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Sunday, December 07, 2014

TaoBao - A Complete 4PX Guide

Many people *Myself Included* have so much trouble navigating the treacherous pages of Taobao in Mandarin. Now we all know that TaoBao is a huge treasure trove... However, as with all online merchants, there will always be hits and misses.

I thought i could put together a guide to share some of my experience with the Taobao assigned freight forwarder, mainly 4PX.


To begin, i would assume that you have already created a Taobao account and that 'google translate' is your best friend.


Lets start with the shopping...


Note: Read my Updated 4PX Guide (2016) here.

1) Search for an item you would like to purchase e.g: "LED 灯"


- You would likely encounter many merchants/sellers with the same products. It is important to look search for sellers with decent ratings and sales. 


Use the following rule: Heart < Diamond < Crowns


Personally, i would buy from sellers with 2-3 Diamonds and above!



Search An Item On Taobao
Search For It !

2) Add the item(s) to cart and check out!


Select the check boxes of the items you would like to purchase and 'total' (结算).



Checking Out Your Items
Checking Out

















3) Here comes the important part!

Confirm all your address details ! Make sure you CHECK the box "国际转运服务". 


This means to use a freight forwarder. If you don't, the freight costs will be relatively higher because the seller will need to send directly to your Singapore address.



Select 4PX Your Forwarder
Remember to select a freight forwarding service!


































For the purpose of the guide, lets use 4PX. Personally, i have never tried Lequgo and PRouter. But i have had pleasant experience with 4PX, in terms of delivery speed. 



4PX Freight Forwarder
Choosing your freight forwarder
























Submit the order using "提交订单"

Based on my experience, there are several modes of payment.



  1. Payment via Credit Cards  [Visa/Mastercard charges a 3% cross-border fee (Payment is in RMB)]
  2. Payment via Alipay Wallet
  3. Payment via eNETs [eNETs charges a 1$ admin fee (Payment is automatically converted to SGD)]

Option1: Seems to be the better option if your total value is small (Example: 50RMB)

Option2: I have no experience using Alipay (Seems like a chinese version of PayPal)
Option3: Seems to be the better option if your total value is substantial

4) Orders will be shipped from the individual merchants


Wait patiently for the orders to reach the 4PX warehouse. Do note that you would receive an SMS notification once the orders have arrived.



SMS From 4PX
SMS!




5) Check if your goods have reached 4PX warehouse

Aside from the SMS notifications, you can also access the menu -> "我的淘宝" -> "已买到的宝贝”. (Items You Have Purchased). To monitor and track the delivery process. 



Mouse over the line: "查看物流" (Check the delivery flow). 

Delivery Status

6) Consolidate your order on the 4PX screen and submit the payment for 4PX forwarding.


Once you have confirmed that all your purchases have reached the  4PX warehouse, proceed to consolidate them!. 



Consolidate And Pay Taobao
Consolidate Your Order




























Pay For Your Shipping
Pay for the Shipping























Select "合拼订单" (Consolidate orders).

Here, 4PX will combine all the orders you have selected. Essentially, you will be charged based on the Volumetric or Gross Weight, whichever is higher.

As a reference, my latest shipment weighed in around 1.5-2.0 KG and i paid approximately 103RMB (23SGD).

Here, you would be asked to decide if you want your parcels delivered to your doorstep (aka by Singpost delivery) or to Pick your own Parcel (aka by POPStation).


Selecting a POPstation (Updated on 29-OCT-15): 


Choosing a POPstation
Choose the most convenient location

Usually, i would choose the POPStation (Pick-Own-Parcel) method and collect the packages from the nearest Singpost branch. Mainly because I do not like the inconvenience of waiting all day for the postman to arrive (Some how they tend to come at really ODD hours.

Once you are satisfied with the total shipment costs. Proceed to pay for the shipping (last payment for your orders).

7) Patiently wait for your packages... Depending on your choice of option to self-collect (via POPStation) or home delivery.


Since i choose the POPStation delivery option - the typical SMS notification from Singpost to indicate that your parcel is ready for collection looks like this:



POPStation Notification SMS
SMS No.2!


Once your receive the SMS, make your way down to the POPStation. Find the touch screen computer. Make a mental note of the location of the locker, in my case, it is locker number "H7". 

This is important because once you complete the PIN entry, the locker will be unlocked and you can proceed to retrieve your parcel! 

In total, it took about 3-5 working days from first payment, for my stuff to arrive !. 

