Buy From Taobao & 1688
We purchase, inspect, consolidate, and ship from China. Sourcing fees start at $29.99. No hidden markups.
Transparent Pricing. No Hidden Markups.
You pay exactly what things cost. We list every component separately before you pay.
Product Cost — The actual price from the Taobao or 1688 seller
China Domestic Shipping — From the seller to our China receiving location
Sourcing Service Fee — Starts at $29.99, based on total product value
International Shipping — Calculated after inspection, based on actual weight and size
How Our Sourcing Process Works
1
Send Your Product Links
Send one or multiple Taobao, 1688, or other product links.
2
Pay the First Invoice
Pay the product cost, China domestic shipping, and sourcing service fee.
3
Inspection in China
We receive the products and send inspection photos or videos.
4
Approve International Shipping
Review the packed shipping quote before dispatch.
5
Packing and Delivery
We reinforce the packaging, ship the parcel, and provide tracking.
Example Sourcing Comparisons
See how product cost, domestic shipping, service fees, and estimated international shipping are calculated separately.
Dragon Kung Fu Tea Set
Similar Product Example
U.S. RETAIL
CHINA SOURCE
- U.S. Retail Price
- $99.99
- China Product Cost
- about $9.80
- China Domestic Shipping
- about $3
- Sourcing Service Fee
- $29.99
- Est. International Shipping
- about $19.86
- Estimated Delivered Cost
- about $63
- Estimated Price Difference
- about $37
Marketplace prices captured in July 2026.
Yixing Teapot
Similar Product Example
U.S. RETAIL
CHINA SOURCE
- U.S. Retail Price
- $148.95
- China Product Cost
- about $21.86
- China Domestic Shipping
- about $3
- Sourcing Service Fee
- $29.99
- Est. International Shipping
- about $16–$20
- Estimated Delivered Cost
- about $71–$75
- Estimated Price Difference
- about $74–$78
Marketplace prices captured in July 2026.
Lacquer Jewelry Box
Similar Product Example
U.S. RETAIL
CHINA SOURCE
- U.S. Retail Price
- $92.00
- China Product Cost
- about $12.70
- China Domestic Shipping
- about $3
- Sourcing Service Fee
- $29.99
- Est. International Shipping
- about $16–$20
- Estimated Delivered Cost
- about $62–$66
- Estimated Price Difference
- about $30–$34
Marketplace prices captured in July 2026.
Prices shown are examples based on marketplace listings captured at a specific time. Actual prices, availability, exchange rates, and shipping costs may change. Final costs are confirmed before purchase and dispatch.
Traditional agents move packages. AncientTao helps you make the right purchase.
Not a typical purchasing agent. A personal sourcing service for quality Chinese goods.
Traditional Agent
Recommended
AncientTao
Service
Traditional Agent
You find it, they just place the order
AncientTao
Send a link or photo, we help you find, compare & confirm
Product Expertise
Traditional Agent
General ordering, no product judgment
AncientTao
Specialists in tea ware, ceramics, lacquerware & Chinese goods
Pricing
Traditional Agent
Multiple fees: service, storage, packaging, operation
AncientTao
4 clear items: product, domestic shipping, flat fee, intl shipping
Inspection
Traditional Agent
Basic photos only
AncientTao
Targeted quality check based on product type
Communication
Traditional Agent
Ticket system, rotating agents
AncientTao
One-on-one, same person throughout
Problem Resolution
Traditional Agent
Issues discovered after delivery — international returns nearly impossible
AncientTao
Issues caught in China before shipping — you approve photos/videos first
Not for bulk cheap orders. Perfect for quality items that need selection, judgment, and care — tea ware, ceramics, gifts, and traditional Chinese goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is international shipping paid separately?
International shipping is not included in the Stage 1 payment because the final cost depends on packed weight, dimensions, destination, and shipping method, which are determined after inspection and packing. After the order arrives at our China receiving location, it is inspected and packed, and then a separate Stage 2 shipping invoice is sent for approval and payment before dispatch.
What happens if inspection finds a problem?
We send photos or videos of the issue and contact you before shipping. We assist with return, exchange, or refund requests according to the Chinese seller's policy, and any fees or charges will be explained before action is taken. No international shipping occurs until you approve the results.
Can I combine products from different sellers?
Yes, you can submit product links from different sellers in the same request. We confirm the price and availability for each product separately, and all items are delivered to our China receiving location for combined inspection and packing before being shipped internationally.
Are duties and taxes included?
Duties and taxes are not automatically included in all orders. When a DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping method is selected, these charges are included in the shipping quote. For other methods, duties and taxes may be assessed by the destination country and are your responsibility.