BaseTao: How to Estimate Costs Using the BaseTao Spreadsheet Before Checkout
One of the most significant advantages of using BaseTao as your Taobao purchasing agent is the ability to understand exactly what you will pay before
What Costs Are Involved?
When ordering from Taobao through an agent, the total cost is more than just the product's list price. BaseTao’s estimation tool helps you account for all potential expenses:
- Item Cost (商品价格):
- Domestic Shipping (国内运费):
- Service Fees (服务费):
- Domestic Shipping (国内运费):
How to Use the Cost Estimation Spreadsheet
The process is straightforward and integrated seamlessly into your BaseTao shopping cart.
Step 1: Add Items to Your Cart
As you browse Taobao, paste product links into BaseTao. The agent will fetch the item details, including the price, and add it to your virtual shopping cart.
Step 2: Fill in the Spreadsheet
For each item in your cart, you can input the necessary data into a spreadsheet-like interface. The most crucial piece of information is the Estimated Weight (预估重量). This is vital for calculating the final international shipping cost later. If you're unsure, you can often make an educated guess based on the product type or check similar items for guidance.
Step 3: Review the Automatic Calculation
Once you input the data, BaseTao's system automatically calculates a running total. It will display:
- The subtotal for all your items.
- The accumulated domestic shipping fees.
- The total service fees.
- A Grand Total in Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Note: The final cost, international shipping to your country, will be calculated and paid after your items arrive at the BaseTao warehouse.
Practical Example
Let's say you're buying a jacket (¥180) and a pair of shoes (¥220).
- Items Cost:
- Domestic Shipping:
- Service Fee:
- Domestic Shipping:
Your estimated total cost at checkout would be: ¥400 + ¥18 + ¥20 = ¥438.
Smart Tips for Accurate Estimates
- Contact Sellers:
- Consolidate Domestic Shipping:
- Factor in Exchange Rates:
- Consolidate Domestic Shipping:
Conclusion
Using BaseTao's pre-payment cost estimation spreadsheet is the key to a smart and stress-free shopping experience on Taobao. It puts you in full control of your budget by providing a clear and detailed breakdown of all upfront costs. By taking a few minutes to utilize this powerful tool, you can shop with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect when you click "Pay."