Enjoy your purchases!!


Feel free to rate the sellers once you have received the goods as this provides a transparent feedback platform for other buyers. Hope this guide will help you ! Enjoy 淘宝-ing !  :))

Read more Taobao related stuff here!.

142 comments :

  1. Anonymous10:47 AM

    I didnt receive any emails from POPstation or taobao or 4px regarding my package. How?
    Delivery flow states that parcel delivered to singapore already..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ask 4px cso the tracking number.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      Delete
  2. Hi Anon,

    Do check your Taobao Account to see if you had registered your handphone number correctly.

    Rgds,
    Ivan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also purchase from taobao very frequently, before i getting Alipay accound, i using http://www.allcanshopping.com. this service is very good and very fast feedback, after i get the alipay account, i used http://www.allcanexpress.com to do the shipping. by suing http://www.allcanexpress.com, I no need to pay for Daigou service charge. i just pay for delivery charge.

      may be you all can try out.

      Delete
  3. Lynns1:14 PM

    Hi there,

    Thanks for the info! just curious.. i tried leaving my office details ( in the delivery field), but I chose POPStation pick up.. in the end the package was sent to my office. how did you enter the form to ensure that the delivery address is to the POPStation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lynns,

      You will have to choose either 'Home Delivery' or POPStation pick up when you check out your items via the Taobao "官方集运“ option.

      Upon consolidation and payment, you will be asked to choose between POPStation or Home delivery. I have had an instance whereby my final package was too big to fit the POPStation. 4PX was nice enough to send me a message and change the delivery to my home address.

      Perhaps this was also what happened in your case.

      Delete
  4. Anonymous5:44 PM

    hi Ivan, how did u pay for the shipping for 4px? seems like they are unable to accept overseas credit card payment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      I live in Singapore and i normally use the eNETs or any local credit card (Visa/MasterCard) is fine.

      Where do you live ?

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. Hi may I know when u make eNets payment u were to be charge $1 fee then means no need to pay that 3% card fee? eNets is also using credit card to pay right?

      Delete
  5. Anonymous10:25 PM

    Its so great to chance upon this blog! Ivan, can i just ask, when i contact the sellers to ask whether do they ship to SG, i realised that some of them will say "可以顺丰到付". Any idea what does this means?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous,

      顺丰 - SF Express (http://www.sf-express.com/sg/en/), is a shipping company in China that also provides EMS services to SG. My guess is that the seller is able to ship direct via SF express.

      Based on my observations, sellers that ship direct usually charge a pretty hefty shipping fee. However, if your seller is able to give you a good price, by all means go for it.

      Rgds,
      Ivan



      Delete
  6. Hello Ivan!

    Just wondering if you can advise how long can the items be stored at 4px and what are the charges for overdue storage? I can't really read all the chinese and couldn't find details on that.

    Thanks (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nessa,

      4PX will keep your items for 20 days. After which, they will charge 1RMB per item/per day.

      Delete
  7. Hi Ivan,

    I wished I see your post earlier! When we already selected for home delivery, and the parcel has been dispatched, can we still change it to pop station option?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jing,

      I have only managed to change my delivery option before the parcel is shipped out from China to SG. I did it by contacting 4PX customer support via the online chat on Taobao.

      Perhaps you could try it too - they might be able to help you !

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
    2. how do i actually chat with 4PX? could not find the button

      Delete
  8. Anonymous12:34 PM

    Hi Ivan, thanks for the informative post! Just wondering, how do you activate the SMS notification function? The one that notifies you when the individual parcels have reached 4PX's warehouse in China?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      The SMS notifications is linked to the Phone number you setup during your Taobao account setup.

      Hope it helps.

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
  9. Hi Ivan,
    My phone number had been stop service (expiry) and I had forgotten to updated my new number.. whta should I do if I didn't receive any Collection Pin SMS from POP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Paul,

      I would suggest to contact Singpost, quoting your waybill number. They should be able to assist you, most likely you would need to make a trip down to collect the parcel.

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sisipipi,

      Perhaps it would be best to login to PC for payment purposes.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous2:36 PM

    Hi Ivan, do you know what are the restricted and sensitive items to ship to SG by using 4PX? if I want to purchase wireless earpiece, batteries, LED lights, electronic gadgets, etc... can we still buy?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous,

      As far as i know, batteries are considered sensitive items. I would suggest to use sea-freight forwarding by an independent freight forwarder like 65Daigou or Peeka.

