If you buy from Ali-Express Read this... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 04:58:57 pm
content: Ali-Express is now in the business of deception.If you buy from Ali express, here are things to watch out for.1- The delivery guarantee is a farce. The seller can say whatever so that you place your order. Then he will turn around and extend that time without your permission, and add another month. They can do that indefinitely. You will never get a refund.2- If the item is more than $20, you will never get a full refund. Only partial.3- Ali-express's system used to send email notifications that your protection is running out. No more. If you don't pay attention, the system defaults to received and you can not dispute it later. They removed the reminders all together! Why? they don't want to give you back any money.4- Once you place an order, you can not cancel it before it is shipped. You need the seller to agree to cancel the order and refund you, and sellers don't cancel. They don't keep stock of most things, and order them from their suppliers once they have your order. No inventory and no investment.5- Never buy flash drives from China either. They are all falsely formatted and are factory rejects.Ali Express used to be good, not anymore. Like all things good, it went the way of the shiiieet.Buy at your own risk. I buy from Banggood until they too become another Ali-Express crooks.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 07:42:49 pm
content: QuoteThe extension is for your benefit only, not the sellers. If they extend that means the money won't go into their account.Note that canada shipments are VERY slow right now, some taking 3-4+ months from China. Its not aliexpress or the sellers fault at all, it is entirely within canada.QuoteCan you give an example? If it is a high value item, I can see why aliexpress would only want to do a partial refund unless the item did not show up at all. I think this is reasonable, considering buyers try to scam the sellers as well (ie heres a photo after I broke it).QuoteThis is not true I have marked an item as received and I can still click "open dispute".As for notifications about protection running out, I do get them sometimes, but its not consistent. I check manually.QuoteI've cancelled many items either after I've ordered and before payment is processed, or prior to seller shipping (because they took too long). Unless they've changed something recently.Only buy from high rated sellers and you will see they ship within days.QuoteAgreed, unless you have a trusted supplier.I have zero problems with how aliexpress operates right now. But if you prefer using a site like gearbest, go for it, as they will have a more consistent process.

author: mmagin
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:13:04 pm
content: Quote from: PirateKitty on April 06, 2017, 04:58:57 pmI'm always suspicious of one-post users who are trashing one company and recommending another one :/

author: 691175002
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:15:21 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 06, 2017, 07:42:49 pmI don't intend to hijack the thread, but any idea what is causing this? I usually make 1-2 small purchases from China per month and couldn't figure out what had changed. I received nothing for four months and only started receiving my December purchases this week.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 08:26:40 pm
content: Quote from: mmagin on April 06, 2017, 08:13:04 pmAgreed. Let's wait until others chime in. I don't think I ever needed something refunded from Aliexpress so I can't comment on whether that procedure works or not.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 10:40:54 pm
content: Quote from: 691175002 on April 06, 2017, 08:15:21 pmCanada post and CBSA both blame each other. Basically the volume of mail in Nov/Dec was really high and they left many cheap packages to sit (literally sat in a container for months). Only recently they have started working on the backlog and slowly they are being delivered. One theory is that CBSA was told to do additional inspection for drugs coming from china.Regular china post air packages are given the lowest priority, ePacket or other tracked options can arrive quite quickly (a week or two). So its worth paying extra if the seller offers it.There is a huge discussion here:http://forums.redflagdeals.com/mail-processing-canada-customs-slow-711375/Quote from: nctnico on April 06, 2017, 08:26:40 pmI've had no issues with refunds for items <$20.However I've never tried to refund greater than that, as I didn't think it was fair to the seller (some defects in tape I purchased, but generally it worked fine).

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2017, 11:12:32 pm
content: And in Portugal the same is happening, its from non EU country?Have fun waiting 1-2 months or more, if you VAT is from a company its auto-flagged for customs and you wait even more time..There was a story/report made a couple days ago by a TV channel, and basically customs blame the state couriers on the delays, the couriers blame the customs and that their own metrics show that there is no extra delays on the processing of packages.One package for my workplace arrive on our border first week of December, it was delivered in late March..I have only used Mouser and Farnell for my component shopping, today I placed an order with Digikey, lets see how many months it will take..Also, the state courrier are imposing shipping fees AGAIN/over the ones you already paid, the usual markup after customs is 23% VAT + 10% customs fees + 10€ extra shipping even it ifs an envelope, over 3Kg make that over 20€.Always hope that any package in the 50€ will cost you in the end over 100€..Our inside market is a joke, and for electronics its either order from outside or dont do it..

