Risk guide
What not to ship from Taobao to the USA
Some Taobao products look cheap until shipping, restrictions, customs, or returns make the total cost worse than Amazon.
Avoid or double-check these categories
| Category | Why risky |
|---|---|
| Furniture and bulky goods | High volumetric weight and damage risk |
| Heavy items | Shipping often erases savings |
| Liquids, powders, food, medicine | Restrictions and customs risk |
| Batteries, magnetic or special goods | Carrier limitations and extra handling |
| Luxury or branded goods | IP, authenticity, and customs risk |
| Urgent items | International shipping uncertainty |
| High return-risk products | Returns can be difficult or uneconomical |
Rule of thumb
If the item is heavy, fragile, regulated, urgent, expensive to return, or likely to disappoint on sizing or quality, Amazon may be the safer choice even when the Taobao item price is lower.