Here’s a breakdown of Taobao Hong Kong, one of the most popular shopping apps in the 852 that lets you shop at unbeatable prices.
Hong Kong (and the world) has been crazy about Taobao, the famous online shopping platform from Mainland China. But despite its jaw-droppingly cheap prices and endless selection of products, not everyone has hopped onto the Taobao bandwagon – and we know exactly why. Has the Chinese user interface put you off? Are you overwhelmed by all the options and settings? Worry not – our guide to Taobao Hong Kong will help you shop like a pro in no time. From quality furniture to home decor to cheap electronics, Taobao is your oyster!
Your ultimate Taobao Hong Kong shopping guide
How to change Taobao to English
First things first: While Taobao Hong Kong doesn’t have an official English site, you can access the Taobao world site and simply use your browser’s built-in translator tool to change Taobao to English. If you’re on your phone, Safari should have the same function, too.
How to set up a Taobao account
Once you have the language barrier out of the way, it’s time to set up your Taobao account. This is like signing up for any other shopping platform. Just enter your Hong Kong phone number, followed by the authentication code sent to your messages to verify it.
Shopping on Taobao
Now that we’re in, it’s time to shop! While Taobao’s homepage (and anywhere else for that matter) may be a little overwhelming with all the sections and functions, heed our tips to browse the site with ease.
1. Search and browse on Taobao
Searching and browsing on Taobao is straightforward. Simply type your desired item into the search bar and start browsing! Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Translate your search to traditional or simplified Chinese for better results
- Be as specific as possible with your search – the more adjectives, the better!
- Use the image search function next to the search bar for an even more streamlined browsing (we’re telling you: this works like a charm!)
2. Navigating a listing on Taobao
Now that you’ve chosen a product, there are a few things to keep in mind as you scroll through its listing:
- Vendors may host live streams where they show off the product in real time. You can join the stream by clicking on a flashing icon on the top right corner
- The listing will have a video showing the product in use
- Take your time to go through the options. Click “Add to Basket” and see what colours and dimensions the product comes in
3. Product reviews and vendor ratings
As with other online shopping platforms, it’s always a good idea to check the reviews and ratings before making a purchase. On Taobao, you’ll find product reviews underneath the initial product information. And just below that, you’ll see even more details about the seller, including their rating, followers, product quality, delivery speed, and customer service score.
4. Place an order on Taobao
If you’ve set your mind on buying something, here’s how to place an order on Taobao. You can either add the item to your basket (and save it for later) or pay straight away. Remember to double check the specifics of the product before paying, as listings on the platform usually offer multiple dimensions and colours for shoppers to choose from. Scroll through the drop-down menu for the colour and dimension of your desired item before proceeding further.
5. Taobao payment methods
When you’re first setting up your Taobao account, you’ll be asked to select a payment method. While a Chinese credit card works, the most common payment method on the platform is WeChat or Alipay. Bear in mind the check-out currency will be in Chinese yuan (RMB), so prices may differ slightly depending on the exchange rate.
6. Taobao delivery and shipment
Hong Kong-bound items usually get shipped to either an SF or Cainiao collection point depending on which courier service your seller uses. Occasionally, Taobao offers limited-time free shipping for Hong Kong-bound orders. Otherwise, look out for sellers that provide free cross-border shipping with a minimum spending amount. This is usually indicated with an orange label on the product listing itself.
If you have bulky items in your order, you’ll be charged a delivery fee regardless of any free shipping promotions. So, if you’re planning on shopping for furniture or big gadgets, consider paying for door-to-door delivery instead.
How to check your Taobao shipment
After you’ve placed and paid for your order, feel free to sit back and wait for your order to arrive. But, if you want to check up on your Taobao shipment status, you can click on the “My Footprints” icon to access your purchase history.
Taobao refunds
While Taobao does take refunds and returns, the process gets a little complicated. Sellers are usually happy to refund your order if you send them proof of any damages of the product. On the other hand, if the clothing you’ve ordered is too big or small, you’ll need to be prepared to pay for return shipping. Finally, if you ever run into trouble with refunds and returns, you can message the platform’s customer service agents who can then negotiate with the seller on your behalf.
Shop Taobao Hong Kong online.
Taobao Hong Kong physical store
Still can’t quite figure out how to shop on Taobao Hong Kong? We have news for you! The Chinese shopping platform announced that they will open a physical store in China Hong Kong City by the end of 2024 or early 2025. Occupying an expansive 40,000 square feet space, the store is set to become a one-stop-shop for furniture shopping complete with design, customisation, and home installation services. Once they open their doors, furniture shopping will be a breeze for homeowners in the 852.
Taobao Hong Kong, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
