Taobao sells no goods, but supplies the services that make it easier for others to trade: payment, instant messaging and even logistics.

ECONOMIST: Chinese internet companies

E-commerce marketplace Taobao has worked with rights holders to ban some counterfeit goods from sale and has promised to further simplify its complaint procedures.

BBC: Screen grab of Gougou message on site

Ebay charges its sellers to list their goods on the world-beating site, while Taobao got its fast start because selling there is free.

FORBES: OutFront