Shortly after the launch of Tmall Xiaodian, it attracted keen attention from many store owners. Considering that many store owners still have numerous questions, today the editor has specially compiled the most frequently asked questions. You ask, I answer, hoping to help everyone better understand Tmall Xiaodian.

Q1 I have already registered for Tmall Xiaodian. When can I know the result? Recently, the number of registrations has been overwhelming. We are reviewing at full speed and will arrange for a dedicated person to contact you as soon as the review is approved.

Q2 Is Tmall Xiaodian currently only available in Hangzhou? Are there restricted open areas? Tmall Xiaodian is open to all regions. If you are interested, you can follow the WeChat official account "Alibaba Retail Link" and click the menu "I Want to Register" to sign up.

Q3 Is there a regional protection policy, such as limiting the number of Tmall Xiaodian stores in a certain area? The number of cooperative stores will be reasonably planned based on the capacity of the business district.

Q4 Compared with convenience stores like Shizu and FamilyMart, what are the differences and advantages of Tmall Xiaodian? Tmall Xiaodian is not a franchise relationship; there is no franchise fee, no profit sharing, and the renovation investment is far lower than other convenience stores. At the same time, the products on the Tmall shelf are exclusive channel products such as Tmall online bestsellers and Tmall Global hot sellers. Tmall Xiaodian also provides a full value-added system online and offline, including credit purchase, smart system, Taobao app, Koubei, etc., to help stores attract customers and increase sales.

Q5 What are the image requirements for stores applying for cooperation? Signboard requirements: The store's signboard width must be greater than 3 meters. Environment requirements: The store must be clean and tidy, with products neatly displayed. The walls, ceiling, and floor must not be in a rough state; internal and external walls must be clean, without damage or peeling paint, or agree to a comprehensive renovation. The store's internal structure should be open and orderly, with a ceiling height not less than 2.5 meters. Equipment requirements: Must have refrigerators and air conditioning equipment, or commit to adding such equipment.

Q6 If I open a new store, can I apply for Tmall Xiaodian? Opening a new store is also possible, but you must meet the following conditions to be eligible for Tmall Xiaodian registration:

  1. Hold the new store's business license and relevant operating permits required for the business category;
  2. Area of 50 square meters or more;
  3. Authenticity guarantee: Commit that all products in the store are genuine. If violated, you are willing to bear all consequences;
  4. System integration: Agree to use and integrate the smart store management system;
  5. Super Member: Join the Retail Link Super Member to obtain Tmall Xiaodian registration eligibility;
  6. Agree to complete the local city management bureau's store signboard application approval on your own;
  7. After signing, monthly physical goods procurement on the Retail Link platform must exceed 10,000 yuan;
  8. Pay a 10,000 yuan deposit;
  9. The store is willing to renovate and equip according to Tmall Xiaodian A-class flagship store standards.

Q7 What is the relationship between Super Member and Tmall Xiaodian? Tmall Xiaodian is a store upgrade project open to Retail Link Super Members. Users must become "Super Members" to apply to become "Tmall Xiaodian". During the cooperation period, Tmall Xiaodian must maintain Super Member status, which means paying an annual Super Member technical service fee of 3,999 yuan.

Q8 What is "100% genuine product guarantee in the store"? The store must promise that 100% of the products sold in the store are genuine. If a consumer complains about counterfeit goods, the store must proactively provide proof of authenticity. If unable to provide relevant proof or the proof is not authentic, it will be handled according to the agreement and relevant rules, and the store will bear all consequences.

Q9 What cooperation models does Tmall Xiaodian have? Are there provincial or municipal agents? Currently, there are no provincial or municipal agents. Stores will directly sign contracts with Retail Link.

Q10 Does changing the store signboard require approval from the local city management bureau? The store must proactively apply to the local city management bureau for signboard change filing and bear the risk of administrative approval results. The project team can assist in providing relevant brand materials needed for the store's application.