      As for electronic gadgets, so far i have purchased de-humifiiers, wireless mouse and electronic shavers without any issues from 4PX.

      My usual 'Test' for 4PX is that if during checkout, the system allows me to select 4PX as a freight forwarder, it usually means the item can be shipped to SG. To be sure, you can contact 4PX via their Ali-wang-wang chat here (http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.8.UpLhz3&id=20803827464&ns=1&_u=s1qq9f1k4d75&abbucket=19#detail)

      Delete
  12. Anonymous1:56 PM

    Hi Ivan,

    I'm new to taobao. We do not have to inform the sellers, as long as we chose international forwarding service upon checkout? Will there be instances where the seller are not able to ship to 4px?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there, if the seller does not ship via appointed freight forwarders like 4PX, you will not be able to see the item at the check out/address selection screen. *See screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/vuiKHHy.png

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:00 PM

      Hi Ivan,

      Thanks! I tried in vain to make checkout and make payment...keep encountering error prompt. :(

      Delete
    3. Hey !

      Are your errors related to payments or due to selection of ship-sensitive products like batteries?.

      Maybe you can drop me a screenshot of the error.

      Delete
  13. Anonymous3:17 AM

    Hi Ivan, Check with you at step 3: My page never show "国际转运服务" instead it show
    菜鸟官方集运. 使用菜鸟官方集运 先寄到国内仓库,到仓后支付转运费,配送商会将包裹送达您的地址,转运费39.0元起. Do you know why? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey,

      Just a question, have you setup your account address correctly ?. If so, you should see 3 options for SG, MY buyers (4PX, Prouter and Leguo - like this: http://i.imgur.com/s56EN07.png?1)

      Otherwise, I would suggest to check if you have entered the right address during your account registeration (use this guide if not: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qQrXGtqsgs)

      Delete
  14. Anonymous3:34 AM

    Hi Ivan, after submit order 提交订单, but then later we want to cancel. isit possible? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey,

      Yup, it is possible to cancel after submission.

      As long as you have not paid, the seller will not execute/send the purchases.

      Delete
  15. HI, 4PX left out one of my packages in the combined shipment. im 100% positive it was received at the warehouse and I also included it for combined shipping - how do i go about contact 4px to get my missing package?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      You could contact them via the Taobao messaging system "Aliwangwang". Simply quote your Order number: (Follow the screenshot attached: http://i.imgur.com/raDyBpz.png?1)

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8:22 PM

      My goods are currently worth more than 400SGD, around 430SGD.. Should I split the shipping??

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous,

      Lets do a small calculation: 7% GST would be saved on purchases below $400.

      For your purchase of $430, you would likely incurr $30 worth of GST.

      A typical shipment of about 3KG via 4PX would cost $20. So my suggestion is to split it into 2 batches to save some money !

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5:21 PM

      Thanks Ivan! :) Have one more question.. Will the 4PX postage counting towards the $400 budget??

      Delete
  16. Anonymous12:23 PM

    Hi Ivan,

    Just want to say a big thank you for this guide and the helpful comments. They saved me a ton of hassle.
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad it helped you in one way or another!

      Delete
  17. Anonymous4:30 PM

    Hi I forgot to use a parcel forwarder and 2 of my items were shipped to Singapore but the 2 courier was not mentioned in the parcel forwarder, will i get my items?

    There is also 2 items which was not shipped since last week and i pressed the reminder for them but they still haven't ship it yet should i refund it and reorder it using a parcel forwarder?


    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      As long as you have specified a correct 'overseas' address, you should be able to receive your items.

      For the other 2 items, i guess if they have not sent them out, you could ask for it to be refunded and re-order.

      Delete
  18. Hi Ivan,
    If l collect package at Popstation is damage , how l going to do?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sammi,

      Sorry to hear that, are the contents damaged too ?.

      If they are, you may want to alert the seller to discuss how to go about with a refund.

      In most cases, you might need to send the package back to the seller (and pay for the cost of shipping).

      Delete
  19. Hey Ivan, sorry to bother. I have clicked 4px as forwarding agent. I am aware that the address is " 广东省 深圳市 宝安区 宝安区西乡钟屋大广发综合楼4楼递四方速递" however the seller asked which address is he supposed to send to "广东省 深圳市 宝安区". So what is the actual address? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pearlyn,

      Usually when you select 4PX as the forwarding agent, there is a unique ID: associated with your account.

