Taobao and 1688 are where Chinese sellers and factories buy. Prices are lower than AliExpress, and product choice is far larger. But Taobao has no direct Dutch shipping, no IOSS and no English checkout. To buy from Taobao or 1688 and ship to the Netherlands, you need a China agent or a consolidation service that acts as your local buyer, inspector and shipper.
What a China agent actually does
A good agent is three services in one. First, they buy the product on your behalf because many Taobao sellers do not accept foreign payment cards. Second, they receive the goods at their China warehouse, inspect them and send you photos. Third, they consolidate your purchases and ship them to the Netherlands.
The agent charges a service fee, usually 5–10% of the product value, plus international freight. Even after that fee, the total is often lower than buying the same item on AliExpress because you are cutting out the middleman markup.
When 1688 makes sense instead of Taobao
Taobao is retail. 1688 is wholesale. Use 1688 when you are buying multiples of the same item, custom-branded goods, or packaging materials. Minimum order quantities apply, but unit prices are lower. Many Dutch small-business sellers use 1688 for inventory they then store in a Netherlands overseas warehouse.
The risks nobody talks about
- Quality variance. Factory photos on 1688 can be old or aspirational. Inspection is not optional.
- No consumer protection. Unlike AliExpress, disputes on Taobao are harder to win from abroad.
- HS code accuracy. Your agent must declare the correct code. Vague descriptions like “daily necessities” invite Rotterdam customs holds.
Agent versus direct platform shipping
| Factor | AliExpress direct | Taobao/1688 + agent |
|---|---|---|
| Product price | Higher | Lower |
| Language | English/Dutch | Chinese, translated by agent |
| Payment | Card/PayPal/iDEAL | Agent pays in CNY |
| Shipping to NL | Direct | Consolidated DDP |
| Quality control | Limited | Photo/video inspection |
If you are buying regularly from China for personal use or resale, an agent is usually worth it. Start by comparing total landed cost on our shipping rates page.
Payment, currency and refund risks with Taobao/1688 agents
When you use a China agent, you usually pay the agent in your currency by card, PayPal or bank transfer. The agent then pays the seller in Chinese yuan through Alipay or WeChat Pay. That conversion is part of the service, but it adds a layer where disputes become complicated.
If the seller sends the wrong item, the agent must fight the dispute on your behalf. A good agent documents everything and has leverage with repeat sellers. A bad agent may delay, disappear, or tell you to accept a partial refund because the dispute is “too hard.”
Currency risk is smaller for personal orders but matters for business buyers. The yuan-euro rate moves. If you pay the agent today and the goods ship in two weeks, the rate has usually already been locked by the agent. For large 1688 orders, ask whether the quote is fixed in yuan or in euros and whether a rate change affects the final invoice.
We also check the HS code before we ship. A client once bought LED strips labelled by the factory as “decorative lighting.” The correct code was 9405.40, which changed the duty rate and allowed the shipment to clear without a customs query. Guessing the code from the product title is the most common mistake we see on 1688 orders.
Related Netherlands shipping guides
Related Netherlands guides:
- Shipping from China to the Netherlands
- Multi-platform consolidation
- Netherlands import VAT and customs
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy from Taobao and ship to the Netherlands?
Not directly. You need a China agent who buys on your behalf, receives the goods, inspects them and ships them DDP to the Netherlands.
What is the difference between Taobao and 1688?
Taobao is retail, aimed at Chinese consumers. 1688 is wholesale, aimed at businesses, with lower unit prices but higher minimum order quantities.
How much does a China agent charge?
Typically 5–10% of the product value, plus international shipping and any warehouse handling fees.
Is buying from 1688 cheaper than AliExpress?
Usually yes for the same product, because 1688 is closer to the factory. The savings must be weighed against agent fees, MOQs and inspection costs.
Do I need to speak Chinese to use Taobao?
No, if you use an agent. The agent handles communication, payment and shipping for you.