Taobao & Tmall — How to Search, Pay, Ship & Stay Safe
Taobao (淘宝) is China’s giant marketplace for everything from desk fans to dorm storage, while Tmall (天猫) features official brand stores. This guide helps au pairs and students set up, find good sellers, pay confidently, and get parcels to your door or pick-up spot.
Taobao vs Tmall (Quick)
Taobao
- Marketplace with independent sellers.
- Huge variety, frequent deals and coupons.
Tmall
- Brand/flagship stores, more standardized service.
- Great for electronics, skincare, official goods.
Account & Payment (Beginner Options)
Create Account
- Download Taobao app → sign up with your phone number (SMS code).
- Complete basic profile; enable notifications for delivery updates.
- Add a shipping address in Chinese (ask a local friend/school for the exact Chinese format).
Ways to Pay
- Alipay in-app (link a card or use supported international options where available).
- Bank card via Alipay channel in some cases.
- Cash on delivery is uncommon; QR pay at pickup lockers is not typical—pay before shipment.
Payment rules can vary by seller and your bank card. Try a small test order first.
Search Like a Local (Chinese & Image Search)
Keywords to Try
- Storage boxes 收纳箱 (shōunàxiāng)
- Desk lamp 台灯 (táidēng)
- Phone case 手机壳 (shǒujī ké)
- Power strip 插线板 (chāxiànbǎn)
- Water filter 净水壶 (jìngshuǐhú)
Paste Chinese words from a translator or ask a buddy to share the right term.
Filters & Tools
- 销量 (sales volume) and 评价 (reviews) to spot reliable listings.
- 领券 (get coupon) before you pay.
- Use the camera icon for image search to find the same item by photo.
Read the Product Page (What Matters)
Sizing & Specs
- Check the size chart (尺码表) and buyer photos (买家秀).
- Clothes often run smaller—compare measurements, not just S/M/L.
Seller Reputation
- Look at store age and ratings on product/service/logistics.
- Skim the Q&A (问大家) for real-life fit/usage answers.
Shipping & Pickup (How Your Parcel Arrives)
Domestic Delivery
- Most sellers ship via express couriers; delivery is fast city-wide.
- You’ll get tracking in the app under 物流 (logistics).
- Missed the courier? Parcels often go to a nearby Cainiao pickup point/locker—use the pickup code (取件码).
Forwarding / Consolidation
- Buying from multiple sellers? Some routes offer official consolidation to one box (check during checkout).
- For cross-border shipping, use the platform’s official forwarding or a reputable forwarder your school/friends recommend.
Returns & Refunds (Within the App)
- Open the order → tap 退款/退货 (refund/return) and choose a reason.
- For returns, print the label or write the address; keep the courier receipt.
- Refunds release after the seller receives/inspects the item (or instantly for “no-shipping” refunds like cancelled orders).
Always chat via in-app customer service (客服) so messages are recorded. Avoid off-platform payments.
Safety & Smart Buying
- Prices far below market? Be cautious. Check reviews with photos and recent dates.
- Pay only through Taobao/Tmall (Alipay). No private transfers.
- Compare 2–3 listings; read the specs (material, voltage, warranty).
- For electronics, prefer Tmall flagship stores and keep invoices.
What to Buy First (Student/Au Pair Starter List)
Home Setup
- Hangers, storage bins, cable organizers.
- Power strip with surge protection.
Daily Life
- Reusable bottle, small umbrella, slippers.
- SIM/eSIM accessories, screen protector, case.
Study & Gifts
- Notebooks, flashcards, pens & brush pens.
- Small Chengdu/zodiac-themed souvenirs.
Useful Vocabulary (EN ↔ ZH ↔ Pinyin)
- Shopping cart — 购物车 — gòuwùchē
- Coupon — 领券 — lǐngquàn
- Pay — 支付 — zhīfù
- Logistics/Tracking — 物流 — wùliú
- Pickup code — 取件码 — qǔjiànmǎ
- Return/Refund — 退货 / 退款 — tuìhuò / tuìkuǎn
- Customer service — 客服 — kèfú
- Store — 店铺 — diànpù
- Review — 评价 — píngjià
- Q&A — 问大家 — wèn dàjiā
FAQ — Taobao/Tmall
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Sometimes, via Alipay’s supported options. Many students use Alipay with a linked card or local account; do a small trial order first.
How do I write my address?
Use the Chinese form (Province → City → District → Street → Building/Room). Ask your school/host to send it in Chinese to copy-paste.
Where does my parcel go if I’m not home?
Often to a nearby Cainiao locker or convenience store. The app will show the pickup point and code.
What if the item is fake?
Open a dispute with screenshots; buying from Tmall flagship stores reduces the risk.
Shop Smarter with Masons Au Pair
We’ll help set up your address and payments, share Chinese keywords for what you need, and point you to reliable stores—so your first Taobao haul is smooth, safe, and budget-friendly.
Join Our Au Pair Program