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Shopping on Taobao is a great experience, but what happens if your order isn’t quite right? Whether you received the wrong item, the product is damaged, or you just changed your mind, knowing how to request a refund on Taobao is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step process of Taobao refunds, both locally and through third-party forwarding warehouses. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions, like “How long does Taobao refund take?” and “How to request refund on Taobao?”
Taobao Refunds and Returns: Local Return Process
If you're outside mainland China, the "Local Return" (本地退) service makes it easier to get a refund. This service applies to certain products on Tmall that display the “Local Return” label. When you purchase these items and have them shipped to specific eligible regions outside mainland China, the seller promises to offer a local return option—so you don’t have to ship the item all the way back to China.
- Step 1: Check if Local Return Service is Available - First, confirm whether the seller offers a local return service for your item. If so, you can proceed with the return.
- Step 2: Apply for After-Sales Service - Go to your Taobao account and click on "Apply for After-Sales" to start the refund process.
- Step 3: Select Refund or Return Option - Choose "Return & Refund" when prompted.
- Step 4: Select Refund Reason - Choose the reason for your refund. Make sure it accurately reflects your issue.
- Step 5: Fill in Your Return Address - Enter your own address for the return process.
- Step 6: Choose the Return Method - Select “Self Return” if you plan to send the item back yourself.
- Step 7: Attach Photos - If necessary, attach photos of the item and submit your request.
- Step 8: Wait for Seller Approval - Once you submit the return request, wait for the seller’s approval.
- Step 9: Return the Item - After the seller approves your request, send the item to the return address provided.
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Step 10: Submit the Tracking Number - Once you’ve shipped the item, fill in the tracking number on Taobao.
Note: Shipping costs for returning the item are generally your responsibility.
Taobao Refunds and Returns via Forwarding Warehouses
If your package is sent to a forwarding warehouse (like Jiyun Service), the process for getting a refund might be slightly different. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Refund Without Using Taobao Platform
- Step 1: Contact the Seller Directly - Reach out to the seller to arrange the return and get the return address.
- Step 2: Contact the Forwarding Warehouse - Let the warehouse know which package you want to return (ensure they offer return services).
- Step 3: Warehouse Assists with Return - The warehouse will help you process the return and provide you with a tracking number.
- Step 4: Send the Tracking Number to Seller - Once the warehouse ships the return, provide the seller with the tracking number.
- Step 5: Seller Issues Refund - After receiving the return, the seller will process the refund.
2. Refund Using the Taobao Platform
- Step 1: Go to “我的订单” - Navigate to your Taobao account and click on "全部"
- Step 2: Select the Item for Refund - Choose the item you want to return and click “退款” or “退货退款”
- Step 3: Wait for Seller Approval - After submitting the request, wait for the seller’s approval.
- Step 4: Select Return Method - You can choose between pick-up service “上门取件”, drop-off at station “驿站自寄”, or self-return “自行寄回”.
- Step 5: Wait for Refund - Once the seller receives the item, your refund will be processed.
Taobao Refunds for Items Already in the Official Warehouse
If your order has already arrived at an official warehouse, here’s how to request a refund:
- Step 1: Go to “My Orders” and check the warehouse status.
- Step 2: Locate the item you want to return and check the pending items.
- Step 3: If needed, contact customer service for any issues.
- Step 4: Paste the seller’s return address into the address field on Taobao and pay the shipping fee.
- Step 5: The warehouse will assist with processing the return and refund.
FAQ
To request a refund, go to “My Orders,” select the item you want to return, and choose the appropriate refund or return option. Make sure to follow the steps for returning the item and wait for seller approval.
Generally, the refund process can take anywhere from 7 to 15 days. The exact time will depend on the seller’s response and the return shipping time.
To get a refund, initiate a return or refund request through the Taobao platform. After the seller receives the returned item, they will issue the refund.
Simply go to "My Orders" on Taobao, select the item, and click on the "Refund" or "Return & Refund" option. Follow the instructions provided by Taobao for returning the item.