      Example:
      广东省深圳市宝安区宝安区西乡钟屋大广发综合楼4楼递四方速递(邮编:518128) ID7DX5,518101,Ivan

      Whereby ID7DX5 is your unique warehouse address.

      This address should be clear to your seller when you select the integrated 4PX freight forwarding service.

      You can check the details here: 我的淘宝 -> 国际集运

      Delete
  20. Hi

    Can i kindly check with you. Are you aware if 4px by default is only air? Is there an option for sea freight? I cant find the option to select such a choice anywhere .

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As far as i know, the integrated 4PX freight forwarding service is defaulted only to Express Air shipments.

      I don't think there is an option for sea freight. Perhaps you can try other independant freight forwarders like Peeka, 65Daigou, SGShop, etc.

      Delete
  21. Hello, does 4PX has any limit on the number of orders that I can consolidate? Also where can I find the exchange rate from yuan to sgd when using alipay and paying by credit card/nets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Halim,

      I believe that 4PX has limits on the size of the parcel (especially for POPstation).

      Other than that, the consolidated package must not exceed 30KG in weight.

      With regards to the exchange rate - It is not explicitly displayed on checkout, but normally i would use the quoted RMB/SGD to determine the rate.

      Because of the added Credit Card 'Rebates' for online shopping payment, i would usually use my CC to pay for the Taobao purchases.

      Delete
  22. how do i purchase items from T-mall? same way as Taobao items? many doesn't seem to use the parcel forwarding service to singapore

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Keidi,

      T-Mall is basically the Business2Consumer version of Taobao and they pretty much use the same freight forwarding infrastructure.

      Having said that, certain items do not ship (by air) to Singapore (regardless of Taobao/Tmall) due to import restrictions. Example: Batteries, Cellphones, Livestock, Toy Knives/Guns, etc.

      I would suggest to initiate a chat with the seller to ask why his product cannot be shipped to SG.

      Delete
  23. Hi, my seller contacted me that 4PX freight fwder rejected the pkg because it's too long. Any ways to find out the maximum dimension or contact them or should I just ask for refund?

    Thanks. This page is very infomative.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi mydearkevin,

      Based on the official 4PX notice:

      派送:单边尺寸超过100CM或长宽高之和超过180CM不予合箱 ;

      Loosely translates to: Packages for home delivery should not exceed 100CM and 180CM by length or height.

      I would suggest to check with 4PX on your order via Aliwangwang messenger on their taobao link: (http://4pxtr.taobao.com/p/rd231784.htm?spm=a1z10.1-c.w5002-9585226405.5.IjOvA4)

      Delete
    2. Hi Ivan tan,
      I have the same issue like mydearkevin,
      What can I do?
      Can I change courier service for large item transport?

      Delete
  24. Hihi! Great info there! Can I check if I need to register for an acct with 4px before they will send me the sms?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And also how long will they keep ur things in their warehouse before u need to ship them out?

      Delete
    2. Hi Howyuin,

      Most of the freight forwarders (4PX too) will keep your parcels for 20 days. After which, you will incur a charge for each day it remains in the warehouse.

      Delete
  25. Need help! I settled all payment already and choose for them to deliver to popstation. But rec an sms from 4px that my items are too bulky cannot fit in. So ask me to make changes to the delivery location. Below is the exact message

    4PX:the volume of your order1147212554713859 is bigger than(37*42*61cm)can't deliver to POPstation,pls ctc 4PX's CS:to change channel

    I tried messaging 4px customer service on taobao but no reply. Any idea who I shld contact? Thanks alot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi HowYuin,

      Do not worry, this has happened to me before. Just drop 4PX a message via AliWangWang (Taobao Chat) and they will help to change the delivery address for you.

      Delete
  26. Hi, may I know why you paid 103RM for 1.5-2kg parcel? I saw on your screenshot that first kg is 43RM, followed by 12RM/500g. Which means the shipping fee based on 2kg parcel should have been 43+12+12 = 67RM. Are there other charges involved?

    "As a reference, my latest shipment weighed in around 1.5-2.0 KG and i paid approximately 103RMB (23SGD)." - your statement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Huangteng,

      You will be charged the greater of either the volumetric or actual weight.

