Making first purchase on Aliexpress. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Noize
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:42:11 pm
content: Hello EEVers I will be making a first purchase on Aliexpress of this programmerhttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-IC-Clip-TL866A-USB-Universal-Programmer-TL866-MiniPro-High-Speed-true-13-IC-Adapter/773543702.htmlI am student therefore skint so I don't want to get burned. Does this look ok thanks.Richard.

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 09:53:00 pm
content: Dave has done a review on this programmer. Looks to be a good unit.Regards

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:09:12 pm
content: The seller has existed since 14 Jan 2013 which is a little new.I'm mildly concerned at the number of feedback entries that are pretty similar.The following appear quite often.-Excellent-Excellent!-All is good-All is okAlso an interesting number of the people who have bought from this seller seem to have also bought from Ken zhang.It might be a sign that he has multiple accounts and is pushing up his feedback rating.EDIT:Actually, ignore that, Ken zhangis"Deal Cool Electronic Store" so that's normal.All in all i dunno, it's probably ok but i prefer to buy stuff from sellers that have been around more than a year and have 1000's of sales.

author: Noize
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:31:44 pm
content: Quote from: PeterG on May 04, 2013, 09:53:00 pmThis model is "A" version so you have ICSP aswell.

author: Noize
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:34:50 pm
content: Sounds like good advice, best not be too hasty.Under buyer protection they say that they don't pay the seller until you have received the goods. Surely that must eliminate a lot of scamming?Quote from: Psi on May 04, 2013, 10:09:12 pm

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 10:49:52 pm
content: Quote from: Noize on May 04, 2013, 10:34:50 pmYeah, it does help.But the escrow service is a china company so you can pretty much guaranty that the seller (being Chinese) will be able to communicate with them far better than you can if there's a problem.The seller can sometimes talk their way through getting the escrow service to release your money.It's never happened to me but I have heard of it occurring. (Package doesn't arrive but money is released to seller)

author: John_L
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 11:25:00 pm
content: Aliexpress is a minefield with scamers galore.I have purchased number of items in the past with very bad experience. Damaged goods before they were even packed/shipped, goods nowhere near what they were described. Ecrow payment protection system is another scam. While I was trying to resolve issues with sellers, payment was made without my authorization. Buyer feedback is a lough, you try and leave a negative feedback and see if it is recorded against the sellerTo be fair, a few items I have purchased have been sort of OK.I will never ever use aliexpress again.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2013, 11:55:52 pm
content: I have ordered about 700 USD in products there last month hand i had no problems at all.Since my first order i made several more at one shop and they are now my main supplier of parts from china.How i check for scammers etc :- Look at reputation (how long have they been member, on site checked etc ? )- Look at reviews of their products (check for legitimacy etc... )- Contact them via trademanager and have a nice chat to see if they are trusthworthy .- Do a test purchase if you still don't trust them- Have faith in humanity and if it is to good to bed true than it likely is.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 09:07:21 am
content: I have also made 8..12 buys on aliexpress.It has been a positive experience on them all.I just have the same programmer @Customs, and have to pay 25% VAT (ok) and A 25$ fee to DK-MAIL for handling the VAT (NOT OK)But that's not the sellers problem (besides that seller didn't include any docs , for customs).So make sure to get "hardcopys" of the buy , if your item gets "discovered".As Customs will want to have that./Bingo

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 09:16:05 am
content: Just have the phone there with the Paypal invoice on there to show them. If they want they can put it in the copier and get a copy, or i email it to them.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 10:11:20 am
content: One thing that I've always wondered is the absurdity of their forum users. Examples:http://community.aliexpress.com/archive/index.php/t-4566.htmlhttp://community.aliexpress.com/archive/index.php/t-14215.htmlhttp://community.aliexpress.com/threads/58283-I-would-meet-same-to-undergo-if-there-is-some-online-camera-that-I-could-ingest-to-verify-a-pair-of-photos-of-myself

