Buying directly from Chinese platforms such as Taobao, 1688, or Pinduoduo is a great way to save money and access a wide range of products. However, for new users, the process can feel confusing. This guide will walk you through everything step by step:
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Step 1: Choose a Platform
Platform | Description | Language Support |
Taobao | B2C & C2C (great for individuals) | Chinese only (use Google Translate) |
1688 | B2B (bulk prices, direct from factories) | Chinese only |
JD.com / Tmall | Branded products | Some English options |
If you’re a beginner, Taobao is a good place to start due to its user-friendly interface.
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Step 2: Create an Account
1. Go to https://world.taobao.com
2. Sign up using your phone number (international numbers supported)
3. Set your username, password, and shipping address (initially use the third-party forwarder’s warehouse address — more on that below)
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Step 3: Search for Products
• Use Google Translate to convert keywords from English to Chinese
e.g., “Wireless Earbuds” → “无线耳机”
• Copy and paste into the search bar
• Look for stores with:
• High sales volume
• Positive reviews (4.8+)
• Good ratings on “描述相符”, “服务态度”, “物流服务”
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Step 4: Contact the Seller
Click “联系卖家” (Contact Seller) to ask:
• Product availability
• Stock quantity
• Shipping weight/dimensions
• Whether the product includes batteries or liquid (important for shipping)
Basic messages you can send (use translation apps):
你好,我是海外买家。这个产品可以发到广东仓库吗?我用集运公司转运到马来西亚。谢谢!
(Hi, I am an overseas buyer. Can this item be sent to a warehouse in Guangdong? I use a forwarder to ship to Malaysia. Thank you!)
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Step 5: Add to Cart and Checkout
If everything looks good:
1. Add items to cart
2. Proceed to checkout
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Step 6: How to Pay
Payment Methods:
• Alipay (linked to your bank card & Passport)
• Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard) – accepted directly (May have 1-3% service charge)
• Taobao Top-up agents / Services (for 1688, which usually requires Alipay) (Newfly is provided this service)
For first-time users:
• Credit card is easiest on Taobao
• For 1688, consider using an agent or a trusted sourcing company
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Step 7: Use a Third-Party Forwarder (Newfly is provided this service)
Here’s how the full third-party forwarding process works:
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Full Process for Third-Party Forwarding
① Choose a Forwarder
Make sure they provide:
• A China warehouse address
• A system or WhatsApp to track your parcels
• Consolidation + repackaging services
• Options like sea freight or air freight
• with Registered of Company in Malaysia
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② Get the China Warehouse Address
Your forwarder will give you a Chinese address. It usually includes:
• Name
• Warehouse phone number
• Warehouse address
• Unique ID code (e.g., “YourName-280016”)
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③ Use This Address When You Buy
When placing your order on Taobao/1688:
• Replace your home address with the forwarder’s China warehouse address
• Add your unique ID so they know it’s your parcel
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④ Let the Seller Ship to the Warehouse
After payment, the seller will ship your product to the warehouse within 1–5 days.
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⑤ Forwarder Receives Your Parcel
Once received, the forwarder will:
• Notify you (via app or message)
• Take a photo NEWFLY provided this services
• Allow you to consolidate multiple packages (合包)
• Offer repacking (if needed)
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⑥ Choose Shipping Method to Your Country
Options include:
• Air freight (faster, 5–10 days, more expensive)
• Sea freight (cheaper, slower, 12–25 days)
• Some have tax-included services
You’ll need to:
• Fill in a declaration (item type, value)
• Pay for the shipping cost via bank transfer, card, e-wallet (varies by forwarder)
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⑦ Wait for Delivery to Your Country
Once shipped:
• You’ll get a tracking number
• Delivery goes to your local address (home, office, or pickup point)
• Some forwarders offer cash-on-delivery or customs pre-clearance
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Example Timeline:
Step | Time |
Seller ships to warehouse | 2–5 days |
Forwarder processes parcel | 1–2 days |
Sea freight to Malaysia | 10–20 days |
Total | ~2–4 weeks |
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Bonus Tips for Beginners
• Always check seller reviews and ratings.
• Avoid fragile or sensitive items unless your forwarder supports them.
• Ask your forwarder if they can handle battery, cosmetics, or liquid items.
• For first-time purchases, try a small, low-value item to test the process.