Aliexpress. How does it work and what to expect?

[parabellum]

I am new to aliexpress and many specifics are new to me, after using ebay and amazon.
I think, there is a need to have some compilation of things to expect and experiences to share about this platform.

1 thing I noticed is a supper slow and funny shipping, not corresponding to options you have available at the moment of purchase.

For example, I chose 6-13 days DHL shipping, which in my world was 6-13 days, but not in Aliexpress world.

In reality it is more like following:

a)Seller “Processing Time:5 Days” (this is also the term you will get invalid DHL tracking, my got valid “Shipment information received”, not package piked up or package received, after 7 days of purchase)
b)4PX carrier transports it from seller to DHL: “In time delivery, 4-10 days” http://en.4px.com/index.php/post-services.html
c)DHL: “Estimated Delivery Time:6-13 Days”

As result, I estimate, real via DHL shipping time is at best 5+4+6=15 days and worst 5+10+13=28 days. (Will share real terms when I get my order)
EDIT: My courier received the DHL sent order in 10 days after ordering. DHL published 2 days of tracking, time they where in possession of the package. (So, the seller apparently is relying on 2 days DHL shipping already and adds china 4PX snail mail on top)

Same thing is slow boot shipping, you get an sent status and invalid China post tracking number next day after purchase and 10 days after this number magically changes to valid one created a day before. So, CN post got the pack after 10 days of purchase and now add the shipping time of CNP.


Please write about your platform and seller related experiences, it will help others to avoid stress knowing what to expect buying there.

 

[2WheelsMovesTheSoul]

Nothing new. I've been thru 50+ purchases on Ali. I expect nothing for 14 days, even when sold as 5-7 day. Stuff has shown up in a little as 4 days, others sometimes as late as 40-50 days from purchase.

Think of it this way... China is freaking huge. Massive chunks of the country are still undeveloped. There should be no surprise that it can take a local courier 3 to 7 days to make the initial delivery to the most common port city of Guangzhou, where most international shippers are located. From there is when you get the 6-13.

The other factor I've noted is the delivery time vs the shipping rate. In instances where I have paid extra for express, I generally get the item early with legit tracking along the way. When an item is free shipping or only costs a $1 or so, those items have bad or no tracking, take a month to show up stateside then spend 3-5 days in customs, then 3-5 more for USPS to snail mail it to your door.

As a rule of thumb I try to do biz with established sellers who have a minimal 4 star rating with recent feedback and customers who post pics.

 

[sacko]

Been using it for the last 6 months a lot more frequently. Love it.

Most stuff gets to the UK within 14 days. No matter what shipping says, I always think its going to be a month. Anything sooner is a bonus.

 

[pwd]

This site works great for *most* AliExpress shipping types and has the nice feature of being able to label your tracking numbers:
https://parcelsapp.com/en/tracking/

My advice for using AliExpress is never order anything you need soon and always pay attention to when your order's purchase protection runs out. If you don't receive the package, you can easily get a refund within so many hours of the "Your order will be closed in: 67 days 8 hours 27 minutes" time. If you miss that boat, it is near impossible to get a refund.

 

[Compoundbike]

I have ordered goods worth 50k $.. make sure to buy items with realistic prices, also Counterfeits and few bad products around.
I wouldn`t buy 18650 Cells there, but it`s a good place for bike Hardware and motors.

 

[PtheDude]

I was recently ripped off. ICGOGOGOGO put 2 large metal chunks in my order, and then used the weight of the shipment to irrefutably prove he/they had shipped me the item. I couldn't believe it. I still can't. I filed, and despite my pics and explanation, Alli found in his favor

no Charge wires in the box.

Then, I cobbled together charging wires shortly thereafter the BMS lost channel 8&9 rendering it unusable in my 48-60v world.

Total Fail. $150 smoked. If anyone has a trusted seller that they can turn me onto, I'd appreciate it a great deal.

 

[markz]

Were they an unknown entity that you decided to purchase from them or just a random pic?
Nothing comes up when ICGOGOGOGO is searched on Aliexpress.

I was recently ripped off. ICGOGOGOGO put 2 large metal chunks in my order, and then used the weight of the shipment to irrefutably prove he/they had shipped me the item. I couldn't believe it. I still can't. I filed, and despite my pics and explanation, Alli found in his favor

Charge wires.

Then, the BMS lost channel 8&9 rendering it unusable in my 48-60v world.

Total Fail. $150 smoked. If anyone has a trusted seller that they can turn me onto, I'd appreciate it a great deal.

 

[PtheDude]

sorry. here's actual link. as always YMYV
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/2856009?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.pcShopHead_11181526.0

 

[PtheDude]

who knows one that will sell me a sabvoton? and I'll get it, and it will be legit?

 

[eee291]

QS motors AKA Sia ecosys

https://qsmotorfactory.aliexpress.com/store/group/Sabvoton-Controller/1389549_260316609.html?

 

[j bjork]

I was recently ripped off. ICGOGOGOGO put 2 large metal chunks in my order, and then used the weight of the shipment to irrefutably prove he/they had shipped me the item. I couldn't believe it. I still can't. I filed, and despite my pics and explanation, Alli found in his favor

Charge wires.

Then, the BMS lost channel 8&9 rendering it unusable in my 48-60v world.

Total Fail. $150 smoked. If anyone has a trusted seller that they can turn me onto, I'd appreciate it a great deal.

Shocking, I have ordered from them a few times without problems.
The last time was a few bms at a total of maybe $400 or so.

Wait, you got metal chunks.
Then the bms lost channel 8 and 9? What bms, the metal chunk?

 

[PtheDude]

sorry, clarification, I got the BMS, what I didn't get what the wires. no wires in the box. just a 4x4x.5 chunk of aluminum

I'll try QS