      For my case, although the weight was 1.5-2KG, i bought several bulky items which resulted in higher volumetric weight (L*W*H). Hence, my total shipping cost rose to 103RMB. :)


      Delete
    2. in 103 RMB is it reached in their warehouse or to you?

      and how to know where is charged for send to in their warehouse

      Delete
  27. Great post, You have described very good. Is home delivery free?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pauline,

      Thank you. Yes, home delivery is included.

      Delete
  28. Anonymous2:21 PM

    Hello! For 4px, do u know if the duty charges are already counted in? Or is there an extra duty charge on top of the delivery charge?

    ReplyDelete
  29. hi Ivan could I just check with you are thumb drives and pens considered sensitive items?
    4px cso r quite busy n curt with replies.

    for led light with batteries I hv shipped using zto before they didn't go thru any sensitive air leh.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Ivan,

    How do i contact 4px as one of my seller gave the wrong tracking number and already provide me with the correct tracking number. How do i contact the warehouse and change the tracking number? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Zety Zuraini,

      You could contact them via: Ali Wang Wang (Taobao) chat, here: https://world.taobao.com/item/20803827464.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.QRxtmE#detail

      Click on the "联系:" icon to open the chat !

      Delete
  31. Hi! Need help. I bought an item and selected 淘宝直送 aka direct shipping. Now I got a message that my item is rejected at the warehouse due to its size. What will happen to my item? Thanks much

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi! Need help. I bought an item and selected 淘宝直送 aka direct shipping. Now I got a message that my item is rejected at the warehouse due to its size. What will happen to my item? Thanks much

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey One Thing,

      Honestly, i have only tried shipping using Official Taobao freight forwarders like 4PX, Leguo and non-official ones like 65Daigou, SGShop and Peeka.

      Unfortunately, i have not tried the ' 淘宝直送' method to be able to give you advise !

      But i would recommend that you contact the Taobao help here:

      https://world.taobao.com/helper/knowledge.htm?spm=a312a.7762693.2015080302.5.x31hOJ&kid=6569647

      Delete
  33. Hi Ivan, can I check if my purchase is rejected by 4px due to damage to external box, what shd I do? If I want to take the risk of accepting, how do I contact 4px?
    4PX:Really sorry to inform you that, your TAOBAO Order 1188367739074988 has been rejected for international transit due to the reason of 破损. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Christina,

      This is new to me, but i would suggest to Aliwangwang (Taobao chat) with them here: https://world.taobao.com/item/20803827464.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.QRxtmE#detail

      Delete
  34. Hi Ivan, may i know how 4px pack our items and ship to Singapore? Inside a box or inside a plastic bag?
    I've tried Taobao direct shipping once using ZT中通, they just put all my items inside a nylon bag(rice bag) and ship to me...

    ReplyDelete
  35. If i want to use Popstation, can we choose the location of the Popstation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jess,

      Yes you can! Simply select the location that is most convenient to you when you check-out your goods from the 4PX warehouse.

      Delete
    2. cant wait to give popstation a try.

      Delete
  36. Hi, if I selected home delivery and I am not home when the postman delivers the item, what will be the procedure to collect the items? Will there be a re-delivery or will I have to collect from the post office or how does it work? Please help!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Halim,

      You would likely have to collect it from the nearest Singpost post office.

      Delete
    2. Just want to share my experience. I ordered using 4px. I was not home when the package arrived. On my logistic details it says '[overseas] package failed to send pieces, please contact online customer service process'. So I contacted Taobao online customer service (for overseas order must call between 9am-6pm) and they say they can help me reschedule the delivery which will take 2-3 days to confirm. But I wanted to do myself, so they gave the phone number to Singapore's courier which was Airpak Singapore +6567439200. I call Airpak and gave them my 'waybill number' and arrange for redelivery the next day. Hope this helps. I don't speak/read/understand chinese at all. Chat with taobao customer service using google translate only.

      Delete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi thanks for this great post! I just have a one burning question, my package has been shipped out but the countdown for the duration that the item can stay in the warehouse (ie 20 days) is still continuing! Is this normal? Oh and roughly how long does it take for the item to arrive from the time I pay for shipping? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey alliephant,

      Don't worry too much about the counter, as once you have paid for the shipping, it will be sent (and no longer countdown). Based on my experience, it typically takes 1-2 working days before the packages get shipped off from the warehouse, usually the items will reach SG in about 3-5 days.

