Taobao Choosing Sellers (How to)

Thurs 1:39pm  7 Jan 2016

Even though I know Chinese & have been buying for some years, choosing good sellers is not easy.  It takes experience to be able to pick items & sellers.

The choice to buy from a seller is based on several factors, several aspects. Not simple at all. The decision is formed from weighing in all these factors.

Newbies will definitely make mistakes if they just buy based on 1 aspect or surface value such as price or photos. Price alone is only 1 factor. It does not determine whether you will get what you see.

Previously, I was of the assumption that the higher the feedback score, the better. So, I only purchased from sellers with 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 scores.  But only recently, I found that the feedback score has to be considered together with other factors.

A seller rated 5 for all 3 areas under feedback scoring (item description accuracy, customer service & delivery speed) can still send items that are defective or not what is shown in the photos.

A seller with 4.5 or 4.6 or 4.7 scoring, can send a product that is excellent in quality with excellent delivery speed.

Recently, I took a risk out of my assumption & purchased twice from different sellers with 4.5, 4.6, 4.7 scores (together with considering other factors).  The prices were low enough to take a chance in finding out.  The items received turned out to be excellent & sellers delivered quickly. Amazing.  5/5.

I have noticed that China buyers understand that the feedback scoring is not entirely accurate. Often, you will see them buying from low score sellers,  surprisingly often reporting good feedback for items, delivery speed & customer service.

I have also recently purchased an item with zero reviews (after also considering other factors).  Previously, I have never purchased any item with zero reviews.  The item turned out to be surprisingly good.

So what are the several factors to consider when choosing?  You will have to pay for my experience & knowledge to know.