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 10:31:06 am
content: Quote from: John_L on May 04, 2013, 11:25:00 pmI've never had a problem, touch wood. Always fast service and goods spot on.I prefer to use the ones that offer a courier shipping option. Usually quite reasonable price, and MUCH faster and more reliable than China post.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 11:51:53 am
content: Quote from: amyk on May 05, 2013, 10:11:20 amThe first two smell like auto-translation.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 12:13:17 pm
content: Quote from: SeanB on May 05, 2013, 09:16:05 amBut Ali doesnt use PayPal , they have their own witch just takes Visa/Master/??Functions ok , but hard to show the transaction to Customs./Bingo

author: AlphZeta
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2013, 08:08:53 pm
content: Quote from: bingo600 on May 05, 2013, 12:13:17 pmWell PayPal dropped Ali a while ago for some reason. But many seller would take PayPal if you ask (it just that PayPal would not handle any dispute if you never receive your stuff). I ordered a couple of hard-to-find chips from them a year ago, and everything went without an issue. I would strongly recommend not using a Visa/Master cart as I wouldn't trust their security.

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 02:39:32 am
content: I've never used Aliexpress - but straight Alibaba. Never a problem. In fact, I found some of the best quality to come from suppliers that do not appear on Alibaba. It's all about due diligence. You should be able to check out the suppliers to determine that their claims are legitimate. I subscribe to their community support forums and have learned a lot about importing goods.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 03:46:45 am
content: While that programmer is ok, you linked A version (someone on this forum figured out how to reflash CS version to A for free). Not to mention its priced same as on Ebay so why bother with ali at all? just go with ebay.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-411-minipro-tl866-universal-programmer-review/msg227236/#msg227236

author: Noize
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 03:52:09 am
content: Well I eventually found this on ebayhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221221362737?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649Comes with a good selection of adaptors. Glad I posted this thread here instead of impulse buying. Saved myself £25 O0Quote from: Rasz on May 06, 2013, 03:46:45 am

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 08:56:33 am
content: I use Aliexpress often and have had very few issues; when i have had issues, generally, the seller will just resend the item. I

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2013, 11:13:35 am
content: Just last month i got 2 lots of 10 USB cables from aliexpress. (so 20 total order)The auction had a mistake in the title, it said one lot was 20 units when it was actually 10.I knew this before ordering because it said "10 per lot" in 5 other places on the page and the price was too good for 20 per lot.After ordering i got an email from the seller letting me know about the error and asking if i wanted to continue with 10 per lot.I told him yes, and said i already knew about the mistake.3 weeks later i get a package containing 40 USB cables(I'm pretty sure they forgot to change the printout before handing it to the shipping department who read the incorrect title)

author: envisionelec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2013, 02:44:17 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on May 06, 2013, 11:13:35 amThe root cost of one USB cable likely paid for all 40. They're making a hefty profit on Alibaba...and I'm all for it.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2013, 06:24:32 am
content: I only ordered a couple of times from different vendors and had no problems.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2013, 07:47:53 am
content: Done lots of transactions without problem, probably I'm lucky.At every transactions, I did a short chat and most of them are very friendly and some are overly talkative. My 1st question was a straight simple line asking whether their merchandise is genuine or not, and so far they've been telling the truth, and if it is, they admitted it honestly its cheap knock off, and offered an alternative genuine stuffs with higher cost of course, but still much-much cheaper compared to most online authorized distributors.Just happened to receive yesterday from few transactions at Aliexpress for various jelly bean components to replenish my common used components. An example a batch of cheap 555 dip cmos that currently I'm testing just now to see if they're genuine cmos version, or just a "re-labeled" bi-polar cheaper 555 version.All passed on my temporary simple 555 low volt red led blinking test jig to see whether they can run properly at low voltage, TLC555 operating voltage is rated minimum in datasheet at 2 volt, these chips are still capable of oscillating at 1.65 volt, look good enough to me.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2013, 09:43:49 am
content: I'm thinking about bying this:http://nl.aliexpress.com/item/10-Channels-Control-Hoist-Crane-Radio-Remote-Control-System/466827637.htmlHow to determine if the unit will arrive, will work,... I have experience with Ebay BE UK COM DE since 1999, but I don't know how to believe or not these chinese and BRICS commenters on the sellers profile.I read that Paypal doesn't work with these (doesn't refund) and I needed that twice on Ebay.What to use here (without falling in another scam?) from Europe?

