Taobao has pledged to root out fake stuff from its listings, but you gotta be smart out there. Besides the obvious measures of avoiding ‘too-good-to-be-true’ pricing, there are several things you can do to avoid buying bad, fake or low-quality stuff on Taobao.
1. Check sellers feedback
This will be the best clue. If you are really concerned, only consider Sellers who have 100% feedback on over 500 transactions.
2. Actual product photos
It is natural to want to go for the products that have the most professional-looking photos. But these were probably just downloaded from brand’s main website. Better Sellers will take a long series of close-ups on the product to show the details. Look for unprofessional photos with some flash glare and the Seller’s hand in the shot. If a product has generic downloaded photos, but you still really want it, ask for the Seller to take some new photos for you.
Look for real photos:
3. Compare the product against the official website
It can be difficult to match a product design precisely. If the Seller has posted actual photos, compare those against the designs on the company’s official website and examine the minutia.
1. Check sellers feedback
This will be the best clue. If you are really concerned, only consider Sellers who have 100% feedback on over 500 transactions.
2. Actual product photos
It is natural to want to go for the products that have the most professional-looking photos. But these were probably just downloaded from brand’s main website. Better Sellers will take a long series of close-ups on the product to show the details. Look for unprofessional photos with some flash glare and the Seller’s hand in the shot. If a product has generic downloaded photos, but you still really want it, ask for the Seller to take some new photos for you.
Look for real photos:
3. Compare the product against the official website
It can be difficult to match a product design precisely. If the Seller has posted actual photos, compare those against the designs on the company’s official website and examine the minutia.
4. What else do they sell?
If you’re having trouble deciding, consider the other products in the Seller’s inventory. If their other stuff looks fake, then your treasure probably is as well. Some Sellers claim to offer both real and ‘like-real’ merchendise. Don’t buy from them.
5. Look for these icons
Items with one or more of these icons is usually trustable. The seller tend to provide better products and services.
6. Don’t freak out
You’re a savvy individual. Use your best judgement and don’t worry about it too much.
If you’re having trouble deciding, consider the other products in the Seller’s inventory. If their other stuff looks fake, then your treasure probably is as well. Some Sellers claim to offer both real and ‘like-real’ merchendise. Don’t buy from them.
5. Look for these icons
Items with one or more of these icons is usually trustable. The seller tend to provide better products and services.6. Don’t freak out
You’re a savvy individual. Use your best judgement and don’t worry about it too much.
