JD.com Online Shopping Guide for Chinese Smartphones: The Latest 2023 Guide

• This article is for reference only as it is merely a translated version of the Japanese article below.
  【京東（ジンドン）JD.com】通販で中華スマホを購入する手順：2023年最新ガイド (Japanese version)

While many may be familiar with AliExpress and Tmall, JD.com might not be as well-known. JD.com is a reputable Chinese e-commerce platform known for delivering high-quality products swiftly.

This guide will explain the process of purchasing high-performance, cost-effective Chinese smartphones on JD.com.

It is highly advantageous as you can purchase popular models that are difficult to find in Japan at domestic prices in China!

Additionally, this guide will introduce ways to save on fees and safe payment methods, making it a useful reference for shopping on JD.com.

Introduction to JD.com

Let’s start with an introduction to what JD.com is.

What is JD.com?

JD.com, or Jingdong, is one of China’s leading online shopping sites, second only to Alibaba Group’s Tmall. It handles a wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, other mobile devices, appliances, and computers.

JD.com operates on a direct sales model where it sources products to sell directly to customers. The platform prevents the circulation of counterfeit goods through strict product management. It also conducts rigorous inspections before shipping to eliminate any defective or damaged products, ensuring only high-quality items are delivered.

Moreover, the platform places a high value on customer reviews and offers a money-back guarantee if a counterfeit item is delivered, providing a shopping experience that customers can trust.

JD.com is a site where you can purchase high-quality products with confidence. Even those concerned about the quality of products on Chinese shopping sites will find JD.com satisfactory.

Comparing JD.com and Taobao: Which is Safer?

JD.com and Taobao differ in their sales styles. If Taobao resembles a flea market, JD.com would be likened to a direct-run select shop.

Taobao involves person-to-person transactions where individual shops handle the shipping and after-sales service.

On the other hand, JD.com manages everything from product sourcing and inventory management to shipping and returns in-house, making it generally safer to use.

In China, people tend to use Taobao for everyday items and casual shopping, while JD.com is preferred for high-quality, authentic products, even if they are more expensive.

Steps to Purchase a Smartphone on JD.com

High-performance Chinese smartphones like Huawei, OPPO, and Xiaomi are well-known. If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality smartphone, JD.com is an excellent place to search.

Although the homepage is only in Chinese, it operates similarly to Japanese shopping sites, making it accessible for those willing to try.

How to Register on the JD.com Official Website

First, go to the official JD.com site, “JD.com Global Edition,” and click “Free Registration.”

Using Google Chrome’s translation feature to display the page in English can make the process more straightforward.

Source: global.jd.com

A screen to review the terms of service will appear. Click “Agree and Continue.”

Source: global.jd.com

Next, a screen for phone number registration will appear. Enter your phone number, and a verification code will be sent to your registered mobile phone. Enter the verification code to proceed to the next step.

Source: global.jd.com

Finally, set up your account name and password. Once entered, click “Sign up now.

With that, your account registration is complete!

Address Entry and Basic Settings

Next, set up the basic settings for your account by registering a delivery address.

The steps are as follows:

Source: global.jd.com

Click “Add New Delivery Address” and enter the address.

1. Name (in Roman letters)
2. Country, Prefecture, City/Town/Village, District
3. Address (building name and room number)
4. Mobile phone number (omit the initial ‘0’)
5. Email address
6. Select the type of delivery address (home, parents’ house, or company; if none apply, enter manually).

Click “Save Delivery Address” to complete.

Product Search and Purchase

When purchasing a Chinese smartphone on JD.com, there are two crucial points to check:

• Does the smartphone support the frequency bands (bands) used by your carrier?
• Select products marked with “Self-operated” on the product search screen.

Smartphones connect to the internet using radio waves, which vary in frequency band depending on the carrier. For example, if you are contracted with SoftBank, you need a smartphone that supports bands 1, 3, and 8. Always check the compatible bands on the product page before making a purchase.

Also, products marked “Self-operated” on the search screen are directly sourced from manufacturers and are genuine, allowing you to purchase with confidence.

Source; global.jd.com

Searching for the Latest Chinese Smartphones

Search for products from the home screen. Enter the product or manufacturer name in Chinese or English in the search box.

For instance, if you enter “OPPO A73”, a screen like this will appear. Check “可配送全球 (Available for global shipping)” to filter for products that can be shipped worldwide.

