When it comes to selling in China, businesses can take on all of the responsibility that comes with operating on these marketplaces. However, this requires a lot of time, money, and resources. To really succeed, companies would need to build a dedicated team, learn the ins and outs of these platforms and understand local consumers and markets. So, when they’re first starting out, many companies seek help from a third party.

These third party agencies are called TPs, which stands for Tmall or Taobao Partners, and are certified to work with different marketplaces. Despite their name, these agencies aren’t just used for Alibaba’s marketplaces but can help you navigate all Chinese eCommerce platforms...

TPs introduce and build your brand’s presence on Chinese eCommerce platforms, helping you create and manage your marketplace stores, hire people, deliver products, deal with inventory and ensure compliance with import and export regulations. They’ll also run your marketing, create content, produce videos and design your website to increase exposure and awareness of your brand.

In return for their services, TPs usually charge commission, in addition to a service fee. Despite these costs being quite high, the insider knowledge that TPs can offer Western brands is incredibly valuable, and can help you make the most of China’s eCommerce opportunity.

One of the biggest TPs is Baozun, which serves international brands including Nike, Burberry, Coach and Microsoft. However, there are lots of TPs out there and lists of approved partners can be found on both Taobao and Tmall, as well as other marketplaces and websites.

Navigating all the different platforms, policies and languages can make China’s eCommerce market a difficult environment to operate in, and a good return on investment is by no means guaranteed.

However, the opportunities within China’s eCommerce space are undeniable and, hopefully, you now have a greater understanding of the key trends and players that make this market unique, the value that TPs can offer your business, and a better idea of how to succeed in this rapidly changing eCommerce space.