What is Taobao and Why Is It Popular in the UK?
Taobao, owned by Alibaba Group, is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in China, offering millions of products at unbeatable prices. While it’s primarily designed for the Chinese market, UK shoppers increasingly turn to Taobao for:
- Trendy fashion and K-pop items
- Budget-friendly electronics and accessories
- Unique home and lifestyle goods unavailable locally
Thanks to third-party forwarding services, buying from Taobao in the UK is easier than ever.
Challenges of Direct Shipping from Taobao to the UK
- No direct shipping: Many Taobao sellers ship only within China.
- Language barrier: The site is in Chinese, with limited translation tools.
- Payment limitations: International cards aren’t always accepted.
- Lack of support: Without a local Chinese address, you’re stuck.
What Is a Taobao Forwarding Service?
A Taobao forwarding service is a third-party company that:
- Gives you a Chinese shipping address to use at checkout.
- Receives your order, inspects it, repackages it, and ships it to the UK.
- Provides extra services like parcel consolidation, photo proof, and insurance.
How Taobao Forwarding to the UK Works
- Sign up with a forwarder (like Superbuy or CSSBuy).
- Search on Taobao and copy the product link.
- Place your order using the forwarder’s interface or Taobao directly.
- Parcel arrives at the China warehouse – you get notified.
- Choose your shipping method and pay the international fee.
- Track and receive your parcel in the UK.
Top Taobao Forwarding Services for the UK (2025)
| Service | Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Superbuy | English UI, consolidation, quality checks | New buyers |
| Bhiner | Budget-friendly, slower shipping | Bulk orders |
| Wegobuy | Great UI, repacking, fast delivery | Fashion & lifestyle items |
| CSSBuy | Strong customer support, flexible options | Amazon resellers |
| Taobao Official Forwarding | Integrated directly via Taobao app | Simple, small packages |
Shipping Options and Delivery Times to the UK
| Method | Delivery Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Air Mail (e.g., Yanwen) | 10–20 business days | Budget-conscious buyers |
| EMS | 7–15 business days | Balance of speed & price |
| DHL/FedEx/UPS | 3–7 business days | Urgent or high-value orders |
| Sea Shipping | 30–60 days | Large, heavy items |
Cost Breakdown of Forwarding to the UK
- Product Price: Cost of goods on Taobao.
- Domestic Shipping (China): Fee from seller to the forwarder’s warehouse.
- Service Fee: Charged by the forwarding agent (often 5–10% or flat).
- International Shipping: From China to the UK.
- Customs/VAT: Charged upon arrival in the UK (if applicable).
Customs, VAT, and Duties in the UK
- All goods over £135 are subject to 20% VAT.
- Customs duty may apply for certain items like textiles and electronics.
- Use UK’s tariff tool to estimate charges.
Tips to Reduce Forwarding Costs
- Consolidate multiple items into one shipment.
- Request lightweight packaging.
- Avoid peak shipping seasons.
- Choose economy shipping for non-urgent parcels.
Packaging, Repackaging, and Quality Inspection Services
- Photo inspection: See your product before it ships.
- Repackaging: Combine items and remove excess material.
- Bubble wrap/foam: For fragile items like electronics or glass.
Best Items to Buy on Taobao from the UK
- K-fashion and accessories
- Phone cases, gadgets, and tech accessories
- Cosmetics and beauty tools
- Stationery and planners
- Home decor and LED lighting
- Anime and gaming merchandise
Is Taobao Forwarding to UK Safe and Reliable?
Yes — most services are safe, especially the well-established ones. Use insured shipping, read reviews, and avoid prohibited items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Taobao Forwarding
- Using your UK address on Taobao — always use the forwarder’s warehouse address.
- Ignoring volumetric weight — leads to unexpectedly high fees.
- Buying restricted items — may be returned or confiscated.
- Skipping package inspection — risky if product is damaged or incorrect.
GET IN TOUCH
Let us Send You a Quote
FAQs about Taobao Forwarding to the UK
- Can I pay for Taobao orders using PayPal?
- No. Use your forwarder to place orders with supported payment methods.
- Can I consolidate parcels from different sellers?
- Yes — this helps reduce international shipping fees.
- Do I pay UK VAT when the parcel arrives?
- Yes, if the parcel value exceeds £135.
Final Thoughts on Buying from Taobao in the UK
Taobao forwarding to the UK opens up a world of affordable and unique products. With the right forwarder, a basic understanding of customs, and attention to detail, you can shop confidently and save money.
