Tmall is a business-to-consumer website owned by the Chinese-based Alibaba group. It is similar to Amazon and only sells non-Chinese manufactured goods to mostly Chinese consumers. For businesses, this is where you are going to be able to do your selling to a worldwide audience. How do you use the site, operate your account and register for your merchant account?
Regardless of what you plan on selling, you have to register with Tmall in order to be a valid and licensed vendor. Below are three tips from Instant Profits with Alibaba, by Issa Asad, that will help you get started on Alibaba’s Tmall. When you are registering, you have to know the ins and outs of the site in order to ensure you get your account quickly, and to ensure you can start making sales in no time.
- Know the Time Frames
It is going to take some time to register and become licensed to sell on Tmall and Alibaba. Many people are under the impression that they can set up the account in a matter of minutes, as is the case with sites like eBay or Amazon. But, this is not the case. It will take at least two weeks to get your merchant site up and running. Not only do you need the required licenses, you also need all documents, and you will be required to submit the money for a merchant account based on the goods you plan to sell prior to being able to get your merchant account up.
- Know the Cost
It is not cheap setting up an account. You will be required to come up with a minimum of USD $10,000, with most businesses you plan on running through the site. So, it is important to know what the costs are so you can budget for setting up your site. Furthermore, the sooner you can come up with the funds, the sooner you are going to be able to sell your goods through Tmall on the site and operate your merchant account.
- What Can You Sell?
Most vendors will be able to sell their goods. But, you have to properly register your merchant account under the right category. Depending on the type of license you apply for, you are only going to be able to sell certain items. You must do your research and apply for all proper licenses and submit all necessary funds to get your account open. Not only will this eliminate delays, it will also allow you to sell more with one single account type as well.
Selling through Tmall will allow merchants a great opportunity to earn high profits. But, knowing how to set up your account, what is required, what the costs are and what the time frame is to set it up are all relevant factors that will help you get your account up and running in less time.
About The Author
Issa Asad
Issa Asad is a well-respected entrepreneur, best-selling author and marketing strategist from South Florida. With over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications, technology and marketing industries.
