Summary of this article：Taobao, China’s largest online marketplace, is attracting attention as a new frontier for import and resale businesses overseas due to its scale and product diversity. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of how to launch an import-resale business in Japan using Taobao. Stepping into the world of import-resale and launching your own business is a major challenge, but it also holds great potential.
The Benefits of Using Taobao
Taobao is China's largest online shopping site and offers many benefits.
・Wide variety of products
It offers a wide variety of products across various categories, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and cosmetics.
In addition to Chinese-made products, it also carries items from overseas, allowing you to choose the best products based on your needs.
・Low prices
Thanks to mass production and low-cost labor, many products from within China are sold at very low prices.
This is a major advantage, allowing you to source products at a lower cost than you would by searching for them in other markets.
・Access to New Products and Trend Information
Taobao is a marketplace where the latest trends and new products are reflected immediately.
As a result, you can immediately sell seasonal products to trend-conscious consumers, making it a valuable source of information for discovering new business ideas.
By utilizing Taobao, you can directly observe actual consumer reactions and reviews.
By checking product reviews and ratings, you can gather essential market research information, such as product quality, consumer demand, and the status of competitors.
・Use as a Sales Channel
Taobao can be used as a platform to sell products not only to consumers in China but also to consumers worldwide.
This allows you to sell your products to a wide audience and provides opportunities to tap into new markets.
How to Register on Taobao
1. Required Information and Procedures/Processes
① Access the Taobao website or app
First, go to the Taobao website.
Although the site is primarily in Chinese, an English version is also available. The images below use the Chinese version for explanation.
② New Registration
Click “免费注册 (Free Registration)” in the top-left corner of the website.
③ Enter your phone number
On Taobao, you’ll need to register your mobile phone number.
Select Japan as the country code and enter your phone number.
④ Enter Verification Code
Next, click "获取验证码 (Get Verification Code)." When prompted to slide, slide to the right to confirm.
Enter the verification code you receive and click "Agree and Register."
⑤ Complete Registration
Switch to the login screen and click "SMS Login."
Enter the phone number you registered in Step 2, enter the verification code sent via SMS, and click "登录 (Log In)" to complete the process.
2. Important Notes and Tips for Avoiding Issues
・Phone Number
In most cases, a Chinese phone number is required to register on Taobao, but phone numbers from certain other countries are also accepted.
If you cannot register with a Japanese phone number, using an import agent is one option.
You can still get the items you want without registering on Taobao.
・Language
The website is primarily in Chinese, but you can use tools like Google Translate to translate it into English or other languages.
If you’re not confident in your language skills, using an import agent as an intermediary is a good idea.
Their staff can assist you in Japanese, so language won’t be an issue.
・Security
We recommend changing your password regularly and setting a strong password.
Also, please be careful not to share your Taobao account information with third parties.
How to Shop on Taobao
・Using the Search Bar
You can search for products using the search bar on the Taobao homepage.
Enter the name of the product you want to search for (in English or Chinese) and press Enter to display a list of related products.
・Category Search
The Taobao homepage displays many product categories.
You can also search for products using these categories.
・Using Filters
Once the search results appear, you can filter them based on price, sales volume, reviews, and other criteria.
This allows you to efficiently find the product you are looking for.
2. How to Purchase/Procure Products
① Selecting a Product: Choose the product you want from the search results or categories.
The product page displays details such as the product description, price, images, and reviews.
② Add to Cart: Once you’ve selected a product, click the “Add to Cart” or “立即购买” (Buy Now) button.
You may need to select specific product options (such as color or size).
③ Review Your Cart: Click "Shopping Cart" to review your order details.
Double-check that the quantity, color, size, and other details are correct.
④ Confirm Order: If the contents of your cart are correct, click "Checkout" to confirm your order.
⑤ Set Shipping Address: Next, set your shipping address.
Enter the delivery information in the "收货地址" (Shipping Address) field.
⑥ Payment: Finally, click "Submit Order" and select Alipay or another payment method to complete the payment.
3. Payment Methods
Alipay is the primary payment method used on Taobao.
This is China’s largest electronic payment service, known for its reliability and ability to process payments in real time.
If you have an Alipay account, you can easily purchase items on Taobao, and refund processing is also smooth.
However, for users outside of China, using Alipay may be difficult.
In that case, you can use a credit or debit card.
Many international card brands, such as Visa, Mastercard, and JCB, are accepted.
Additionally, some users can pay through international money transfer services.
In some cases, using an import agent may allow you to have items shipped to Japan.
4. Shipping Methods and Tracking
When you purchase an item on Taobao, it is first sent to a "Taobao warehouse."
