Change of channel brings opportunities

Nothing but the best will do for Yao Mi's six-month-old son. For Yao, 27, of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, that means catering to little Mantou's every need, including buying baby formula and nappies overseas.

Until recently the catch has been that because of the time needed for dispatch, transport and customs clearance, Yao and her son have had to wait for more than a month to receive goods ordered.

But this year, Yao discovered a new method of buying that can save her waiting time and money.