How to Ship from Taobao to the USA (Updated Guide)

✈️ Introduction
Taobao is a goldmine for everything from affordable fashion to quirky gadgets. But there’s one big question for global buyers:

How do I actually get my Taobao items shipped to the USA?

Good news — there are two clear methods. Let’s break them down.

🚚 Method 1: Taobao Official Global Shipping (限部分商品)

Some sellers on Taobao now offer direct shipping to international addresses via “官方集运” (official consolidation service). Here’s how it works:

• You add items to your cart and check if they support international shipping
• Items are sent to a warehouse in China
• Taobao consolidates and ships the parcel via EMS or Cainiao

Pros:

• Convenient, in-app
• No need for third-party tools

Cons:

• Limited sellers
• Higher fees than using forwarding services
• Often Chinese-only instructions

📦 Method 2: Use a Forwarding Service

This is the most reliable method used by experienced buyers. Here's how it works:

1. Create an account with a trusted forwarder (e.g., Superbuy, CNFans, ParcelUp)
2. Place your order on Taobao — use their Chinese warehouse address as shipping info
3. Forwarder receives the item, notifies you, and ships it to your US address

Why it's better:

• Works for almost any Taobao seller
• Better shipping options (DHL, SF, YunExpress)
• Help with inspection, photo proof, repacking

📌 Step-by-Step Example: Shipping via CNFans

Step 1: Choose your item on Taobao

Copy the product link and verify with the agent if they can buy it.

Step 2: Let the agent order

They’ll pay with Alipay and fill in warehouse info.

Step 3: Confirm and ship

Once the parcel arrives at their warehouse, choose your shipping method and pay for international shipping.

🧠 Final Tips

• Use Google Translate or Chrome Translate to browse the Taobao app
• Stick to sellers with high ratings (4.8+ is safe)
• Be careful with batteries, liquids, or prohibited items
• Always track your parcel and save screenshots