Taobao's Physical Store Isn't Cheap, We Found Cheaper Alternatives Online
When I first heard there will be a Taobao physical store in Plaza Singapura, I was honestly so THRILLED!
To be frank, I was half expecting to see the clothes available for sale on racks or makeup brands, not sure what I was thinking.
In my head, I was hoping to able to see whatever that is on my Taobao app in person. Yes, it’s kinda true as NomadX has StyleTheory, Mamonde and more located inside as well.
For the huge space that NomadX dominates, Taobao is residing in a small segment of the second floor greeting us with this Instagram-worthy neonlights.
Though it may seem that the whole place is aesthetically-pleasing (we are all about the Instagram-able life right?), most of the products only for display and you can’t test it to see how it works but it’s great if you want to see if it fits into your dream home.
How to shop on Taobao physical shop?
- Scan the QR code on the price tag
- Make your purchase through the Taobao app
- Wait for the product to be delivered to your place (yes, you can’t make a purchase in-store)
It doesn’t help if you don’t understand Chinese or don’t know how to work the Taobao app. That’s what we’re here for right? We’ve made a guide to help you make your first purchase on Taobao even if you don’t understand Chinese!
Taobao is known for its ability for the savvy consumer to snipe a cheaper deal.
However, what I’ve found on display at Taobao’s physical store were not the cheapest that you can find online.
Here are some examples:
Electronic Facial Cleansers
One of the cheaper items on display in Taobao’s physical store would be this electronic facial cleanser by Kingdom Cares.
- Display Price: SGD 27.30 / CNY 138
- Product link
These electronic facial cleansers are famously inspired by the FOREO Luna Mini 2 that was heavily publicised through influencer marketing as shown here.
Cheaper Alternatives of this facial massager:
| Cheaper Alternatives | Price |
|---|---|
| Taobao | 97 CNY / SGD 19.19 |
| Taobao (Same brand, different seller) | 118 CNY / SGD 23.34 |
| IUIGA Sonic Silicone Facial Cleansing Device | SGD 23.90 |
| IUIGA Eva Mini Facial Cleansing Device | SGD 29.90 |
Note: Prices are converted using Google and are accurate as at 27 November 2018.
Nordic Design Table Lamp
- Display Price: SGD 33.24 / CNY 168
- Product link
Cheaper alternatives to the Nordic design table lamp:
Note: Prices are converted using Google and are accurate as at 27 November 2018.
Xiaomi devices in Taobao Physical Store
With so many Xiaomi stores in Singapore that you can visit to try out Xiaomi devices before purchasing, they still chose to display Xiaomi products anyway.
Here are some products that are on display:
- Xiaomi Air Purifier
- Xiaomi 720P 360 Camera
- Xiaomi 1080P PTZ Camera
- Xiaomi rice cooker
Xiaomi products and their prices on Taobao and on other platforms
| Xiaomi Products | Price in Taobao Shop | Other Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | 899 RMB (177.85 SGD) | SGD 168 on Qoo10 |
| Kettle | 215 RMB (42.53 SGD) | SGD 30 on Shopee |
| Rice Cooker (3L) | 499 RMB (98.72 SGD) | SGD 108 on Lazada |
| Mijia 720P 360 Camera | 199 RMB (39.37 SGD) | SGD 44.96 on Shopee |
| Mijia 1080P PTZ Camera | 399 RMB (78.94 SGD) | From SGD 53.99 on Qoo10 |
Nathome Aromatherapy Humidifier
Ever since the Muji craze over their minimalistic design for their humidifier, every e-commerce website starting selling inspired pieces that simply looks uncanny with the Muji ones as a cheaper alternative.
In this case, Nathome aromatherapy humidifier is displayed at Taobao physical store and it isn’t as cheap as the ones I have seen online.
- Display Price: SGD 39.37 / CNY 199
- Product link
Cheaper alternatives that preserve aesthetics but still leave your room smelling great
Note: Prices are converted using Google and are accurate as at 27 November 2018.
Nathome Collapsible Travel Kettle
This next item is something that I was really amused by, a TRAVEL KETTLE. It is collapsible and allows it to not occupy much space in your luggage and YOU STILL GET HOT WATER.
This one’s for you if you always had trust issues with the kettles provided by the hotels or if your Airbnb does not provide you with a boiling kettle.
- Display Price: SGD 39.37 / CNY 199
- Product link
Because I could not live without looking for a cheaper alternative before committing to this collapsible kettle,
I found some cheaper alternatives although it is a different brand:
Note: Prices are converted using Google and are accurate as at 27 November 2018.
They have a pet segment
Yes, a segment for pets!!! Though a little small, you are able to look at fancy accessories for your pets before getting them on Taobao. And these aesthetically-pleasing accessories are mainly from Petkit.
Read Also: Adopt, not shop and save S$2,000 by doing so!
Water Bottle for Your Pet
- Display Price: SGD 9.69 / CNY 49
- Product link
Cheaper alternatives to quench your pet’s thirst while on a walk
Note: Prices are converted using Google and are accurate as at 27 November 2018.
If you are planning to make a trip down to NomadX,
- It is located at level 1 Plaza Singapura, exit E of Dhoby Ghaut MRT;
- Taobao X Qanvast can be found on Level 2 of NomadX
I think I spent more time queuing for Gongcha than I did around NomadX. *shrugs
All gif credits: GIPHY
