moi only buy small things, so just simply use taobao direct delivery during checkout. just 1 time payment and sent to your house.
dare not and havent tried large items yet, which will requires >1 time payment for item cost and shipping cost.
Me mostly use official shipper and some item use 3rd party like ezbuy ship
Official shipper you have to track when it will ship
For 3rd party you they can help to inspect and u can select any date u want for delivery
It usually take 2 to 4 week for me