Q11 Do I need to close during renovation? How long will it take? When can it start? If only partial renovation of the store sign and cashier counter, no need to close; it is expected to be completed in 10 days. If full store renovation, need to close; it is expected to take 20-30 days. The actual duration is subject to the contract between the store and the service provider. After authorization approval is completed, the service provider will contact the store to start store measurement and construction plan communication. After both parties confirm, they will sign relevant agreements and then start construction.

Q12 How should the store's products be handled during renovation? The store needs to arrange storage and organization of products and shelves on its own.

Q13 Does the renovation package include equipment? The renovation package does not include equipment. The store owner should select equipment based on store needs. The Retail Link platform already includes common store equipment at relatively affordable prices with guaranteed quality, so we recommend owners to purchase from there.

Q14 Must I purchase more than 10,000 yuan of goods monthly on the Retail Link platform? What if I can't sell them? Are returns and exchanges supported? The Retail Link platform has a rich variety of products, and stores can freely choose suitable products. Currently, no unconditional return or exchange service is provided. Procurement requirements: According to project cooperation requirements, cooperative stores must commit to and fulfill monthly orders on the Retail Link platform with a total amount (including platform red packets, but excluding brand coupons, single-product coupons, transaction refunds, etc., based on buyer's order time, and must confirm receipt within the period specified by Retail Link rules) exceeding 10,000 yuan. Effective time: After the store successfully signs the contract, the project cooperation agreement takes effect immediately, and from the next month, the total amount of orders placed on the Retail Link platform must exceed 10,000 yuan per month. Special protection: Considering that some stores may close during Spring Festival or due to renovation, one month per year is allowed where the procurement amount does not reach 10,000 yuan. Penalty for breach: Except for the above one month, if the procurement standard is not met in any other month, 1,000 yuan will be deducted from the deposit the following month, and the deposit must be replenished within one month. During the cooperation period (on a one-year basis), if the cumulative actual payment amount for procurement on Retail Link in three natural months does not reach 10,000 yuan, Retail Link has the right to deduct all deposits and immediately terminate the cooperation.

Q15 How is product selection for the Tmall shelf done (is there guidance)? Are there SKU number requirements? Retail Link will help the store complete product selection (including SKU quantity). The store just needs to purchase according to the product list.

Q16 How are slow-moving products on the Tmall shelf handled (after-sales service guarantee)? They are handled according to the unified "Worry-Free Purchase" after-sales service rules of Retail Link's snack food category.

Q17 Do all products on the Retail Link platform have after-sales service? How to get after-sales? For online orders paid online, if there is a problem, you can apply for a refund online.

Q18 Can the 10,000 yuan deposit be refunded? How long is the contract? The contract is renewed annually. If the store has no breach at the end of the contract, the deposit can be refunded normally. If you exit midway, the deposit cannot be refunded.

Q19 How much does a full set of smart equipment plus shelves cost? Smart equipment is not sold separately; customers who join Tmall Xiaodian have the opportunity to get it for free. For the Tmall shelf, you can use the original store shelves, and we will provide decorative materials, or you can purchase custom shelves from Retail Link. The specific cost of custom shelves depends on the number of sections.

Q20 When will the Tmall Xiaodian smart store system be shipped? The smart store system is currently under development. Those who become Tmall Xiaodian will get priority access to the Retail Link smart store system. The specific installation time will be notified separately.

Q21 After the project cooperation begins, what activity support can I get? After cooperation begins, a store opening gift package will be given for free to decorate and promote the store. You can also get priority participation in Tmall marketing activities, with specific discounts subject to brand providers.

Q22 What are the specific rules for the "up to 4,800 yuan red packet per year"? It can be used in conjunction with other promotional activities on the platform during the same period. For every 5,000 yuan of monthly procurement (physical goods), a 100 yuan red packet will be returned the following month. The maximum return per month is 400 yuan, and the maximum per year is 4,800 yuan. Red packets are only applicable to "Alibaba shipped" products. The procurement amount is limited to physical goods on Retail Link, excluding virtual services such as recharges, lottery, warranty, and services. Red packets take effect from the month the Super Member application is successful.

After reading the above answers, do you have a better understanding of Tmall Xiaodian? Of course, if you have other questions, you are also welcome to leave a message below the article.

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