Beginner
Your first Taobao haul: a beginner's walkthrough with real numbers
This walkthrough uses a real haul: nippers, scribing tools, decals and a paint set — Western retail would have been about $210, the landed cost through an agent came to $84.
Step 1 — Make your list in English
Write down model numbers (RG 07, HG etc.) and generic keywords. Use the Toolkit's translator to turn them into Chinese search terms.
Step 2 — Compare sellers
- Prefer stores with 4.8+ ratings and thousands of reviews
- Check buyer photos, not seller photos
Step 3 — Ship to the agent warehouse
Domestic China shipping is usually ¥5–15 per parcel and takes 2–4 days.
Step 4 — Choose a shipping line and consolidate
Consolidating 4 parcels into one box cut the shipping quote by roughly a third versus shipping them separately.