author: Ampera
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 12:42:00 am
content: Quote from: mmagin on April 06, 2017, 08:13:04 pmRIP, I didn't even notice this.Everything they said has almost been instantly de-valued in my mind.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 01:32:39 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 06, 2017, 10:40:54 pmIt's worth noting that that message thread started in March 2009. At least CanadaPost is consistent!Ed

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 03:41:37 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on April 07, 2017, 12:42:00 amhttps://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.aliexpress.comhttps://www.trustpilot.com/users/58e66f380000ff000a8a6271You can come to your own conclusions.

author: boffin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:51:25 am
content: Ali has been really slow for me in the last couple of months. Just got some stuff I ordered around Christmas. I'd happily pay 1-2$ more for better shipping (2-3 weeks vs 8-10)

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 02:14:42 pm
content: Whenever I see something I want on ebay and it's coming from China, usually restricting results to US only will find the same item for just a dollar or two more. USPS shipping generally will arrive in just a few days, so I don't mind paying the small extra charge.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 04:56:36 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on April 07, 2017, 03:41:37 amYou mean reviews by disgruntled folks that don't even understand the difference that they aren't buying anything from AliExpress the company but one of the millions of little vendors that use the marketplace?Oh and the OP's post is verbatim there too. So it is a clear spam in my book and the person spreading this could well end up as a target of a libel suit for this campaign, if AliBaba bothers with it.AliExpress is certainly not ideal, but it is the same category as eBay - there are good and bad vendors, use your brain before clicking the Buy button!I had some items lost and few times wrong or defective items delivered and never had issues getting it corrected - either by a refund or a discount. The vendors are generally trying to avoid bad feedback at all costs because that costs them real money, so they are helpful if you remain reasonable and civil.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 09:06:37 am
content: Here is another;They used to show how many days it will take before the seller shipped your order. That has also gone now. This was a good indicator if the seller actually stocked the items, or just bought them from their suppliers as the orders came in.I came to give you heads up. I bought from AliBaba before AliExpress even existed. So I am very familiar with how their services has changed.You can believe whatever you want. Banggood is the only one I know of. Their prices are higher in almost everything. However, one order got lost, and within the same day I emailed, I had a refund. To me that's pretty good. If anyone knows of a better supplier, I am game.Just because you haven't had any problems, you think others are making shit up? to what end? for what purpose? Buy from whomever you want! It will not hurt my pocket book one bit. Do a google searh on "Aliexpress sucks" and see what others are saying. Pay attention to dates. AliExpress used to be fantastic.Just wanted to do the community a favor. You don't like it? ignore it. Not my money!The one thing I like about the Internet, it that others now can blow the whistle on anything. Couldn't do that ordering from catalogs 20 years ago.I have posted to other sites. I own it. If I can save some poor guy from a lot of hassle, my job is done.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 09:37:00 am
content: 1- Any extension to the guaranteed delivery date, has to be approved buy the buyer! What the hell is wrong with you?Its like me saying, order from me and I guarantee I will deliver in 60 days. Then after I get your order, I extend that deadline without your approval! Are you sure you are not a troll from AliExpress?2- I bought a Tarantula UAV for $80. It came in pieces. I had the unpacking on tape. Parts bent or broken, hardware (screws, etc) missing, No camera. I opened a dispute and after lots of back and forth, they could not deny the video evidence. Still they only gave me a $20 refund and told me to go buy those parts from elsewhere! That quad-copter is still siting on my shelf collecting dust.3- Are you saying that the system did not send reminders that your protection is running out? The emails that I used to receive, were a figment of my imagination?4- You need the seller to agree to cancel your order. It has been like this for at least a year now. Try it yourself or see the attachment.The nice thing about the truth, is that it has no version. Only one. Another, is that it stands the test of time forever. That's why I love facts and became an Engineer instead of a Doctor like my father. The uncertainty is the lowest in Engineering that deal with facts not feelings.Didn't remember about bestgear until you mentioned it. I have never bought from them, but will look into it now. Thanks for the heads up.I place about 120-140 orders per year and can't afford to mess with this crap. Good luck.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 09:53:46 am
content: Quote from: janoc on April 07, 2017, 04:56:36 pmSo all those people are liars or stupids who can't understand the concept of "The middle man"?It always amazes me how some people will belittle others, until they have their own similar crisis!Empathy is for normal healthy humans. psychopaths and sociopaths do not have empathy. It was found that a little over 10% of humans are psychopaths!Ironically, the doctor who discovered this MRI technique, found himself to be one too! Just a fun little fact I saw on the Discovery channel and just Googled it now. "Doctor MRI Psychopath discovery"http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-neuroscientist-who-discovered-he-was-a-psychopath-180947814/

