Published: 19:28, September 26, 2024 | Updated: 14:09, September 27, 2024
Taobao launches billion yuan Hong Kong push
By Zhang Tianyuan
Taobao launches its promotion campaign offering Hong Kong online shoppers the chance to win free orders worth up to 300 yuan ($43) from Oct 1 until Dec 31 in Central on Sept 26, 2024. (ZHANG TIANYUAN / CHINA DAILY)

E-commerce platform Taobao is offering Hong Kong online shoppers the chance to win free orders worth up to 300 yuan ($43) from Oct 1 until Dec 31, as part of a one billion yuan investment to improve its services in the city.

On Thursday, Taobao, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s flagship, unveiled a three-month promotion granting the first 1,000 users who successfully place and pay for orders every Saturday at noon the chance to enjoy the freebies.

During the promotional period, the e-commerce giant will continue to provide a free shipping service to Hong Kong for orders meeting a minimum spend of 99 yuan. The initiative will apply to one billion items.

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These cover all small item categories including clothing accessories, electronics, home storage, sports and leisure, and cosmetics, according to its statement.

The digital retail platform will allow new users to log in using Google, Facebook, AlipayHK, or email accounts to make it easier for Hong Kong residents.

Taobao will also waive handling fees for payments made with UnionPay credit cards from Oct 22 to Dec 31.

Ye Jianqiu, general manager of Tmall Taobao World, said the company increased the number of self-pickup points and lockers to 800 in Hong Kong, and has also expanded the range of products eligible for returns from Hong Kong to the mainland.

Zhao Yiliang, general manager of Hong Kong station of Cainiao’s overseas shopping export logistics department, said he expected there would be more than 1,000 self-pickup points and lockers by the close of 2024.

However, despite Taobao’s efforts to boost consumption, some veteran online shoppers remain skeptical of its effectiveness.

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A 33-year-old financial professional financial professional, whose Taobao account name is “Princess Dynamite”, noted that while some consumers might enjoy navigating the intricacies of various shopping rules and promotional games, she finds it “tedious”.

“(One) has to jump through too many hoops to get just a sliver of goodies. It’s not worth it,” she stated.  

A Hong Kong media worker surnamed Li said, “The discount rate is not big enough. And the promotion only lasts for three months and doesn’t extend to larger items like furniture. These privileges are too restrictive.” She stated she shops on the online shopping platform four to six times a month.

 

Contact the writer at tianyuanzhang@chinadailyhk.com