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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

We understand that you may have queries, and we're here to provide you with clear and concise answers. Browse through this section to find solutions to common concerns and gain a better understanding of how we can meet your needs.If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to our friendly support team who will be more than happy to assist you.

Which major e-commerce platforms should my brand be presented in China?

Depends on the industry of the brand, whether your brand is a consumer good brand or an B2B industrial good brand. Most consumer brands choose Tmall Domestic (天猫), Tmall Global（天猫国际), JD.com (京东), Douyin (抖音，Chinese Tik-Tok) as their main focused e-commerce retail platforms in China.

For industrial brands focusing on generating leads and looking for potentail purchasers, 1688.com, alibaba.com, JD Industrial (京东工业品), B2B.Baidu.com (爱采购), and ZKH (震坤行) are usually the go-to platforms.

What are the main features of the Chinese e-commerce platforms?

Tmall is the first-mover in China e-commerce, and is strong in FMCG products in general, particularly strong in health & supplements, fashion & accessory, Beauty and Personal Care, Baby and Maternity Products. Brands that are in the food & beverage sector are also suitable in Tmall Supermarket.

JD is a more with focuses on "genuine goods" and "electronics" for its male-donimant customer group, and is strong in categories such as Electronics and Appliances, Computers and Office Supplies, Home Improvement and Tools, Automotive Products.

Douyin is rising star leading the trend of social commerce in recent years, enabling customers to watch videos/livestreams and finish purchases all in one platform. Douyin is strong in the fashion & apparel, Food and Cooking, Creative Arts and DIY.

My brand only has limited budget. Which platform should I go to?

Tmall Global Mini Store (天猫国际跨境品牌站) offers small/medium overseas brands to enter China with relatively lower costs, easier store applicaion & registration process. Although brands do not have an official flagship store, it can still have it products listed on the Tmall Global platform and its product being exposed to the Chinese consumers. However, Tmall Global Mini Store is limited in customer data collection and campaign participation. Genuine can help your brand open a Tmall Global Mini Store.

Can I set up my Chinese online shop to sell in China?

Technially yes but not recommended for most brands, especially consumer brands, unless the brand has exceptional brand awarensss and unique D2C e-commerce strategy. E-Commerce in China is highly platform-driven.

The Chinese customers generally trust the e-commerce platforms and have developed the habit of shopping on these giant platforms. Customers usually will not go to the brand's own webstore for shopping, unless the brand is as renowned as Nike or Xiaomi.

Can I sell my products in China without any registered legal entity or subsidy in China?

Yes. Several Chinese e-commerce platforms offer you the option of selling on their platform without having to have your brand registered in China. Take Tmall Global as an example, you can open your store without a registered Chinese legal entity/subsidary.

The goods will be shipped from Cainiao logistics (also part of Alibaba group) overseas sites to the bonded warehouse in China. However, you are required to register an Alipay account and provide other documents and certificates to prove your brand's authenticity.

The store opening process usually only takes 2-3 months, and we at Genuine can help you manage the entire process.

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