Susan C.

I did my first online shopping on Taobao in July 2016. Like most people, I was highly skeptical and suspicious of what could come out of this experience. Plus, my Mandarin isn't superb; I felt great disadvantaged. But after my first very-cautious purchase, I got braver. Thus far, I have not been disappointed with Taobao. Everything I have ordered - over 70 items and counting! - came through as advertised.

Obviously, like any online purchase, the onus is on me to do my homework well and sift through the wide range of products, reading carefully product descriptions and considering which retailers to order from. Any queries I have on the products, I contact the retailers directly via Taobao online chat.

At times when I had placed an order for a product that was no longer available, the retailer contacted me within 5-10mins of my order, offering to cancel my order immediately and refund my purchase. The refund was credited to my credit card within two weeks, as indicated. I have used my credit card for every purchase. No fraud issues, I am pleased to report.

I have been nothing but pleased with Taobao. The system really works.