Having been actively purchasing from Taobao for the last two to three years, we have used and experienced a variety of freight forwarders. Enough for us to share our personal experiences with each of the more popular ones. Hopefully you will find this infographic useful!
*As of APR-2016, 65Daigou is now known as ezbuy.
Our Summary (Based on our experiences)
Value - In terms of value, 65Daigou and 4PX are pretty much tied. Both generally offer slightly better shipping rates than Peeka. Perhaps due to the auto-inclusion of 7% GST by Peeka for all sea shipments. This often makes the shipment overly expensive - especially if the total value is less than $400 (Minimum sum for customs GST declaration).
Edit: In general, for small air packages (1.5-2kg), 65Daigou would be about 19RMB cheaper. However, if you do choose home delivery, there will be an additional charge - $5 or $8 (>= 8KG)
Promotions - 65Daigou and Peeka often run promotional rates on their shipments. Sometimes giving up to 20% off shipping during certain periods of the year. We have never seen any promotions for 4PX shipping.
Speed - 4PX in general has one of the fastest door-to-door turnover. Mainly because it is integrated with Taobao, has a partnership with Singpost (POPStation) and also a sizable logistics team in China. We experienced quite a fair bit of delays (about a week) with 65Daigou Ship-For-Me service. Peeka delivers as advertised.
Packaging - We had several poor experiences with 65Daigou, with regards to packaging. Several of our purchases were poorly packed and some where crushed during shipping. Peeka on the other hand handles this superbly. Our purchases were packaged nicely in carton boxes and arrived in great condition. We had no issues with the packaging by 4PX as well. Most of the packages arrive in well wrapped packages.
Misc - 65Daigou and Peeka provides various Buy-For-You services for users who are not proficient in Chinese. The service includes an agency fee, which covers checking of purchases and the concierge services rendered.
Our Recommendation
4PX - Fast economy air shipment, for purchases which are not bulky or heavy. We use this freight forwarder for most of our regular Taobao purchases. For those at work during office hours, the POPStation delivery method is simply perfect for you!
65Daigou - For sea economy or bulky items, purchases below $400SGD and those who are willing to wait 3-4 weeks for a shipment.
Peeka - For sea economy or fragile items and purchases above $400SGD.
Hi Ivan, for 4px, the first kg is 43cny and subsequent 0.5kg is 12cny. however, daigou charges only S$2.5 for every 0.5kg (without any initial higher cost like 4px). So, daigou should be better than 4px in terms for value?
ReplyDeleteHi Versalite,
DeleteYes, you are right ! Thanks for pointing it out! :)
For economy air, 65Daigou would be about S$4 cheaper for small packages.
one vol weigh, one charge actual weight but size limited
DeleteDg do charge local courier fee
DeleteYes, indeed charges for home delivery are as follows:
DeleteFlat rate S$5 - for parcels with a total weight less than 8KG
Flat rate S$8 - for parcels with a total weight equal to or more than 8KG
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ReplyDeleteDaigou also charges 7% GST on all sea shipments. I think that's part of Singapore's import laws that only air shipments enjoy GST waiver for below $400.
ReplyDeleteDaigou also charges 7% GST on all sea shipments. I think that's part of Singapore's import laws that only air shipments enjoy GST waiver for below $400.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your updates!.
DeleteYes, according to 65daigou, they have started to charge 7% GST automatically for all sea-based shipments.