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 10:37:43 am
content: Quote from: TwoOfFive on April 07, 2017, 12:42:00 amBelieve whatever you want. Just because I don't lurk on all forums to troll others, doesn't mean I am a troll or have bad intentions.Instead of asking me more questions or details, you decided that I was a phony because its my first post? That is the welcoming I feared I would have, and that's why I don't post on forums. There are just too many people who are eager to trash others. Good luck to you.

author: Koen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 10:48:26 am
content: Don't worry, TwoOfFive is a well-known AliExpress shill. He hangs on forums and farms related posts to build a reputation but his end goal always been killing posts critical of AliExpress.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 11:04:51 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 06, 2017, 07:42:49 pmI order from US, Canada and overseas. There was an understandable delay during Christmas, but it was not major. At least not for me.Have you checked any of your packages for a date stamp from their post office? Why is there none? China does that on purpose to hide the fact that their mail system is a mess.You can see how long some of orders linger in China (use the tracking # of your order), before being put on a plane! some are in weeks to months.Nothing wrong with Canada post, as I do get my other orders from USA and Toronto just fine.There is that...

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 11:39:21 am
content: Quotenever had a big problem with Ali-Express its the like an electronics bargain bin. I may of lost one package in the post in over 3 yrs of shopping. China post shipments are slow but super cheap. & right to your door. 40+ days delivery is normal. if you want speed you pay for it. if you know what you're looking for and have a good eye for picking electronics bargains from shenzhen trashAli-Express is like shopping at shenzhen electronics markets but online, a chinese bargain bin. however if your not an electronics nerd, best stay away. as many product instruction manuals are in chinese or just nonexistent and product safety is your responsibility.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 01:49:24 pm
content: Personal crusade at the internet against this guy ? .... Think again, harder ...

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 02:05:26 pm
content: My wife has been buying from Aliexpress and she would agree with you, it is all deception, fake items, misdescribed, falsely described, no refunds, it makes ebay look like Selfridges. Stay clear.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 03:30:32 pm
content: Quote from: PirateKitty on April 08, 2017, 10:37:43 amWhen the very first post you make is a verbatim copy-paste from somewhere else that bashes one company and recommends another, that doesn't make for a good first impression at all.

author: Specmaster
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 04:07:03 pm
content: All I can say is that I'm in the UK and recently made my first purchase from them purely and simply because the item was available in the US but the regulations imposed by the US meant that they sellers were not able to ship them to me because they would have been breaking the law for some reason or other. So I went looking elsewhere and Ali-Express had them in stock, took my order and dispatched them to me very quickly indeed. I had the items in under 2 weeks.So with service like that, it will not be my last time of using them either.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 04:08:37 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on April 08, 2017, 03:30:32 pmYou read what you wanted to read. I said; "I now buy from Banggood". Didn't say you or anyone else should. We can't be always politically correct. There is no "benefit of doubt" anymore. Its "You are guilty, until proven innocent". I should've included Digikey, Farnell, Element14, Arrow, Future, AdaFruit, and the rest?I see your point. It was not my intention, but I didn't think of listing all my suppliers!I think I posted here first. Not sure.

author: PirateKitty
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 04:15:00 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on April 08, 2017, 04:07:03 pmAnd all I can say, is best of luck to you.I don't know why people reading my post think that I am telling them not to shop at Ali, buy from whomever you want. I listed what they have done. If you want to ignore me and hundreds of others, may I remind everyone, you can go years without having any problems. Like driving a Ford Pinto. One day, Boooom. When you play with glass, you WILL cut yourself sooner or later.This subject is now closed for me. I did my civic duty. Good luck to you all.