      Delete
  39. Hi! Just want to clarify, will they text me to inform me once my order arrives if I opt for home delivery? (:

    ReplyDelete
  40. Pls advise which way is cheaper, to send to home or collect from Popstation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Joseph,

      As far as i know, there is no price difference, whichever option you choose.

      Delete
  41. Hi! The question on whether you want it to be delivered to your house or POP station will be prompted at the very last shipment payment?

    And possible to show us screenshot on how the page looks like when they prompt that question? I kept missing out that part ><

    Hope to hear from you soon!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey!

      You will get to that screen when all your packages have arrived at the 4PX warehouse and you have consolidated them for payment & forwarding! (See pt 6).

      The screen/page looks like this: http://i.imgur.com/RReR89e.png?1

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
  42. Help!! I have just received a carton of product from Taobao using 4PX. When the parcel arrived my house and it is in very bad condition. Some of the products boxes are damaged so I am not able to resell them.
    I have requested Singpost to look into this matter thinking they should be able to help.. and after some emails and phone calls... in the end they said they are not liable as the "product is not damaged"!! And the CS said something like the seller is liable or something like that.. I told them off saying the fact is I cannot sell the item and I paid them for the air freight to handle the item..If they said the product is ok I can sell to them..Really feel their system is so bad and really very bad CS..
    Have anyone of you encountered the same problem before.. and would i be able to get any compensation? from 4PX or Singapore or Seller? Anyone can advise me? Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hello! i noticed that at ur screenshot '查看物流' on the top right hand corner there's ‘还剩三天“ may i know what does it represent? I'm intending to delay my shipment with 4PX as i'm waiting for other items to arrive warehouse. Must i ship it within 3 days if not it will be cancelled?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Weiling,

      That number is for raising a dispute/returns with the seller.

      4PX allows you to keep / consolidate packages in the warehouse for free for 20 days.

      Rgds,
      Ivan

      Delete
  44. Hi Ivan,

    I heard that there is a limit on the dimension that we have to abide to if we engage 4px

    Do you know what's the maximum size?

    ReplyDelete
  45. hi Ivan, thanks for the informative post. Its my first time ordering from 4px at TB. my previous purchases where direct shipping. My seller just shipped out my items =D cant wait to recieve them. how long did it usually for u to recieve ur items after items were shipped out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Missymeowmeow,

      Glad that you managed to buy on the 11.11 singles day! I'm sure you managed to get some good deals!

      Typically the stuff that i buy hits the 4PX warehouse within 2-3 working days. But with the crazy singles day sales, it might take a bit longer!

      Delete
  46. Hi thanks for the guide.
    I would like to find out if it is possible to use this service for delivery to south africa?

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Ivan, do you know if I can still consolidate my items if one of the sellers issued a new 物流单号 that I can't see on my taobao account? I can see the dispatch progress if I go to the 圆通快 website but not in taobao. I don't know what to do. Can you help? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Alys,

      Don't worry, you can contact 4PX via their Aliwangwang chat service. In any case, the package with a different tracking no. will still be sent to your 4PX address!.

      Delete
    2. Ok. Thank you Ivan!

      Delete
  48. Hi Ivan,
    Another qn. How do we check the total declared value of the parcel? Need to know whether it exceeds 400SGD. Bought items at discounted price but when I try to consolidate items for shipping, I see all the original inflated prices..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Alys,

      For 4PX, you can see the total value of the goods at the '合拼订单' stage, after the goods have arrived at the warehouse. Typically you should see the amounts you paid (i.e, the discounted price).

      Delete
  49. Hi Ivan, how long does it take for the items to arrived after it has shipped out? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Crystal,

      On a normal day, my experience is that it takes about 2-4 working days before it reaches Singapore. (After being shipped from the 4PX warehouse). However, if you have bought ur items during the 11.11 Singles day, it may take abit longer.

      Based on my experience during the last 11.11 Singles day in 2014, it took about close to a week before my stuff arrived.

      I think the logistics will be all jam packed again during this period.

      Delete
  50. Hi l wonder how can I ship sensitive items like cd?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yong Qi,

      There are freight forwarders like 65Daigou, Peeka or SGShop that so Sensitive Sea freight... for items like Batteries/liquids. Perhaps you can drop them an email.

      Delete
  51. Wrongly updated my mobile number. Now even my parcel already reached POP station also i cant collect. Still waiting 4PX to reply me. Singpost also cant do anything as i dont have any parcel number on hand. So regret to do this myself...sigh....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Little Wish,

      I am so sorry to hear about your issue. Perhaps you can try asking Singpost to help by quoting them your Waybill (4PX Shipping number) ??.