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2013, 09:57:17 am
content: ^I know a lot about industrial remotes I've seen those units in the flesh, the transmitters are well built and the receivers are not bad. Decent value for money. These are fine if you want to control some non safety critical application.However I would NOT put these on any crane or lifting gear. Such a remote control MUST be Category-3 rated, stick to Ikusi or Autec for those applications. HBC, Hetronic or Imet are also fully approved but are not reliable at all. Ikusi is the pick of the bunch if a little more expensive.

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2013, 06:02:36 pm
content: Ebay seller sunwenjun is an authorized reseller of the TL866 . B.t.w. has anyone here seen or bought the newer version with the black zif socket .

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 09:40:32 am
content: Quote from: Galenbo on September 04, 2013, 09:43:49 amNot sure about the seller's integrity, but about those commenters and feedbacks on seller's profile at Aliexpress portal, I had experience among friends from different countries that purchased the same item from the same sellers, and all feedbacks given are registered exactly as it is with the correct country flags.But I won't say its scam proof or can not be manipulated though.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 09:44:17 am
content: You have to consider 3 thing on aliexpress-it's fake-the seller speak on chinglish-aliexpress don't give shit about you and there is noone to speak of something goes wrong

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 09:59:27 am
content: I've bought a few items on AliExpress and had no real issues. It's always "buyer beware" of course, but that applies to many other places as well.

author: karlmag
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 11:12:18 am
content: I have had quite a few orders through Aliexpress by now.Others have brought up several valid points I agree with.Personally I've never had any really big issues with any of the sellers.Have gotten too few items at a couple of occations, but the sellers have fixed that by sending whatever was missing.Might have let it slide a couple of times too (like missing 1 of 100 of something that doesn't cost much), but I've always let the seller know that something was wrong.One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is counting.One lot of X items can mean several things, but usually this;if there is one thingie with -say- two adapters and one cable, that is "a lot of four" price usually being <lot price> / < # items - in this case 4>So a lot of 12 using the same example is what *I* would call a lot of 3. YMMV, but that's usually how it seems to be counted.Also, that makes the stuff look cheaper than it really is.Best advice; read the descriptions really careful. If stuff doesn't seem to add up some way or the other, ask seller what you get. If still not sure, get from elsewhere if possible. Also; take into account that you *might* get burned even after due diligence.--KarlMag

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 12:00:39 pm
content: I bought a "Samsung" 64GB microsd card for $13 from Aliexpress. It worked fine but the print on the card kept rubbing off. I compared to a real 64GB Samsung card and they were nothing alike. Including real cards are SDXC not SDHC like this one was labeled. I filed a counterfeit dispute and asked for 50% back and the seller agreed.So at least for me, it works out OK on the end.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 01:41:59 pm
content: Quote from: Stonent on September 05, 2013, 12:00:39 pmDid you verify that the capacity is truly 64GB? A lot of the fakes are actually much smaller...

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 05:03:40 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on September 05, 2013, 01:41:59 pmUnfortunately none of the cell phones I had would read it. They'd all attempt to format it and then say it was not formatted.I did manage to format it in an Ubuntu laptop that had an integrated SD controller since my USB card reader SD card slot doesn't support SDXC and once I tweaked the sector sizes got it to read at 58GB in my old Verizon Galaxy S (original Galaxy S) phone that's running Jellybean 4.2. I set it up as a Samba share using a program I got from the Play Store and started copying stuff to it over wifi, until I forgot what I was doing and hibernated my laptop. So it has at least 4GB on it now. The card benchmarks at about 20MB/s which is good for Class 10.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2013, 07:32:32 pm
content: Quote from: bookaboo on September 04, 2013, 09:57:17 amThanks for your info. Everything you said is useful for my situation.Do you have some more EE-style info about Category-3 rated?My Google ex-search engine, actual spam engine, directs met only to things as: 3-in-1 tv remote, remote control gadgets page 3, free PC-remote and so on....

