Hi all, I know there are already a number of people asking these questions here but I haven't found an actual answer yet. So I thought I'll try my luck. Hopefully someone will be able to give me the advice I'm looking for.

First of all, I know there are Taobao agents all over the forum. I have tried a few services. I'm fine with their rates but there's one thing that bothers me. Agents take very long to give quotation and they usually don't order straight after receiving payments. Speed is everything when buyers are trying to order sales item that are running low on stock/on very limited period. By the time they replied my email it's already too late. Also, I can't accumulate points and get VIP discounts even if I shop a lot on Taobao.

I'd like to have more control and be able to shop on my own pace. I've done some research and I think I (kinda) know what to do but I don't know where to find the right sources. And I haven't been feeling lucky with Google.

I have:
Option 1 - pay seller through overseas transfer to China bank. BUT, this only works if the seller agrees to do international shipping.
Option 2 - use credit card to pay and use Taobao's contracted freight forwarders (but they are mad expensive!!!). I got quoted 7,000+ yuan for RM300+ worth of regular-sized items.
Option 3 - shop on Taobao myself by using Alipay. I know I can get someone to reload Alipay but I need to have a China address if I'm buying from different sellers to save cost. So I need warehouse and consolidation service. This is where I'm stuck. I just have to find a shipping company in China then I can shop on Taobao, yes???? I've searched high and low but the rates are very high! Can anyone suggest a reliable company that offers reasonable rates? I don't mind paying slightly higher shipping rates e.g. RM25 per kg to Sarawak. Please please pleaaaaaase share your wisdom if you know how?

PS: Don't worry, Taobao agents. I'm not going to snatch your rice bowl. I just want to shop for myself and family members.

No idea how it works le.

Open which account? You mean freight account? I'm still looking, haven't found one that offers affordable rate. Or you mean Taobao, I have that account but cannot shop. The top up one I don't mind dealing with agent. I just prefer to shop without agent.