buying from taobao

I used to, but I just turned to local secondhand items (eg. clothes) instead. Like what others have shared, look into the sellers who have many quantity sold and many reviews, but look out for reviews that have actual comments instead of just stars! Check on the item condition in the photos too. I wouldn't use Taobao for big/bulky items like furniture or playmats because the accumulated weight for shipping cost might just make it not worthwhile (you could probably get it cheaper in Singapore). Of course, you also wouldn't want anything that you don't want to risk getting damaged/lost/delayed. Things like nice packaging, fragile items, time-sensitive gifts, short expiry etc. I also wouldn't get too "personal" items that can't be washed regularly, things like food products, baby toys that can't be cleaned etc - just to be on the safe side. While most things are made in China nowadays, not all of them are safe. Even if they are, the way Taobao handles their shipments aren't exactly sanitary (I always make sure to open it in the balcony, discard the packaging and wash my hands immediately after).