How to buy from Taobao
Updated 2026-09-29 · Puro Classico
Taobao is China's biggest online marketplace, with millions of independent shops. Most sellers only ship inside China and the site is in Chinese, so buyers abroad use a shopping agent to buy, inspect and ship for them.
Step by step
- Find the item. Browse Puro Classico (Taobao finds are marked "Taobao"), or copy a Taobao link — it looks like
item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=…. - Open it in your agent. Tap "Buy via MyCNBox" on a find, or paste the Taobao link into your agent's search bar. Our link converter does this for any link.
- Choose the size and colour (agents translate the options) and pay for the item plus domestic delivery to the agent's warehouse.
- Check the QC photos when it reaches the warehouse (how to read them).
- Combine items and ship. Pick a shipping line and pay international shipping — see shipping lines explained.
Taobao vs Weidian vs 1688
- Taobao: the biggest range; many shops, varied quality.
- Weidian: mobile shop platform where many rep sellers list (guide).
- 1688: wholesale/factory prices, sometimes with minimum quantities (guide).
Tips
- Check the shop's ratings and recent reviews inside your agent.
- Tmall listings are Taobao's branded-store side; agents handle them the same way.
- Measure a garment you own and compare with the size chart in centimetres (sizing guide).
FAQ
Does Taobao ship internationally?
Some items can be shipped abroad through Taobao's own programme, but most sellers only ship within China, so international buyers usually use a shopping agent.
Is it safe to buy from Taobao with an agent?
Agents act as the buyer, check the item at their warehouse and send you QC photos before international shipping, which lowers the risk of receiving the wrong item.
