Ordering OEM computer part from Taobao

[pilau]

Hi, I recently moved to Thailand (Bangkok), and need to order an OEM laptop part from Chinese e-bay-like Taobao.

1. What should I know?
2. Are there any risks?
3. Are there any problems with customs that I should be aware of?
4. Are there specific fees I would have to pay? (the part I will be ordering costs around 650 Baht)

Thanks in advance, pilau.

[thedemon]

Try to buy from a seller with a high feedback score and preferably a seller that specializes in whatever you are buying not a general merchant that has something of everything.

If there are several sellers offering what you want, compare their shipping options and costs. It's pretty common for Taobao/Aliexpress sellers to offer free shipping via China Post. That's ok but be aware that it is pretty slow. Hong Kong Post is slightly better and is quite common if the seller is based in Guangzhou/Shenzhen.

You won't have any problems with Thai customs if it is a computer part invoiced at THB650, it will just arrive..... eventually.

The buyer protection does work but it isn't as good as ebay who generally favour the buyer over the seller in a dispute. If I can find the same product/price on offer from a China ebay seller I choose them rather than one from Alibaba for that reason.

Edited December 16, 2014 by thedemon

[pilau]

if it is a computer part invoiced at THB650, it will just arrive..... eventually.

At best and at worst, how long am I looking at here?

Edited December 16, 2014 by pilau

[thedemon]

if it is a computer part invoiced at THB650, it will just arrive..... eventually.

At best and at worst, how long am I looking at here?

Regular mail via China Post, I would say best case is about 10 days. Worst case maybe 30 days.

They will email you with a tracking number once (supposedly) shipped but they can easily give you a number well before they do actually ship. That number takes a few days to register on the China Post tracking site after the item has actually been posted.

If there are plenty of sellers to choose from, it doesn't hurt to message a few of them asking how long they will take to ship. Their answer won't necessarily be the truth but it's better than nothing. Then if the tracking number doesn't register after about a week, get after them.

BTW, if it is an item containing batteries, be prepared to wait even longer.

[pilau]

This is what I'll be buying: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=40290750325