I am very new in this and recently discovered taobao via allnu kind forumers. However being a non-Chinese have problems getting around the site with exception of the links u guys provided. I'm keen on some taps for bathroom and kitchen and some lightings for the dining table.

First qn: how does taobao work?

Secondly: how many days will it take for the items to arrive?

Thirdly: can kindly explain the shipper and agent to me and how do they play a part in my taobao spree?

Basically I need help in everything taobao. For the Taps do they all fit standard sinks? What's the costs like for overall shipping costs? I'm only buying a few things to test out and I hope u guys can help me. Much appreciated!

Hi whatte,

do they wrap the items properly in bubble plastic or styrofoam box in a box when they shipped over?

wow u bot a lot things from taobao and i assume that no damage to your items?

It really depends on who you order the items from. Most vendors will tell you how they pack their items.

I had benches that came in crates. So just ask them how they would pack it.

Wow... so exciting to se many people buying from Taobao! I got most of my wedding stuffs from there and am thinking of doing the same for my house items now. I am concerned about shipping cost and packaging of bulky items though. Will read this thread in detail again and save the referred contacts

In the meantime, those who have already received the items you ordered, pls share your feedback so we can get from the same supplier Checking for reliability of supplier and quality of the items they sell can be a real pain

Yeah... It would be good if those of you who have bought, please share the seller details here so the rest (like me ) can benefit

@Batman: You have already ordered some items right? What have you received already? How long did shipping take?

I was looking at bathroom sink with cabinet sets... OMG, sooo many pretty designs! I have been to 20 over shops in Singapore and still cannot find an ideal one. Choices here are so limited, and at twice the price

Only concern now is whether it is safe to ship sinks & cabinets. Will it reach me in one complete piece? Those who have made purchases before, any tips on how to estimate cost of shipping?

Sorry very busy recently to post

I have installed most of my items..will post once done taking the shots

but LED lights is really worth while..lol

LED sgd 10 each living room put 10 enough for me http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.EgsBjE&id=12841341539

Kitchen lights http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.c7UDQj&id=16430483528

Roller blind $120 for 4 windows http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.40.CfKKzK&id=10700378289

LED stripe also good $2/ sq m http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.FoIMWc&id=16345307410

Shelving light http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.40.eb4BLe&id=16574907447

Door handle match my white door http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.WsS5be&id=9629359244

light switch http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.H5JVVg&id=3104566918

study room chairs http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=15692752614

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.is2gzN&id=12246650198

Stools http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.qWQPOC&id=10302183073

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.OibI7N&id=15837267696

other small things,lazy post..lol

Edited November 23, 201213 yr by Acquit

@Batman: You have already ordered some items right? What have you received already? How long did shipping take?

I was looking at bathroom sink with cabinet sets... OMG, sooo many pretty designs! I have been to 20 over shops in Singapore and still cannot find an ideal one. Choices here are so limited, and at twice the price

Only concern now is whether it is safe to ship sinks & cabinets. Will it reach me in one complete piece? Those who have made purchases before, any tips on how to estimate cost of shipping?

Get the size and weight from the vendor or the website.

Add another 10% for packing and then calculate using the shipping rates available on the shipper's website.

---

It is always a risk when you order online because you are buying based on a picture. And there is no guarantee on how the packing would be.

If you are worried about getting big items, then start small with lights and taps.

Sorry very busy recently to post

I have installed most of my items..will post once done taking the shots

but LED lights is really worth while..lol

LED sgd 10 each living room put 10 enough for me http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.EgsBjE&id=12841341539

Kitchen lights http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.c7UDQj&id=16430483528

Roller blind $120 for 4 windows http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.40.CfKKzK&id=10700378289

LED stripe also good $2/ sq m http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.FoIMWc&id=16345307410

Shelving light http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.40.eb4BLe&id=16574907447

Door handle match my white door http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.WsS5be&id=9629359244

light switch http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.43.H5JVVg&id=3104566918

study room chairs http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=15692752614

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.is2gzN&id=12246650198

Stools http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.qWQPOC&id=10302183073

http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z09.5.0.41.OibI7N&id=15837267696

other small things,lazy post..lol

wow..i did not know the the light switch from TB can fit our Singapore one. haha tks. The LED lights have they been installed already?

that is a longggggggg list bro acquit. Ok will hit on them liao. Cos I have not much time left as I will be collecting keys next Thu.

Nope dolphin, I have yet to make my virgin purchase

Hi bros,

These items that purchase from taobao will takes how long to deliver to our shores? Also, the site is tmall is it the same?

@Acquit: Can help to post the link to your shipper here or PM me pls? I have difficulty finding which ones are able to handle bulky items at reasonable rates. Some do only EMS/FedEx kind, will be too expensive to ship huge items like bed or tables...

taobao doesn't ship over directly rite? i'm interested in getting the led downlights and the switches..

Do anyone had recommended shipper/forwarder to ship item back to SG?

Thinking of buying things from TaoBao, it's so much cheaper.

Wow.. very happy to read about the experiences everyone has had with taobao, I've been browsing for stuff for very long but wasn't sure if it was reliable/ cheaper/ safe etc! Now i think i am definitely taking the plunge... uh oh, bank account will be very sad for the next few mths!

I have some newbie questions though:

- What is the difference between taobao, tmall (and the other similar variations)

- How do I go about registering for an account (based in sg) then source for the cheap/reliable agents? Are there restrictions e.g. if I enter my details as in Singapore, I can't order/ purchase items?

- Is there a time limit to consolidate purchases through shipping agents?

- Are most of the 'branded' items (e.g electrical stuff, kitchen/bath fittings) authentic or just knock offs (e.g. eames chairs are obviously fake...)

Sorry for soooo many questions! TIA to fellow RT forummers for helping me out!

led cove light is good enough for watching tv..if on all downlights, see from opposite block, my house should be lightest lol

living room i only use 10 downlights..

cove light havent place properly, so very messy distribution..lol

with my wedding suit,wedding stuffs,bro and sis theme clothings, home decors+ accessories, lightings,chairs,stools,bench,vanity top and cabinets etc etc..

i think total i spend $2.3k for all from taobao only..saving is dun noe how many percent..sure more 50-70% savings..lol

Edited December 4, 201213 yr by Acquit