What is Combine Shipping (集运)? Your Secret Weapon for Affordable Overseas Shopping
Combine shipping (集运) is a game-changer for international Taobao shoppers. It involves shipping multiple Taobao or Tmall orders to a warehouse in China. A freight forwarder then consolidates these packages into a single international shipment, significantly reducing shipping costs compared to sending individual packages.
How Combine Shipping Saves You Money on International Shipping
- Cost-Effective Volumetric Calculation: Shipping costs are based on the combined volume and weight, avoiding redundant charges for individual packages.
- Discounted Rates: Consolidated shipping allows freight forwarders to negotiate lower shipping rates with logistics providers.
- Streamlined Customs Clearance: One combined package means a single customs clearance process, saving time and hassle.
CaiNiao Consolidated Shipping: Beginner-Friendly and Easy to Use
CaiNiao Registration and Address Setup
- Register for a CaiNiao Global Consolidated Shipping account to obtain a dedicated Chinese warehouse address and identification code.
- When placing orders on Taobao, use this warehouse address as your shipping address.
- Ensure the identification code is accurately entered for proper tracking and identification.
Combining Packages and Paying for Shipping
- Once your packages arrive at the warehouse, use the CaiNiao app to select “Combine Packages.”
- Choose your preferred shipping method (sea or air freight) and confirm the weight and cost.
- Pay for shipping online and track your package until it reaches your US address.
Geesenest: A Premium Combine Shipping Solution for North American Users
What is Geesenest?
Geesenest is a combine shipping platform tailored for Chinese users in the US and Canada. It offers a Chinese language interface, North American customer support, real-time tracking, and pre-paid tax options.
Using Geesenest for Taobao Combine Shipping
- Register for a Geesenest account on their website to obtain a personal warehouse address.
- Link your Taobao account and set it as your default shipping address.
- Consolidate your packages in your Geesenest dashboard once they arrive at the warehouse.
- Choose from a variety of air and sea freight options to suit your needs.
Geesenest vs. CaiNiao: Key Differences
| Feature | Geesenest | CaiNiao |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | Chinese Interface | Primarily English |
| Customer Service | North American Customer Support via WeChat/Phone | Primarily Automated Responses |
| Shipping Transparency | Real-Time Quotes, No Hidden Fees | Weight-Based Pricing, Subject to Fluctuations |
| Shipping Address Setup | Automatic Taobao Account Linking | Manual Address Entry |
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Sea Freight: Pros and Cons
Pros: Lower cost, ideal for bulky items, clothing, and household goods.
Cons: Longer shipping times (typically 25-38 business days).
Air Freight: When to Use It
Pros: Faster shipping, suitable for cosmetics, electronics, documents, etc.
Cons: Higher cost, especially for larger items.
Both Geesenest and CaiNiao offer economy air freight, standard air freight, and economy sea freight services.
Calculating Combine Shipping Costs: Avoid Overpaying
Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight
Actual Weight: The measured weight of your package.
Volumetric Weight: Calculated as (Length cm x Width cm x Height cm) / 6000.
The higher of the two weights determines the final shipping cost.
Estimating Shipping Costs Before Ordering
- Use Geesenest or CaiNiao’s app/website to estimate shipping costs.
- For large items (e.g., diapers, cookware), calculate the volumetric weight beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.
Geesenest vs. CaiNiao: Cost Comparison
| Shipping Method | Geesenest (from 1kg) | CaiNiao (from 1kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | ¥35-40/kg | ¥30-40/kg |
| Air Freight | ¥60-85/kg | ¥65-95/kg |
My Combine Shipping Experience: The Magic of Consolidated Shipping
A Christmas Shopping Success Story
Last Christmas, I used Geesenest to ship a box of gifts, including:
- 3 evening dresses
- A tea set
- Several winter coats
The total weight was 8kg, and I chose air freight to Los Angeles. The shipping cost was only ¥520, less than the price of a single dress in the US!
Tips for Saving Money
- Combine similar items to maximize the value per unit of shipping weight.
- Avoid oversized items and prioritize smaller, denser items.
- Take advantage of holiday coupons and shipping discounts.
Using Geesenest: A Step-by-Step Guide
Registration and Taobao Account Linking
- Log in to the Geesenest website.
- Obtain your dedicated warehouse address.
- Add the address to your Taobao “常用地址” (frequently used addresses).
Inbound, Packaging, and Outbound Process
- Your Taobao purchases will be automatically registered upon arrival at the warehouse.
- Log in to your Geesenest dashboard, select the packages you want to combine, and click “合并发货” (combine shipping).
- Choose your shipping method and pay the shipping fee.
Shipping Options
- Economy Air Freight: 6-10 days
- Express Air Freight: 3-5 days
- Economy Sea Freight: 25-38 days
Geesenest also offers DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) service for hassle-free customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use multiple combine shipping platforms with one Taobao account?
Yes, but it’s recommended to activate only one warehouse address at a time to avoid confusion.
- How long can my packages stay at the CaiNiao/Geesenest warehouse?
Typically, packages can be stored for free for 30 days. Storage fees apply after this period.
- Can I combine items from Tmall and JD.com?
Yes, as long as they are shipped to the same warehouse address.
- Can I ship items containing batteries?
Air freight has restrictions on batteries. Consider using specialized lines or sea freight for such items.
- How are packages delivered within the US?
Usually through USPS, UPS, FedEx, or other local couriers.
- Can I return items to Taobao sellers?
If the items haven’t been shipped out of the warehouse, you can contact the platform for assistance with returns.
Conclusion: Unlock Your Cross-Border Shopping Freedom
Stop envying your friends in China for their Taobao hauls! With combine shipping and Geesenest’s efficient services, you can enjoy seamless cross-border shopping. Save money, increase efficiency, and experience the joy of unboxing your treasures – what’s not to love?
