Where I live we don't have Carrefour, Tesco or Metro so I do use online suppliers for some stuff I buy in bulk. To be honest I get a student to do my ordering, less hassle for me, and the student sees it as an honour to help me - win-win. I may be over-cautious, but I am reluctant to use my credit card on the internet with Chinese suppliers. I did once when I was forced to use Paypal.

What you wrote is again pertinent. Cities without those supermarkets, if you have a penchant for western goods, buying in bulk is the wtg!

I agree about getting a student to do the ordering. Here I have an english teacher who is an internet wizard navigate taobao for me, much less hassle than dealing with chinese banks or china post, just give him the cash, and collect whatever I want a couple of days later.