Taobao – The Largest Online E-Commerce Platform in China

Taobao is the largest online e-commerce platform in China, operating on a C2C (consumer-to-consumer) model. It was founded in 2003 by the internet holding company Alibaba Group. Any user can open their own store here and sell goods. Over 60 million transactions are made daily on Taobao.

Often, the question arises: how to order from Taobao to Russia. This task comes with several challenges, and one must not forget about the various hidden pitfalls. In this article, we will try to explain how Taobao delivery to Russia works and much more. The e-commerce platform does not have the most user-friendly interface, which should be taken into account.

How to Use Taobao in Russia

Access should not pose any problems. The site is not blocked for foreign users.

Before ordering goods from Taobao to Russia, it is worth getting better acquainted with the platform. One of the main challenges is that the resource is targeted at a Chinese audience. The official website does not even have an English version. Fortunately, there are three main ways to ensure comfortable shopping in Russian:

Using a translator extension or built-in browser options. For example, Microsoft Edge offers such features by default. As for installing extensions, they can be found in specialized stores (they are free).
Another way to place an order from Taobao to Russia in 2024 is to use automatic translators. The programs from Yandex and Google have proven to be the most reliable. Keep in mind that Taobao uses simplified Chinese.
On the first page of search results, you can find the Taobao in Russian website. It should be understood that this is a mediator resource. This is another way to shop from Taobao to Russia in your native language.
For greater convenience when working with the platform, there are specialized extensions. They simplify searches, provide store information, and much more.

How to Register on Taobao Independently in Russia

This is not as simple a task as it might seem at first glance, and it's not just about the Chinese interface. Below is a detailed guide on how registration on Taobao 2024 in Russia works:

Click on the hieroglyphs indicated in the screenshot to create a new account.
The system allows further registration in English.
You need to enter your phone number to verify your profile.

Here, let’s make a note. Technically, you can use a Russian number and pass verification. However, in practice, this is where users face many problems. Messages often do not arrive, and after the second attempt, the system notifies that the mobile phone cannot be used for the next 24 hours. This can continue indefinitely.
If you are looking for a way to register on Taobao in Russia, the SMSBOWER service offers assistance. Here, you can buy a virtual number for Taobao for a few rubles. Purchasing requires just a few clicks.
It is best to buy numbers from China or other Asian countries, as they have the highest activation rate. Orders can be found in the Activation History section, which you need to visit to receive the SMS with the verification code. When registering on Taobao, Russia presents several challenges in creating a profile. If the SMS does not arrive, you can always click the Cancel button. Funds will be returned, and a new number can be purchased in just a few clicks.
After completing mobile number verification, continue the process.
You need to provide an email address. This is the second stage of verification, as a confirmation code will be sent to it. After entering the code, click the Complete Registration button.

Now, you can make additional settings to protect your account and set access rights.

How to Order from Taobao to Russia Independently

The website offers millions of products. You can not only purchase a batch but also discuss additional details with the seller, such as the final cost (discounts apply for bulk purchases), branding, and more.

Ordering from Taobao to Russia involves several challenges. The platform is oriented toward the Chinese market. Goods are shipped only to warehouses within the country. Russian users need to arrange for warehouse space, make payments using one of the offered methods, and organize cross-border delivery.

Disadvantages of Independent Ordering

Is it possible to order from Taobao to Russia without intermediaries? Yes, but only a small number of users choose this option for several reasons:

Limited consumer rights protection. Taobao guarantees mainly apply to Chinese citizens. Foreign buyers, in case of problems with an order, have to return the goods to China at their own expense.
Order amount and weight restrictions. Banks impose limits on cross-border transfers, and large orders require customs clearance and payment of duties, which can increase the purchase cost by 30%.
The need for Russian certifications. Some goods, under Russian law, require mandatory certification and will not be allowed across the border without it. All this can be learned by reading reviews of Taobao buyers in Russia. Often, such tasks are handled independently by large buyers with their own representatives in China.

How to Find a Taobao Mediator for Russia

The main difficulty of this task lies in the abundance of offers. There are dozens of companies offering to order from Taobao to Russia in 2024. When choosing, consider several factors:

Pay attention to reviews from real buyers. Read reviews not only on the company's website but also on independent platforms.
You need a Taobao mediator in Russia who operates officially and is a legal entity in the Russian Federation. This ensures the possibility of resolving issues within the legal framework.
Evaluate the company's experience in the market. A long history of operation usually indicates the reliability of the mediator.
Check for a physical office and warehouse. This increases the ability to quickly resolve issues with delivery and storage.
Compare the terms of mediators based on key criteria: delivery costs, markup on goods, payment options, and order processing speed.
Check the company's ability to track order status and communicate with customer support. This is important in case of questions about the order.

Best Taobao Mediators for Delivery to Russia

Based on user reviews:

Asia-tao. Works with a 5% commission for orders up to 10,000 rubles and 3% for purchases above this amount.
China-towns. Since the company is located in China, the ordering and logistics processes are faster.
Master-tao. Offers a 5% commission and guarantees delivery.
Asia Shop. Provides a wide range of services for individuals and organizations.

The question of how much Taobao (Taobao) delivery to Russia costs should not be the primary concern. For example, streamlined business processes of a mediator can save on associated costs. Consider all factors to make your Taobao order to Russia as efficient and convenient as possible."