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2013, 10:54:25 pm
content: "Category-3 E-Stops" don't just refer to remote controls but are a general part of the Machinery Directive. Basically if you are designing a control system you have to weigh the risks and fit appropriate E-Stop systems. This could be anything from a red button to a fancy dual redundant light beam set up complete with safety relays etc.http://www.schneider-electric.co.uk/documents/legislation/Machine-Safety-Guide.pdfBack when I was doing more electrical panel projects we were using EN954-1, the link above refers to a table on P31 that we always used to refer to. Nowadays i think its been replaced by EN ISO 13849-1 - check this carefully though.The machinery directive is long and complicated, it's as much a legal guideline as an engineering guideline. The big problem is that technicallyeverythingyou build needs to comply but once you start the directive refers you out to other directives which in turn refer you to more....Best thing is to strive towards compliance, use quality kit and err on the side of safety.http://www.hoistmagazine.com/features/remote-controls-for-lifting-machines/QuoteSpecifacally what this means for remotes:If you have decided that your application doesn't need an e-stop (say for example opening a hopper in a quarry) then you could use any one of the dozens of non cat-3 remotes out there.Legally you could probably argue everything needs an e-stop right down to your gates at home but that's another story."Normal" remotes just activate a single relay when the button is pressed. If the relay contact sticks or the button jams then tough, you have to find a manual way of switching off... you can imagine if this happened on a crane.The higher spec remotes need to fail safe, they do this using a few methods including- Dual Safety Relays with force guided contacts. Similar to what you find in panel safety relays. The output should feed your main contactor, I also use this as the common to any function relays.- Transmitter has a latched stop switch.- Transmitter has a reset switch, so pulling out the stop switch doesnt do anything by itself- Transmitter will not start up if a button is stuck or pressed at start up.- On Ikusi models you have to cycle the estop before each start up to prove to the transmitter that it's still working.- Dual processors in receiver. I *think* they have to be two different languages and maybe even two different manufacturers of processors to ensure any bug is not replicated. Each decodes the signal, then it is compared. Any discrepancy and the safety relays drop out.The most important difference is that the transmitters are constantly transmitting and the receiver must "hear" this constantly otherwise the safety relays (and therefore main contactor) drop out.So if the battery runs out, the operator goes out of range or theres any failure in the transmitter then the receiver just switches off.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 01:01:22 pm
content: Quote from: bookaboo on September 06, 2013, 10:54:25 pmNice detailed info. Epecially the multi-brand dual receiver stuff. Thanks.I know the general cat-3 stuff, I worked in the elec-cabinet-engineering for a while, Pilz, security, doors, etcetera. But RC combined with this is new to me.So the cheapest CE-cat3-EN-ISO Remote Controls are South-european ones, nothing from China?You mentioned IMET, HBC, Hetronic. I have an offer here from Telecrane, 645+taxes for a F24-8s 8 channel set.The problem is my complete Vicario crane is worth only 4K to 5K. I unfortunately can't put the blingbling remote with display on it.Unfortunately nobody is ready to give some decent service to repair my Imet remote. (except from: we sell/repair, send the unit, we'll make an offer.)

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 01:23:51 pm
content: You will find the telecrane type remote on Aliexpress I think too.I'm not sure if it's rated for lifting or not, ask the supplier for the full certificates (and check that they are from an external text house and verify them).Have you had a look at the imet yourself yet? Most remote failures are actually pretty simple to fix.You can check if the transmitter is sending with a standard radio scanner tuned to frequency, generally if you can hear data them transmitter is OK.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 01:54:49 pm
content: Quote from: bookaboo on September 09, 2013, 01:23:51 pmWhen I power up, everything is OK.After 5 min, an led error code appears. Pressing a button makes the "receive" led power up.But no contacts click anymore.Solution = power off (1h) and power up.I replaced the safety relays, and the 7809. Tested the power line on the scope, everything ok.Someone with a simple IMET error list could help me, but everywhere I ask a solution, I hit the sales-wall.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 02:19:11 pm
content: Not a simple one, sounds like radio module drift.Haven't seen inside an imet receiver in a while but if it's like the rest then the radio module will be a silver tin can. If you are lucky you can remove it and inspect for anything loose.A good shot in the dark would be any xtals you see... usually the weakest link.If that fails I'd send it to your agent for repair, it's going to be the lowest cost solution to get you running safely I think.

