Find answers to common questions about using Taobao
Taobao is China's largest online shopping platform, founded by Alibaba Group. It features millions of products from countless sellers, offering everything from clothing and electronics to home goods and more at competitive prices.
Yes, although Taobao's interface is primarily in Chinese, you can use translation tools like Google Translate or dedicated browser extensions to navigate the site. Some third-party agents also offer English interfaces for shopping on Taobao.
Taobao offers buyer protection through its Alipay escrow service, which holds payment until you confirm receipt and satisfaction with your order. However, as with any online marketplace, it's important to check seller ratings and reviews before purchasing.
Both are owned by Alibaba Group, but Taobao primarily features individual sellers and small businesses, while Tmall hosts official brand stores and authorized retailers. Tmall generally offers higher-quality products with stronger guarantees but at higher prices.
You can create a Taobao account using your email address or phone number. Check our Registration Guide for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Some international email providers may be blocked in China. If you're having trouble, try using a different email service or registering with your phone number instead.
On the login page, click "Forgot Password" and follow the prompts to reset your password using your registered email or phone number. You'll receive a verification code to complete the process.
Taobao primarily uses Alipay, which accepts Chinese bank cards, some international credit cards, and other local payment methods. International users often need to use a forwarding service that accepts international payments.
Alipay, Taobao's payment system, uses encryption and security measures similar to PayPal. However, not all international credit cards are accepted directly. Many international users prefer to use a buying agent service for added security.
Taobao offers direct shipping to some countries in Asia, but for most international destinations, you'll need to use Taobao's consolidated shipping service or a third-party forwarding service.
Domestic shipping within China typically takes 2-7 days. International shipping can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks depending on your location and the shipping method chosen.
Try these steps: 1) Restart your device, 2) Update the app to the latest version, 3) Clear the app cache in your device settings, 4) Uninstall and reinstall the app. If problems persist, contact us for assistance.
Check your browsing history in the app by going to "My Taobao" > "Footprints". You can also check your favorites if you saved the item. If you remember any keywords from the product, try searching for those terms.
If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to contact us directly.
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