The MLP Arena
TCB => Trader & Shipping Support => Topic started by: glowinshanka on May 06, 2013, 09:05:14 AM
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Sorry If this isn't ok to ask ( I search taobao here and I don't find any post)
I want to buy some toys from taobao, but I no't have any clue how to do it, can anyone help me?
thanks
[moving to Trader Support ~ many thanks ~ hathorcat]
Merging due to several threads already of this nature in TS. Thanks PonyLady
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I and my friend use Taobaonow.
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o.o I just send you a pm ^^
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That is a good question, I seem to have the same girl dealing with my orders.
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That is a good question, I seem to have the same girl dealing with my orders.
I wish to finish my g4 collection.. and If I buy all on ebay I will spend allot of money u.u I want some loose ponys
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I sent you a pm back. :)
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Sorry if I'm driving you guys crazy with questions. I'm trying to get into the swing of things with this Taobao business but finding it a little frustrating.
I'm using TaobaoNow but I'm feeling a little frustrated. They seem to be a little slow with things. It's usually a full day before I hear from them and of course by then all the ponies are sold out. I realize there is a huge time difference and I do take that into consideration.
When is the best time to search Taobao and try to order ponies? I really want to keep my eye out for another Minty but at this rate I'll never get her.
Also I read that if you send them a pic of a pony they can look/keep an eye out for her. I tried that and the agent just sent me a link to look through. (?)
[moving to Trader Support ~ many thanks ~ hathorcat]
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What time zone are you on? It's a little after 7:00PM here and I've found they usually list new ones around 1:00AM. I've actually had really good luck sending pictures through the description selection...I just simple post the link and ask if the seller has one like that avaiable too. It's best to keep your wording simple and always be super polite. They respond so much faster that way :)
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I'm like eastern standard time or something. It's almost 7:30 here.
Do you use TaobaoNow too?
They have always been very nice and we had always been polite to each other, I just find them to be on the slow side.
I dunno, I'm just getting a little discouraged with this.
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Agree with everything above.
Keep in mind that they are in China- and a small business- so they are often in bed when you are making your selections. IE if you make an order at 12 p.m. EST. It is actually 12 a.m. in China! The time difference makes a really big delay unless you are making your orders at 12/1 am.
When there is an auction with more than one pony in it- make sure you include within your selection the http address of the pony that you want -
ALWAYS be SUPER polite. They are real people and they notice. They will also remember you down the road.
Keep your requests SUPER simple. They try their best but translation to/from Chinese is very dicey- and really easy to get wrong. Think of how even translated, the Taobao site seems to make no sense at all. They feel the same way about English.
If you try to buy something that is sold out- they have sometimes offered to check in with the seller periodically to see if the item is back in stock. I have found that it is easier to rely on yourself to search and find what you are looking for. Just sending a picture of various things you want them to look for is probably not going to work.
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So I wanna join the Taobao bandwagon! :P My question is who's a good agent to go through? I was looking through the BuyChina site and they have the price for the item, their fee and the shipping right there when you look at the page. Are they a reputable agent? Has anyone here used them personally?
And do you have any suggestions or advice for a Taobao noob? :biggrin:
Thanks!
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I am going to merge this with the other thread that we have concerning Taobao in TS, right now.
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Oh thanks. Sorry :blush:
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No worries. I'm a Tao Bao newbie too whose trying to figure this stuff out lol
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Haha thanks! It's a heck of a lot more complicated than I would've thought! Maybe we can learn some new things together ;)
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I did not know that you could pick an agent? I have the same person every time that I have ordered something.
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Who do you use Avene1984?
Yes Stormwing I'm hoping we can figure this stuff out together :biggrin:
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Have anypony bought directly from Taobao? Or used a Taobao agent to get your ponies? And if you bought directly from Taobao, is it reliable? Did you get your ponies?
[moving to Trader Support ~ many thanks ~ hathorcat]
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I got my first pony in the mail yesterday. I have another big order coming in the mail. I do like being able to get them ponies on there that would cost me an arm and legs on ebay. But the only bad thing I do not like about it is the time difference. I can place an order and wait all day. Then go to be for the next day of work and then I get a message. I have missed out on some ponies three times now cause of it :(
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I got my first pony in the mail yesterday. I have another big order coming in the mail. I do like being able to get them ponies on there that would cost me an arm and legs on ebay. But the only bad thing I do not like about it is the time difference. I can place an order and wait all day. Then go to be for the next day of work and then I get a message. I have missed out on some ponies three times now cause of it :(
I have the exact same problem and frustration!! I don't get how some people get in contact with their agents so quickly.