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 02:42:40 pm
content: Quote from: bookaboo on September 09, 2013, 02:19:11 pmIndeed, silver tin can. Checked this, everything ok.Quote from: bookaboo on September 09, 2013, 02:19:11 pmThere ain't an official distributor here, I'm still trying to determine witch repair-all-companies (showing also IMET logo) will give me other options than "economically irrepairable" after 3 minutes of looking at it.Emails are still going and arriving.In the mean time, I asked Telecrane for certificates for the f24-8s. On Aliexpress: EMheater F24-8S, Uting F24-8s and TELEcontrol f24-s all show the same pictures as Telecrane.To determine:-Is Telecrane a european-iser rebrand for this china import?-Are the Aliexpress things replicas from the Telecrane items?-Do the Aliexpress simply show Telecrane pictures and deliver something else or even nothing?-...http://www.aliexpress.com/item/F24-8S/1128735771.html

author: fluxcapacitor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2013, 04:09:59 pm
content: Quote from: Galenbo on September 09, 2013, 01:54:49 pmHi, i found a IMET user manual ,i dont know if its for your model ? ,but some of the info might be usefull.http://www.simbal.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/User-Manual-IMET-M550-March-2011.pdf

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2013, 12:05:40 pm
content: I'm pretty sure those are all made originally in China, I know all the EU and USA brands and none of those guys manufacture this.If the F24 is a copy of some high end design then there would be uproar from the copyright holder long ago...Just to be clear I'm not saying they aren't any good just because they are made in China, just that you should check carefully as it is a safety critical app.Try Imet direct in Italy, may be a better bet than 3rd party repairers. No 3rd party repair house will give a price on something they haven't seen before. I can also tell you about how repair houses "quote" for repairs from first hand experience.1) Visually check if item blown to bits or damaged beyond hope (note they almost never power up the item at this stage)2) Google price of new item3) Quote 60% of price of new item to repair.4) If accepted begin diagnosis of the faultOn some jobs they end up making a massive profit, like they might find a blown rectifier or loose plug on a £2k job, sometimes they might lose a little if something takes much longer (they note that for next time). If they find something awful after powering up then they just RNR (return not repaired) claiming parts are obsolete or something.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 01:45:10 pm
content: Since aliexpress doesn't seem to accept paypal, what's the least dodgy payment option?

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 03:04:46 pm
content: AliExpress uses Escrow for payments.Never had any problems with the payments, though I haven't had any issues with my orders.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 04:27:37 pm
content: From what I gather escrow with aliexpress is mostly a joke. As in not very effective when you actually have to have a conflictresolved. Or maybe someone on the forum has had good experiences with escrow where things were resolved adequately?

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 06:15:06 pm
content: Quote from: mrflibble on September 11, 2013, 01:45:10 pmPaypal doesn't want to deal with them. They once had a contract, but paypal terminated it. Quite funny when a dodgy company like paypal doesn't want to deal with another company any more.QuoteCredit card. Don't touch shit like Western Union Money Transfer. However, if your credit card company will cover you depends on their ToS, and the phase of the moon.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 07:15:40 pm
content: Quote from: Bored@Work on September 11, 2013, 06:15:06 pmYeah, I read about that. Although to be fair, it's probably a bit of a mixed bag. 1) too many user complaints due to scams, and 2) aliexpress is competition to ebay.QuoteNo worries. I only use Western Union for bulk import of unicorns out of Nigeria. Credit card indeed seems the most plausible stick to wave about threateningly should anything go wrong. Although even that I'm not too thrilled about, since from what I read that can sometimes be a real pain to get sorted.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 11, 2013, 08:49:23 pm
content: I've used a Western Union transfer to buy some goods from China. Was an easy enough process. Get the details of the seller, go to the post office and pay the money. Wait for good to arrive and rejoice.Of course there's no "buyer protection", but everything in life is a calculated gamble.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 06:42:41 am
content: Everything I've bought has used the internal escrow system.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 08:52:00 am
content: Quote from: mrflibble on September 11, 2013, 07:15:40 pmAliexpress is owned by the same people behind Alibaba, Taobao, and more importantly, Alipay which is basically china's take on paypal.So it's not surprising that eBay decided that working with them wasn't really in their interests.