      The waybill number can be found when you login to Taobao and select: 淘宝集运

      Delete
  52. Hi..would like to ask. As this is my first purchase via taobao, I forget to log in back to pay the international shipping fee. The countdown for the item to stay at warehouse has exceeded 20 days by 2 extra weeks, and now only I made the payment. Will the item still be shipped out? Currently the order tracking status still show "Your package has arrived at the warehouse please proceed to consolidate and pay for overseas shipping."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Susan,

      If you have consolidated the items and selected them for shipping, the 'storage' costs will have been included in the fees you have paid.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Ivan :)
      Just wondering is it normal for the logistics tracking status to still show "Your package has arrived at the warehouse please proceed to consolidate and pay for overseas shipping." By right it should show an updated status.

      Delete
  53. Hi there,

    Great guide u have here.. May I know how do I shop on TM mall and ship via 4px to Singapore ? I will need to select a province to ship to because I can't select 全国. Thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Eve,

      Shopping on TMall is pretty much the same as for Taobao.

      To use the 4PX method, simply select: "淘宝集运" and choose 4PX.

      Make sure you have already setup your Singapore address on your Taobao Account setting.

      Delete
    2. Hi Ivan,

      Thanks for ur promt response.. :) i understand that shopping is pretty much the same on taobao, however the problem i face is tt on taobao im able to set the shipping as 全国 before i add to cart but for tmall, im forced to choose a province in china to ship to.. Do i select the shipping location as where 4px warehouse is located which is 深圳?

      Delete
    3. Hey Eve,

      I don't think it really matters, because selection of the 'Shipping' as 全国 is typically meant for sellers direct shipping to buyer - a method that i would not suggest to use because it is more costly than the "Taobao Direct" or via one of the official/3rd party freight forwarders.

      So just go ahead and leave it as it is. Once you select checkout of an item and you choose the Taobao forwarder, the address will automatically be set to your 'unique' warehouse address for 4PX. Happy shopping!

      Delete
  54. Hi. I've noticed that some items do not arrive at the warehouse after 20 days. I've waited for another shipping, but I can no longer find my item at taobao. I've already paid for it but I cannot consolidate them together. Are u able to help?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi, I received my packaged from 4px but one of the item included is not the item I ordered from the seller. I contacted the seller and they said they have mailed out the item correctly and most probably the package is mixed up on the 4px centre. What should I do now? How do I contact 4px?

    ReplyDelete
  56. Just want to let people know that I am extremely disappointed with 4PX. First time user based on their lower consolidate rate....but I got my lesson.
    1. Extremely slow delivery. I know that the packages are in HK for at least 2 days, and it took another 2 days to reach me.
    2. Chose to deliver to the door (residential) no warning of extra charge at the time of picking that option. 2 days later, got sms saying extra HK$25 needs to pay out to the delivery guy. I asked why, they said delivery to a residential address might incur extra fee which was stated at the beginning. NO, that's a lie.
    3. The delivery guy called me on the day of delivery, asking me where to park his car?! How to get my building?! For god's sake, I live in Kennedy Town. Seriously, I live on the Ground Floor.
    4. So, out of helplessness, I called their CS, she said:"We don't have the driver contact cell phone no." So, they literally, cannot contact their driver.....
    5. Finally, the delivery guy came, dragging my package on the floor, holding just a corner of the sag. At that point,I took the package from his hand, gave him the extra fee he demanded and just carried it back to my flat. I just want the nightmare to end.

    I am still waiting for one more batch of delivery, and I am done with 4PX. Never again

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi, i recevied msg saying that my parcel is too big for POPstation and need to do refund of the shipping fees and then reselect to delivery instead of POPstation. But i cannot find the link. Can someone guide me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janice,

      You can drop 4PX a msg via the Taobao Aliwangwang (chat).

      http://world.taobao.com/item/20803827464.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.aodau7#detail

      Delete
  58. Hi how do you inform 4px to change the delivery to home address as I rec'd msg that my item is too big for POpstation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey!,

      You can msg them via aliwangwang (chat) on Taobao. :)

      Delete
  59. Hi I am from Cambodia. Does 4px can me sent me the goods. And I want to buy a lot of oh no a tons of things and I wish I can get some discount even on Taobao and on 4px. So if you know when they offer a lots of discount, please it would be helpful if you tell me. Does 4px have 1cbm and how much is it?Thanks beforehand.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi I wish I had read your blog earlier. I had ordered curtains thru Taobao but I didnt select 转运 on checkout.Seller as mentioned dies not provide overseas shipping to SIN. Now my purchase is packed but I have no clue how to arrange for delivery. Kindly advise how I shld proceed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy,

      Have you checked if the seller can send it to SG?. If they only send within china, you could consider using an external freight forwarder like 65Daigou, Peeka or SGShop.

