Experiences with Aliexpress

Lmagikz on 11/01/2014 - 23:03

Hi Ozbargainers. I wanted to ask if anyone here has had experience dealing with Aliexpress. Basically I want to place some orders for things I want to resell later on. I understand I should start with small orders and I plan to. The website seems to describe a safe system where by I send payment (probably go with Mastercard), Aliexpress holds my money in their "Escrow" system, the seller sends my item, I receive my order and confirm contents, then the seller gets paid without knowing my Mastercard details.

All sounds safe right?

Well the internet seems inundated with unsatisfied buyers the likes which ebay doesn't have (due to Paypal).
Looking to hear from people with actual experiences with Aliexpress.

Peace.

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Comments

  • Moots on 11/01/2014 - 23:25
    +5

    I often use AliExpress with my website, So does BrentsBits and SaavySteal

    First thing I'd like to say, Try and get either DHL or Fedex as postage, DHL is cheaper but extremely fast. I mean, it'll be sent one day from HK and be in Sydney the following day, it's very very quick. EMS would be your last resort to tracked postage via a known postal company

    You can use cheaper options like Hong Kong/China Post but postage times are absolutely suicidal, and they are only tracked from when they depart China. You have no further tracking their on in meaning your not even sure if the item's gone missing.

    Make sure you chat to them, and see how fast they reply (AliExpress has their on instant chat) I have a supplier that replies within 40-50 seconds every time. It's hard to beat that!

    AliExpress has their own system in-place that all you need to do is put in a dispute, and the seller has to prove AliExpress the item's been posted, with evidence and that you received it. Althought disputes can take up to 60 days.

    Remember the exchange rates, MasterCard don't always give you the best real-time exchange rate. Besides that it's pretty safe.

    Also when searching for products, change key words around, remove the s from keys (<— Example) and you'll get a whole lot more items coming up, and the prices at the top of the page even if you select cheapest first aren't always the cheapest, odds are you can find it cheaper. Or pay an extra $3 but get DHL instead of EMS or China Post.

    Last tip would be search around for AliExpress Coupon. I've found some that take $5 off $100 or even $10 off $150 by the time you take that off, and what MasterCard slug you in exchange rates, you'll be about even. Although sometimes there is no codes out there when you checkout.

    I'm pretty sure also, If you pay by MasterCard on Saturday and Sunday you already get $5 off when you enter MASTERCARD as the coupon (valid x amount of times per account I think) - Edit, I googled and found this

    • magikz on 12/01/2014 - 00:39

      Awesome so glad to hear a positive response. It's hard gauging experiences from all over the internet. I'll probably stick with a seller with a large number of feedback and a good rating. Will definitely give them a chat too.

      Thanks so much

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 12/01/2014 - 00:53
    +1

    Exactly what Moots said - great advice there and covers all the bases with AliExpress! I have found in my experience, if your seller is not responsive (in a timely manner) best to skip them, even if they are the cheapest. Sometimes I think when you are buying small quantities you may not be a high on their priority list.

    • magikz on 12/01/2014 - 00:54

      Fair point. Thanks for the suggestion, although from the negative reviews I've read about Aliexpress, sellers will communicate extremely well until you make the purchase…then almost entirely disappear from communication with you.

  • ibelynn on 12/01/2014 - 10:29
    +1

    I have had no problems and I buy a lot of stuff.
    One tip though, look for the highest percent of feedback on the sellers name,when choosing what seller to buy off, also look to read any feedback given by other purchasers, usually at the bottom of the webpage
    Once I eventually receive the item,( and normal postage takes about 3 weeks) one has to "confirm" that they have received the item.
    I also like to leave feedback as well, so that other potential buyers will know if the product is OK.

    • magikz on 13/01/2014 - 01:20

      Awesome thank you. Yep I like feedback systems as well since I ebay a fair bit. Looking towards Aliexpress as a way to get stock because its so much cheaper.

  • Nynaeve on 12/01/2014 - 11:24
    +1

    I have had only positive experiences with Aliexpress, but i've only made about 10 orders. I would say though, that Aliexpress is pretty well set up. The seller doesn't get the money till you are happy. I haven't had to return anything or get a refund. I found the sellers generally quick to respond and willing to assist. The complaint about seller communication can be found dealing with ebay as well.

