The design is very human. This is Taobao on a Windows platform. Photo: HWZ
Taobao, the popular Chinese e-commerce platform, launched an English-language interface in Singapore today. This is excellent news for the English-speaking population here, and probably the worst 2024 news for competing e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon.
The language update aims to enhance accessibility for non-Chinese-speaking users, catering to the diverse language preferences of Singaporean shoppers.
The interface also has several key features that aim to improve the shopping experience for English-speaking users. One important perk is the default Singapore Dollar (SGD) price conversion, which allows shoppers to see product prices in SGD instead of the classic Chinese Renminbi (CNY).
Product listings also get descriptions in English, but they're AI-generated. This should narrow the gap for non-English users, helping them understand product details without relying on third-party translation apps like Google Translate.
How to get the English version of Taobao?
Not only will the app be in English, the prices will also be in SGD. Photo: HWZ
If you made purchases from Taobao before, the interface will remain in Chinese. However, it can be changed in a couple of steps.
First, head down to your account and click on the gear icon at the top right of the screen.
Afterwards, click on the underlined settings menu (from the screenshot above) to change the interface to display a Chinese or English version.
Before and after. Photo: HWZ
You'll know once you have switched to the English version because it has a different homepage.
According to Taobao, the English version of the app will initially feature a curated selection of trending products, with plans to expand the offerings to match the variety seen in the Chinese interface.
Taobao celebrates the English language
The company is offering several promotional benefits to Singapore consumers to celebrate the introduction of the new English interface.
If this is your first time on Taobao, you can receive vouchers worth up to CNY100 (~S$18) for the first order made on the English or Chinese interface.
The platform also offers free international shipping for eligible orders over CNY199 (~$37) from China to Singapore. Customers can also enjoy free returns on their first order within 15 days of receipt, provided the item has the ‘Local Returns’ label.
More information about the promos can be found on Taobao's social media platforms here.
The updated Taobao app with the English interface is now available for download on iOS and Android devices through their respective app stores.
Existing Taobao users can access the English interface by updating their app to the latest version and following the steps above. Once updated, users' account details, including order history and saved addresses, will remain accessible in the English version.
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