author: mrflibble
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2013, 10:59:15 am
content: Quote from: Stonent on September 12, 2013, 06:42:41 amMmmh, were there any costs involved in that? I justchecked ithere, and it says it's free. But the paranoid me wonders if free actually means zero cost.I know a couple of instances where "free" meant "free, right up until this point in the transaction, then we require you to pay a small Gnome Underpants Fee to compensate for our Shit We Just Made Up Because We Want More Money".The main reasons I can see for using escrow are you get the illusion of buyer protection, and more importantly, the seller doesn't see any credit card information.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2013, 01:28:40 am
content: No cost to me.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 08:05:55 am
content: I used the dispute function this week for the first time;The item had not arrived within the specified timeframe, so i had asked the seller to check and resend if applicable, the seller had stated they had resent, item still not arrived after 30 more days, opened a dispute, stating goods not received and had asked seller to resend/check, case escalated after 3 days, today dispute was resolved and i was issued a full refund.that makes less than 1% i have not received goods (which tbh, i don't think is the sellers fault but i still didn't get it so *shrugs*), and on that order I have gotten a full refund, not bad.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 12:09:07 pm
content: Just don't be too surprised when something unexpected arrives a few months later, and you finally figure out that you ordered it half a year ago... China has someveryodd shipping procedures.

author: TMM
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2013, 04:58:35 pm
content: That's half the fun of ordering a steady stream of stuff via china post - when a package arrives you have no clue what it is until you open itThe customs declarations are usually hilariously generic too.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 07:32:39 am
content: Quote from: TMM on September 29, 2013, 04:58:35 pmSince I live in a pretty sparsely populated area, I know everyone fairly well, including the postmaster, he asks me what i'm getting and i always respond "It's like christmas, it could be anything, but i'll be happy anyway". I experience the steady stream of random things too.The customs declarations are usually vague, or generic yes, often "gift" or "adapter", recent arrivals, with declarations in brackets bluetooth module (adapter), spool of solder (gift), several xbox360 power supplies (accessory[they're a useful isolated 12v 10a psu]), some RF connectors and adapters(antenna adapter), capacitors (hobby parts), capacitors (capacitors), toroids (module), transformer (module), custom order smps (module), custom order class d amplifier (module), solder paste (gift), custom solder stencils (gift)

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2013, 08:10:21 am
content: I've bought around 10-20 items from aliexpress, all in the sub $100 price range (only exception was my Hakko 888).Out of all my aliexpress transactions only one had an issue, it never turned up.I contacted the seller and requested a refund but they refused that and instead sent another unit which arrived fine.oh, and one time i bought 20 usb cables and they sent me 40(this was a different order, the missing item above never did turn up)

author: Galenbo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 09:06:23 am
content: Quote from: bookaboo on September 10, 2013, 12:05:40 pmI have the same expieriences, but this time it was somehow different (As I wanted fast to maintain a relyable system, I sent the IMET unit for repair)1) I got the repair price (it was about 500eur, 30% of a new unit)2) I payed, 3 days later the unit was home.3) I installed it, 5 min work, All worked well.But what did they do? The whole system contains:-theMotherboardwitch has the transfo and voltage regulation and the connectors for the other boards.-theRelay board, simple relays, leds and diodes.-theradio modulecompletely RF isolated unit.-thelogic boardwitch has the microcontrollers, buffers, converters, and so on. All codes are erased.Well, they "replaced" the "logic board". So repair contains:1) test the power supply on the motherboard2) if this is ok, replace the logic board.3) if it still doesn't work, replace the radio module.I amtotally satisfiedas a machine user, I have a fast and relyable repair, no worries.I amtotally unsatisfiedas an electronics hobbyist. What signal was wrong, what component was on the origin of it? How are these units tested? ...

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2013, 08:11:40 pm
content: Quote from: TMM on September 29, 2013, 04:58:35 pmMine nearly always say gift $1.00