Users can then choose a shipping method.
There are many shipping options available, such as EMS and DHL.
Shipping costs vary depending on weight and destination, so you can check the details at checkout.
Once the item is shipped, you can track its delivery status on the "My Taobao" page.
Click "Logistics Tracking" to view detailed shipping information.
For international shipments, you can also track your order using the tracking number on the shipping company’s website.
Please note that shipping may take some time.
It is also important to keep in mind that customs duties may apply when purchasing items.
Popular product categories on Taobao
Taobao is a very popular site for purchasing fashion items due to its vast selection and low prices.
It also offers a wide variety of products that reflect the latest trends, selling seasonal fashion items directly to consumers.
Furthermore, users can find custom-made clothing and items with unique designs, which contributes to its popularity.
2. Home Decor
With a wide variety of items available, you can find all kinds of furniture, lighting, wallpaper, curtains, bedding, and more.
Generally, these products are sold at affordable prices and are often of relatively high quality.
There is also a wide variety of styles available, making it easy to find decor items that suit any home.
3. Electronics
We carry a wide range of electronic products, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, audio equipment, cameras, and gaming consoles.
These products are usually sold at reasonable prices, making them particularly attractive to businesses planning to buy in bulk.
They are also popular among consumers looking for new products or limited editions.
4. Beauty and Skincare Products
Since some brands sell products that are only available in China, Taobao is an essential site for consumers seeking these items.
Furthermore, affordable prices and discounts for bulk purchases are key reasons for the popularity of beauty and skincare products.
However, caution is advised when purchasing, as there is a risk of counterfeit or poor-quality products being mixed in.
Product Categories That Sell Well in Japan and How to Choose Them
1. Popular Product Categories in the Japanese Market
Popular categories in the Japanese market span a wide range, including health and beauty, fashion items, home and kitchen products, and high-tech gadgets.
In the Health & Beauty category, products containing organic or naturally derived ingredients are popular.
On the other hand, in the Home & Kitchen category, products that combine functionality and design are in high demand.
2. Characteristics of Target Consumers
Japanese consumers generally prioritize quality and tend to seek detailed information.
Therefore, high-quality products and those that provide detailed information about their origin, materials, and manufacturing processes have an advantage.
Additionally, since they value convenience and functionality, products that make daily life easier and provide a positive user experience are popular.
3. Key Considerations When Selecting Products
When selecting products on Taobao, it is important to first check the reviews and ratings.
These provide information about the product’s quality, price, and the seller’s reliability.
Next, carefully examine the product description and images to ensure the product matches the description.
Also, when considering sales in Japan, you must verify that the product complies with Japanese regulations and standards.
This applies particularly to products in specific categories, such as electronics, cosmetics, and food.
Furthermore, select products based on demand and popularity in the Japanese market.
Market research and trend analysis are useful for this.
Regarding product pricing, you should set prices that make Japanese consumers feel the product is worth the cost and encourage them to make a purchase.
How to Import and Resell Products from Taobao to Japan
1. Import Restrictions and Tariffs
There are various regulations governing imports into Japan.
These regulations vary depending on the type of product, and items such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and electronic products are subject to particularly strict regulations.
When importing goods in these categories, a thorough understanding of relevant laws and regulations is essential.
Specifically, you must verify that the products comply with Japanese safety standards and that the required information is included on the product packaging.
In addition, import duties are levied on imported goods.
The amount of customs duties varies depending on the type and price of the goods.
Calculate customs duties and factor them into your pricing to ensure the profitability of your import business.
2. Quality Control and After-Sales Service
In the Japanese market, where consumers have particularly high expectations regarding product quality, quality issues can damage the credibility of your business.
We recommend verifying product quality before purchase and requesting samples if necessary.
After-sales service is also a critical factor; you must ensure a smooth process for returns and exchanges in the event of product issues.
3. Sales Channels in Japan
Currently, online shopping is booming in Japan, with major e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Rakuten serving as the primary sales channels.
Because these platforms have a large user base, they provide access to a wide range of consumers.
Sales via social media are also common.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are particularly effective for selling fashion items and lifestyle products, as they allow for visual product promotion and direct communication with consumers.
Since each sales channel has its own characteristics and requirements, it is important to select the channel that best suits your business model and products.
Summary
What did you think?
From product selection to importation and sales in Japan, each step presents its own unique challenges and solutions.
However, by overcoming these challenges, Taobao can become a powerful tool for expanding your business opportunities in the Japanese market.
However, business success doesn’t happen overnight.
It is essential to continuously optimize your business through trial and error.
Success in a new market will be a challenging journey, but it is also a great opportunity to open up new possibilities and achieve success.