Source: global.jd.com

Adding Products to Cart and Proceeding to Purchase

Once you decide on the product you want to purchase, select the registered delivery address and add the product to your cart.

Confirming Payment Method

From the cart screen, click “去結算 (Proceed to Checkout)” to select the recipient’s information, payment method, and delivery method.

Payment methods available include online payment (credit or debit card).

Choose Official Direct Mail (官方直邮) for the shipping method. Avoid Official Consolidated Air Economy (公式混載), as it involves collecting the goods in a domestic warehouse in China before shipping, which not only takes longer but also complicates the calculation of shipping costs.

Selection of Payment Method

When using JD.com in Japan, the only available payment methods are credit cards and debit cards. As shown on the screen above, only “International Card Payment” can be selected.

Clicking “Pay Now” will lead you to enter your card information:

• Card number
• Cardholder’s name
• Card expiration date
• Security code (the three digits on the back of the card)
• Email address
• Delivery address
• Phone number (omit the initial ‘0’)

After entering the information, check the agreement box and submit to complete the payment.

What are Cost-effective and Safe Payment Methods?

JD.com only accepts credit and debit card payments. A point of concern here is the foreign exchange fees charged by the card companies. If you are purchasing a cost-effective smartphone, you would also want to save on these fees.

Additionally, the security of international online shops might be a concern for some.

To address these concerns, this article introduces two debit cards, “Revolut (Visa)” and “Wise (Mastercard),” which offer low fees and secure payment options.

Let’s first compare the fees with those of a typical credit card.

For example, making a payment of JPY 30,000 with a typical credit card could incur over JPY 1,000 in overseas handling fees and exchange fees.

On the other hand, using Revolut on a weekday can keep fees under JPY 150.

The benefits of each card will be introduced.

Revolut

Source: REVOLUT TECHNOLOGIES JAPAN

A significant feature of Revolut is its “Disposable Virtual Card,” which generates card information that can be used for a one-time transaction.

Once the payment is completed, the card information is destroyed, minimizing the risk of fraudulent use even if the information is leaked. Additionally, refund support is available, making it a recommended option for those who are apprehensive about shopping at international online stores.

Revolut offers three plans: Standard, Premium, and Metal.

The top-tier Metal plan offers 1% cashback (up to JPY 5,000), making it cost-effective if you process payments totaling JPY 200,000, as the monthly fee of JPY 1,980 pays for itself.

【Limited-Time Offer】Revolut Premium Plan: 3 Months Free

By applying for the Revolut Premium Plan through this page, you can enjoy what normally costs JPY 980 per month for free for three months.

This offer is recommended for those planning to travel abroad or who want to easily manage and hold foreign currency.

↓ Access via the button below to get three months of Revolut Premium Plan for free.

＼ JPY 980 per month is now free for three months! ／

Wise

Source: Wise Payments Japan K.K.

The advantage of using Wise is its compatibility with electronic payments, allowing transactions via a smartphone.

This feature is convenient for those who prefer not to carry a wallet or card. For iPhone users, it supports ‘Apple Pay,’ and for Android users, it is compatible with ‘Google Pay.’

Additionally, Wise is registered as a funds transfer service provider with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau and is recognized for having security measures comparable to those of banks, ensuring you can open an account with confidence.

JD.com Shipping and Tracking Methods

JD.com is known for its speedy delivery within China, with orders typically arriving the next day.

This efficiency is due to JD.com operating its own logistics company.

Delivery and Tracking to Japan

Deliveries to Japan are usually completed within 10 days, and sometimes as quickly as one week. This quick turnaround is reassuring for those who have experienced delays with other international e-commerce sites or need their items urgently.

You can track the status of your parcel from the home screen by clicking on “我的订单” (My Orders). Additionally, you can inquire via chat or email through your order history. (Support is available in Chinese or English.)

Source: global.jd.com

What if Your Order Doesn’t Arrive? Refund Process

If you cannot ascertain the status of your parcel through chat or email, or if the issue remains unresolved, try contacting online customer service or by email at global-cs@jd.com.

JD.com will investigate the cause of the delay within one business day and inform you of the expected delivery date. Details on return policies can also be verified from here.

Summary

JD.com is highly rated among Chinese e-commerce platforms for delivering authentic products quickly and in excellent condition. If you are looking to purchase high-quality smartphones at competitive prices, JD.com is highly recommended for your shopping needs.