Taobao Vs Taobao agent

[Bergamot]

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.

[HawaiianRain]

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.

[Lady Starflower]

Wow there are so many different agents! HawaiianRain do they get to you quite quickly?

[Shiromisa]

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.

[Lady Starflower]

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

[Marigold]

Same here.

[Lady Starflower]

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

[glowinshanka]

I start using this http://tbtrends.com/ they are really nice, and sometimes they are awake in the night lol

[hathorcat]

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.

[Shiromisa]

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.

[HawaiianRain]

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.

[Lady Starflower]

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.

[HawaiianRain]

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.

[Lady Starflower]

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

[hathorcat]

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.