Buying goods from abroad has its pros and cons

"We have set up branches in Tokyo, Paris, Milan and New York, and signed long-term trade agreement with foreign brands to bring quality products to Chinese customers," says Tao.

The company now has a luxury goods evaluation center up and running to ensure the authenticity of its products.

Tao said his company has established good cooperation with the customs department, and it takes five minutes for the goods to be cleared by customs and delivered to the hands of customers in a week.

Well-developed logistics and improved aftersales services have also given a shot in the arm to cross-border consumption.

It has also become easier for the domestic customers to send back goods purchased outside the Chinese mainland to get refunds.

Some major service providers have opened bricks-and-mortar shops to ensure local customers can enjoy the same maintenance and sales return services as those living abroad.

However, there are still certain risks involved in the overseas purchase services.

There might be goods lost or damage incurred in logistics, and some providers might skip legal customs clearance to escape tariffs, says Tao.