      Delete
    2. Hi Ivan
      not clearly understand your post,
      if i do payment can after sending to 4xp, are they can send to me in india?

      Delete
    3. Hi rajivxxx,

      I am sorry, but i think the 4PX and Freight forwarding service providers are specifically catering for Singapore and Maybe malaysia.

      Delete
  61. Hi, check w u, I purchasing several items from tb. One of the items, the seller haven ship the goods. But all the other 7items have arrived at 4px warehouse.
    Qnq: how long can they hold my items in the warehouse without charging?
    Qn2:can I cancel my order for that item? As I bought it via Dbs IB... How are they going to return me the $ ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Vernice,

      Dont worry about the holding of items. 4PX (Or most freight forwarders will hold your items for up to 20days for free).

      I believe if you cancel your order (and the seller agrees), the refunds will be made to your Alipay account.

      Delete
    2. is 4xp service is only for Singapore, m from india, can i do the same from india

      plz reply

      Delete
  62. My problem with Taobao is mainly international shipping and communicating with seller for pre-order materials. I've been using Buynosaur (www.buynosaur.co) and they have been great to buy with!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Can i purchase electronic stuff from taobao?

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Fei,

    Technicall; Yes, but most of the sockets are not the typical 3-pin adaptor heads you find in SG - also, they will not be given the electronic safety mark (http://www.spring.gov.sg/Building-Trust/Raising-Confidence/Pages/raising-confidence-overview.aspx).

    As such, it will be at your own risks.

    ReplyDelete
  65. This is great article and so helpful.
    forwarding service

    ReplyDelete
  66. Just want to share my bad experience with 65daigou (ezbuy), recently i ordered some makeup through their Ship-for-me services, which they advertised as providing free repack services that will protect and reduce the weight and volume of the shipment. The contents of the entire box was smashed, with powder everywhere. When i asked them about with attached pictures as evidence, they denied responsibility even though they admitted it was damaged during international shipping, as they opened the box when it was delivered to the warehouse overseas and it was fine.

    So they admitted the box was damaged during international shipping, but they said I should have rejected the parcel because once i have accepted the parcel, it's not their responsibility. Well, how would i know it's all smashed inside?

    Do not deal with this irresponsible company, i spent a month writing and replying and they always replied with the same words, with terrible grammar, making you feel like you're having a conversation with an automated machine.

    I lost more than a hundred dollars through this incident. The seller refused to compensate as well as it arrived intact at the warehouse, and was only damaged by the shipping company.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Just want to share my bad experience with 65daigou (ezbuy), recently i ordered some makeup through their Ship-for-me services, which they advertised as providing free repack services that will protect and reduce the weight and volume of the shipment. The contents of the entire box was smashed, with powder everywhere. When i asked them about with attached pictures as evidence, they denied responsibility even though they admitted it was damaged during international shipping, as they opened the box when it was delivered to the warehouse overseas and it was fine.

    So they admitted the box was damaged during international shipping, but they said I should have rejected the parcel because once i have accepted the parcel, it's not their responsibility. Well, how would i know it's all smashed inside?

    Do not deal with this irresponsible company, i spent a month writing and replying and they always replied with the same words, with terrible grammar, making you feel like you're having a conversation with an automated machine.

    I lost more than a hundred dollars through this incident. The seller refused to compensate as well as it arrived intact at the warehouse, and was only damaged by the shipping company.

    ReplyDelete
  68. I am really impressed along with your writing skills and also with the format on your blog.
    taobao uk

    ReplyDelete
  69. are they open on Sunday ?

    ReplyDelete
  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  71. if the seller reduces its price, how do i change the amount i pay?

    ReplyDelete
  72. if the seller reduces its price, how do i change the amount i pay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Usually this happens before you proceed to the "Alipay" step. (Pt 3).

      Once you have made the payment via Alipay, the only way is to mutually 'cancel' the order.

      Delete

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