Shopping on Taobao through a Taobao proxy is one of the easiest ways for international buyers to access Chinese products. However, many first-time users get stuck at the very first step—not ordering, not shipping, but copying the Taobao link correctly.
This guide explains the correct logic, common mistakes, and best practices for copying Taobao links when using a Taobao proxy.
Why Copying the Right Taobao Link Matters
When you use a Taobao proxy, the platform does not place an order instantly.
Instead, it uses your link to:
- Identify the product page
- Fetch basic item data (title, images, price range)
- Prepare the order for SKU selection and confirmation
If the link is wrong or incomplete, the proxy cannot proceed—no matter how clear your SKU notes are.
How Taobao Proxies Process Product Links
Taobao proxies work differently from normal shopping carts.
After you paste a Taobao link, the proxy system:
- Loads the product detail page
- Displays available SKUs, prices, and options
- Allows you to select color, size, version, and quantity on the proxy side
What Type of Taobao Links Work Best?
A valid Taobao link should:
- Point directly to a single product detail page
- Contain the item ID (desktop or mobile links both work)
- Open the product independently of login status
Links that often cause issues:
- Search results pages
- Shop homepages
- Promotional campaign pages
- Live-stream or flash-sale landing pages
Common Taobao Link Copying Mistakes (and Why They Fail)
Many order issues start here:
- ❌ Copying a search results URL
- ❌ Copying a store homepage instead of the product page
- ❌ Copying a campaign or activity page that expires
- ❌ Submitting a link that redirects to multiple products
These links prevent the proxy from loading SKU options properly.
The Correct Way to Copy a Taobao Link (Proxy-Friendly)
Step 1: Open the Product Detail Page on Taobao
Make sure you are viewing a single item, not a list or promotion.
Step 2: Copy the Product Link
You can copy:
- The full URL from a desktop browser
- The official share link from the Taobao mobile app
Step 3: Paste the Link into the Taobao Proxy
Once pasted, the proxy system will:
- Load the product information
- Display available SKU options
- Let you choose quantity and variations
Step 4: Select SKU and Confirm Order on the Proxy Platform
This is where you finalize:
- Color / size / version
- Quantity
- Special notes (if needed)
If you want to see the entire process in action, including how the link is parsed and how SKUs are selected on the proxy side, you can follow this step-by-step guide: How to Find Products from Taobao and 1688 Using Sugargoo.
Desktop vs Mobile: Which Link Is Better?
| Method | Desktop Browser | Taobao Mobile App |
| Link format | Full product URL | Share link / short link |
| Proxy recognition | Very stable | Stable (may redirect) |
| Recommended for beginners | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Yes, with care |
Tip: If a mobile link fails, switch to desktop mode or use a manual order.
What If the Taobao Link Cannot Be Parsed?
If the proxy cannot load your link:
- Confirm the product is still available
- Avoid campaign or limited-time pages
- Use a manual / DIY order with screenshots and details
Accuracy matters more than automation when placing international orders.
Best Practices for Smooth Taobao Proxy Orders
Experienced buyers follow these rules:
- Always submit clean product page links
- Choose SKUs on the proxy platform
- Add notes only when options are unclear
- Combine orders using warehouse storage
- Consolidate packages to reduce shipping costs
Platforms like Sugargoo are built around this workflow, allowing you to handle purchasing, inspection, consolidation, and shipping in one place.
Final Takeaway: Link First, SKU Later
When using a Taobao proxy, remember the correct order:
- Copy the product link from Taobao
- Paste it into the proxy platform
- Select SKU and confirm details on the proxy side
Getting this sequence right eliminates confusion, speeds up processing, and ensures you receive exactly what you ordered.
Copy the right link—and everything else becomes easier.








