Open a Taobao Account
Taobao captures approximately 70% of all online transactions in China. We help foreign brands get their shop up and running — in Chinese.
Taobao is China's dominant consumer marketplace — an Alibaba platform with hundreds of millions of active buyers. To reach those buyers, your shop needs to operate entirely in Chinese and be backed by a valid Alipay account. SEO Mandarin handles the full setup process for foreign companies: account creation, shop localisation, product listings and ongoing management.
Why Open a Taobao Account?
Chinese
Taobao operates exclusively in Simplified Chinese. Your listings, customer service and shop interface all need to be in Mandarin — which is where we come in.
It's Free
Opening a Taobao shop requires only a 1,000 RMB deposit. There are no monthly fees — you pay a small commission per transaction.
Sell from Anywhere
Your Taobao shop is fully manageable remotely. Products can be shipped domestically within China or internationally from your own warehouse.
Reliable Platform
Taobao's ratings system, buyer and seller protection, and Alipay escrow payments give Chinese consumers confidence to buy from unfamiliar brands.
What You Need to Open a Taobao Shop
- An Alipay account linked to a valid bank account
- A Chinese mobile number for verification
- A business licence (overseas company registrations are accepted)
- A 1,000 RMB refundable deposit
- Product listings written in Simplified Chinese
Taobao vs Tmall — Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Taobao | Tmall |
|---|---|---|
| Target seller | Small businesses & individuals | Established brands |
| Deposit | ¥1,000 | ¥150,000+ |
| Annual fee | None | Yes (varies by category) |
| Foreign companies | Yes | Yes (via Tmall Global) |
| Brand perception | Marketplace | Premium / official |
For brands new to China, Taobao is the lower-risk starting point. Once you have proven sales volume and brand recognition in China, moving to Tmall gives you a more premium positioning. SEO Mandarin can advise on the right route based on your product category and budget.
Ready to Sell on Taobao?
Tell us what product or service you are looking to sell in China and we'll map out the right approach.
Get a Free Consultation