    • magikz on 13/01/2014 - 01:22

      Thanks! I'm having problems using the instant message service, I get an error as soon as I click it. I have sent a regular message to a seller who hasn't responded yet (maybe they take Sunday off). I ordered a small order anyway because they had high feedback.

      The system does look well set up but I hear from all over the internet that the site favours the sellers and that any complaints can get snuffed quite easily. Also apparently people who leave negatives can have them taken down easily as well.

      It's sort of in contrast to ebay which strongly favours the buyers rather than the seller. I guess you pay a bit extra for that.

  • batrarobin on 13/01/2014 - 02:15
    +1

    My experience with Aliexpress has been great so far. Their dispute resolution is also fair. So will recommend them.

    • magikz on 13/01/2014 - 10:35

      Haha great to hear as well. I almost want someone to tell me about their bad experiences just to balance it out.

  • altomic on 13/01/2014 - 20:35
    +1

    I've used them about 40 times over the last 5 years.

    the only problems I had were with 0 rated sellers selling really cheap clothing. it never happens.

    also stupidly cheap microsd memory cards- pretty much always fake. dispute resolution with supporting evidence will eventuate in getting money back.

    • magikz on 14/01/2014 - 01:34

      Cheers yea you can't really expect branded things there and expect genuine. Probably best stay away from low rated sellers at least until I can sus it out a bit more. Thanks for input.

  • Cheeper on 13/01/2014 - 23:02

    Sorry… no bad news here either.
    Had about 5 orders with various suppliers and all have been 10/10 so far.
    These days I prefer it over ebay.
    Expect delivery to be 3 - 4 weeks if free.
    Why are you seeking bad reviews ??

    • magikz on 14/01/2014 - 01:36

      Haha I'm not really seeking bad reviews per say. I've just seen a lot of bad reviews when i ever did a google search on the site. Although it has boosted my confidence in buying from Aliexpress seeing all these positives.

      I have 4 orders sitting waiting to be shipped now. If sales go well I'll buy in large quantities to get in on the best prices with the fastest shipping thrown in for free.

      Cheers!

  • bsk on 17/04/2014 - 11:47

    how does there refund system work? have just recently purchased a couple of items and some have not arrived. I notice I get an email that says item order cancelled so I guess that means a refund or do I need to chase it? and then I see finished on the order page, what does that mean if I did not receive the item? thanks

  • DDE on 01/06/2016 - 03:38

    Copy from forum page:

    This is my story; it may assist in understanding the process.

    I placed an order, paid $140 US with VISA Card on 16/7/2015
    Order was shipped from China on 25/7/2015 via EMS, China Post to Australia.

    On 21/9/2015 I received an EMAIL from ALI EXPRESS- please read:
    This is an e-mail notification to inform you that The Purchase Protection of Order 68182502815xxx will end on 2015.09.23-
    If you are satisfied with the items you have received, then you can click ‘CONFIRM ORDER RECEIVED’.

    1. If you have not received your items, or you are not satisfied with your items, you can click ’OPEN DISPUTE ’ before Purchase Protection deadline or Purchase will be automatically finalized.

    2. If you would like to extend your Purchase Protection you can contact the seller directly or click ‘REQUEST TO EXTEND THE PURCHASE PROTECTION’ to ask for the seller’s approval.

    Please note if there is no action taken within Purchase Protection, your order will be automatically finalized with payment released.
    ——End of EMAIL—-

    I did not receive the parcel, therefore I selected "OPEN DISPUTE".
    (By doing this, I just lodged a dispute with Ali Express).

    The address was supplied correctly and shown correct on the documentation.

    On 21/9/2015 I received another EMAIL from ALI EXPRESS, please read:
    This is an e-mail notification to inform you that the seller has EXTENDED PURCHASE PROTECTION for you
    for Order 68182502815xxx .
    Currently the Purchase Protection of Order 68182502815798 will end on 2015.10.03
    — END of EMAIL—-

    On 06/10/2015 Email received from ALI EXPRESS:

    Aliexpress Dispute Request Received

    Dear KLAUS

    We have received your dispute for Order No. 68182502815798. We will begin to investigate this dispute in a fair, impartial, and transparent manner.

    Please sign in to the Dispute Detail page to view the latest status of this complaint as soon as possible.