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I know! I am able ready to give up with the ones that I have been trying to get. I see them all on ebay now. Someone is buying them all just to resell :(
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You're out for G4 Minty? I'm out for G4 Minty too -_- she ain't gonna be easy to get, I'll tell you what...
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If I spot a Minty I'm gonna try to get them all and then do like a bulk order thing. If anyone beats me to it please PM me hahaha I need this pony in my life :biggrin:
Post Merge: May 17, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
I know! I am able ready to give up with the ones that I have been trying to get. I see them all on ebay now. Someone is buying them all just to resell :(
That Smurph300 (or whatever) buys them all and re sells on eBay! That kinda makes me really mad. I mean good for her if she's making a lot but its sad to me that collectors miss out because of re-sellers. Just my 2 cents
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Hello everyone! Seems to be a few taobao topics lately! Well, I have another one of you guys and hopefully its a quick solution! I am caving and going to start using taobao agents. I see so much stuff I want from that website, not just mlp, so I would like to learn how to do it myself! I have been recommended Taobao Spree by a few members. I got all excited until I found out I dont have Microsoft excel! =O I dont have anything Microsoft.... no Word, Excel, Powerpoint, nothing! So I cant fill out the order form because I have to buy Excel to use it. I discussed this with my husband and he wont buy or let me buy Microsoft Office and the other little programs. Do I have to use the Excel to fill out/make my own order form? =(
Im sad because Im on the internet browsing often and I miss out on so many cool prototypes!I understand you wont get your item 100% unless your agent responds to it quick but its worth a shot trying! Id really love to start getting stuff from Taobao, I feel kind of left out! =P
[moving to Trader Support ~ many thanks ~ hathorcat]
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I haven't used Taobao Spree, but have you looked at OpenOffice? It's free, and they have an "OpenOffice Calc" program that is basically just Excel and lets you open and save Excel spreadsheets.
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So somebody's buying these Taobao ponies, just for resale? :huh:
Can they not be normal and sell it directly from the site?
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If I spot a Minty I'm gonna try to get them all and then do like a bulk order thing. If anyone beats me to it please PM me hahaha I need this pony in my life :biggrin:
Post Merge: May 17, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
I know! I am able ready to give up with the ones that I have been trying to get. I see them all on ebay now. Someone is buying them all just to resell :(
That Smurph300 (or whatever) buys them all and re sells on eBay! That kinda makes me really mad. I mean good for her if she's making a lot but its sad to me that collectors miss out because of re-sellers. Just my 2 cents
That is the same one that I was thinking of. They got everyone of the ones that I have been trying to get to keep and not sell . Oh well I guess :(
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That Smurph300 (or whatever) buys them all and re sells on eBay! That kinda makes me really mad. I mean good for her if she's making a lot but its sad to me that collectors miss out because of re-sellers. Just my 2 cents
I know what you mean. It's the fact that it does appear to be ALL of them as well. I mean, I've bought extras to fund my obsession, I mean collection, but only a couple. Unless I'm picking them up for people here of course, then I might order more but that's for people here at cost price :) So yeah, I get you on that one. Though I have bought from her too :P I won't miss out on these Taobao ponies :P
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As long as the price is not INSANE, i dont mind coughing up some for ebay - but then again, im used to bying ponys for $10-15 + 15 shipping anyways - so $30 incl. shipping from China is not to bad if I really want it :p
{Riding round on my iPhone - i apologize for any autocorrect}
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I use Taobao Now :) They're pretty good and you don't need excel as everything is done online :)
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I use Taobao Now :) They're pretty good and you don't need excel as everything is done online :)
Seconding TaobaoNow! I'm on my first order with them, and they've been fantastic so far.
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I also use them! The only bad thing that I have come across is the time zone difference. I placed a few orders during the day when I am up. And waited all day to hear something back. When I do I am already in bed. Kind of sucks. I missed out on some ponies about three times now. Other then that I really do like the site. I got my first order yesterday and it was great :)
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Right now that seller has all the mane 6 with funky tinsel, I wanted those soooo bad (still do) but when she sells them on eBay they always go for super high (like I'm talking $100+)!!
