[Video] ‘Taobao home’ trend hits Singapore: Is it worth the hype?

The rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao and Pinduoduo has opened up new possibilities for homeowners seeking to furnish their spaces affordably and stylishly. Offering everything from sofas and wardrobes to tissue holders and unique decorative pieces, these platforms provide countless options which are often priced well below those of local sellers.

For longtime shoppers like Jenny Liang, who began with smaller items, the idea of a “Taobao home” became more enticing as social media algorithms on apps like Xiaohongshu and Douyin started populating her feed with furniture that matched her style.

Yet the journey to a fully furnished “Taobao home” isn’t without its challenges. Shipping times, varying between two to four weeks, can sometimes be extended to months. Installation services are often unavailable and quality can be hit or miss. After-sales service can also be a hassle, particularly when dealing with shipping costs. Furthermore, some designs closely resemble those of independent designers, raising ethical questions about originality.

Nonetheless, the combination of low prices, convenience, variety and influencer reviews continues to drive the popularity of Chinese furniture online, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and beyond. In Singapore alone, furniture imports from China surpassed US$500 million in 2022, according to figures from Trading Economics.

Related: Xiaohongshu’s push to make users spend on its platform | How China’s e-commerce titans are squeezing global rivals