Alibaba.com, Taobao to Launch B2B Mall in January 2011
Netease Tech, 12/27/10
Chinese B2B e-commerce company Alibaba.com (1688.HK) and sister company Hangzhou-based C2C & B2C e-commerce site Taobao will launch a new e-commerce platform, "Wuming Liangpin," in mid-January 2011. The platform is aimed at Alibaba paid members that do not carry name-brand goods and will emulate Taobao Mall's business model. Once the platform launches, Taobao will add a new "Wuming Liangpin" channel between the consumer electronics and shopping guide channels on its homepage navigation bar.
The platform will allow participating TrustPass members and overseas suppliers to present an integrated brand image to consumers with Taobao's existing service standards (such as a no-questions-asked seven-day return policy, overnight shipping, and free shipping on returns).
Participating merchants will receive three major benefits: merchants will be included in Taobao search results, with comparatively good rankings similar to Taobao Mall listings; the new platform will offer a consistent look; and Wuming Liangpin stores and products will be clearly marked.
Promotional materials reveal that Wuming Liangpin merchants must pay three fees: first, an annual membership fee of RMB 2,980; second, a commission on all sales for technical services that will range between 2% to 5% for most types of products; and third, each store must contribute RMB 1,000 to the consumer protection services fund.
The platform is tentatively scheduled to debut on January 6 and no later than January 15, 2011.
Editor's Note: For more background on this topic, please see "Alibaba and Taobao to Launch Online Shopping Mall" MD 12/01/10 issue.
Keywords: Wuming Liangpin B2B e-commerce Taobao Internet Alibaba.com business model TrustPass 1688.HK online search
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