author: Koen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 06:05:07 pm
content: Thank you for your service.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:00:19 pm
content: Quote from: PirateKitty on April 08, 2017, 11:04:51 amYes, I always do that, so I know that you are wrong. Regular China Post packages always have a sticker with the mailing date. It's only 3rd party logistics companies like Yanwen that don't use one, but in that case you can usually find the actual mailing date on their website. And yes, AliExpress vendors often take longer to mail things than eBay vendors.In my case, out of 11 AliExpress disputes, in 10 cases I received a refund promptly and without a problem. (In the other case, I received the product before I had a chance to escalate, so I let it drop.) That's a good enough track record for me.I will say that the one time I had to use Banggood customer support, they were quite helpful.

author: RGB255_0_0
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:06:20 pm
content: Quote from: Specmaster on April 08, 2017, 04:07:03 pmAll the data in this thread is pretty anecdotal. Whether it's eBay, Ali or Banggood it's all down to seller's method of shipping and then it's out of their hands. Canada's ports could be deliberately being nonchalant with small packages from China - possibly for political reasons - or there is a tip-off that illegal items are being shipped so security has been increased greatly.I waited 2 months for an item from Banggood order in January and it didn't arrive so I asked for it to be reshipped and I received it 2 weeks later. If I get another of the same item in 8 weeks' time, then clearly this was coincidental, but, IMO, 2 months is long enough to wait this time of the year.If there is any kind of time constraint, I just don't order from China unless it's last resort; I'll just pay the local tax. And it's all the same shit 9 times out of 10.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:13:15 pm
content: I just received a package from China that did have a time stamp .....Jan 14 2017. Almost 3 months, i already said good bye to the item. I do not know if the delay was on Cina or Canada side, but it is certainly awful experience.

author: boffin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:47:48 pm
content: Quote from: Bud on April 08, 2017, 07:13:15 pmit's the Canadian postal system abiding by the metric system.regular post takes 10 days, stuff from overseas takes 100 days.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 07:53:56 pm
content: I know with China post the date is pretty fast, within around a day or two of the order being placed, and then it takes the remainder of the week to be put on the cargo flight to my location. The following Monday it will arrive at customs, and there it will sit for up to three weeks, after which it will take another 4 weeks or so to arrive by me. There has only been one loss in the last 3 years, where a 3 part order from the same supplier had one parcel never arrive. Will probably reorder again when i find one that price, and have generally found that most that will supply to my country are pretty good about times, just take the period they say, look at the end time and that is the arrival time plus another week typically.Only ever been stung once, where they upped the postage to the max, and I did leave a poor rating on the $80 postage on regular speed postage.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 08:11:08 pm
content: Shipping delays are commonduring the Chinese New Years seasonJan-Feb.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 09:05:21 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on April 07, 2017, 04:56:36 pmExactly. Of the millions of AliExpress sales, the ones that are most likely to motivate someone to post on a site like that are the small percentage that have an issue. Slow shipping is an issue, but no worse than Banggood or the cheap Chinese eBay or Amazon marketplace sellers. After hundreds of purchases from these sources the only time I ever had an item fail to arrive was an Amazon marketplace purchase. i has no luck with my first attempt at a refund and gave up since for $5 purchase not worth the effort.

author: PointyOintment
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 07:08:57 am
content: For some more anecdata, here are the shipment and arrival dates all of my Banggood orders since November. For me, tracking doesn't seem to get the packages through Canada Post/CBSA faster. I don't know what happened with the one that was refunded—it got that status within a couple of days of ordering it.Edit: The third package from the top has arrived—April 4th.

author: whalphen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 10:19:13 pm
content: I'm doing volunteer work teaching electronics to middle and high school students. Over the past couple of years I've placed hundreds of orders for tens of thousands of parts via AliExpress. My experience has been great. The rate of problems has been very small -- about the same as with the big US suppliers. And the vendors have always been eager to resolve any issues. The only negatives are delivery time (typically 2 - 4 weeks) and lack of detailed specifications on parts. I sometimes have to buy a part just to find out exactly what it is, dimensions, etc. As for delivery time, I simply allow enough time and reorder before my inventory runs too low. Otherwise I buy from a US supplier at up to 10x the cost. Different shipping options seem to have very different delivery times. For delivery to the US, ePacket (a US Post Office subsidized method) is fairly quick and can be tracked. The China Post Ordinary Small Packet is pretty quick, too.