Taobao App Guide — 3D Maker Saver

Before you start Taobao is China's largest consumer marketplace. It ships domestically, so as an overseas buyer you'll pair the app with a freight forwarder (see the Buying Guide). This page covers the app setup only.

1. Download the Taobao app

Get the official app — avoid third-party clones that imitate the logo.

iPhone / iPad: search "Taobao" in the App Store. In some regions the international version "Taobao (International)" appears — either works.
Android: install from Google Play, or download the APK directly from taobao.com if Play is unavailable in your country.
The app icon is orange with a stylised "淘" character. If the store shows a different icon, it's a fake — don't install it.

Which version? The international version has a cleaner English UI and built-in translation, but a slightly smaller catalogue. The standard Chinese version has everything and you can switch the language inside it (step 3). Most makers use the standard version.

2. Register an account

You can sign up with a phone number or email. Email is usually easiest for overseas users.

Open the app and tap 注册 / "Sign up". Choose email registration and enter your address.
Verify with the code sent to your email. Set a login password when prompted.
Phone registration works too, but some non-Chinese numbers need an extra SMS step. If you get stuck, switch to email.

3. Switch the app to English

The app defaults to Chinese. You don't need to read Chinese to use it.

Tap 我的 (Me) → Settings (设置) → 通用 (General) → 多语言 (Language) → English.
For product pages, use the in-app translate (the globe icon) or a translation keyboard to read specs and reviews.

4. Set up payment with Alipay Global

Taobao checkout runs through Alipay. The international-friendly path is Alipay Global, which accepts foreign cards.

In checkout, choose 支付宝 (Alipay) → Alipay Global / international payment.
Link a Visa, Mastercard or Amex. A small currency-conversion fee (~1–2%) applies.
If a card is declined, try a different network, or use a payment agent (Superbuy, etc.) that buys on your behalf.

Never pay outside the app Any seller who asks you to pay by bank transfer, crypto or a private link is a scammer. Always pay inside Taobao/Alipay so buyer protection applies.

5. Search for 3D-printing supplies

Search in Chinese keywords for the best results — translation apps help.

Filament: search 3D打印耗材 or PLA 1.75. Parts: search 3D打印机配件.
Filter by sales volume (销量) and store rating (评分) — pick 4.8★+ shops with 1000+ sales.
Buy from brand stores (Sunlu, eSUN, Bambu) when the price is close — you get genuine product and warranty.

6. Address & shipping via a forwarder

Taobao sellers ship inside China. Set your forwarder's warehouse as the delivery address, then the forwarder ships to you.

Open a forwarder account (Superbuy, Wegobuy, CSSBuy) and copy their Chinese warehouse address into Taobao.
After the seller delivers to the warehouse, declare the items and pay the forwarder's international shipping — then track to your door.

You're ready With the app set up and a forwarder chosen, you can place your first order in about 10 minutes. Next, compare real prices on our materials and parts pages.