Ask your friend.  How did he/she acquire/set it up?  Talk to the Taobao lords about your proposed transfer.  Shouldn't be such a mystery.  Good luck.  (BTW, what are you selling?)

Does he/she have a formal business? Is he/she Chinese or foreign? Are you paying money  or simply transferring ownership? Why buy? Seller rating? Inventory?  Unique product? (it could happen!)

He claims that since the store is in his name and linked to his bank account, it cannot be done.  I guess I will have a new store created. He is Chinese and we are trying to do a simple transfer from one Chinese to another  since I am stocking the store from the US.  (BTW, powdered milk and vitamins for now).

He claims that since the store is in his name and linked to his bank account, it cannot be done.  I guess I will have a new store created. He is Chinese and we are trying to do a simple transfer from one Chinese to another  since I am stocking the store from the US.  (BTW, powdered milk and vitamins for now).

So you're buying the name? Are you paying money? Yes, it's none of my business. Why the transfer? I simply don't get it. What do you get from the transfer? I'm trying to figure out what you are paying for, if anything. 

if you are a foreigner you can't own a taobao store sorry

I'm not BUYING anything. He does not want to deal with the store anymore, so I want to take ownership. Since it is registered in his name and bank account, I was wondering if it is possible to just do a transfer. And yes, I am aware that a foreigner can't own a Taobao store. But I will not be the new owner. I will be the supplier.

Foreigners can not own a taobao store. If you need one, you must have a trusted  Chinese friend ( your Chinese wife or Husband)to make use of his/her id in order to get it open. really trusted friend who can be there for you in everything. 

Please read my previous comment. Thanks