What to Watch Out for When Using Taobao Forwarding

Shopping on Taobao opens the door to endless bargains and unique products. But for international buyers, the real challenge begins after checkout: shipping your items overseas.

Many people turn to Taobao’s official Forwarding service (also called “Taobao consolidated/direct shipping”). In theory, it’s simple—you buy from multiple sellers, your orders go to a warehouse, and then everything is shipped abroad together.

But in reality, countless buyers have reported disappointing experiences. If you’re planning to use Taobao forwarding, here’s what you need to know before you commit.

1. Shipping Delays and Lost Packages

• Promised timelines aren’t reliable. Air shipping is advertised as 7–14 days, yet many users waited a full month or more.
• Risk of missing items. From skirts to nail accessories, items have been lost without compensation.
• Poor communication. Once something goes wrong, contacting a real support agent is almost impossible.

⚠️ Pro tip: If timing matters (e.g., gifts, seasonal items), consider a third-party forwarder with a proven track record of faster handling.

2. Hidden Fees and Price Changes

One of the biggest complaints is price transparency. Buyers see one rate when choosing Taobao’s forwarding service, but after items arrive at the warehouse, unexpected charges appear.

• Extra fees for “sensitive goods” (like cosmetics or snacks).
• Sudden “special line” charges not mentioned before.
• Final cost much higher than initial quote.

3. Weight & Volume Tricks

• Each small parcel is charged separately.
• Anything under 0.5kg is rounded up to 0.5kg.
• Some warehouses repackage items into oversized bags, charging based on inflated volume weight.

This means a box of tiny accessories may cost more to ship than a pair of shoes!

4. “Consolidation” Isn’t What It Seems

• Parcels are still billed individually.
• Returns incur additional warehouse handling fees (e.g., ¥18 per package).
• Customers reported that consolidation barely saved them anything.

5. Customer Service: Lots of Talk, No Action

A common frustration is that Taobao’s customer service offers little more than scripted responses:

• “We understand your feelings.”
• “We’ve escalated this to a specialist.”
• “Please wait patiently.”

But real solutions? Rarely. Many users said their cases were closed without resolution, or they were sent in circles between Taobao and the forwarding company.

6. Compensation Problems

Even when Taobao admits fault (e.g., lost items, overcharged weight), refunds don’t always come in cash. Instead:

• Customers receive red packets (shopping coupons).
• These coupons often expire within 1 year.
• Refunds can’t be withdrawn to your bank or Alipay balance.

That means you’re forced to spend again on Taobao to recover your loss.

7. System Errors & Auto-Signature

• Wrong weight records at the warehouse.
• Packages marked as “signed” without delivery.
• Refund or return processes stuck for weeks because of “system errors.”

Unless you constantly chase support, issues may never be fixed.

Quick Comparison: Taobao Forwarding vs. Third-Party Forwarders

Final Thoughts

Using Taobao’s forwarding service can work if everything goes smoothly—but that’s a big “if.” The lack of transparency, surprise fees, and weak support make it a risky choice for international buyers.

If you do use it, remember:

• Take screenshots of all quoted rates.
• Be cautious with lightweight items (they’re often overpriced in shipping).
• Expect delays and limited compensation.

For peace of mind, many seasoned buyers recommend third-party forwarding companies. They offer clearer pricing, better communication, and more reliable handling—especially if you’re shipping frequently or in bulk.

FAQ: 

👉 Bottom line: Taobao Forwarding looks convenient, but unless you’re lucky, it can turn into a costly and frustrating experience. If you care about transparency, speed, and accountability, a trusted third-party forwarder may save you money, time, and stress.