If I ever do get a chance to buy coolio ponies I usually try to grab a few extra to help out collectors here. And personally if someone does the same I don't mind paying a bit more than they did for their troubles but ugh I get so frustrated when I see people buying just to resell for insane amounts on eBay.
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I've been working with TaobaoNow on my first order, and they've been great! The only thing is, I'd recommend going in with another person or buying a lot of stuff to make the fee (around $8 minimum, or 10% of your order) worth it.
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Right now that seller has all the mane 6 with funky tinsel, I wanted those soooo bad (still do) but when she sells them on eBay they always go for super high (like I'm talking $100+)!!
If I ever do get a chance to buy coolio ponies I usually try to grab a few extra to help out collectors here. And personally if someone does the same I don't mind paying a bit more than they did for their troubles but ugh I get so frustrated when I see people buying just to resell for insane amounts on eBay.
Are you willing to share a G4 Minty too if you happen to get a bulk of her? :D
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Well that fluttershy was up there again and now she is gone. I still have not heard anything back from my agent. I bet I will at 11pm when I am bed getting sleep for work at 5am in the morning. Sucks :(
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The agent I use, Taobao Now, is very reliable and the staff are nice too. :) Although they have been slow a couple of times and I've missed out on things. I don't think it's entirely their fault though as Taobao sellers don't always keep accurate stock numbers. Still, I've waited two working days for them to order something before.
I've also heard good things about Taobao Focus. I tried them out for a smaller order (it's been shipped and I'm waiting for it currently) and they seemed faster to purchase things than Taobao Now. However, their system is more automated so you're not communicating directly with anyone like you do on Taobao Now. I'm not sure what you would do if there was an issue.
I have bought ponies on Taobao to re-sell, largely to support my own purchases, but I've never, ever bought the entire stock of a pony! For one thing it's really expensive! Those mass re-sellers on eBay must be rolling in it to buy the quantities that they have.
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Right now that seller has all the mane 6 with funky tinsel, I wanted those soooo bad (still do) but when she sells them on eBay they always go for super high (like I'm talking $100+)!!
If I ever do get a chance to buy coolio ponies I usually try to grab a few extra to help out collectors here. And personally if someone does the same I don't mind paying a bit more than they did for their troubles but ugh I get so frustrated when I see people buying just to resell for insane amounts on eBay.
Are you willing to share a G4 Minty too if you happen to get a bulk of her? :D
Definitely!!! I would loveee to be able to do a bulk order for her!! I know so many people here would love her.
Post Merge: May 17, 2013, 12:19:04 PM
Well that fluttershy was up there again and now she is gone. I still have not heard anything back from my agent. I bet I will at 11pm when I am bed getting sleep for work at 5am in the morning. Sucks :(
Yupp I'm in the same boat : / it's frustrating
When all those Wysterias and Pinkies were on Taobao and everyone was trying to place their order I didn't hear back from my agent until the days! By then of course they were all sold out. Luckily I was chatting g with another member who heard from her agent that night and got some for me too. I realize the time difference makes it hard and such but it's discouraging.
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Please if anyone gets Mintys remember me for one.
Yes it seems like agents are slow sometimes. I've missed out on things recently too. I was hoping for a rainbow dash with crazy tinsel and of course Minty which I never even saw. But missed out.
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Sounds like we have been trying for the some ones time to time........ LOL
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Oh god I would love a Minty. ._.
I've used TaobaoNow for one purchase. My one caution is to do all the payments through Paypal. For some reason, they didn't have it as an option for the shipping cost but did send me an invoice for the actual ponies + in-country shipping, and the ones they did have were kind of, um, sketchy. But they let me pay via Paypal upon request.
Right now, I'm trying Taobao Trends for a Wysteria + Luna + a couple fakies purchase. They DO accept payment through paypal automatically, and so far it's been very smooth. The interface is pretty tidy, the checkout is clear, and the order status is updated. I'm also informed that they take a picture of your items when they arrive at the office, so that's cool. :D
I also usually buy one extra of a pony I know is rare/going to be popular to help justify the cost and then sell the extra on ebay. I usually set them at approx. half what I paid for both and then whatever ebayers are willing to pay beyond that is out of my control.
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Oh Minty would be a big hit for sure!!!!
