Top 10 FAQs About Buying from Taobao and 1688 with FISHGOO (The Ultimate Agent Guide)

Marcus

·October 10, 2025

·6 min read

Buying directly from Chinese marketplaces like Taobao, JD.com, or 1688 offers endless selection and unbeatable prices. But if you're shopping from outside China, you quickly run into roadblocks: the language barrier, lack of international shipping, and restrictive payment methods. That’s where FISHGOO, your dedicated Taobao and 1688 agent, steps in to make global sourcing simple.

This guide answers the 10 most common questions overseas buyers ask before placing their first order, ensuring your experience is smooth, safe, and cost-effective.

The 10 Most Common Questions About Using a Taobao Agent

1. Can I really pay with PayPal? Or am I stuck without Alipay?

When overseas shoppers try to order directly from Taobao or 1688, they hit a wall: sellers only accept local Chinese payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

The Solution with FISHGOO: You don't need a Chinese bank account or Alipay. FISHGOO accepts all major international payment methods, including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay. Most new users start with PayPal because it offers an extra layer of buyer protection, providing a secure and familiar checkout experience.

2. What if I can’t read a single word of Chinese?

Browsing Taobao can feel like navigating a maze of characters. Translating product listings manually is slow, often inaccurate, and frustrating.

The Solution with FISHGOO: The headache is gone. You simply paste the Taobao or 1688 product link into the FISHGOO platform. The system automatically translates and structures all the critical information—such as size, color, material, and price variations—into clear, understandable English. It’s a seamless shopping experience without juggling translation tabs.

3. How do I know the item I get is the same as the pictures?

One of the biggest fears in cross-border shopping is receiving an item that looks drastically different from the polished online photos.

The Solution with FISHGOO: Free Warehouse Photos. Every product that arrives at the FISHGOO facility gets checked and photographed. You receive five free snapshots of your actual item, showing the packaging, labels, and the product itself. If the item is the wrong color, size, or damaged, you can request a return before it leaves China, saving you massive international shipping costs and hassle.

4. Is shipping going to cost more than what I bought?

International shipping costs can often be a shock. One small purchase can seem affordable until the shipping quote doubles the price.

How to Save on Shipping with FISHGOO:

Use the Shipping Calculator: Get an estimated cost before you commit to a purchase.
Consolidate Your Parcel: Take advantage of the 100-day free storage to gather items from multiple sellers. Shipping one large box (a consolidated parcel) is dramatically cheaper per item than shipping several small packages separately.
Target the Sweet Spot: Many experienced users find that a single 5kg-10kg box offers the best balance of cost and efficiency.

5. Are there things I just can’t ship internationally?

Yes, and these restrictions are based on international shipping law, not just agent rules. Common restricted items include:

Batteries and Power Banks (lithium-ion is dangerous for air freight)
Liquids (perfumes, large quantities of skincare)
Perishable Food
Flammable or Pressurized Items

FISHGOO’s Solution: If you purchase an item with a built-in battery, don't panic. The FISHGOO team can often suggest a specialized alternative shipping route that is certified to handle "sensitive" goods, allowing your package to go through safely. Always check with customer service if you are unsure.

6. Am I going to get hit with customs duties and taxes?

Customs is often the most complicated part of cross-border shopping. The rules vary significantly by country:

United States: All imports, regardless of value, may now incur duties or taxes following the suspension of the duty-free exemption (as of August 29, 2025).
European Union (EU): VAT (Value Added Tax) generally applies to all imports.
Canada & Australia: Each has its own duty-free thresholds.

The Silver Lining: FISHGOO offers tax-included shipping routes. By choosing these options, the import duties and VAT are prepaid, which helps your package clear customs faster and avoids the dreaded "extra fee" notice from the courier upon delivery.

7. How long do I actually have to wait for my items?

The wait time is a direct trade-off between speed and cost.

Shipping Method	Estimated Transit Time	Cost Level
Express (DHL, UPS, FedEx)	7-14 Days	Highest
Standard (EMS, Postal Services)	2-4 Weeks	Mid-Range
Economy/SAL	4-8 Weeks	Lowest

The first stage—shipping from the Taobao/1688 seller to the FISHGOO warehouse—usually takes 3–5 days. The final transit time depends entirely on the option you select and how quickly your country's customs clears the parcel.

8. What happens if the seller messes up my order?

What if the seller sends a damaged item, the wrong size, or an entirely different product? Paying to ship it all the way back to China from overseas is not practical.

The Solution with FISHGOO: Their team acts as your local representative. If the warehouse photos show a mistake, FISHGOO's staff will contact the seller in Chinese, confirm the error, and assist with processing a return, exchange, or refund—all before the item leaves the warehouse. This service eliminates your risk and hassle.

9. How long will FISHGOO keep my stuff?

Want to make several purchases over a few months and ship them together?

The Solution with FISHGOO: 60 Days Free Storage. You can consolidate items from dozens of different sellers and store them in the warehouse for over three months without charge. This allows you to plan large hauls and ship a single, massive box once you’re ready, maximizing your shipping savings. You can also extend storage for a small fee if needed.

10. Is using a Taobao agent like FISHGOO safe and worth the cost?

This is the ultimate question. The short answer: Yes, it is safe and provides immense value.

Why shoppers trust FISHGOO:

No Agent Fees for standard Taobao/1688 purchases.
Free Warehouse Photos for guaranteed quality control.
Buyer Protection through PayPal and major credit cards.
Multilingual Customer Support to handle all seller communication.

For international buyers, an agent isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity that transforms a confusing, high-risk process into a smooth, efficient shopping spree.

Pitfalls Shoppers Learned the Hard Way (Pro Tips)

Even with FISHGOO handling the logistics, keep these essential tips in mind:

Always Check Asian Size Charts: Clothes and shoes in Asia typically run much smaller than Western sizes. Never assume your standard size will fit.
Watch Out for Volumetric Weight: Large but light items (like plush toys or large boxes of cereal) can incur extra costs because carriers charge by volumetric weight (size), not just actual weight.
Declare Honestly: Be truthful on your customs declarations. Misrepresenting value to avoid duties can lead to delays, fines, or seizure of your parcel.
Confirm Battery Status: If an electronic item has a built-in battery, let FISHGOO know right away so they can select an appropriate shipping line from the start.

From Confusing to Simple

Shopping on Taobao and 1688 from abroad can feel like a puzzle. By utilizing FISHGOO, you gain an all-in-one service that handles the complexity: payments, translation, quality checks, and cost-effective shipping consolidation. It is simply the easiest path to explore China's immense online marketplaces.

Want to know more about the best shipping route to your country, or ready to paste your first Taobao link?

FAQ

How do you start shopping with FISHGOO for 1688?

You sign up, paste your product link, and see everything in English. You pick what you want and pay with your favorite method.

What payment methods does FISHGOO accept?

FISHGOO accepts PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Alipay, and more. You choose what works best for you. No need for a Chinese bank account.