Sourcing your shipping agent in Taobao
For those keen to get shipping agent from Taobao
Search in Taobao using keyword : Singapore
You will see a whole list of shipping agents.
If the items you are buying are mostly shipped from Shanghai/Beijing etc, it makes more sense to get a shipping agent in Shanghai/Beijing area unless there is no domestic shipping charges from seller. Similarly , if items are mostly from Guangzhou, then get shipping agent located in Guangzhou. I think shipping out from Guangzhou to Singapore is faster too.
Most of the shipping agent will list out their prices and whether they can ship prohibited/sensitive items (eg pens, liquid, cream, watches, branded etc).
Example of charges
a. First 500g - 35yuan, subsequent 500g - 15yuan that is 首重35/续重15. If more than 3kg -> ¥30/kg, more than 10kg -> ¥22/kg etc.
b. First 500g - 30yuan, subsequent 500g - 12yuan that is 首重30/续重12. If more than 3kg -> ¥26/kg, more than 10kg -> ¥19/kg etc.
Prohibited/sensitive items
I've encountered agents charging additional 30 ~ 50 yuan per shipment. Some gave different rates eg first 500g - 70yuan instead of the usual first 500g - 30yuan etc.
Also, they don't guarantee can clear custom. Any additional charges, you have to bear.
ie 新马线路仿牌/敏感货只包中国出口,不包双清关,到达目的港海关扣货或者没收,包裹不获赔偿不退运费。
我司不承担目的地海关的各种关税,杂费等费用,需由收件人自付。
Most charge by volumetric weight unless actual weight is heavier. Even so, some is l * b * h / 6000, some is l * b * h / 5000.
Eg 收费重量按:体积与实重取大者,体积计算公式:长*宽*高/6000
As for delivery timeframe, check on 时效. If mentioned 时效3-4天, it would means it takes 3~4 days to reach you after shipping agent shipped out the items.
Some allow you to keep your items in their warehouse for 15 ~ 30days before charging you storage. Some say 'forever'.
As for seller shipping out directly to Singapore, there are some in Taobao, but in my opinion, very X to do that.
Payment : Credit Card, currently subjected to 3% bank charges.
Ask and clarify (incl pricing) before committing to any shipping agent.
Above to the best of my knowledge, pardon me for any inaccuracy.
Have fun shopping.