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TaobaoNow only gave me the option to pay with Paypal, so maybe they've updated their rules. I've ordered a few ponies for others on here, and I've got a few extras coming on my order, mainly for trading material. Notably, some extra Tealove, and a couple extra of the unreleased bb figure with a raindrops cutie mark. ;)
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Merging due to several topics already on the subject~Thanks PL
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Merging due to several topics already on the subject~Thanks PL
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If you do not speak and read Chinese, you should not attempt purchasing from TaoBao directly. Getting an agent is a very important part of the process! They will handle the language barrier, exchange rate, and ordering process for you.
Your TaoBao agent will occasionally miss requested items if they are in high demand, or if the seller on TaoBao hasn't accurately reported their stock, as stated earlier. Also, keep in mind that your agent may not be checking for orders 24/7. If you're in the USA placing an order in the middle of the day, it's they'd file if the night in China!
Most agents charge you twice for a single order: Once for your products and internal Chinese shipping to the agent, then again for shipping from the agent to you. The first payment usually includes a percentage markup on the goods you've bought, as the agent will collect a fee for their work on your behalf.
Shipping costs are pricey. Do not be surprised if it costs $30+ to get your TaoBao package from your agent to your doorstep. Agents often offer only the most reliable of shipping services.
It's easy to look at the cheap prices on these neat ponies and get carried away. Keep in mind that though the product base price may be cheap, the shipping costs and agent fees will bring that price up. Many agents will hold your products for you until you request shipping, allowing you to continue shopping and build up your order. It is never economical to have a single pony shipped to you.
Whatever agent you choose, be sure to read their terms carefully, and ask questions before you order if you're not sure about their costs or policies.
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I use engtaobao.com They use paypal and you don't need office or anything like that. So far it's been great with them.
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Wow there are so many different agents! HawaiianRain do they get to you quite quickly?
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I'm thinking of, in the future, organizing group Taobao orders when I place a new one for myself. That way, the fee won't seem like quite so much for any one person.
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I'm thinking of, in the future, organizing group Taobao orders when I place a new one for myself. That way, the fee won't seem like quite so much for any one person.
I'd totally be up for that!! Also if you ever see a neat pony I'd be up for that too!! Lol
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Same here. :)
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We should form a Taobao group and whoever spies neat ponies they can pick a bunch up for the group lol
Post Merge: May 18, 2013, 12:08:27 PM
Actually anyone interested PM me and we'll fingers something out :biggrin:
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I start using this http://tbtrends.com/ they are really nice, and sometimes they are awake in the night lol
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I'm thinking of, in the future, organizing group Taobao orders when I place a new one for myself. That way, the fee won't seem like quite so much for any one person.
You should be aware that fees are a percentage normally not a set fee - therefore the more you purchase the higher your fee becomes.
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I'm thinking of, in the future, organizing group Taobao orders when I place a new one for myself. That way, the fee won't seem like quite so much for any one person.
You should be aware that fees are a percentage normally not a set fee - therefore the more you purchase the higher your fee becomes.
For TaobaoNow, it's 10% or around $8 (I think 50 yuan), so if you're ordering less than $80 worth of stuff, it'd be more efficient to do a group order. I'm not sure about other agents.
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Wow there are so many different agents! HawaiianRain do they get to you quite quickly?
they do but they do run on their time don't forget.
I think we need to find a company that runs on our hours. That way we wouldn't have to worry about missing out so much.
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Yes I keep an eye on their time on an app on my phone but you'd think they'd answer at like 10 or 11 in the morning.
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Yes I keep an eye on their time on an app on my phone but you'd think they'd answer at like 10 or 11 in the morning.
Mine answers between 8-9 at night and 2-4 in the morning. Sometimes 8 in the morning as well.
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Yes I keep an eye on their time on an app on my phone but you'd think they'd answer at like 10 or 11 in the morning.
Mine answers between 8-9 at night and 2-4 in the morning. Sometimes 8 in the morning as well.
I meant their time so that would be at night for us but mine always answered between 2-4 am (my time) and that's it. Maybe I'll try your next time :)
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I'm thinking of, in the future, organizing group Taobao orders when I place a new one for myself. That way, the fee won't seem like quite so much for any one person.
You should be aware that fees are a percentage normally not a set fee - therefore the more you purchase the higher your fee becomes.
For TaobaoNow, it's 10% or around $8 (I think 50 yuan), so if you're ordering less than $80 worth of stuff, it'd be more efficient to do a group order. I'm not sure about other agents.
If I am honest - its not always that simple. When orders grow so does shipping. Having ordered small, medium and large Taobao orders in the past, I have honestly found that items tend to average the same by the time the end cost comes about.