How to Return Items on Taobao China | That’s Mandarin

May 18, 2025

Step-by-step guide to returning items on Taobao in China for expats and beginners by That's Mandarin — how to request refund, schedule pickup, and get your money back easily

How to Return Items on Taobao Like a Pro — Easy Chinese Guide by That’s Mandarin

In China online shopping is booming with many platforms, but Taobao remains the most popular. This guide will help you easily return items on Taobao, whether you made a wrong purchase or bought something on impulse. Follow our step-by-step tips to get smooth refunds and hassle-free returns on Taobao – China’s leading online marketplace.

Taobao 淘宝 (Táobǎo) – Online Marketplace Guide

淘宝 (Táobǎo) is a top Chinese online marketplace where you can shop for everything from clothing to electronics. Whether you’re planning a trip to China or just curious about shopping online, this guide will help you understand how to use Taobao and make purchases smoothly.

Learn how to use Taobao in China with That's Mandarin Chinese School guide for expats and travelers shopping online in Chinese
淘宝
Táobǎo
Taobao

If you’re planning your trip to China don’t forget to prepare for online payments. Our easy guide shows how to use Alipay with international cards, so you can pay on Taobao and other popular Chinese shopping platforms without hassle.

Return Items on Taobao Like a Pro – Step-by-Step Guide

To return items on Taobao, start by opening My Account (我的淘宝 Wǒ de Táobǎo).

Then go to My Orders (我的订单 Wǒ de dìngdān).

Step 1 guide to return items on Taobao for beginners by That's Mandarin Chinese language school helping expats and students in China

Select the item you want to return and confirm receipt by clicking 确认收货 (quèrèn shōu huò).

Next, request a return or after-sales service by clicking 申请退款 / 售后 (shēnqǐng tuì kuǎn / shòuhò).

How to request a refund on Taobao Step 4 return process explained by That's Mandarin Chinese School for expats and international shoppers in China

Choose the Reason for Your Return on Taobao

5. First, select the type of return from one of the following options:

Taobao refund process guide for foreigners in China by That's Mandarin Chinese School step-by-step return instructions for Chinese online shopping
仅退款
jǐn tuì kuǎn
to refund only
A partial refund without returning the item.

Complete Taobao refund and return guide for expats by That's Mandarin Chinese School step-by-step instructions for returning items on Chinese online marketplace
退货退款
tuì huò tuì kuǎn
to return item and refund
With this option, you return the item and receive a refund.

 

How to exchange items on Taobao guide for expats by That's Mandarin Chinese School step-by-step instructions for Chinese online shopping returns and exchanges
换货
huàn huò
to exchange item
Return the purchased product and receive a different one in its place.

Understanding these Taobao return types helps you pick the best option for your situation and ensures a smooth refund or exchange process on Taobao.

6. Fill in the blanks, and choose the reason why you’d like to return this item:

❕If it’s been less than 7 days since you received it, you can choose the option 7天内无理由退货 (qī tiān nèi wú lǐyóu tuìhuò), or return within 7 days without any reason.

 

Common refund reasons on Taobao explained by That's Mandarin Chinese School guide for expats shopping online in China with easy return process
退款原因
tuì kuǎn yuányīn
a reason for return

When filling out your Taobao return request complete all required fields and select the reason for return (退款原因 tuì kuǎn yuányīn). If you are returning the item within 7 days you can choose 7天内无理由退货 (qī tiān nèi wú lǐyóu tuìhuò) which means return within 7 days without any reason.

Selecting the correct return reason on Taobao helps speed up the refund process and ensures smooth handling of your Taobao returns.

7. After filling out the return form on Taobao tap the orange button 提交 (tíjiāo) to submit your return or refund request. Sellers usually review and approve requests within a few hours. Timely submission of Taobao return requests and quick seller approval help ensure a smooth and fast refund process on Taobao.

Arrange Door Pickup for Taobao Returns

After the seller approves your return request on Taobao a new option will appear allowing you to arrange door pickup for the item. This convenient service makes returning products easy and hassle-free without leaving your home.

