Taobao User Guide

Home Screen Overview

When you first open Taobao, you'll see the home screen with various sections. At the top is the search bar, followed by promotional banners, category shortcuts, and recommended products.

Search Bar

Located at the top of the screen, use this to search for products by keywords.

Navigation Bar

At the bottom of the screen, you'll find navigation icons for Home, Categories, Messages, Cart, and My Taobao.

Search Basics

Taobao's search function is powerful but can be overwhelming for new users. Here's how to effectively search for products:

Advanced Search Techniques

To find exactly what you're looking for, try these advanced search techniques:

• Use specific terms rather than general ones (e.g., "cotton summer dress" instead of just "dress")
• Include sizes, colors, or materials in your search terms
• Use the image search feature to find similar products
• Check the "Ships to" filter to ensure the item can be shipped to your country

Product Page Overview

Product pages on Taobao contain a wealth of information. Here's what to look for:

Selecting Product Options

Many products on Taobao come with various options such as size, color, or style. To select your preferred options:

1. Tap on the "Select" button or the product image
2. A popup will appear showing available options
3. Select your preferred options (size, color, etc.)
4. Adjust quantity if needed
5. Tap "Add to Cart" or "Buy Now"

Shopping Cart Overview

The shopping cart allows you to collect items from different sellers before proceeding to checkout. Here's how to use it effectively:

Checkout Overview

The checkout process on Taobao involves several steps. Here's a walkthrough:

Available Payment Options

Taobao offers several payment methods, though some may be limited for international users:

Payment Security

Taobao uses an escrow payment system to protect buyers:

1. When you pay, the money is held by Alipay (not immediately given to the seller)
2. The seller ships your order after receiving payment confirmation
3. You confirm receipt of the items in good condition
4. Only then is the payment released to the seller

Domestic Shipping in China

If you're in China, Taobao offers several domestic shipping options:

• Express Delivery (快递) - Fast delivery, usually 1-3 days
• Standard Delivery (平邮) - Slower but cheaper, usually 3-7 days
• Same-day Delivery (当日达) - Available in some cities for nearby sellers

International Shipping

For international buyers, there are two main approaches:

Popular Forwarding Services

Here are some well-known forwarding services used by international Taobao shoppers:

Tracking Your Orders

Taobao provides comprehensive order tracking. Here's how to track your purchases:

Understanding Order Status

Your order will go through several statuses:

• Order Placed - Your order has been submitted but not yet paid
• Paid - Payment has been received, waiting for seller to ship
• Shipped - Seller has shipped the item
• In Transit - Item is on its way to you
• Delivered - Item has been delivered
• Completed - Transaction is complete after confirmation of receipt

Messaging System

Taobao has a built-in messaging system called Aliwangwang that allows you to chat with sellers. Here's how to use it:

Communication Tips

When messaging sellers who may not speak your language:

• Use simple, clear language
• Include product links or order numbers when asking questions
• Use Taobao's built-in translation tool or copy messages to an external translator
• Be patient - there may be time zone differences and language barriers

Understanding the Review System

Taobao's review system helps buyers make informed decisions and rewards good sellers. Here's how it works:

Leaving a Review

After receiving and confirming your order, you'll be prompted to leave a review. Here's how: