Lazada, Shopee and TikTok are popular online selling platforms here. But did you know that many Chinese-Filipinos and even Pinoys buy from some Chinese ecommerce websites to find great deals?
We’re familiar with Alibaba, but they say there are even better deals on Taobao. And did you also know that before TikTok live, Taobao Live pioneered livestream ecommerce in China?
While you’re here, check out How Top Shippers Are Winning on TikTok Shop
What is Taobao?
Taobao is a Chinese online shopping platform that’s actually owned by Alibaba Group. It’s also one of the largest ecommerce websites in the world, catering to customers in China but is also accessible to shoppers in different countries.
Taobao provides a platform for individuals and businesses to set up their own online stores and sell a wide range of products, including clothing, electronics, home goods, beauty products, accessories, toys and more.
Similar to other platforms, it offers various features and services to facilitate transactions, such as secure payment options, dispute resolution mechanisms and customer support.
Like TikTok, Taobao puts emphasis on user reviews and ratings. Buyers can leave feedback and reviews for sellers based on their shopping experiences, which helps build trust and reputation within the Taobao community.
Can Filipinos sell on Taobao?
Yes, Filipinos can sell on Taobao. While Taobao primarily serves customers in China, it also allows international sellers to set up stores and sell their products on the platform, and tap into the vast consumer base in China.
To sell on Taobao as a Filipino, you would need to follow these steps:
Register as an overseas seller. Visit the Taobao Global website and follow the registration process. This typically involves providing your personal and business information, verifying your identity, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
Set up your online store. After registration, you can proceed to set up your online store. Start creating product listings, adding images and descriptions, specifying pricing and shipping details, and configuring other store settings.
Language and translation. Taobao Global provides options for browsing the platform in multiple languages, including English, to facilitate the shopping experience for international customers. But you may need to use translation tools or seek assistance to communicate effectively with Chinese buyers.
Logistics and shipping. As a seller on Taobao, you’ll be responsible for arranging logistics and shipping for your products. Taobao provides options for international shipping, and you can choose shipping methods that suit your needs and preferences. It’s important to understand the shipping requirements, costs, and delivery times associated with selling on the site.
Marketing and promotion. Use various marketing and promotion strategies to attract customers to your Taobao store. This includes leveraging social media platforms, collaborating with influencers, optimizing your product listings for search, and providing excellent customer service.
Remember that as an overseas seller on Taobao, there are certain requirements and restrictions, and it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the policies and guidelines.
You can also get assistance from Taobao Global or use authorized third-party service providers that specialize in helping international sellers navigate the platform.
TikTok Shop vs Taobao: Their similarities and differences
TikTok Shop and Taobao are both popular online platforms for shopping, but they cater to different markets and have distinct features. Here’s a comparison between the two:
also have similarities.
Target Audience
TikTok Shop primarily targets a younger demographic, especially Gen Z users who are active on the TikTok platform. It focuses on trendy and curated products that align with the interests of its user base.
Taobao, on the other hand, caters to a broader audience and has a more diverse user base. It’s widely used by people of all age groups in China and other countries, like the Philippines, and offers a wide range of products across various categories.
Also read: ABT Apparel on Capturing the Gen Z Market
Platform and features
TikTok Shop is an extension of the TikTok app, where users can discover and purchase products directly within the platform. It leverages the video-based nature of TikTok and allows influencers and brands to showcase their products through short videos.
Users can find products through hashtags, explore popular trends, and make purchases seamlessly within the app.
Taobao is an ecommerce platform and operates as a dedicated online marketplace, where sellers can set up their own online stores and list their products. Just like Shopee and Lazada.
Taobao offers a wide variety of products, including clothing, electronics, household items, and more. Users can browse through product listings, read reviews, communicate with sellers and make purchases on the website or through the mobile app.
Geographic reach
TikTok Shop is available in select regions and countries where TikTok operates, including the United States, Canada, Europe; and some Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It’s expanding its reach gradually, but currently may not be available worldwide.
Meanwhile, Taobao primarily serves customers in China, and it’s one of the most popular ecommerce platforms in the country. However, Taobao Global is a separate service that allows international customers to buy products from sellers on Taobao.
Seller base
TikTok Shop collaborates with brands, influencers and sellers to promote and sell their products directly through the platform. It provides an opportunity for online businesses and individual sellers to leverage TikTok’s vast user base and engage with potential customers.
Taobao allows individual sellers and businesses to set up their own stores and sell products directly to customers. It has a large and diverse seller base, ranging from small-scale sellers to established brands.
But it also has a live streaming feature that allows sellers to broadcast live video content in real-time to engage with customers and showcase their products. Just like TikTok Live, Taobao Live has gained significant popularity in China and has become an integral part of ecommerce on the platform.
Different platforms, same reliable courier partner
To sum it all up, TikTok Shop and Taobao serve different markets and have different approaches to online shopping. TikTok Shop is integrated with the app and targets a younger audience, while Taobao is a standalone ecommerce platform with a broader user base.
But whichever platform you put up your online store, Ninja Van is a reliable one-stop partner in giving you hassle-free deliveries:
- Ninja Van is a TikTok Shop courier partner in Southeast Asia, and we help our shippers in growing their business by giving them dedicated account management, shipping rebates, exciting rewards and more benefits.
- If you need sourcing and procurement of high-quality products in China, Ninja Direct provides convenient, reliable and affordable solutions for businesses — from finding suppliers to flexible payment and cross border fulfillment.
- If you’re looking for end-to-end overseas courier services, our Express International Delivery Services will ship your parcels from China and Southeast Asia. Our dedicated team will work with you and provide customized cross border solutions for your business.
So, upgrade your shipping experience today with the right logistics partner that will hustle hard with you for the long term.
Be a Ninja Van shipper today.
More reasons to ship with Ninja Van:
Ninja Van’s Shipper Rewards Program, Rebates & Perks
Ninja Dash: The Perfect Solution for Your Growing Business
How Ninja Van Can Boost Your ECommerce Fulfillment
