international payment methods for the agent service and domestic handling. EcommerceMart+1 |
| 6. CNShopper buys the item domestically | Their team purchases it from the original Taobao seller | The item is shipped from the seller to CNShopper’s warehouse in China. |
| 8. Choose an international shipping method | Multiple orders can be held or consolidated | Saves cost by combining packages into one shipment. EcommerceMart+1 |
| Accept, dispute, or request a refund if problems | Select your preferred courier (DHL, EMS, China Post, etc.) | Costs, speed, and reliability vary by courier and your country. |
| 9. Track & receive | CNShopper provides tracking | Monitor progress; when parcel arrives, inspect and confirm receipt. |
| 10. Confirm or handle issues | Communicate via CNShopper support with the seller if the item is damaged or not as described. | Communicate via CNShopper support with seller if the item is damaged or not as described. |
Also, here’s a video that demonstrates using CNShopper with Taobao & 1688:
Specific Tips / Considerations (for the U.S. audience)
- Check whether Taobao supports direct international shipping
Taobao Global supports shipping to the U.S., among other countries, but not all sellers or products are eligible. Wise
If direct shipping isn’t supported for a particular item, the agent route (via CNShopper) is your fallback. - Be mindful of shipping cost & weight
Shipping from China to the U.S. can get expensive, especially for bulky or high-weight items. Consolidation can help reduce per-unit cost.
A user noted:
“The lowest shipping cost that I paid for a very tiny package is $30 … you pay shipping to the international warehouse, then consolidation or forwarding.” Reddit
- Customs, duties, taxes
When the package enters the U.S., you may be charged import duties or customs. Factor that into your landed cost.
Also, certain goods may be restricted or prohibited — review U.S. import rules and China’s export restrictions. Wise+1 - Watch out for “too cheap” products or vague listings
Quality can vary greatly on Taobao. Prioritize sellers with high ratings, lots of reviews, clear photos, and detailed descriptions.
Use CNShopper’s inspection service (if available) before forwarding the package. - Language/translation
Taobao and related platforms are mostly in Chinese. Use browser translation, or let CNShopper help you interpret details or communicate with sellers. Shanghai Government انگلیس+2Wise+2 - Start with small orders
For your first time, order low-value, low-risk items. That way, you test the process (payments, shipping, customs) without losing much if something goes wrong. - Document verification / real name requirements
Some parts of Taobao/Alipay require user verification (ID, passport) or “real name” registration. Without that, your account or orders might get restricted.
Some users report needing to set up a verified Alipay account linked to their identity first to avoid account issues. Reddit
Pros vs. Cons of Using CNShopper for Taobao
| Benefit | Challenge / Risk |
|---|---|
| Local Chinese pricing & access to items not on global marketplaces | High international shipping cost |
| Handles the payment, translation, seller negotiation, forwarding, etc. | Agent fees, handling fees add to cost |
| Consolidation reduces redundant shipping overhead | Possible delays if warehouse holds items too long |
| More product variety than typical global storefronts | Risk of counterfeit or lower quality goods |
| Better for sourcing or unique niche items | Customs import problems or legal restrictions |
Sample Use Case (for sourcing to U.S.)
Imagine you’re sourcing a small electronics accessory (e.g. smartphone cases) from Taobao:
- You browse and find 10 listings you like.
- Via CNShopper, you place purchase requests for all 10 items.
- CNShopper buys them and ships them to their warehouse.
- You request consolidation into one box, choose a mid-tier courier (like DHL Express or EMS).
- You pay the shipping, get tracking, and receive the consolidated parcel.
- Check each unit’s quality. If any item is damaged or not as described, file a claim via CNShopper for a refund or replacement.
By consolidating, you may save significantly compared to shipping each order individually.