Taobao FAQ
Learn more about my Taobao Sprees:
Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Spree-ers,
in order to speed up the process of the sprees, kindly read through this FAQ page before sending me questions which have already been answered here. This will allow me to manage
the sprees better and give everyone a better spree-ing experience(:
I've compiled a list of Taobao sellers to avoid/that are banned. Please view the list and ensure that the shop you are ordering from is not banned.
PS: For spree-ers who have my HP number, kindly note that it is strictly for collection purposes only. Do not abuse it by messaging me about your order/spree openings etc.! These can be directed to my email. Thanks!
Below paragraph applicable from Taobao #51 onwards:
Direct shipping vs Agent
Taobao now ships directly to Singapore via the use of a forwarder (shipping co) without needing an agent to purchase on behalf of us. Starting from Taobao #51, I will be using this method of ordering as it is cheaper and faster. Main differences outlined below (pink = pros):
Do note that the choice of forwarder I use may differ from batch to batch, but generally I will use 4PX or Lequgou (乐趣购). So far they have been excellent. There'll be a cap of 20 shops per batch, regardless of the number of items you buy from each shop. Although this is unlikely to happen, the total weight cannot exceed 30kg and all of our items combined must be able to fit into a 120cm * 120cm * 120cm box. These are imposed by the forwarders. Thus, before you order, please count the number of shops that other people have already purchased from.
Also, the exchange rate
depends on what I'm charged by the bank on my credit card. As I will be ordering at different periods throughout 1 batch, I will use the highest rate charged.
In essence, although direct shipment is cheaper & faster, it is also riskier. E.g., if wrong/defected items are received, likelihood of getting a resolution from the Taobao sellers is low. Please spree only if you are willing to accept the risks. After all, you are getting items at really low prices.
Other potential costs - refunds from Taobao
Sometimes, after I order from the sellers and have made payment, they may tell me that an item went out of stock or is damaged etc, and would therefore refund me the money. I've noticed that the exchange rate used by the bank in refunding me is always worse than the rate used to make payment. Thus, the amount I am getting back through the refund is less than the amount I paid in SGD after conversion.
In such a case, the cost will be passed on to the buyer who made that purchase. So even if an item is out of stock, you may see a small charge to your item due to this. Not frequent that refund-after-payment happens, but it may,
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What is Taobao?
It is an online market
with a vast number of sellers and an even greater number of items being sold.
From fashion & accessories to DIY items, household item to electronic goods, you can practically find everything you need there.
Best of all, it is super cheap compared to prices in Singapore.
How is the order process like?
You -> Me -> Taobao Seller
1, You post a comment with your order and payment details, according to the order format given in my spree page.
See this sample picture for help.
2. I will then place your orders with the Taobao Sellers within 1 to 2 days to minimize the chances of your items going out of stock
, and also to minimize the waiting time taken for the items to reach my forwarder
How is the shipment process like?
Seller -> Forwarder -> Me
1. The sellers will send the items to my forwarder (via domestic shipping)
2. My forwarder will consolidate all the items from the orders in the spree, and then ship out to me in 1 batch (via international shipping)
What is the domestic shipping charge and why should you leave it as 10元 in the order format?
The domestic shipping charge is the delivery charge incurred by the sellers in sending the items ordered to my forwarder.
The domestic charge is low, about 10元 per seller. The price varies based on the seller's location within China, number or volume of items ordered etc. It works something like our local postage cost - the more items to be sent, the higher the price. Note that sellers usually absorb any additional cost and just charge 10元. Also, the sellers do give free shipping at times. Select the region as 广州, and if you see 包邮, or 卖家承担运费, you will not have to pay for the shipping and can leave it as 0 in your order.
If there's any difference in the price, I'll adjust it in the 2nd payment. Difference is usually very minimal.
How do I copy the item colour/size in Chinese if the choices are in picture form (as below)?
Follow these 3 simple steps:
Can I order branded/imitation items?
This is discouraged as the items are usually unauthentic and may be confiscated at customs. If you still choose to order, it will be entirely at your own expense.
Can I order pre-order items?
No, as the free holding period for direct shipment is only 20 days. I do not want to make everyone incur the extra costs due to pre-order items that take a longer time to reach. You are responsible for ensuring that the item you are ordering is instock, and bear the extra costs otherwise.
How long will it take for the items to reach Singapore?
Generally all items ordered will reach my forwarder 1-4 days after spree closure, but this will differ according to the individual sellers' speed of mailing the items to my forwarder, location etc.
Once all items have reaches my forwarder, preparation of shipping documents plus actual shipment to Singapore (directly to me) will take about 6 - 8 working days.
My item is on discount but the discount is ending in a few hours/days. Will you be able to order in time for me?
Most likely yes, please drop me an email to let me know that you have just posted an urgent order so that I can look into it ASAP(:
Subject title: Urgent order
How much will the shipping cost?
Generally $0.6 per 100g.
Clothes can be 100g-200g, heavier ones like denim
jackets about 600g.
Shoes & bags 200g-300g for light ones, heavier or chunkier ones about 600g-800g.
Of course, the actual weight really depends on the material of the item, which may be difficult to predict just by looking at the picture. However, if required, you can send me the link of your items and I will give you my best estimate.
I'll use the weight that the forwarder puts into the system, as the total cost will be calculated based on the sum of all the weight.
How do I ensure that the seller I'm buying from is reliable?
When you view an item, look at the right hand side of the page. You should see icons like these:
The icons represent the seller's rating. This is an indication
of the quality of the items, and also the Seller's service. This includes the after-sales service. In instances where wrong items are delivered, a seller with higher rating is more likely to give some form of compensation as opposed to one with a lower rating.
Golden crown is better than blue crown, which is better than blue diamond, which is better than the red heart.
The more crowns/diamonds/hearts there are, the better it is (e.g. 5 hearts better than 4 hearts)
Personally, 1 blue diamond and above is good enough for me, but its up to you to decide.
The more expensive my item, the more likely the rating will matter to me.
The current spree is closed. When will you open a new spree?
I open at least 1 taobao spree per month. Do join my Mailing List if you wish to be notified of spree openings.
Other Misc
As Taobao is based in China and I am simply a middleman helping everyone to order your items, any wrong items received may not be compensated for (please refer to my tip on Seller's Rating above for more info). Hence please make sure you are alright with this(:
I will do my best to negotiate with the seller to help.
Your items will not be removed from the packaging they arrive in. What ever comes to me, goes to you.
I use durable plastic envelopes to pack your items. Return address will be provided on all mailed parcels.
If you have further queries, feel free to leave a comment or email me at allurekingdom@live.com.sg (: I hope this FAQ is useful to you and may you enjoy Taobao! Its really a great place to shop at!
Last updated: 23 January 2015