Using the door pickup service on Taobao helps streamline the return process and ensures your item is safely sent back for a quick refund or exchange.

 

Taobao door pickup return service explained by That's Mandarin Chinese School step-by-step guide for expats returning items on Chinese online marketplace

上门取件
shàngmén qǔ jiàn
door pickup

8. Choose pickup time for Taobao Return

When arranging your Taobao return door pickup, you can select a convenient pickup time. The first option often offers pickup within 2 hours. You can also confirm or update the pickup address for Taobao returns to ensure smooth and timely return shipping.

Selecting the right pickup time and return address on Taobao helps make the Taobao return process faster easier and more convenient.

9. Receive 4-digit pickup code for Taobao Return

After scheduling your Taobao return door pickup, the system will provide a 4-digit pickup code (寄件码 jì jiàn mǎ). You need to share this code with the delivery person only when they arrive. This code allows the courier to securely process the return package.

Using the correct pickup code on Taobao ensures a smooth and secure return shipping process and helps protect your refund or exchange request.

 

Taobao pickup code for returns explained by That's Mandarin Chinese School step-by-step guide for expats managing Chinese online shopping returns

寄件码
jì jiàn mǎ
pickup code

10. Pay the delivery fee for Taobao Return Pickup

After your Taobao return package is picked up, you’ll need to pay the delivery fee. Once payment is complete the logistics tracking will update as the item travels back to the seller In most cases you’ll receive your Taobao refund even before the item arrives.

Paying the return delivery fee on Taobao is the final step to complete your return process smoothly.

Taobao Return Shipping Fee: Cost Breakdown

The standard Taobao return shipping fee is RMB 8 for packages under 1kg. If your item weighs more each extra kilogram adds RMB 8 to the cost. While this might be pricey for larger items like furniture it’s very affordable for small returns such as shoes or a wrong-size shirt. Understanding the return cost on Taobao helps you avoid surprises and plan your refund process with confidence

🎉 Congrats! Taobao Return Process Completed Successfully!

You’ve successfully completed your Taobao return process. Whether it was the wrong size wrong color or just a change of mind, your refund request is now processed smoothly. Returning items on Taobao for beginners is easy with the right steps and tools.

Now you can shop with confidence knowing how to return items on Taobao hassle-free.

Share Your Taobao Shopping Experience

Do you enjoy online shopping in China or do you prefer in-store shopping for your everyday needs? Share your thoughts about shopping on Taobao or returning products online in the comments or on our WeChat Public Account  🛍 Your opinion can help other expats and travelers in China make informed choices too.

🤔 FAQ: Returning Items on Taobao in China

1. Can foreigners return items on Taobao in China?

Yes, foreigners can return items on Taobao if they have a verified account. The app provides clear steps for returns and refunds, even if your Chinese is limited.

2. What is the easiest way to request a refund on Taobao?

The easiest way is through the app. Go to “My Orders”, confirm receipt, and then select “Request Refund”. Choose the reason and follow the steps to complete the process.

3. Is it possible to return Taobao products without speaking Chinese?

Yes. With the Taobao app interface and basic guidance, you can return items by following icons and steps. The return process uses mostly buttons and standard options.

4. How many days do I have to return an item on Taobao?

Taobao typically allows a 7-day no-reason return window. Look for the option “7天内无理由退货” which means “Return within 7 days without reason”.

5. Do I need to pay for return shipping on Taobao?

In most cases, yes. You’ll need to pay the delivery fee when the courier picks up your return. The standard fee is around 8 RMB per kg.

6. How do I schedule a pickup for a Taobao return?

Once your return is approved, you can arrange a pickup directly in the app. Choose a time and address that works best for you.

7. Will I get my refund before the seller receives the item?

Often yes. Once the logistics tracking is active, many sellers approve refunds even before the item arrives back at their location.

8. Can I use international cards for Taobao payments and returns?

Yes. If you’ve linked your Taobao account with Alipay and added an international card, refunds can also return to your international account.

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