    1.If your ordered products are not received:
    Please be assured that your payment is safe and you will be refunded if the package is not delivered within 60 calendar days. However, full refund is not available if your order was not delivered due to factors within your control, e.g. if you refuse customs clearance etc.
    —End of EMAIL—

    On 14/10/2015 EMAIL received from ALI EXPRESS:

    Dear KLAUS

    Thank you for contacting Ali Express. I am sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with your order 68182502815xxx.

    After checking the tracking information, we found that the status of the package is delivered. Under this condition, please contact your local shipping company or post office to check or get the package. And you’re also suggested to check with your family members or neighbors if they signed the package in the name of you.

    If you indeed have not get the package, please provide official document from post office or shipping company or other valid evidence to prove that you did not received the package within 5 calendar days, otherwise we will follow the tracking information and release the payment to the seller.
    —END of EMAIL—

    I received a record from the seller, (via the portal) stating which way the parcel was traveling.
    The record showed that it had arrived in this Town on the 30/6/2015; with the remark: "delivered".

    Now it became interesting:
    To what address has it been delivered? WHO had received the parcel?
    The seller could not supply a delivery confirmation with a signature of the person.

    The parcel never arrived here, at my address. It still has not arrived to day 31/5/2016.

    On 07/10/2015 I contacted "Australia Post" Phone 131318 or 1800 287 457
    I asked for the name of the person who signed for the delivery of the parcel.
    I was told the name.
    I requested a copy of the delivery-docket, with a signature of the receiver shown on it.

    AUSTRALIA POST REFUSED TO SUPPLY A COPY.

    The reason for the request was, to have proof that the parcel had been received by another person.
    When you read in the earlier Ali Express Email- "provide official document from post office"
    Ali Express requested proof from the Post Office.

    According to advice from Australia Post:
    ONLY THE “SENDER” CAN REQUEST A COPY OF THE SIGNED DELIVERY CONFIRMATION.

    In my case this did not work, I asked the Sender to request a copy from AUST. Post but he did not.

    On 21/10/2015 I received another EMAIL from ALI EXPRESS:

    Dear KLAUS,

    The dispute (order id: 68182502815xxx ) has been closed today and we have made a mediation. Please log in to http://trade.aliexpress.com/issue/issueDetail.htm?issueId=60701008405xxx to check the result.

    Please spare a few minutes to provide feedback on the service I have provided. We strive on improving our performance consistently, and feedback ratings help us evaluate our performance further.

    Thank you for your cooperation and support, and hope you have a great experience shopping with Ali Express. …….Ali Express Case Management Team
    —-END of EMAIL—

    On 22/102015 The Seller has received the money from Ali Express.

    You may have read above, in an earlier Email from Ali Express :
    "Please be assured that your payment is safe and you will be refunded if the package is not delivered within 60 calendar days."

    BUT it does not read, that it HAS to be delivered TO ME OR TO MY ADDRESS.
    AND there may also be reasons beyond their control, like in my case. Lost in my country.
    The shipment has been lost by Australia Post.

    It took me weeks of investigating, until I found the place and the person who signed for the delivery of the parcel. The person was unable to remember this particular delivery.
    I am still communicating with Australia- Post now.

    It was NOT helpful that Aus-Post did not tell me earlier, that they would know the exact LOCATION, where the delivery had actually taken place. (they are using a tracking system).
    They also knew, it was not delivered to my address.

    Thanks for reading, Klaus

  • DDE on 01/06/2016 - 03:45

    Lost Parcel

    Addition to my story

    I have not received any reimbursement from Ali Express.

    Dispute with Australia Post is still open.

    cheers, Klaus

  • tron07 on 02/06/2016 - 10:19

    Bought a lot of stuffs from them before, those under $10 I would just use the free delivery services and those more expensive, sometimes I would pay for delivery inc insuracnce. Bought a $500+ phone from them before and its all good, very fast response as well.

  • magikz on 02/06/2016 - 23:04

    Yea I've been using them from a long time since I made this post. No problems

    • janeymac on 16/11/2016 - 11:20

      Thanks for following up with feedback. This was a very informative post.

  • gtaxgary on 25/04/2017 - 21:32

    Aliexpress are supporting liars. I ordered a HT7Pro phone a HT7ncae and Aliexpress supported the seller, even though I copied the order form and sent it to them showing otherwise. be careful what you order

    • magikz on 25/04/2017 - 22:17

      This is quite an old post of mine, personally I've been using them for a long time and have had great experiences. Sellers always keen to fix things up for you.

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