This article details how overseas users can complete ordering from Taobao/1688, warehouse consolidation, international shipping, and customs clearance through Welisen. It includes transit times for common countries, cost breakdowns, and advice on avoiding pitfalls to help you receive your packages faster, cheaper, and more reliably.
2026 Must-Read for Overseas Chinese: Complete Guide to Saving Money on Shipping from Taobao Overseas
If you are overseas and want to buy goods from Taobao, 1688, or Pinduoduo, the most common questions are: how to buy, how to ship, how long it takes, and how to save money.
1. What is a Shipping Forwarding Service?
A shipping forwarding service involves:
- You place an order on a Chinese e-commerce platform.
- The seller first ships the goods to a domestic forwarding warehouse.
- The forwarding company inspects the goods, consolidates packages, and repacks them.
- The consolidated package is then shipped to your country via international logistics.
2. The 4 Most Common Concerns for Overseas Users
1) How Long Does It Take?
Transit time generally consists of "Domestic Leg + Warehouse Processing + International Leg + Customs Clearance & Delivery":
- Domestic Leg: 1-4 days
- Warehouse Processing: 24-72 hours
- International Leg: 5-15 days
- Customs Clearance & Delivery: 2-7 days
2) How Are Costs Calculated?
Common cost components include: First Weight + Additional Weight, Volumetric Weight, and Value-Added Service Fees (reinforcement/photos, etc.).
3) How to Save Money?
- Consolidate multiple packages before shipping.
- Pay attention to volumetric weight for lightweight, bulky items.
- Choose shipping routes based on your time requirements (express/economy lines).
4) Can Sensitive Items Be Shipped?
Some shipping routes support batteries, liquids, cosmetics, etc. Specific rules depend on the chosen channel.
3. How to Choose a Reliable Shipping Forwarding Company
Focus on these 5 aspects:
- Warehouse Capabilities (inspection, reinforcement, processing speed)
- Route Stability
- Price Transparency
- Customer Service Response Speed
- Level of Shipment Tracking Visibility
4. Welisen's Core Advantages
- 180 days of free storage, making it easy to combine orders.
- Multiple shipping routes to choose from, balancing speed and cost.
- Full tracking available, with responsive customer service.
5. Conclusion
By choosing the right process and shipping route, international forwarding can be cost-effective, reliable, and controllable. It is recommended to test with a small order first before proceeding with bulk consolidation shipping.